La Petite Boulain

Above all Others - The Lady Anne #1

by G. Lawrence, Brooke Aldrich (Editor), Raquel Neira (Illustrator)

May 1536London... a fallen queen sits waiting in the Tower of London, condemned to death by her husband. As Death looms before her, Anne Boleyn, second queen of Henry VIII looks back on her life...from the very beginning.Daughter of a courtier, servant to queens... she rose higher than any thought possible, and fell lower than any could imagine.Following the path of the young Mistress Boleyn, or La Petite Boulain, through the events of the first years of the reign of Henry VIII, to the glittering courts of Burgundy and France, Book One of "Above All Others; The Lady Anne" tracks the life of the young Lady Anne, showing how she became the scintillating woman who eventually, would capture the heart of a king.La Petite Boulain is the first book in the series "Above All Others; The Lady Anne" on the life of Anne Boleyn by G.Lawrence.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Tudor Period, Ebooks, Historical

302 pages, Paperback

Published June 16, 2020

About the author

I am an independently published author, and proud to be so. Living in a little cottage in Wales in the UK, I love where I live as much as I love to write.

The age of the Tudors has been an obsession for me since I was a child, and many of my upcoming books will center on that time, but I also pen the odd dystopian fiction or historical fiction from other time periods. I will be releasing all my titles on amazon, for kindle and then hopefully for print later.

I studied Literature (with a capital L) at University and usually have twenty or more books I'm currently reading. Reading and writing are about mood for me, and I haven't found a genre I didn't enjoy something about so far...

You can often find me on Wattpad or Twitter when I'm not writing...

Reviews

[Terry Tyler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Why did I love this book so much? Apart from the fact that Gemma Lawrence is a magical writer and you can feel the love for her subject oozing through the words, apart from the clever and subtle use of intricate research, it's because it shows the influences in Anne Boleyn's early life that made her the person she became, and a view of her other than the one so often portrayed. In La Petite Boulain, Anne is not the selfish, ambitious ice queen of Phillipa Gregory's The Other Boleyn Girl, for instance, but a serious, extraordinarily intelligent girl with great insight into the human psyche, a voracious appetite for many aspects of education, loyalty, and high moral standards. A thinker, a participant but also an astute observer in the game of courtly love, a woman who saw past the corruption and pretensions of the powerful church and nobility, with a genuine desire for change for the good of all.

Let us not forget that she was the mother of one of the greatest monarchs in English history; Elizabeth I did not only inherit her strength and wisdom from her father. This first book in The Lady Anne series depicts Anne's happy childhood at Hever castle, then her removal to various royal courts in France. Reading about how she was influenced by the great and noble women who took her under their wing, it is easy to see why she made such a huge impression on her return to the court of Henry VIII (though we have to wait for the next book to read Ms Lawrence's take on these events!).

Tudor addicts like myself often debate whether or not Anne really loved Henry VIII, if she was driven by ambition for herself, or was merely a pawn in the games of her father and her uncle, the Duke of Norfolk. Gemma Lawrence portrays Anne as a practical idealist, a romantic; it is not unthinkable that a girl such as herself might have fallen in love with the handsome, charismatic king. How his taking her sister, Mary, as a mistress must have irked her competitive spirit.

Aside from the portrayal of Anne herself, I loved this book for its comment on the lot of women during this period, of the way in which it shows how the people of five hundred years ago saw life, the world, the social structure, religion. So often the story of Henry VIII and his six wives begins when he casts off Katherine of Aragon for Anne, but in this book we see how it all began.

This part of the series begins and ends with Anne in the Tower, shortly before her execution. It's a terrific book, and I have just one warning: if you get it, as you really SHOULD, be prepared to groan in despair when you've finished it, as I did, because the next installment is yet to be published! Soon, soon....

