Tarnish

Gr 8 Up—In this companion novel to Gilt (Viking, 2012), Anne Boleyn arrives in King Henry VIII's court amid whispers and stares from the courtiers. She knows her position is precarious; that she is talked about because of what she's done in the past and for the fact that her sister, Mary, is mistress to the king. Yet she is determined to be held in high esteem at court. Her brother, George, tells her she is too different to obtain that goal. She speaks her mind and gets into trouble. Enter renowned ladies' man Thomas Wyatt. He bets Anne that he can turn court favor to her side if she does as he asks. If the plan succeeds, he will have her in his bed because she will want to be there. After some thought she concedes and their game of courtly love begins. He pursues her and she encourages it. Soon she realizes that Wyatt's plan is working. People-especially men-are beginning to notice her. More importantly, the king has turned his attention to her. These developments excite her, but what she doesn't count on is Wyatt falling in love with her, and realizing that she loves him as well. She comes to understand the importance of love, but in the end rejects Wyatt in favor of the king. An un-put-downable historical romance.—Wendy M. Scalfaro, G. Ray Bodley High School, Fulton, NY