It is so good to be back in Court ~Sheila
Jane Boleyn served as a Lady in Waiting – almost a right hand- to five of Henry VIII’s wives. After the first, Catherine of Aragon, Jane’s role began to change. As she was often one of the closest to the Queen, she also knew secrets, overheard conversations, and was privy to many things that most were not. This also put Jane in a perfect position to pass important information to assist her in her position in Court and to the most powerful people in England.
Survival in Court meant wearing many masks- a loving wife, a devoted sister, a friend, as well as a confident. Spy was never a role she wanted, but being one gave Jane power, and power gave her access to a front-row seat as history unfolded…
It was in April of 2008 that I read The Other Boleyn Girl with my book club. That book was the start of a deep dive into historical fiction, a genre I knew little about at the time, but fell head over heels into the incredible world of Henry VIII, this era also brought the widespread distribution of the English Bible, and got to court activities such as music, dancing, masquarde balls, sports, and feasting. Honestly if not for the whole “off with your head” thing – I may have enjoyed Court!
Instead, I live vicariously from the safety of these pages about a King who could turn on you in an instant. The brilliance of those who surrounded his world, the names that stayed close, hoping to rise – The Boleyns, Howards, Seymours….to name a few.
I loved this book and having the opportunity to once again pop into Henry’s world and learn more about the names that were hopeful to be next in line, the continuing story of the Boleyns, and this incredible person, Jane, whose own story was that of a pawn, playing her role in a dangerous and fascinating world all the while holding her own moves close to her heart.
Save the date – The Boleyn Traitor will be released to the public around October 14th, 2025. While Author Philippa Gregory has many books on the Tudor Court as well as others of the Era, you do not need to have read any before this book – while I have enjoyed much of the series, The Boleyn Traitor can easily be read as a standalone.
Want a chance to win my copy? Leave a comment here – next Monday, I will announce a winner and email them to send the book to that person.
Rated: 5 out of 5
Read Author Before: Yes – recommended author!
Read Author Again: Yes
Where Read: Camping and at home
Book Club Worthy: Yes – there is much to discuss about this era, Jane’s life, and of course – Henry.
Book Journey 