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The Most Happy
A wonderful window into the mind of the iconic Anne Boleyn. Step into her world as she retells her story. We know what history has told us. But we are yet to know the woman behind the legend. Take a peek inside and see what she has to say about her life and legacy. "Many have tried to tell my story ... but none have told the truth. I will have my say."
- GenresHistorical Fiction
344 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 3, 2019
69 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
March 7, 2021
I’ve read so many novels based upon the story of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, but this one is different to the rest. Anne is already sentenced to death, and her execution is scheduled for the following morning. She sits down at her desk, and commits her story to paper, hoping that one day her infant daughter will read about it, and know that her mother was a loving one, a good, loving wife, and a admirable, poised, fair queen.
Anne begins her story at her childhood, describing the love and relationships she had with her siblings; her older sister Mary, and her younger brother George. She writes about her parents ambitions for their children, and the wonderful fortune when her father secures her a place at the court of Marguerite of Austria, the regent of the Netherlands. There, Anne will begin her formal education, and perhaps secure a marriage with a wealthy nobleman at Marguerite’s court. She writes in detail about everything she experienced in the Netherlands, although she was only there a short time. This was because her father managed to gain places for both of his daughters at the French court, to serve the young English queen Mary Tudor. The king of France died shortly afterwards, and Mary Tudor returned to England, but both Boleyn sisters stayed on in France, and were given places in the household of the new queen, Claude. Anne writes about everything she experienced in France. Her love for her mistress, Queen Claude, her embarrassment at her sister’s misbehaviour.
She goes on to write of her transfer back to England, to serve Queen Katherine, wife of King Henry. Of how her chance meeting with the king leads to a love like no other. She describes the sacrifices that were made by both herself and Henry, because nothing could stop them from their love. Anne goes into great detail of her life as Henry’s “mistress”, the divorce from Katherine, the fracturing of the Catholic Church in England, her eventual life as queen, and so on.
What’s different about this book I hear you say. Well, although obviously it’s fictional, and in no way represents the truth of how Anne felt, the author goes into great detail regarding Anne’s thoughts and feelings. Every part of the story is fleshed out by allowing Anne to write of her thoughts, how she felt, what she regretted etc. It just gives the book a very human perspective. Anne comes across as likeable, which in many historical fiction books she doesn’t. As I say, although there’s no evidence to show that this is how Anne felt/thought, it does give the book a richer plot. Anne admits her faults, takes the blame where blame is due, and gives her side of the story in a very real, human way.
I was actually lucky enough to come across this book in unusual circumstances. One of my other passions aside from history, is true crime. I found Holly, the author, by chance in a true crime Facebook group, where we got chatting about the story of Mary I (or “Bloody Mary” as the topic in the group was the executions that Mary ordered during her reign as queen, in her effort to rid England of heretics and return to the Catholic Church). I do want to make it clear though, I paid for the book myself, and was in no way obligated to write a good review.
Anne begins her story at her childhood, describing the love and relationships she had with her siblings; her older sister Mary, and her younger brother George. She writes about her parents ambitions for their children, and the wonderful fortune when her father secures her a place at the court of Marguerite of Austria, the regent of the Netherlands. There, Anne will begin her formal education, and perhaps secure a marriage with a wealthy nobleman at Marguerite’s court. She writes in detail about everything she experienced in the Netherlands, although she was only there a short time. This was because her father managed to gain places for both of his daughters at the French court, to serve the young English queen Mary Tudor. The king of France died shortly afterwards, and Mary Tudor returned to England, but both Boleyn sisters stayed on in France, and were given places in the household of the new queen, Claude. Anne writes about everything she experienced in France. Her love for her mistress, Queen Claude, her embarrassment at her sister’s misbehaviour.
She goes on to write of her transfer back to England, to serve Queen Katherine, wife of King Henry. Of how her chance meeting with the king leads to a love like no other. She describes the sacrifices that were made by both herself and Henry, because nothing could stop them from their love. Anne goes into great detail of her life as Henry’s “mistress”, the divorce from Katherine, the fracturing of the Catholic Church in England, her eventual life as queen, and so on.
What’s different about this book I hear you say. Well, although obviously it’s fictional, and in no way represents the truth of how Anne felt, the author goes into great detail regarding Anne’s thoughts and feelings. Every part of the story is fleshed out by allowing Anne to write of her thoughts, how she felt, what she regretted etc. It just gives the book a very human perspective. Anne comes across as likeable, which in many historical fiction books she doesn’t. As I say, although there’s no evidence to show that this is how Anne felt/thought, it does give the book a richer plot. Anne admits her faults, takes the blame where blame is due, and gives her side of the story in a very real, human way.
