Tara

I really wasn't sure what to expect from this book. I picked it up because I had heard a lot about it as well as had seen previews for the movie version of the book. I didn't know there was another Boleyn girl, so I was definitely interested.

I have always been very interested in Henry VIII and his 6 wives and have been willing to read just about anything about them, whether it was fiction or non-fiction. As far as historical fiction, I thought this book was well written and the author, Phillippa Gregory, did her research. I was a bit surprised by a few things in the novel, like the way she portrayed Anne Boleyn as a power hungry, controlling, manipulative and corruptive woman who would stop at nothing to get Henry VIII and become queen. I did not know there was a Mary Boleyn, but she's a very compelling woman.

I found this book to be a fast read, there was not a moment when it dragged for me. I was able to read it and not get bored or distracted. I found myself thinking about the book and the relationships of Mary, George and Anne Boleyn, as well as how the three of them worked throughout Henry VIII's court. I don't want to spoil it too much for those who haven't read the book, but there were a few surprises I wasn't expecting as far as the relationship between George and Anne. George is the older brother of both Mary and Anne, and all three siblings are very close, but there was a different level of closeness between George and Anne. Some of the “hints” definitely have left me wondering what was going on in Henry's court, either with or without his knowledge.

I read this book in one day, which is rare for me, but I just couldn't put it down. Imagine having a “magical” garden or a family with a “magical” ability that results in food that opens your soul or hairstyles that you can't repeat or the ability to just know what a person will need before that person even knows. That's this book.

I read this book right after finishing The Sugar Queen, and I was not disappointed with it either. The Waverly's are a wonderful family and the characters in this film are extremely well developed and easy to like. They are human and have the same flaws and hang ups as all the other people out there and I think that's why I liked them so much, especially Claire. Claire has been so hurt in the past by those she loved who later left her,that she has built a wall so that she won't ever hurt when another person leaves. Then, one day her daughter shows up, after 10 years of being away.

Sydney returns home to try to recover from the abusive relationship she had to run away from in the dark of night. She also tries to discover the secrets her sister has held onto all these years, about the garden and apple tree in the yard. Sydney also must try to reacquaint herself with her sister, who she believes hates her and try to giver her own daughter, Bay, a normal and safe life.

Claire and Sydney both learn how to heal and love and share secrets. They also discover there are some secrets that you cannot runaway from no matter how hard you try, and there are some secrets you should never know of.