[Fiona Forsyth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is great read for the Anne fans out there!
I enjoyed Gemma Lawrence’s take on Elizabeth the First, so was very pleased that she has turned to Anne Boleyn. Anne is a tricky subject for writers - she still arouses strong feelings, and film and television exacerbates this. How does one approach a much-covered subject?
In this book, we are taken through Anne’s early years with expertise. Gemma Lawrence doesn’t just know her subject she is passionate about it, and in this first person narrative, Anne comes across as so charming, clever and carefree. It is all the more heartbreaking as we know what will happen to this sympathetic young girl. Lawrence does not sugar-coat anything though. Anne describes a happy childhood with warmth and humour, and there is no doubt that she is much-loved, but she has no illusions about her ambitious father, for example. The characters and customs of the Tudor Court are expertly filleted by this very clear-seeing Anne.
I was also lucky enough to be given an Audible version and I was struck by the polished and sympathetic reading of Marnye Young. There is just the hint of a French accent, the accent suited to Anne and her early education abroad. This is sustained perfectly throughout. It is always very satisfying to listen to a good book read by someone who seems the natural choice to read it.

[SamiJo McQuiston · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is first and foremost extremely well researched. I love the attention to detail and the fondness the writer obviously has for her subject! I also love that this covers a part of Anne Boleyn’s life that is left out of or skimmed over by most authors. It’s very interesting to envision her before Henry VIII. No one touches much on what her childhood and teenage years would have been like, which is surprising because Anne Boleyn is such a captivating character in history. Both a damned and martyred woman. So many conflicting opinions and points of view. I found myself engrossed, and I will be reading the next book in this series!
The only real criticisms I have is that there are a few spelling and punctuation errors that ripped me out of the story. Also, sometimes the author talked in circles a bit and repeated information that only needed to be said once. This is a four out four from me!

[Norma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting Story

I liked this story. It was very interesting to read and I kept turning the pages, the only thing I found a bit difficult to get through was it was a little wordy at times.

[Geoffrey West]

Captivating read

I love Tudor history, and enjoy going back into the past via a good book. Le Petite Boulaine was one of the best I’ve read. Anne Boleyn remains one of English history’s most enigmatic and intriguing characters, so this book, which outlines her early life was a real treat.

Written from the first person point of view, Gemma Lawrence allows us to get under the skin of Ann, to know her innermost feelings and desires, especially the forces that influence her early life, for both good and ill. You get a real insight into what it must have bene like to be w woman in a powerful family in those days. That the actual identification with Ann is so intense is probably because of Ms Lawrence’s attention to detail is staggering, from the different kinds of food, clothing, décor, houses, dances and celebrations, indeed absolutely everything about the various courts of Europe, as seen by young Anne. You are transported back into the past in a captivating way, and I was particularly interested in the wayward behaviour of Anne’s sister Mary, that contrasted so much with Ann’s propriety.

If you like this period of history and are interested in the early life of the most interesting of Henry V111’s wives, then you’ll love this book. I certainly did, and am looking forward to reading the next one in the series.

[Hanna (lapetiteboleyn) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an area of the life of Anne Boleyn that few writers tackle - and even fewer in the kind of detail that Gemma Lawrence has here. Overall it is fun, lively and fascinating to read. If there is a criticism that I have, it's one that I'm tired of writing about this period and it's the Tower of London. It's been definitively proven that there is no way that Anne would have witnessed the executions of the men accused alongside her, and far from subsisting in a miserable dungeon she was housed in comfort and (relative) luxury. The tone of writing is different in these chapters too, less controlled and more hysterical and, strangely, less effective because of it.

[Gerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Immensely enjoyable book on Anne Boleyn's formative years superbly written by Gemma Lawrence, i am eagerly awaiting the sequel.

[Mrs S Ruck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

Couldn't put it down kept reading till early hours I haven't read any of these authors books before but will be looking out for more

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s a prologue that could have been covered in about 3 paragraphs instead of the multiple pages used to have Anne Boleyn tell the reader that she’s in the Tower, it’s the night before her execution, and oh, how did it all come to this? Let me review my life from the beginning. You know, standard Anne Boleyn book opener.

Then Anne narrates for the reader the events of her life starting her earliest memories, and since Lawrence chooses the 1501 date as her birthdate, Anne is around for, and, as a very precocious child, aware of, several major events of the opening of the 16th century, starting with the living myth of Henry VII being the ‘Great Uniter,” quickly shattered once he dies and Anne hears rumors about what a mister he was, and then she is in London to witness the coronation of Henry VIII.