I was actually lucky enough to come across this book in unusual circumstances. One of my other passions aside from history, is true crime. I found Holly, the author, by chance in a true crime Facebook group, where we got chatting about the story of Mary I (or “Bloody Mary” as the topic in the group was the executions that Mary ordered during her reign as queen, in her effort to rid England of heretics and return to the Catholic Church). I do want to make it clear though, I paid for the book myself, and was in no way obligated to write a good review.
December 30, 2019
This book did a fabulous job of shedding light on the truth of who Anne Boleyn really was! Anne is not what history has painted her to be. In reality, Anne was complex, strong, and intelligent. This book shows the true complexity of who Anne was, as well as the pain she endured and the strength she contained. If you are looking for a book that exposes the truth of who Anne was (while adding in some fiction), this would be the one to read. It was also nice to read from Anne's perspective.
The book does have potential in the world of historical fiction. However, there are some parts of the book where lines seemed to be a replica of the lines used in the TV series, The Tudors. As one who has not read memoirs of Anne Boleyn, I am not sure if these lines were truly said by Anne. It would be nice to be provided with a reference section at the end of the book so that the reader can decipher what is fact and what is fiction. For example, were the letters used truly those sent? A reference section could add a little more integrity and truth to the book. The author clearly did research. There were also MANY spelling and grammar mistakes throughout the book.
Overall, if you are looking for a nice read that is from Anne's perspective, this is the one for you! I would recommend!
The book does have potential in the world of historical fiction. However, there are some parts of the book where lines seemed to be a replica of the lines used in the TV series, The Tudors. As one who has not read memoirs of Anne Boleyn, I am not sure if these lines were truly said by Anne. It would be nice to be provided with a reference section at the end of the book so that the reader can decipher what is fact and what is fiction. For example, were the letters used truly those sent? A reference section could add a little more integrity and truth to the book. The author clearly did research. There were also MANY spelling and grammar mistakes throughout the book.
Overall, if you are looking for a nice read that is from Anne's perspective, this is the one for you! I would recommend!
July 15, 2020
Told in the first person, this is a truly fascinating story of Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII. We relive Anne's life through her own eyes, from the happy, privileged daughter, playing with her siblings Mary and George in the grounds at Hever Castle to her very last moments in the royal apartments at the Tower of London.
Though this story is partly fiction, the book is extremely well researched with loads of facts thrown in and the historical figures we know from the history of the Tudors are vividly portrayed and brought to life by Holly.
Whether you've read lots of books about Anne before like me or you're new to her story Holly’s book is wonderful, it’s a piece of history so vivid and detailed rich in twists and turns, so utterly beautiful yet brutal.
Anne Boleyn comes across in this novel as an extraordinary woman, especially for her time educated, sophisticated, funny, witty and clever but she also took incredible risks, whether by choice or by force and ultimately she was betrayed by the man who loved her, gave her everything, the same man who then took it all away.
Holly’s account of the life of one of England's most fascinating Queens IMO is absolutely first-rate.
Though this story is partly fiction, the book is extremely well researched with loads of facts thrown in and the historical figures we know from the history of the Tudors are vividly portrayed and brought to life by Holly.
Whether you've read lots of books about Anne before like me or you're new to her story Holly’s book is wonderful, it’s a piece of history so vivid and detailed rich in twists and turns, so utterly beautiful yet brutal.
Anne Boleyn comes across in this novel as an extraordinary woman, especially for her time educated, sophisticated, funny, witty and clever but she also took incredible risks, whether by choice or by force and ultimately she was betrayed by the man who loved her, gave her everything, the same man who then took it all away.
Holly’s account of the life of one of England's most fascinating Queens IMO is absolutely first-rate.
January 24, 2021
I have read many books about Ann over the years. I did encountering a book that was from her viewpoint. I feel as if she was represented as being a much nicer person than she actually was. Many facts in the book didn't happen as they were portrayed.
Anne was not with Henry when he had his jousting accident and did not stay with him until he woke up. What happened at her arrest and trail was also not correct.
Anne was not with Henry when he had his jousting accident and did not stay with him until he woke up. What happened at her arrest and trail was also not correct.
March 17, 2021
What a wonderful book....
Holly seemed to get into the head of Anne boylen from when she was a child, through to courtship with henry, to becoming queen and finally her last days on earth. Retelling anne boleyns story her way
Many have tried to tell my story....but none have told the truth. I will have my say.
