This superbly well written novel is the second in a series set in the court of King Henry VIII.  While Gilt covered Catherine Howard’s (wife #5) time at court, Tarnish focuses on Anne Boleyn’s  (wife #2) arrival at court to eight years before her marriage to the king.  The author excels in personalizing these prominent historical figures and also in explaining the intricacies of the court.  I never felt like I was reading a history lesson, yet the novel is quite credible with the attention to details and accuracy.  Teens will enjoy the romance, the intrigue, and the court politics wrapped in cleverly worded dialogue.  For readers who need a bit of background on the Tudor Court, please read the Author’s Note at the back of the book first.  Highly recommend.

NetGalley review  Publication date 6.18.13