What They Say:
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 of her own . . .
Sixteen, of noble birth and stunningly beautiful, 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...
What I Say
I would like to thank Clara Diaz from The Little Brown Book Group for sending me a copy of this in exchange for a fair and honest review.
This book is the set around the story of Elizabeth Howard, the mother of Anne Boleyn. Once I started reading this I found I couldn’t put it down, when you first meet Elizabeth she is spiteful and vindictive, very hard to like at all, but once you read her story you can understand why and towards the end begin to feel sorry for her.
As not much is known about Anne Boleyns mother I found this really intriguing take on the story of Henry and Anne. The tudor period is one of my favourites and I watch and read anything I can around this time.
I was a little disappointed that the story switched from being about Elizabeth to Elizabeth’s take on Henry and Anne.
I found the story to be well paced and very descriptive in parts, this had me really imagining what the tudor period was really like, although I am aware that Emily has used artistic licence in parts.
Praise for Emily Purdy:
Purdy succeeds in rendering Elizabeth both unforgettable and undeniably real.' Historical Novel Society
'It has been some time since I've been so captivated by a Tudor based historical novel. I have to admit to being somewhat burned out by the over saturation of the Tudors . . . however, The Boleyn Bride has renewed my interest. I highly recommend it.' The True Book Addict
'Classic story of a woman scorned, who is after revenge of the most bloody kind.'Closer Magazine
'A rollercoaster tale which gives a new and fascinating perspective on three young women who became hostages to fortune in a perilous and turbulent age.' Lancashire Evening Post
'Nicely written, and full of lust, greed and intrigue, this is a book sure to earn Emily Purdy many new fans.'Bookwormink.co.uk
From the Back Cover
From dazzling young woman to disillusioned bride, the girl who would become mother and grandmother to two of England's most infamous queens has a fascinating story of her own . . .
At sixteen, Elizabeth Howard envisions a glorious life for herself as a lady-in-waiting. But instead she is forced to marry Thomas Boleyn, a wealthy commoner, and left to stagnate in the countryside. There, she raises golden girl Mary and ugly duckling Anne - while staving off boredom with a string of admirers. Until Henry VIII takes the throne . . .
Summoned to London, Elizabeth indulges in all the lavish diversions of Court - 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 . . .
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