Peeking Between the Pages

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

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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.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. I follow you on GFC + 2

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

    mystica123athotmaildotcom

  3. 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 🙂

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

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

  14. 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

  16. 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

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

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

    givingreadingachance AT gmail.com

    I am a google reader follower.

  22. 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

  29. I would love to read this book.

    I've subscribed to your blog awhile back.

    pinkseele(at)gmail(dot)com

  30. 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

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

    pboylecharley AT hotmail DOT com

  39. 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

  43. 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

  45. 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!

  49. 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!

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

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

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

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

    marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com

  69. 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

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

    Anita Y
    ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net