The king’s coronation shines as we see from Anne’s point of view the golden prince at the height of his beauty, potential, and popularity – we see just how adored he was and how it was so plausible for him to have an entire country fall in love with him, which, ironically, being given so much power based on being adored, was a factor in him being able to become a tyrant.

But Anne sees it when it’s all hearts and flowers, the adored king and his beloved queen, and then the joy that grips the country when the New Year’s prince is born, and how everyone rejoices, and the Boleyns make happy if practical plans of how they will eventually serve the young prince and eventually rise through him.

Then, the tragedy of the prince’s death – but then, here we get something different. Most books jump ahead months or even years right after the baby Prince Henry dies – here we see the tragedy play out in agonizingly slow real time as first the news is spread of his death, and then the funeral has to be planned and orchestrated and witnessed – and the Boleyn family are just as involved in that as in anything else.

It sums up a lot about Anne’s family – to both feel the emotions on a human level of joy and despair – but to also approach every moment in life on a political level and how they can make it work for them.

Thomas Boleyn keeps hustling, and gets Anne a place as a maid-in-waiting to the Archduchess Margaret of Austria, and Anne spends the next few years learning a thing or two about what true Art and Culture and Fashion is – as well as Politics, Courtly Love, and Theology. Everything that will make her The Anne Boleyn, we see the foundations set here.

Then Anne’s father gets her posted to the French court and she gets a further polish to her education in how to navigate court politics as well as in introduction to the beginnings of the Reformation.

The Field of the Cloth of Gold gets a deserving heavy description, going into both how big it was – and how shallow – with descriptions of all the people and expenses for a peace treaty not worth the paper it was written on.

But it offers a chance for Boleyn family reunion, and Anne and Mary meet up again for the first time in years. Anne sizes her sister up in a glance as ‘earthy’ – ready for love, with no thought to consequences, and knows instantly she will never be like that. The two are polar opposites, and after Mary does face some consequences for her free love attitude, Anne becomes more sure than ever that holding back is the way to go.

There’s a little more time spent at the French court, then Anne is summoned back to England, and we finish book one with Anne on the deck of a ship, waiting to see what adventures the home country will offer…

Overall I liked the details of the time period and how deep we get into what makes not only Anne, but lots of people in her orbit, tick. I wasn’t a fan of the style of writing – of Anne giving us essentially a book worth of info dump as she talks to the reader, but that is the framework of the story, so while I wasn’t drawn fully into the story, I did like seeing Anne from this angle, examining just how much her time before the English court affected later events.

Onwards to Book Two!

[Olivia Castetter · Rating 5 out of 5]

If there was ever a controversial figure from history I’d love to meet, Anne Boleyn would be my top choice. From her simple beginnings in the English countryside to her adventures on the continent, to her role serving Queen Katherine of Aragon to replacing KoA on the throne, to giving birth to the remarkable Elizabeth I to Anne’s sudden fall from glory, every moment of Anne’s life fascinates me. More than that, in each factually-based depiction I’ve read of her, I can only believe that we are birds of the same feather. Priding ourselves on our intellect over our appearance, Anne was a woman far before her time, who, like myself five hundred years later, often found herself to be misunderstood by those around her. She found solace in the few like-minded individuals she knew on the continent and back home in England alike, but found that so much of her life was at the mercy of her elders – a tale I know all too well in my own life.

As a Tudorphile, I’m not sure I can begin to count the number of books I own that cover topics from the War of the Roses and Margaret Beaufort to Queen Elizabeth I’s rivalry with Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots. I am certain, though, that I have the most books about Anne Boleyn – and the author who graces my digital bookshelf more than any other is the incredible Gemma Lawrence.

This past week, I read La Petite Boulain (Above All Others: The Lady Anne Book 1) each night as I waited for my son to fall asleep. Ordinarily, I sit beside his bed as he drifts off to dreamland for no more than fifteen minutes – but with the words of Gemma Lawrence in my hands, that time increased five-fold.

