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Book Review: To Die For by Sandra Byrd & Giveaway (International)

August 12, 2011 by Darlene



To Die For by Sandra Byrd is exactly why I love to read historical fiction – it’s the perfect blend of fact and fiction! First of all it’s about the Tudor period which I love and it’s about Anne Boleyn who happens to be one of my favorite historical characters. Add to that all the intrigue and back stabbing that you have going on in the court of Henry VIII and you have yourself an excellent novel!

This novel is told from the viewpoint of Meg Wyatt who was Anne’s best friend from the time they were young girls. Now normally I wouldn’t like to read a novel that should be exclusively about Anne Boleyn but ends up also being a lot about her best friend Meg but this novel is so well written and captivating that I was completely pulled into the story of the friendship between these two women. Also, it was not hard to like Meg. She was loyal, honest, and a true friend to Anne. I had not had the opportunity to learn much about her before this novel so this was really a treat.

As girls, Anne and Meg did almost everything together but when they got older Anne left for France and Meg stayed behind to care for her ailing mother while trying to stay out of the way of her cruel father. Eventually though Anne returns and of course catches the eye of Henry VIII. In the meantime Meg is married off but it’s to an elderly man who doesn’t last long enough to make a true wife out of Meg. Meg ends up at court being one of Anne’s ladies and she’s ok with that as the true love of her life, Will, is unavailable to her as he’s chosen the priesthood over her.

Soon enough Meg finds herself embroiled in Anne’s life of trying to get the King to marry her and get rid of his wife Katherine. Anne refuses to only be a mistress to Henry – she wants it all – to get the crown and be the Queen of England. Unfortunately for Anne as we all know she is unable to produce a son and heir and that brings her down quickly in the eyes of the King. While the King’s eye was always venturing towards a pretty girl, soon enough with his displeasure at Anne, things go further than only a venturing eye.

Rumors and such begin to fly and Anne finds herself no longer perfect in the King’s eye. Her life is unraveling quickly and the only solid thing she has is her friendship with Meg. Meg who is and has always been there for her. I wouldn’t say that Meg gave up her life for Anne because of course she couldn’t have Will but she did wonder often what would have happened to the two of them if they had married their childhood sweethearts instead of following Anne’s ambition of being Queen. Those familiar with Tudor history of course know the story doesn’t have a happy end for Anne Boleyn as Henry eventually has her beheaded. Meg stays loyal to her to the bitter end. As is always the case when it comes to the politics of court – when one person loses favor, the other goes along as well. While Meg is no longer welcome at court, thankfully her life does take a turn for the good at the end.

I know it seems that this story of Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII is told and retold. What could possibly be new about it? Well, the facts remain the same but it’s in the telling of the story that you get a fresh perspective of the characters. I loved learning about Meg and I liked seeing a different side of Anne Boleyn – the side that showed she too could be loyal… to her best friend Meg. The best thing is that To Die For is the first in a Tudor series that Sandra Byrd is writing and I for one can not wait for the next ones to come!

I read To Die For by Sandra Byrd for her book tour with Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours. Be sure to stop by and check out the other tour stops which you can find here. You’ll want to check out Sandra Byrd’s website and blog as well as find her Facebook. You can purchase your own copy of To Die For by Sandra Byrd here in the US and here in Canada.

GIVEAWAY DETAILS

I just happen to have an extra copy of To Die For by Sandra Byrd that I’m going to give away and the best part is since it’s my copy it’s open internationally! To enter…

  • For 1 entry leave me a comment with your email address to contact you (no email, no entry).
  • For 2 entries, follow my blog. If you already do, thank you, and please let me know in your comment so I can pass the extra entry on to you as well.
  • For 3 entries, blog or tweet this giveaway to spread the word.

Again, this giveaway is open internationally! I will be drawing for the winner on Saturday, September 3/11. Good luck everyone!

© 2010, Darlene of Peeking Between the Pages. All Rights Reserved. If you’re reading this on a site other than Peeking Between the Pages or Darlene’s Feed, be aware that this post has been stolen and is used without permission.



My copy of To Die For by Sandra Byrd was received for review from Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours and the Publisher.

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Filed Under: 2011 Challenges, 2011•100 Books or More Challenge, 2011•ARC Tracking Challenge, Historical Fiction Virtual Blog Tours

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Mystica says

    August 12, 2011 at 7:33 am

    I follow you on GFC + 2

    Thank you for sharing and especially for making it open to all. Much appreciated + 1

    mystica123athotmaildotcom

  2. Sharli says

    August 12, 2011 at 7:48 am

    I think there's still much more to know about Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII. So many angles to explore. I love historical fiction and I'm very intrigued by this book. Thnak you for the giveaway and for doing it international!

