I thought I could never again read another novel about Henry VIII or any of his wives but I was blown away by Bertrice Small' s Love, remember me, set during the era of wives number 4 and 5, Anne of Cleves, and the unfortunate Catherine Howard.
Though the novel presents itself as a historical romance, and the author does include some salacious scenes between the protagonists Nyssa, a Maid of Honor to the Queen, and Varian, grandson of the powerful Duke of Norfolk, the manipulative uncle of Anne Boleyn and Catherine Howard, the majority of the book is straight historical fiction.
The writing is delightful. The real life historical characters come to life. There is evidence of research, but also a true joy from the author in her subject. Though I may not agree with her characterizations of the various historical figures, it was a delight to read her perspective and enjoy the court intrigue.
Much like the previous novel I read from this author, the Spitfire, which was set during the reign of Henry VIII' s father,it seems that there are two books that have been forcibly combined into one, one that is a historical fiction, and one that is a romance. Here, the experiment fared a lot better because the historical fiction was very much at the forefront, and the romance between the characters secondary.
It is not that I don't enjoy the romance genre, I really do. And the story between Nyssa and Varian was very satisfying. However, they were definitely used as our eye witnesses to the real drama going on with the King and his unfortunate marriages rather than be the driving force behind the plot. No complaint from me, I loved it. But others who are looking for a romance will be disappointed.