Young, plucky and bitten by her half-awakened muse, Frances Pierce longs for a life at Court. The daughter of a backwoods baronet, her dreams seem to be the closest she'll ever reach to the intrigue and romance of King Henry's court. Yet, the perfect chance presents itself when Henry VIII brings his hunting party close to her home in Hertfordshire. Defying her mother's edicts, Frances dares certain punishment and sneaks off on one of the horses. Her goal is just for a view, so she can have inspiration to write future verses of poetry. However, when she stumbles upon the plan of the rigidly moral sticks-in-the-mud who want to fling said mud literally at the beautiful Anne Boleyn, she's moved to place herself in harm's way. Anne, impressed at the courage and amused by Frances' naive country charm, offers the girl a place at Court. Against her family's wishes, Frances embarks on the greatest adventure of her young life.

Court is much more than Frances expects. Her faithful loyalty to Anne and her simple, yet entertaining, way with puns guarantees her a coveted spot in Anne's court. Nonetheless, for an innocent maid there are untold dangers around every corner. Jealousy and plotting find Frances an ample target when she becomes Anne's closet confidant. Soon she finds herself floundering in the dark and treacherous waters of political intrigue. Yet nothing, including the unexpected love found with one of the king's men, will keep Frances from her queen's side. Even when the darkest days appear, when death is certain for any who would aid the woman Henry chose to change England and her religion for, Frances stubbornly sticks faithfully by Anne's side.

Laurien Gardner creates a thoroughly interesting read with her second book in her "Wives of Henry the VIII" series. Using Frances' eyes to tell the tragic tale of the rise and fall of Anne Boleyn, gives the reader a decidedly sympathetic view of a woman traditionally painted as the bewitching paramour who gained a crown and divided a nation. Ms. Garnder ingeniously uses Frances as her medium through which the entire court of Henry VIII is given a more human characterization. Anne, in particular, is characterized as full of love, intelligence and spirit with the flaws innate to all humans. We see a woman, not a conniving immoral, who pursues, nurtures and protects her relationship with the man destiny has chosen for her -- against all odds. Frances' voice is poignant and moving, and she's the perfect counterpoint to use in relating such a controversial time in England's history. The reader is free to concentrate more on the characters and their feelings, while history serves to set the framework to showcase them in. This is a definite must for anyone who's a fan of historical romance.