Without the Protesant Reformation that swept across Europe in the 16th century, there would, perhaps, be no such thing as Christian fiction. There certainly wouldn't be believers worshpping in congregations like Covenant Reformed Church in Grass Valley; Christ Reformed Evangelical Church in Castro Valley; or the Latvian Lutheran Church of Northern California in San Francisco. Sandra Byrd's newest novel To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn, may be about Henry the VIII's second wife, but it's about more than just a king bent on producing a male heir and the woman who would literally lose her head trying to fulfill that desire
Book Info
Title: To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn
Author: Sandra Byrd
Publisher: Howard Books (August 9, 2011)
ISBN: 978-1439183113
List Price: $14.99
The story of Anne Boleyn and the intrigues and liasons of Henry VIII's court during the 16th century are famous and hundreds of books have been written about the many characters that moved in royal circles. Sandra Byrd's new book however, is really more about one of Anne Boleyn's Ladies in Waiting. Meg Wyatt is the protagonist of this drama and her story is moving, romantic, and spiritually uplifting.
Meg is a true historical character and she was acquainted with both Anne and Mary Boleyn from childhood. The author has done her homework in making this an historically accurate novel that isn't overwrought with geneologies and intermarriages that can sometimes plauge a novel of such an ambitious undertaking. The reader is able to follow the interesting storyline and keep up with all the events that forever changed religion around the world.
Meg Wyatt is fictionalized, of course, but her character and relationship with the second wife of Henry gives the reader the opportunity to look at the events and circumstances surrounding Anne Boleyn in a whole new light. Anne Boleyn has been vilified throughout history as a marriage-wrecking, power-hungry, harlot. Sandra Byrd portrays a different side to Anne Boleyn and has the research to back it up. Meg's role as friend and confidant to a queen is interesting. Her life is governed by the wishes and demands of others and while she is not perfect, her commitment to God and country is one that is inspiring.
If you read just one more book about the Tudors and the interesting lives they led, make it Sandra Byrd's To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn. You won't regret the choice and the Examiner believes you will find an author that knows how to tell a vivid story that will leave you thinking about the characters long after you have closed the pages of the book. Although this book is written for adults, most older teens will enjoy it as well.
To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn can be purchased online from Howard Books, Amazon, and Family Christian. It can also be purchased at independent bookstores like these in northern California.
Book Passage, Tamal VIsta Blvd., Corte Madera
Copperfield's, 140 Kentucky St., Petaluma
Watershed Books, 305 N.Main St., Lakeport
The Examiner received a free copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions given here are those of the Examiner.
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