Written from Anne’s perspective in the Tower of London in May 1536, La Petite Boulain begins a series that covers Anne’s entire life. As she reflects on much happier times than those she faced in the spring of 1536, Anne guides the reader through her youthful adventures at Hever to those on the continent, ultimately concluding as she leaves French Court to return to England for her marriage. Throughout Anne’s experiences, the author shows her love for the Tudor time period with exquisite attention to detail of every element of the life of a courtier while also bringing attention to many of the double-standards of the day (many of which we still see today, but more on that later!).

There is not a word in the English or French language that I can think of to express how much I enjoyed this book! The first book I read from Anne Boleyn’s perspective was The Kiss of the Concubine by Judith Arnopp, which left me wanting so much more of Anne. She was a woman I dream to meet in the next life, and Arnopp’s book tantalized me with superb understanding of Anne’s mind. When I found Lawrence’s books on the same figure, I couldn’t buy them fast enough – and now, I can’t read them fast enough!

La Petite Boulain is engaging on every page. It’s a must-read for every Tudor fan, regardless of your opinion – whether you are Team Katherine of Aragon or Team Anne Boleyn. For that matter, regardless of your opinion on Anne’s innocence (for the record, I’ll always believe she was innocent!) for the crimes that took her life, La Petite Boulain provides a wonderful exposition for her life (and downfall), giving each reader a fresh perspective on who this woman may have truly been.

I have read a great deal of Tudor historical fiction, and I have done enough research to at least earn me an Associate’s Degree in Tudor life, and, as such, Anne Boleyn. From all I have read, studied, and learned, I fully believe La Petite Boulain presents a realistic version of such a legendary, one-of-a-kind woman. For non-Tudor fans, I still recommend this book because of the author’s ability to bring tough topics, such as gender inequality and sexual assault, to attention in order to provide a reassurance that we are not the first generation to encounter these matters.

[Gordon Thursfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prologue - The reader is introduced to Anne Boleyn awaiting execution; imprisoned in the tower of London on 17th May 1536. Not for the first time in Henry VIII's reign, "around the throne thunder rolls".

Anne announces chillingly "I am not alone. Ghosts and spies surround me. I cannot run, nor hide. Shapes seem to move in the darkness about me. The walls of this, my most opulent prison, are filled with the ghostly faces of those who were here before me. Their hollow faces stare out at me, watching me...".
She reflects "Some of them are men I condemned to die here, if not by my hand, then by my will."

The excellent prose continues throughout the prologue as Anne reflects further, and ends the introduction with "I will not let my mind linger in this prison. There are other paths I wish to wander, this night."

Thereafter Anne narrates her own early childhood from 1505 – 1512 at Hever Castle in Kent including family visits to London for state occasions.
"My mother’s sparkling eyes are blue and bright; they mirror the skies. Her pale cheeks are flushed with the pleasure of the day; she is young and she is beautiful."

As Anne progresses through childhood the author convincingly describes relationships, and events seen through Anne’s eyes, with some of the most-rich and descriptive prose you could ever wish to read.
The type may be black and white and motionless, but the pictures painted by the author's beautiful words and phrases are full of vivid colour, sound, odour and movement.
Anne is presented in some detail as a happy, sensible, precocious child and young adult full of life, with a sense of humour as well as duty to her father’s ambition.

Anne further narrates her teenage years.

In 1512 as a 12 year old Anne leaves England for the Court of Margaret of Austria at the palace of Mechelen and her residence at La Vure.
“She looked me over. “We shall have to call you La Petite Boulain,” she jested lightly, looking me up and down.”

In 1514 “I was to join the wedding party of Henry’s sister, the Princess Mary Tudor of England. Mary was to wed the aged King of France, Louis XII, and she required ladies-in-waiting with a good command of the French...”

“In early December of the year 1521, I received a letter from my father, ordering me back to England, back to a homeland that I had not seen for years.”
“I knew that I would never be as happy in England as I had been in France. I was returning to England; a stranger in a strange land.”

The rich, descriptive prose is complemented by a historical soundness that reflects the author's deep knowledge of Tudor history.
Anne's story is convincing, and this first part is a most enjoyable read for any fan of Tudor history, Royal Court life or romance. Anne’s encounters with European Royalty, particularly friendship with Princess Marguerite de Navarre, the most influential woman in France, left her well qualified to succeed as an important Queen of England.