    I'm a follower and I tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/Entre_Libros/status/101922731645341696

    entrelibros_blog at hotmail dot com

  3. TheBookGirl says

    August 12, 2011 at 10:55 am

    This is the second rave review I've read of this one. I just finished a historical novel set in the tudor period, which i enjoyed, and I wouldn't mind reading another…this goes on the list 🙂

  4. Rachel says

    August 12, 2011 at 1:04 pm

    I'm a follower- thanks for the giveaway!

    Rachelhwallen@gmail.com

  5. Allison Macias says

    August 12, 2011 at 2:24 pm

    I'm "dying" to read this one. HA! But it seriously looks great. I love the side stories, which sometimes seem to make history more alive. I follow you and I posted the giveaway on my sidebar. http://themusingsofabookjunkie.blogspot.com/

    Thanks for the awesome giveaway!
    allisonmharper@hotmail.com

  6. PoCoKat says

    August 12, 2011 at 2:42 pm

    Love the Tudor period, please enter me.

    littleone AT shaw DOT ca

  7. PoCoKat says

    August 12, 2011 at 2:43 pm

    GFC follower

    littleone AT shaw DOT ca

  8. Kailana says

    August 12, 2011 at 3:32 pm

    I am glad to hear this book is good. I was a little worried when I saw yet another book about Anne Boelyn!

  9. Kitty says

    August 12, 2011 at 4:06 pm

    email subscriber maynekitty[at]live[dot]com

  10. Kitty says

    August 12, 2011 at 4:07 pm

    GFC follower – Kitty
    maynekitty [at] live [dot] com

  11. Kitty says

    August 12, 2011 at 4:07 pm

    2
    GFC follower – Kitty
    maynekitty [at] live [dot] com

  12. Anonymous says

    August 12, 2011 at 4:12 pm

    What an intriguing book. thanks for this lovely giveaway. Ellie. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com

  13. Anonymous says

    August 12, 2011 at 4:21 pm

    sounds awesome i am an email subscriber
    dianam167@sbcglobal.net

  14. Colleen Turner says

    August 12, 2011 at 4:23 pm

    I cannot WAIT to read this book! I just eat up everything Tudor but have not found a book from the perspective of a figurative "fly on the wall", cousin, friend and lady in waiting. Great concept! Thanks for the giveaway.
    candc320@gmail.com

  15. Colleen Turner says

    August 12, 2011 at 4:24 pm

    I am a GFC follower (Colleen Turner).
    candc320@gmail.com

  16. Zibilee says

    August 12, 2011 at 4:28 pm

    I also am a big fan of the Tudors and Anne in particular, and even though there are a glut of Tudor books on the market, I never get tired of them. I am sure that I would love this one, and would love to be entered in your giveaway for a chance to win. Thanks, Dar!

    zibilee(at)figearo(dot)net

  17. Margaret says

    August 12, 2011 at 4:28 pm

    I totally want this book! I'm a follower.

    Margaret
    singitm@hotmail.com

  18. mamabunny13 says

    August 12, 2011 at 4:37 pm

    I love the Tudor period.
    mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

  19. mamabunny13 says

    August 12, 2011 at 4:39 pm

    I follow you via gfc (mamabunny13)
    mamabunny13 at gmail dot com

  20. Anonymous says

    August 12, 2011 at 5:50 pm

    An impressive review and giveaway. Many thanks. Anne. I am an e-mail subscriber. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

  21. Veens says

    August 12, 2011 at 6:52 pm

    Sounds good. I love historical fiction. Thank you for the giveaway.

    givingreadingachance AT gmail.com

    I am a google reader follower.

  22. Na says

    August 12, 2011 at 7:10 pm

    I always enjoy historical fiction but don't often delve into the world of the Tudors. I would like to do so with this book.

    Cambonified(at)yahoo(dot)com

  23. Na says

    August 12, 2011 at 7:11 pm

    I am a GFC follower.

    Cambonified(at)yahoo(dot)com

  24. pmernick says

    August 12, 2011 at 7:29 pm

    I love historical fiction! I hope I win…
    PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com

  25. pmernick says

    August 12, 2011 at 7:29 pm

    I follow your blog via GFC as pmnsl95
    PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com

  26. pmernick says

    August 12, 2011 at 7:30 pm

    Tweet
    http://twitter.com/#!/pmernick1/status/102099673053011968
    PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com

  27. Maureen says

    August 12, 2011 at 7:56 pm

    It sounds like an interesting side of the story.
    mce1011 AT aol DOT com

  28. Maureen says

    August 12, 2011 at 7:57 pm

    I follow on GFC
    mce1011 AT aol DOT com

  29. pinkseele says

    August 12, 2011 at 8:03 pm

    I would love to read this book.

