Yes, I enjoy historical fiction but I didn't really intend to read this since I detected the not so far off moans of a real bodice ripper. It was my period, though, the good old Tudors, the Field of Cloth of Gold, and Katherine's apparent barrenness so I read it.I liked the detail, although did we have to hear about each meal? There was certainly a lot of ham being consumed and not nearly as much beef as I would have imagined. Describing the clothes was probably a good idea since it made us able to see the people more clearly. The cover is very helpful, too. What does an author do about conversation when there is such a difference between how people talked then and how we do now? Small has gone the middle way, using phrases that have an archaic ring (God's foot!)but otherwise using standard English. There were a few times when modern colloquialisms crept in but not jarringly so. Interestingly, the feeling of imminent bodice ripping did not turn into action, although the post wedding sex certainly became intense. As for the bathing, I'm not sure why there was such stress put on it and i don't think Friarsgate would have been a likely place to learn the joys of a good relaxing soak. A lot of independent minded females in that family, too, although with the lack of male family it would be quite possible.Enjoyed this.