The prologue resumes as epilogue
“17th May, 1536 The Tower of London The wind whips past the window, startling me from memories of the past...”
“George looked up, and our eyes locked in one last goodbye in this world. He inclined his head to me and then bowed; the guards did not move to hold him. The others, standing near him, saw his actions and bowed to me also; Weston, Norris, Brereton…. all but Smeaton, who stood snivelling, wiping his nose on his sleeve, with his face turned from mine.

The past calls to me, and I give myself up to memories...” (To be continued)
In Part Two; The Lady Anne, Anne Boleyn returns to the lands of England, and to the court of Henry VIII.

Highly recommended.

[Frances Wray · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am seriously conflicted on how I feel about the set of books in the Anne series, and also (for the same reasons) by the two books about Catherine Howard by the same author. On the plus side the stories are all well researched and highly detailed, and the authors love of history is palpable.

For those interested in Tudor history this gives life and adds backstories to the complex web of characters that are important during the period. If you read all the books in the various series you start to understand the fascinating and disturbing ways in which key characters interplay over the decades of Henrys' reign. For example, George Boleyn's wife, after seeing her husband executed for treason with Anne, eventually becomes implicated and executed for her role in the treason of Catherine Howard, and so on.

The descriptions of the costumes, foods, and locations (many of which are now lost to us) are rich and interesting, and the wider scope offered by starting the narrative earlier than in most novels adds depth and interest. I also respected the authors attempt to show how Anne was truly religious (down played by many modern writers), the reality of which is borne out by how Archbishop Cramer questioned the evidence against her because he rightly believed to be out of character.

I also think the author clearly understands the dynamics of abusive relationships when power is all invested in male hands, but her characters responses seem too modern in that they consider themselves abused. The degree to which women complied (as revealed in first-hand accounts of the period) becomes less surprising when we remember that at this time women had virtually no independent status. Thus, women were forced to submit without question if their lives were directed, or if they were beaten or discarded by male relatives, or by their husband. Though the treatment was often appalling, it was considered normal, even by the women themselves. This mindset becomes more accessible when it is contextualized against an average Tudor life expectation of just 35 years, in a society where public hanging, drawing and quartering, or boiling in oil were considered acceptable forms of execution. Life for many could be brutal and short, and expectations of happiness low; you endured as best you could, with religion acting as the universal panacea (which is why it was taken so seriously).

Devices such as starting and ending each of the Anne books with (yet another) night before death in the Tower become repetitive and somewhat tedious. Also, there are endless paragraphs where the same adjective or phrase is used twice in subsequent sentences. In one of the books "Thomas more" is written as I have shown (without the capital M for his surname); across multiple areas the editing needs a serious upgrade to bring these books to the next level.

Overall I would say the series are rather better than most historical romances, and the research and character development are solid. They are very close to being excellent, but I did find the editing lacked professionalism, which sadly rather marred my pleasure.

[KATE READS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many books have been written about “La Petite Boulain”, or Anne Boleyn, and many movies have shaped the way we perceive her. In this historical fiction, author G. Lawrence chooses to tell the story from a first-person perspective.
It is a major challenge to imagine what life might have been like for one of history’s most notorious women – a challenge that Lawrence handles so well, blending her meticulous research with her clear understanding of the Tudor era, giving both Anne and the other characters a voice that feels genuine and believable.
This book recounts Anne's story before she met Henry, starting with her waiting for her fate to be decided at the Tower of London. From the opening pages, I was immediately captivated, and throughout my reading, it was as if I was walking in her footsteps, almost feeling her heartbeat.
The story is told through the eyes of a young Anne who is likable and easy to sympathise with. Although it is a story of ambition, and how ambition looked different for women than it did for men at the time in the Royal circles, the common denominator is how many sought to advance their positions. Lawrence lends a voice to Anne, letting the reader follow what shaped and moulded young Anne – the connections she had at court proved, at least for a period of time, to benefit her in her ambitions of finding herself a good match.
Anne is clever and ambitious, and despite her carefulness, she has an aura of innocence rarely seen in works about her life. We see her drawing influence from notable figures, from Margaret of Austria at Mechelen to Leonardo da Vinci, and Lawrence describes these events vividly, allowing the reader to step into the courts and chambers, and to experience the sights, sounds, and sensations through the eyes of the main character.
Lawrence has a new fan in me. Her storyline is plausible, her writing flows smoothly, and she effectively keeps the reader engaged and craving more. Brilliant writing. Entertaining writing and a fresh approach to what might have occurred in the life of a small woman whose well-documented actions created some of the biggest changes in England.

