Author: Brandy Purdy
Format: ARC
Publisher: Kensington
Publish Date: February 25, 2014
Source: HF Virtual Book Tours
Why You're Reading This Book:
- You're a historical fiction fan.
- You love the Tudors!
From Goodreads.com: "From carefree young woman to disillusioned bride, the dazzling lady who would become mother and grandmother to two of history's most infamous queens, has a fascinating story all her own. . .
At sixteen, Elizabeth Howard envisions a glorious life for herself as lady-in-waiting to the future queen, Catherine of Aragon. But when she is forced to marry Thomas Boleyn, a wealthy commoner, Elizabeth is left to stagnate in the countryside while her detested husband pursues his ambitions. There, she raises golden girl Mary, moody George, and ugly duckling Anne—while staving off boredom with a string of admirers. Until Henry VIII takes the throne. . .
When Thomas finally brings his highborn wife to London, Elizabeth indulges in lavish diversions and dalliances—and catches the lusty king's eye. But those who enjoy Henry's fickle favor must also guard against his wrath. For while her husband's machinations bring Elizabeth and her children to the pinnacle of power, the distance to the scaffold is but a short one—and the Boleyn family's fortune may be turning."
My Two Cents:
"The Boleyn Bride" is the story of the infamous Anne Boleyn's mother, Elizabeth Howard, a member of the famous Howard family. This book goes into her back story and her marriage to the super ambitious, Thomas Boleyn. Elizabeth has a healthy dose of ambition herself. We also get to see the story of Anne Boleyn through her mother's eyes in this book. It's a different look at a story that is very familiar to fans of reading the Tudor tales.
I've read a couple other things by Brandy Purdy, who writes a lot in the Tudor era. I continued to like a lot of the same things about her writing style that I liked in her previous book. Although the subject matter was not brand new to me, I appreciated that Purdy was able to make Elizabeth seem like a really fresh character. She felt really real to me and I found it interesting to be able to get inside her head, especially considering how much she went through with her children.
That being said, I did wish that the book focused more on Elizabeth when she was telling the story of what happened with her daughter, Anne, and Henry VIII. If you read in the Tudor era (and this book is going to appeal mostly to those that enjoy reading about the Tudors), you know the story. I wanted to know more about what Elizabeth thought or did during this time. Was she really just watching and letting Anne go the way that she did? I didn't get a good sense.
Overall, I did enjoy this book. Those who love the Tudors will enjoy this one!
Giveaway:
One lucky winner will win a copy of The Boleyn Bride (U.S. only!). Just fill out the Rafflecopter below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Follow the Rest of the Tour:
Friday, February 14
Feature & Giveaway at Passages to the Past
Monday, February 17
Review at CelticLady’s Reviews
Review & Giveaway at The Maiden’s Court
Tuesday, February 18
Review at A Chick Who Reads
Wednesday, February 19
Spotlight & Giveaway at Flashlight Commentary
Thursday, February 20
Review & Giveaway at Always with a Book
Spotlight & Giveaway at Reviews by Molly
Friday, February 21
Review & Giveaway at WTF Are You Reading?
Monday, February 24
Review & Giveaway at The Most Happy Reader
Tuesday, February 25
Review & Giveaway at A Bookish Affair
Wednesday, February 26
Review at So Many Books, So Little Time
Review & Giveaway at Found Between the Covers
Thursday, February 27
Review & Giveaway at Broken Teepee
Friday, February 28
Review at Book-alicious Mama
Review at Book Lovers Paradise
Monday, March 3
Review & Giveaway at The True Book Addict
Tuesday, March 4
Review & Giveaway at Oh, for the Hook of a Book
Wednesday, March 5
Review at Ageless Pages Reviews
Thursday, March 6
Review & Giveaway at Griperang’s Bookmarks
Friday, March 7
Review at The Musings of ALMYBNENR
I have felt almost "tudored" out, but would love to know more about Anne's mother's role. Book sounds interesting, with a new slant. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity
ReplyDeleteI like to read about the different royal families. I learn a lot. History was always my favorite subject in school.
ReplyDeleteIt would be so interesting to be introduced to Elizabeth Howard and have the chance to learn more about her story. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteIt will be interesting to read this one to learn more about Anne Boleyn's mother. I haven't read any historical fiction that features her as the main character. She has always been in the periphery of other novels I have read.
ReplyDeleteSounds interesting!
ReplyDeleteThis novel is captivating and fascinating. Thanks for this giveaway. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI love the Tudors!!! I haven't read anything centered on Elizabeth Boleyn before and would love to see the scandals of the court from her point of view. Thanks for the review and giveaway!!!
ReplyDeleteI've read a lot from the Tudor era, but I don't know much about Elizabeth. I'll put this on my list.
ReplyDeleteIt is such an interesting time and this looks like a different perspective.
ReplyDeleteI eat up any Tudor period fiction I can find, so I am desperate to get a copy of this new release. That said, I appreciate your (less reflexively partial) your discussion of the ways in which this novel proved disappointing in your own experience. It's always could to calibrate one's personal expectations about such a potential treat! Thanks for this giveaway opportunity too!
ReplyDelete