Holly seemed to get into the head of Anne boylen from when she was a child, through to courtship with henry, to becoming queen and finally her last days on earth. Retelling anne boleyns story her way
Many have tried to tell my story....but none have told the truth. I will have my say.
December 4, 2020
Anne in the First Person
Interesting take on the.life of a well known historical figure. Well researched and told completely from Anne Bolelyn's point of view. If this is to be believed she was more in love with Henry the VIII than I thought.
Interesting take on the.life of a well known historical figure. Well researched and told completely from Anne Bolelyn's point of view. If this is to be believed she was more in love with Henry the VIII than I thought.
December 11, 2020
Might be appropriate for a 12-13 year old girl. Poorly written. Run on. Inappropriate use of contemporary slang and informal language in Tudor mouths. Would not recommend this book
March 26, 2021
What a book. Anne is brought to life wonderfully by a highly talented author.
Buy this book now! You will not regret it 🙌🙌
Buy this book now! You will not regret it 🙌🙌
October 20, 2019
The story of Anne Boleyn is one of love, triumph, and tragedy. Her tale has been told in many different ways in the several centuries since her execution by many different people. Except by Anne Boleyn herself. We never truly understood what it might have felt like when she went to court for the first time, what it must have felt like to have fallen in love with King Henry VIII. How she might have felt when she had her daughter and experienced her numerous miscarriages. The devastation she must have felt when she found out about Henry’s abusive side, his mistresses, and her ultimate demise. That is until now. In Holly-Eloise Walters’ debut novel, “The Most Happy”, Anne Boleyn tells her personal story, giving the readers a better understanding of the legend.
I would like to thank Holly- Eloise Walters for sending me a copy of her book to read and review. It can be nerve-wracking when you give someone your debut book to read and I am glad I got a chance to read it.
Normally with historical novels, we are introduced to the protagonist by being in their childhood home. That is not the direction that Walters takes as we are introduced to Anne Boleyn as she is in her lowest point, in the Tower waiting to be executed. She is alone, wishing that she could be saved, but knowing that she was going to die. Anne is firm in her love for Henry, even after all they have been through, but her one desire is to see her daughter Elizabeth “Lizzie” in this novel, again. It is in her darkest hour that she chooses to reflect on her life, which is the bulk of this book.
What Walters does extremely well is focused on the relationships that were central in Anne’s life. Obviously, the biggest relationship was the relationship between Anne and her husband King Henry VIII. To say that their relationship was complicated would be an understatement. They started off falling madly in love with one another, not caring who they hurt as long as they were together, but then it dissolved into a rather abusive relationship. Walters also touches on the relationships between Anne and her family. While I agree with how Anne’s relationships with her siblings George and Mary, I do not necessarily agree with how Walters portrays Anne’s relationship with her parents, but that is just a personal comment. This portrayal of Anne’s life is very raw and real, focusing on emotions and relationships.
The one real concern that I had when I was reading this particular novel was the lack of details about the locations and physical descriptions of the people, which can be a difficult thing to do. It was a tad difficult to visualize the people and the locations, but I believe that as Walters grows as an author, she will get better with her descriptions.
Overall, I think this was a very good debut novel. Walters obviously cares about telling Anne’s story through her eyes. It is a bit raw and rough around the edges, but where it shines is the portrayal of the relationships between Anne and those who were around her and were important in her life. You really feel sympathy for Anne Boleyn and heartache for her through Walters’ easy to follow writing style. This may be Walters’ first novel, but I do see potential in her writing. If you would like a new novel about Anne Boleyn from her perspective, I would recommend you read, “The Most Happy” by Holly-Eloise Walters.
I would like to thank Holly- Eloise Walters for sending me a copy of her book to read and review. It can be nerve-wracking when you give someone your debut book to read and I am glad I got a chance to read it.
Normally with historical novels, we are introduced to the protagonist by being in their childhood home. That is not the direction that Walters takes as we are introduced to Anne Boleyn as she is in her lowest point, in the Tower waiting to be executed. She is alone, wishing that she could be saved, but knowing that she was going to die. Anne is firm in her love for Henry, even after all they have been through, but her one desire is to see her daughter Elizabeth “Lizzie” in this novel, again. It is in her darkest hour that she chooses to reflect on her life, which is the bulk of this book.
What Walters does extremely well is focused on the relationships that were central in Anne’s life. Obviously, the biggest relationship was the relationship between Anne and her husband King Henry VIII. To say that their relationship was complicated would be an understatement. They started off falling madly in love with one another, not caring who they hurt as long as they were together, but then it dissolved into a rather abusive relationship. Walters also touches on the relationships between Anne and her family. While I agree with how Anne’s relationships with her siblings George and Mary, I do not necessarily agree with how Walters portrays Anne’s relationship with her parents, but that is just a personal comment. This portrayal of Anne’s life is very raw and real, focusing on emotions and relationships.
