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.
I follow you on GFC + 2
Thank you for sharing and especially for making it open to all. Much appreciated + 1
mystica123athotmaildotcom
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
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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 🙂
I'm a follower- thanks for the giveaway!
Rachelhwallen@gmail.com
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
Love the Tudor period, please enter me.
littleone AT shaw DOT ca
GFC follower
littleone AT shaw DOT ca
I am glad to hear this book is good. I was a little worried when I saw yet another book about Anne Boelyn!
email subscriber maynekitty[at]live[dot]com
GFC follower – Kitty
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2
GFC follower – Kitty
maynekitty [at] live [dot] com
What an intriguing book. thanks for this lovely giveaway. Ellie. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com
sounds awesome i am an email subscriber
dianam167@sbcglobal.net
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
I am a GFC follower (Colleen Turner).
candc320@gmail.com
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
I totally want this book! I'm a follower.
Margaret
singitm@hotmail.com
I love the Tudor period.
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com
I follow you via gfc (mamabunny13)
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An impressive review and giveaway. Many thanks. Anne. I am an e-mail subscriber. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
Sounds good. I love historical fiction. Thank you for the giveaway.
givingreadingachance AT gmail.com
I am a google reader follower.
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
I am a GFC follower.
Cambonified(at)yahoo(dot)com
I love historical fiction! I hope I win…
PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com
I follow your blog via GFC as pmnsl95
PMNSL95 at triad dot rr dot com
Tweet
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It sounds like an interesting side of the story.
mce1011 AT aol DOT com
I follow on GFC
mce1011 AT aol DOT com
I would love to read this book.
I've subscribed to your blog awhile back.
pinkseele(at)gmail(dot)com
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
Interesting story, would love to read it
Thnx for the chance!
ctymice at gmail dot com
gfc follower
i enjoy historical fiction please enter me
amhengst at verizon dot net
I am a email subscriber
amhengst at verizon dot net
I am a GFC follower
amhengst
amhengst at verizon dot net
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
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
That is a beautiful cover. I wonder how much each dress weighs. Reminds me of Ann Boleyn.
pboylecharley AT hotmail DOT com
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
I'd love to read this and learn more about Anne Boleyn!
mittens0831 at aol dot com
I follow on GFC.
mittens0831 at aol dot com
http://twitter.com/#!/CarolAnnM/status/102378578863325186
mittens0831 at aol dot com
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
GFC follower
jen at delux dot com
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!
Nice review, would love to read this.
ctymice at gmail dot com
gfc follower
tweeted(https://twitter.com/#!/CrftyDuchess/status/102648899294068738)
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!
Looks like one I want to read!
kessna6@yahoo.com
I'm adding it to my reading list. gfc follower: theresan
Theresa N
weceno(at)yahoo(dot)com
Oh, this does sound great. I'm fascinated with this time period.
I follow as you know.
savvyverseandwit at gmail
please count me in…thanks
i'm a follower, too 🙂
karenk
kmkuka at yahoo dot com
Count me in please 🙂
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I follow via GFC quixoticdreamer
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Tweeted
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I am interested in seeing Anne Boleyn from a friend's point of view.
tiredwkids at live dot com
I'm a follower.
tiredwkids at live dot com
Tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/forever913/status/103323231515193345
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maynekitty[at]live[dot]com
I've heard good things about this one.
http://twitter.com/#!/tlukey73/status/103450297556418560
teresa[dot]lukey73[at]gmail[dot]com
Sounds good, please enter me:
I am a GFC follower/email follower
tweeted here: http://twitter.com/#!/Parakiss25
faefever25(at)hotmail(dot)com
This looks great! I always enjoy good historical fiction of this era.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com
I am a GFC follower.
JHolden955(at)gmail(dot)com
Please count me in this giveaway.
sonflower277 at gmail dot com
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
I love history & the period of The Tudors never disappoints.
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GFC: Mary Preston
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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
I follow your blog with an e-mail subscription and GFC.
CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
http://t.co/vBBeipH
I tweeted.
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
I'm a follower.. thanks for the giveaway! sidhekist at gmail(dot)com
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
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
I want to read this book so bad.
hootowl1978 at gmail dot com
I follow via GFC as Jessy
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I tweeted
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I would love to read this book It sounds so interesting. Please enter me. Thanks!
Anita Y
ayancey(at)dishmail(dot)net
Follow on GFC as Anita Yancey.
Anita Y
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