This book is a solid 3.5 stars for me.
While the history of King Henry VIII and Queen Catherine is widely known, this story gives us a look into that period of time within that family with an extra twist. I thought the story was great and the additional characters the author added into this historical family and around them were well developed and interesting. A few of the "scenes" I found overly dramatic, almost written like a soap opera script. The book also seemed to be sprinkled with words that I'm not sure would have been used during that time and it kinda screwed with my immersion in the story. A paraphrased example: Crimson and emerald tapestries were hung in the great hall which was starting to get crammed with people. The whole book is written as a letter from a mother to her daughter explaining their family history...would the word "crammed" have existed then? There was a word every few chapters that just seemed too modern to fit.
Any historical fiction book I will pick up and read once. Would I read this one again, probably not. I feel like books on this specific family are a dime a dozen. Would I recommend this book to friends, a specific few that I know would enjoy it, but I wouldn't yell from the rooftops that everyone has to read it.
***SPOILER, DON'T READ PAST THIS LINE IF YOU DON'T WANT TO KNOW***
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I didn't like the brother/sister that turned out to not be related at all and then they fall in love and live happily ever after. That dynamic gives me the ick in any story.

I really enjoyed this novel so very much!
I'm always happy to see a new Tudor novel.
Poor Catherine of Aragon! Her story has always intrigued me. She was my favorite queen but I didn't care much for her daughter.
I just couldn't put this novel down it was so good. I love anything Tudor!
Henry was sure something else! But so was Anne. I think in the end Anne got her Karma.
So did Henry but it was a long while before he did. In fact, Herod sort of reminds me of Henry the way they went about things.
I felt sorry for Kat for being caught in the middle of things. I loved her story from her point of view.
I just can't imagine what being at court would be like. Wow! Scary but yet fascinating.
5 stars for a well written novel that kept me engaged. I highly recommend!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are mine.