    I've subscribed to your blog awhile back.

    pinkseele(at)gmail(dot)com

  30. buddyt says

    August 12, 2011 at 8:37 pm

    Thank you for the giveaway and for opening it to worldwide entries.

    Much appreciated.

    I have becomne quite a fan of the Tudor period since watching the TV series ( as I suspect many others have), and would like to read what sounds like an interesting book.

    I Follow via GFC = buddyt

    Thank you.

    Carol T

    buddytho {at} gmail DOT com

  31. Lori Thomas says

    August 12, 2011 at 11:15 pm

    Interesting story, would love to read it
    Thnx for the chance!

    ctymice at gmail dot com

  32. Lori Thomas says

    August 12, 2011 at 11:17 pm

    gfc follower

  33. ann says

    August 13, 2011 at 12:37 am

    i enjoy historical fiction please enter me

    amhengst at verizon dot net

  34. ann says

    August 13, 2011 at 12:38 am

    I am a email subscriber

    amhengst at verizon dot net

  35. ann says

    August 13, 2011 at 12:38 am

    I am a GFC follower

    amhengst
    amhengst at verizon dot net

  36. Staci says

    August 13, 2011 at 2:52 am

    The cover is fantastic and based on that alone I'd pick it up to read. Your review tells me that this is one I'm sure to love!! I can't get enough of Historical fiction!!!!!!!!!!!

    stacijoreads@gmail.com

  37. Holly (2 Kids and Tired) says

    August 13, 2011 at 3:38 am

    This one sounds terrific and your review makes me want to read it! I'd love to be entered in the giveaway.

    I follow in google reader.

    je2kids(at)gmail(dot)com

    2 Kids and Tired Books

  38. Anonymous says

    August 13, 2011 at 9:32 am

    That is a beautiful cover. I wonder how much each dress weighs. Reminds me of Ann Boleyn.

    pboylecharley AT hotmail DOT com

  39. Elysium says

    August 13, 2011 at 10:34 am

    I'd really love to read this! Not much have been written about Meg.
    Thanks for the giveaway 🙂

    I'm old follower.

    crimson_haze(at)hotmail(dot)com

  40. Carol M says

    August 13, 2011 at 1:57 pm

    I'd love to read this and learn more about Anne Boleyn!
    mittens0831 at aol dot com

  41. Carol M says

    August 13, 2011 at 1:58 pm

    I follow on GFC.
    mittens0831 at aol dot com

  42. Carol M says

    August 13, 2011 at 1:59 pm

    http://twitter.com/#!/CarolAnnM/status/102378578863325186
    mittens0831 at aol dot com

  43. JenM says

    August 13, 2011 at 2:43 pm

    Just when I think that enough has been written about Anne Boleyn, along comes a new twist. I think this would be a very interesting book to read.

    jen at delux dot com

  44. JenM says

    August 13, 2011 at 2:43 pm

    GFC follower
    jen at delux dot com

  45. Sandra Byrd says

    August 13, 2011 at 3:53 pm

    Thank you so much for this review Dar, and for having me on your blog. And thanks, too, to each reader willing to consider reading my book. Many books beckon, I know, as they do to me, too. I appreciate you checking into To Die For!

  46. Lori Thomas says

    August 14, 2011 at 7:45 am

    Nice review, would love to read this.

    ctymice at gmail dot com

  47. Lori Thomas says

    August 14, 2011 at 7:46 am

    gfc follower

  48. Lori Thomas says

    August 14, 2011 at 7:55 am

    tweeted(https://twitter.com/#!/CrftyDuchess/status/102648899294068738)

  49. bookworm says

    August 14, 2011 at 2:14 pm

    I'm on this tour as well Dar. I do enjoy a good historical. Anne Boleyn fascinates me and I do enjoy anything Tudor related. Nice reivew!

  50. Kirsten says

    August 14, 2011 at 4:06 pm

    Looks like one I want to read!
    kessna6@yahoo.com

  51. Theresa N. says

    August 15, 2011 at 12:30 pm

    I'm adding it to my reading list. gfc follower: theresan
    Theresa N
    weceno(at)yahoo(dot)com

  52. Serena says

    August 15, 2011 at 2:17 pm

    Oh, this does sound great. I'm fascinated with this time period.
    I follow as you know.
    savvyverseandwit at gmail

