Hard to love a Howard, but I wanted this one to overcome that feeling, and so she did! ( )

When young Mary Howard receives the news that she will be leaving her home for the grand court of King Henry VIII, to attend his mistress Anne Boleyn, she is ecstatic. Everything Anne touches seems to turn to gold, and Mary is certain Anne will one day become Queen. But Mary has also seen the King s fickle nature and how easily he discards those who were once close to him! Discovering that she is a pawn in a carefully orchestrated plot devised by her father, the duke of Norfolk, Mary dare not disobey him. Yet despite all of her efforts to please him, she too falls prey to his cold wrath. Not until she becomes betrothed to Harry Fitzroy, the Duke of Richmond and son to King Henry VIII, does Mary finds the love and approval she s been seeking. But just when Mary believes she is finally free of her father, the tides turn. Now Mary must learn to play her part well in a dangerous chess game that could change her life and the course of history.

My Thoughts:

This book focuses on Mary Howard, daughter of Thomas ‘Norfolk’ Howard and her time in the court of Henry VIII. She tell us what she sees in the rise and fall of all of his wives, strongly focusing on Anne Boleyn. Mary Howard seems also to struggle for the affection a daughter would want from her father. Her father being Norfolk was a very powerful man who would stop at nothing to achieve and keep his position and favour with the king. Mary was just a pawn to help keep the Howard family in favour.

I knew nothing at all about Mary Howard but it seems that the stronger character again in this book was Anne Boleyn. I love to read historical fiction as I find it brings history to life where I find factual books bog me down. What really bugs me is when facts do get changed. I know this book is a fictional one, but it is supposed to be about what went on at that time. In all the accounts I have read over the years about the Tudors, George Boleyn and his accused are beheaded. In this book they are hung. In Marys word ‘ I watch him and the other four brave souls swing from the gallows on Tower Green, the same place so many festivities have been held in the years past.’. Why do authors do this ?

So OK, if you like historical fiction, especailly the Tudor period then this book is an OK read. Some of the events are known to be true, some it seems may not be. Not the best historical book I have read but I did finish it. ( )

The book was very well written. I do love historical novels, but did not know much about King Henry VIII's time period. The book is written from Mary's point of view (Norfolk's daughter). This period in history appears to have been very dark and I didn't remember it being this way. I never realized all the "sinister" behind the scenes drama that developed and how cold and callous people can be. It was hard to read for me only because the people were so harsh and cruel. Other than that, the book was written well and the secrets of the court are interesting. ( )