[Patricia Furstenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

G. Lawrence's "La Petite Boulain" is a fascinating journey through Anne Boleyn's life that captivated my heart and mind from the first page. Set in the Tower of London in May 1536, the novel provides a unique perspective, narrated by Anne herself as she reflects on the happier times in her life amidst the turmoil of her final days.

From her idyllic childhood at Hever to her adventures on the continent, the story paints a vivid picture of Anne's life, culminating in her return to England for marriage. Lawrence's exquisite attention to detail brings the Tudor period to life, transporting readers to the world of courtiers while shedding light on the era's double standards.

I was completely captivated by the author's depiction of Anne, which felt authentic and true to history. From beginning to end, the book captivated me, transporting me to Tudor times with its vividly drawn characters and immersive narrative. I found myself living and breathing the story alongside Anne, unable to pull away until the very end.

"La Petite Boulain" is a must-read for Anne Boleyn and Tudor history fans. It succeeds on every level, providing a compelling narrative that remains true to its historical roots while also providing a new perspective on one of history's most intriguing figures. I cannot recommend it highly enough—it is a book that will stay with you long after you've finished reading it.

[Amy McElroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, the first in the series covers the years from 1505 when Anne is a child spending her carefree days at Hever castle to 1521 when she returns to England from the court of France.

I haven't read much about Anne as a child so this intrigued me from the start and I was certainly not disappointed.

Anne's journey to Mechelen then the court of France was fascinating. I loved the details of the courts and those she met along the way.

It was interesting to read about her relationship with her family and how she came to be interested in Henry VIII.

For me the best part is her time in France, the Field of the Cloth of Gold and the vivid depiction provided by Lawrence. I find it incredible that through the narrative I can picture the false castle built by the English and the dresses wore by the ladies of the court.

This is an absolutely fabulous account of historical fiction woven with history that results in a beautiful, captivating book and I cannot wait for the next in the series.

[E.J. Shaw · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Tudor history and ‘hist fic’ is a favourite genre of mine, ever since I first picked up an old battered copy of The Other Boleyn Girl in a second hand book shop.

So my interest was piqued when I discovered @TudorTweep on Twitter and her plethora of Tudor novels.

I must say, Lawrence’s grasp of Tudor England is worthy of note. It’s obvious that a lot of research has gone into the creation of this series, from dialogue and mannerisms to customs and landmarks.

Lawrence has managed to weave a fictitious, yet entirely plausible, storyline against a backdrop of genuine historical events and facts.

It was well-written and, unlike other Boleyn novels that span Anne’s entire life over the course of one book, an incredible amount of detail has been injected into the series so it reads almost like a journal account of her life, albeit in easy, digestible instalments.

I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys a bit of Tudor historical fiction.

[Berita · Rating 4 out of 5]

The books by G. Lawrence are highly detailed and exciting to read, and this book is no exception. We meet Anne in the tower, a few days before her own execution - and she looks back on her life. In this first book the focus is of her childhood and youth in the French Court. I love reading these books, and the story of Anne Boleyn has always fascinated me. In some strange ways, she reminds me of the grand ship Titanic. So much splendor, so much richness and grandeur - and such a short life, with a tragic ending. Like the ship, Anne truly believed nothing could go wrong - but her story inevitably follow the bittersweet way to the abyss.

I look forward to read the next books in the series.

