by Alison Weir
Part of Six Tudor Queens, book 5.6
First published 2021
Jane Parker watches Anne Boleyn's rise at Henry VIII's court in 1525. Her marriage to Anne's brother George brings status but little happiness. Their union turns bitter and ends in blood. Fifteen years later, Jane serves in the household of Katheryn Howard, the king's fifth wife and Anne Boleyn's young cousin. Jane remembers her own failed marriage as she observes Katheryn's secret romance with a courtier. She decides to help the young queen hide her dangerous liaison. Both women know Anne Boleyn's fate haunts every choice they make. Jane must choose between protecting Katheryn and saving herself. The crown demands loyalty, but Jane's sympathies pull her toward the vulnerable girl who reminds her of past sorrows. Time runs short as suspicion grows around them.
Genres: historical-fiction, mystery, historical-romance, thriller
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, unreliable-narrator
Setting: Henry VIII's Court, Tudor England
Period: 1525, 1540s
67 pages · Kindle Edition · Review
Content warnings: violence