The Boleyn Bride by Brandy Purdy

Blurb:

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. . .

Praise for the novels of Brandy Purdy

"Recommended for readers who can't get enough of the Tudors and have devoured all of Philippa Gregory's books." —Library Journal on The Boleyn Wife

"Purdy wonderfully reimagines the behind-the-scenes lives of the two sisters." —Historical Novel Reviews on The Tudor Throne

My Review:

“The Boleyn Bride” by Brandy Purdy was right up my alley when it comes to reading and reviewing. I read every book I can get my hands on that deals with Anne Boleyn or King Henry VIII! Ms. Purdy did not disappoint. Her writing style was fluid and descriptive, and it keeps the reader interested through the entire novel. I loved reading the author's perspective on what Anne Boleyn’s mother, Elizabeth Howard, was like during her life. In all of the books I’ve read about Anne, there has been barely a mention of her mother, since very little is known about her. Even though the author definitely used some creative license as to what she was really like, it was still interesting to read about what type of person she MIGHT have been.

While I definitely enjoyed reading the book, I would have enjoyed it more if it had been more about Anne Boleyn’s mother, Elizabeth Howard, and less about Anne’s rise and fall. I felt like the book was mostly Elizabeth (Anne's mother) telling the story of Anne and her brother George’s life, and less about what HER life was like. Occasionally she would narrate what was going on in her life, but it mostly dealt with her multitude of lovers! Also, there were a few historical inaccuracies that threw me off, but nothing more than what any other historical fiction writer throws in.

All in all I really enjoyed reading this novel. The time period this novel takes place in interests me more than any other era. Any lover of historical fiction, especially the Tudor era, will love this novel. I would definitely recommend it.

I give "The Boleyn Bride" a 4 out of 5 stars!

"The Boleyn Bride" will be available for purchase in February 2014!