[Harriet Steel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author clearly has great fondness for her subject and the young Anne Boleyn is portrayed in a very sympathetic light. I don't know enough about her early life to judge whether she really was the paragon of virtue portrayed, but it's recorded that she was very accomplished and intelligent and those qualities stood her in good stead when she set her heart on Henry VIII. The author's style is polished and charming and she's obviously done a great deal of research. My only criticism is that sometimes the plot gets rather bogged down in historical detail, and, fascinating as that is, it does interrupt the flow of the story.

[Evil Secret Ninja · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would give this 3.5 stars if I could the writing style was nice and and it was interesting to read. I am a big fan of fantasy and this book gave me a good idea of where the idea for many of the elements in fantasy come from. History has not been kind to women and their power in the world and in history. I have to wonder how much has changed since then or are women still thought of first at property and a way of gaining social status for the men in our life. I have to say some advances have been made but we still live in a man's world.

[Reading-for-life (Angela Sanford) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very well written book about the life of Anne Boleyn! The books that I have read so far have been about Anne's life, at the point of her courtship of King Henry VIII, but this one begins by showing a very much younger Anne Boleyn. I have never read any of author G. Lawrence's books before and found this one by chance. I enjoyed discovering how Anne was brought up and learning more about her. I look forward to reading the next book in this series!

[Candace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing start to an amazing series

I have read the entire series and I absolutely loved reading about Anne's childhood, along with her time in France. This book really lays the foundation of why Anne held Henry off and why most of the court was mesmerized by her. Lawrence has a wonderful way of bringing her to life in a way that makes you feel you are there watching Anne grow.

[Keely · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read a lot of tudor fiction and this is one of the best ones. I wish it was more popular than it is, as it deserves it. She has the ability to render unknowable people feel somewhat real. I know sometimes splitting the story into a lot of parts sometimes seems too much, but with people with such dramatic lives, it's well needed to do them justice.

Hopefully the next parts will be available on audio soon.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

this read more like a non-fiction book than fiction. i know it must have been difficult to imagine what Anne's life was life pre-henry, but there wasn't a lot of imagining going on. it was just pages of descriptions of clothes and food. they were beautiful descriptions, but it took more than half the book for something to actually happen. i am going to read the 2nd though.

[Joanne M. Delude · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read several of G. Lawrence's books and she is now one of my favorite authors. This book about Anne Boulain I read after reading Ms. Lawrence's books about Elizabeth I. It was so fun to read about pre-Elizabeth's time and how Anne and Henry came to be. I am currently reading the sequel, Lady Anne, and enjoying it just as much.

[Mary Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little wordy and a lot of flowery descriptions, but overall an enjoyable read if you like reading about the Tudors. I will read the next and hope that the author can keep a series of books about Anne Boleyn as clean as she can. So far I like this author's take on her. I hope you keep writing and I look forward to reading your series with Elizabeth; one of my favorite Queens to read about.

[LOIS CASSIDY · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be Anne Boleyn

You will never think of or feel the same about Anne Boleyn after reading this first of Gemma Lawrence's historical novels! As a reader I easily identified with and related to a very real Anne. I know the facts about Anne's life but I'm meeting the person, Anne, in this book. I'm anxious to continue this relationship . . . .

[K.T. McColl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although historical fiction is not my usual go-to genre (until now, it seems), La Petite Boulain was a revelation. Well-written and evocative, it paints a compelling picture of the Tudor Court. In fact, I was so taken with the story of Lady Anne that I quickly moved on to the subsequent volumes. Nicely done!

[Author Raven Storm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful glimpse into Anne’s childhood

I have read many book about Mistress Bolelyn, but few have ever delved into her past childhood and her time at the french court. It was entertaining and informative to read about historical events (such as the Field of Cloth of Gold) from Anne’s perspective as I had previously heard it from Henry and Mary Tudor’s.

[Juliane Weber · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good story, but too repetitive

Although I found the portrayal of Anne Boleyn and the story as such very interesting, unfortunately, I found the book too repetitive, which made me enjoy it less than I had thought I would. Interesting historical details, but too many mentions of the same thing within the same section. Therefore, only worth three stars for me.

[Kristy Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent rendering of Anne Boleyn

This is a very good book and well written in my opinion. I am looking forward to reading anything else by this author. I feel like I knew Anne personally through its pages.