Review ‘The Boleyn Bride’ by Emily Purdy

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…

I
received ‘The Boleyn Bride’ by Emily Purdy, through the Little Brown Book Group
in exchange for my honest review. Although I don’t usually read many history books
this book sounded really exciting to me.  I really loved the cover. It immediately made
me think of ‘Pride & Prejudice’ and Shakespeare.  So I started reading with an open mind.

In ‘The
Boleyn Bride’ we meet Elizabeth Howard. Elizabeth has big plans for herself. She
wants a glorious life as a lady-in-waiting and she wants to become best friends
with the future queen. But unfortunately for Elizabeth she is forced to marry
Thomas Boleyn. Thomas is a wealthy commoner and all he really seems to want
from Elizabeth is the perfect marriage. He wants children and a woman who takes
care of the household.

Elizabeth Howard

Elizabeth
is soon really bored with her life, that is until Henry VIII takes the throne.

What I
really liked about this book was the way it was written. Emily Purdy writing
style in this book is very easy to read and it makes this book a very nice one
to read. Like I said before I haven’t read many historical novels so I really
needed to adjust my reading expectations a little. But still I found this book
really interesting. The way Elizabeth Howard life went and how she coped with
all the remorse and quilt she felt. But also how someone so full of pride and
beauty when she was young can change so much.

Although
I liked this book and I think it definitely is well written and a nice change
to reading all the romance and fantasy books this book was not one I would read
again. It’s greatly written and I loved the historical lesson but it’s just not
for me. I felt a little said at the end of book because of how cruel woman were
treated back in the day. Forced marriage, only good for the household and
baring children. I would have been a banned woman if I lived in that time.  

‘[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