  53. karenk says

    August 15, 2011 at 10:03 pm

    please count me in…thanks

    i'm a follower, too 🙂

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

  54. BrittanyGale says

    August 16, 2011 at 2:05 am

    Count me in please 🙂

    quixoticdreamer(at)hotmail(dot)com

  55. BrittanyGale says

    August 16, 2011 at 2:05 am

    I follow via GFC quixoticdreamer

    quixoticdreamer(at)hotmail(dot)com

  56. BrittanyGale says

    August 16, 2011 at 2:07 am

    Tweeted
    http://twitter.com/#!/QuixoticWeetzie/status/103286710904958976

    quixoticdreamer(at)hotmail(dot)com

  57. Shannon says

    August 16, 2011 at 4:31 am

    I am interested in seeing Anne Boleyn from a friend's point of view.
    tiredwkids at live dot com

  58. Shannon says

    August 16, 2011 at 4:31 am

    I'm a follower.
    tiredwkids at live dot com

  59. Shannon says

    August 16, 2011 at 4:32 am

    Tweeted
    http://twitter.com/#!/forever913/status/103323231515193345
    tiredwkids at live dot com

  60. Anonymous says

    August 16, 2011 at 12:41 pm

    maynekitty[at]live[dot]com

  61. Lukey Here says

    August 16, 2011 at 12:59 pm

    I've heard good things about this one.

    http://twitter.com/#!/tlukey73/status/103450297556418560

    teresa[dot]lukey73[at]gmail[dot]com

  62. faefever25 says

    August 16, 2011 at 4:48 pm

    Sounds good, please enter me:

    I am a GFC follower/email follower
    tweeted here: http://twitter.com/#!/Parakiss25

    faefever25(at)hotmail(dot)com

  63. holdenj says

    August 16, 2011 at 11:43 pm

    This looks great! I always enjoy good historical fiction of this era.
    JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

  64. holdenj says

    August 16, 2011 at 11:43 pm

    I am a GFC follower.
    JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com

  65. Anonymous says

    August 17, 2011 at 2:59 am

    Please count me in this giveaway.
    sonflower277 at gmail dot com

  66. Jasmine1485 says

    August 17, 2011 at 1:13 pm

    I've been devouring books on the Tudor period lately, both historical fiction and non-fiction, so I'd love to see a new angle on it! 🙂

    I'm following via GFC as Jasmine1485

    kate1485 at hotmail.com

  67. marybelle says

    August 18, 2011 at 3:23 am

    I love history & the period of The Tudors never disappoints.

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

  68. marybelle says

    August 18, 2011 at 3:23 am

    GFC: Mary Preston

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

  69. Carol N Wong says

    August 18, 2011 at 1:06 pm

    I would love to learn so much more about Anne Boleyn. I love to read about her. Please enter me in this giveaway.

    CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

  70. Carol N Wong says

    August 18, 2011 at 1:07 pm

    I follow your blog with an e-mail subscription and GFC.

    CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

  71. Carol N Wong says

    August 18, 2011 at 1:09 pm

    http://t.co/vBBeipH

    I tweeted.

  72. Beth says

    August 18, 2011 at 2:53 pm

    This book sounds awesome! I am a follower and subscriber to your blog; I love it! I also tweeted the giveaway (http://twitter.com/#!/bharbin11/status/104203683444690944)

    Thanks so much, Darlene!

    Beth
    bharbin07[at]gmail[dot]com

  73. SidheKist says

    August 21, 2011 at 12:00 am

    I'm a follower.. thanks for the giveaway! sidhekist at gmail(dot)com

  74. Deeps says

    August 25, 2011 at 1:08 pm

    I'm in LOVE with the tudors so I'm absolutely dying to read this novel!

    1.deepikadilip(at)gmail(dot)com
    2. I'm following
    3.https://twitter.com/samus94/status/106714134938271745

  75. Dinda_SI says

    August 30, 2011 at 3:42 pm

    Thanks for the giveaway !!!
    I'm a GFC follower.

    tweet : http://twitter.com/#!/dien_da/status/108564719098535936

    dl(dot)love(dot)freedom(at)gmail(dot)com

  76. Hoot says

    September 2, 2011 at 12:43 am

    I want to read this book so bad.

    hootowl1978 at gmail dot com

  77. Hoot says

    September 2, 2011 at 12:46 am

    I follow via GFC as Jessy

    hootowl1978 at gmail dot com

  78. Hoot says

    September 2, 2011 at 12:50 am

    I tweeted

    https://twitter.com/#!/hootowl1978/status/109427355591778304

    hootowl1978 at gmail dot com

  79. Anonymous says

    September 2, 2011 at 4:50 pm

    I would love to read this book It sounds so interesting. Please enter me. Thanks!

    Anita Y
    ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

  80. Anonymous says

    September 2, 2011 at 4:51 pm

    Follow on GFC as Anita Yancey.

    Anita Y
    ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net

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