The one real concern that I had when I was reading this particular novel was the lack of details about the locations and physical descriptions of the people, which can be a difficult thing to do. It was a tad difficult to visualize the people and the locations, but I believe that as Walters grows as an author, she will get better with her descriptions.
Overall, I think this was a very good debut novel. Walters obviously cares about telling Anne’s story through her eyes. It is a bit raw and rough around the edges, but where it shines is the portrayal of the relationships between Anne and those who were around her and were important in her life. You really feel sympathy for Anne Boleyn and heartache for her through Walters’ easy to follow writing style. This may be Walters’ first novel, but I do see potential in her writing. If you would like a new novel about Anne Boleyn from her perspective, I would recommend you read, “The Most Happy” by Holly-Eloise Walters.
November 8, 2019
Being almost as big a fan of history and the wives of Henri VIII as it sounds like our author is, this book all but leaped off the page for me to read. When I realized it was written in the first person, I was even more excited since I then felt like Anne herself was speaking to me. What a novelty and gift at the same time.
I had always looked at Anne as something of a brat and it was Henry's first wife, Cathrine of Aragon who was degraded, mistreated and overlooked. After Lady Anne's sentence to the Tower and reading what could well have been her personal and painful feelings, well, I may want to re-think that.
I was so impressed that Ms.Walters was willing to tackle such a challenging historical character as a novice author. As I am in the process of writing my first releasable books, I know how much chutzpah it takes and feel she did a very good job for a first book. If you too love historical fiction and/or Anne Bolyn in particular, you will truly enjoy this book.
5❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I received a free ARC of this book at my request and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I had always looked at Anne as something of a brat and it was Henry's first wife, Cathrine of Aragon who was degraded, mistreated and overlooked. After Lady Anne's sentence to the Tower and reading what could well have been her personal and painful feelings, well, I may want to re-think that.
I was so impressed that Ms.Walters was willing to tackle such a challenging historical character as a novice author. As I am in the process of writing my first releasable books, I know how much chutzpah it takes and feel she did a very good job for a first book. If you too love historical fiction and/or Anne Bolyn in particular, you will truly enjoy this book.
5❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I received a free ARC of this book at my request and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 5, 2019
An interesting first-person telling of the story behind Anne Boylen. It is written as if you are either hearing her thoughts as she sits in the tower or as she is writing down an account of how everything happened from her point of view.
I've long enjoyed reading titles set during this time whether fiction or nonfiction. This one was not my favorite as it took a bit of time to become engaged. However, I greatly appreciated the different point of view from so many others. Especially when it comes to the last hours she spent on this earth with only her thoughts to pass the hours.
I was gifted a pdf copy of the novel for review.
I've long enjoyed reading titles set during this time whether fiction or nonfiction. This one was not my favorite as it took a bit of time to become engaged. However, I greatly appreciated the different point of view from so many others. Especially when it comes to the last hours she spent on this earth with only her thoughts to pass the hours.
I was gifted a pdf copy of the novel for review.
November 5, 2019
Holly-Elise Walters is a new writer for me to read. I don't read a lot of historical type novels, but this is definitely one that I was glad I read.
Anne Boleyn - Queen of England from 1533-1536 - is someone that we studied back in world history classes. I am amazed at how the author has brought her back to life and exposed parts of history that I didn't know existed. If is definitely a book that will keep your interest and educate you on what Anne was really like.
Looking forward to see what else Holly-Elise will write next!!!
Anne Boleyn - Queen of England from 1533-1536 - is someone that we studied back in world history classes. I am amazed at how the author has brought her back to life and exposed parts of history that I didn't know existed. If is definitely a book that will keep your interest and educate you on what Anne was really like.
Looking forward to see what else Holly-Elise will write next!!!
October 11, 2019
Fabulous
What an amazing read,brought Anne to life. I thoroughly recommended this book, I read it at least twice.more please.from this fabulous author.
What an amazing read,brought Anne to life. I thoroughly recommended this book, I read it at least twice.more please.from this fabulous author.
February 22, 2020
Good book.
The book was really good and hard to put down. I enjoyed reading Anne's story from her perspective. But there were too many typos and mistakes throughout the book.
The book was really good and hard to put down. I enjoyed reading Anne's story from her perspective. But there were too many typos and mistakes throughout the book.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews