Tuesday, September 15, 2020

Anne Boleyn - Henry VIII Second Wife & GIVEAWAY!


Last month I wrote about Henry VIII's first wife, Catherine of Aragon. Henry's second wife, Anne Boleyn, is a bit more well known than his first.

                                 By English school - https://thetudortravelguide.com/2019/09/21/hever-castle/, Public Domain,                                                                     https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=106756494
Probably THE most recognized of the king's wives, and not for her beauty or her popularity. Anne was born to Thomas Boleyn the 1st Earl of Wiltshire and was educated in the Netherlands and in France where she was a maid of honor to Queen Claudia. In 1522 she returned to England to marry her Irish cousin, James Butler, 9th Earl of Ormond, but the engagement was soon to be broken off. Anne secured a position at court for Henry's first wife. A year later Anne again became engaged, this time to Henry Percy, son of the 5th Earl of Northumberland. But once again poor Anne's engagement was broken off on order of the king through Cardinal Wolsey. Everything I read suggests that Henry was not in love with Anne at this point, but me being the romance writer has to say hmmmm, something smells fishy here! 

By this point, Henry had already started having mistresses and Anne's sister Mary was one of them. Henry's eyes wander to Anne. Interestingly enough, Anne is not considered an attractive woman, however, she is very popular with the men at court. So the woman must have had a lot of charisma. Henry approaches Anne to be his mistress, but she gives him an emphatic no. Anne had no desire to be any man's mistress, including the king. Even after the king had sent her a note telling her that he would give up all his other mistresses and would devote himself to her. But Anne wanted more, she wanted a marriage and since Henry was already married that wasn't a possibility. 

  Mary Boleyn
By Manner of Remigius van Leemput - Royal Collection, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=92139235

Henry couldn't get Anne off his mind, so he started plotting how to rid himself of his first wife, Catherine of Aragon. For six years, under extreme pressure, the pope refused to give the king an annulment or divorce. But in 1533 Henry finally won his case with Anne and she married him while he was still married to Catherine. The Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Cranmer declared the first marriage to Catherine, null and void and five days later declared Anne and Henry's marriage valid. Pope Clemmons excommunicated Henry and Cramer, causing the first rift between the Church of England and Rome. Henry then took control of the church. 

              By William Powell Frith - bridgeman.co.uk, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=9084813
Anne had become arrogant and thus became quite unpopular at court. She had gotten what she wanted, or at least what she thought she wanted, the king as a husband. 

Anne gave birth to a girl, Queen Elizabeth I on September 7, 1533. Needless to say a girl was not what Henry wanted. Anne had two pregnancies that both ended in miscarriages. In early 1536, Anne gave birth to a still born little boy. By now Henry's eyes began to wander again, looking for the woman who could provide him with a legitimate heir. His desire fell on the third wife to be, Jane Seymour. 


But what does a king do with another unwanted wife? Henry sent her to the Tower of London in May of 1536. Charges of adultery were brought against her as well as, incest and plotting to kill King Henry. She was tried by a court of her peers (the ones who thought her arrogant) and found guilty. May 19th, Anne was beheaded leaving the way for Henry to marry Jane Seymour. 


What are your thoughts about King Henry or one of his wives? Leave a comment for an entry on the rafflecopter! Follow the rafflecopter link for a chance to win some fun prizes!

A Huge giveaway including my book, a Charleston Themed Basket, and a $50 Amazon Gift Card. Click Rafflecopter to enter. 

Bride by Blackmail releases TODAY!!!


A broken heart, a controlling father, and an intrusive Scot leave Charlotte Jackson reeling. Accused of stealing an heirloom pin, she must choose between an unwanted marriage and the ruin of her family name. With the futures of her three younger sisters at stake, as well as her own reputation, Charlotte must navigate through injustice to find forgiveness and true happiness.

Eager to find the traitor that caused the death of his brother, Duncan Mackenzie comes to America and attempts to fit in with Charleston society. But when the headstrong Charlotte catches his eye, Duncan takes on a second mission—acquiring the lass's hand. After being spurned several times, he uses unconventional ways of winning her heart.



Debbie Lynne Costello has been writing since the young age of eight. She went to college for journalism. She enjoys medieval settings and settings set in nineteenth century Charleston, South Carolina. She loves the Lord and hopes to touch people's lives through her stories. Debbie Lynne lives in the beautiful state of South Carolina with her husband of 40 years, their 4 children, 2 Tennessee Walking horses, 2 Arabians, miniature donkey, 6 ducks, and 3 dogs.

29 comments:

  1. I think it's appalling that the man, even though a king, could cast off women at his own whim. Congratulations on your book baby!

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    1. Thank you, Connie! I'm super excited! I can't imagine why any woman after his second wife would think that was a good idea to marry him!

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  2. This bit of history always makes me so sad. I’ve read other accounts that suggest Anne really did have an affair although it was never proven. It is heartbreaking that the King could be so selfish and cruel. And that the people let him get away with it. I’m sure there were probably a small few who were sympathetic to her plight, yet their voices were drowned out or they were too afraid to even speak up. So tragic.

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    1. It was a sad part of history and I guess it shows the true heart of King Henry and how little value he put on life. Especially if it didn't fit his agenda. He wanted a legacy with a son and instead he got a legacy because of his actions!

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  3. I think he was a womanizer and it's a shame that he had the control to do the things he did especially to Anne. Thanks for the chance.

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    1. Hey Lynn, It is hard to believe that even a King could have that kind of power at that time period. So sad. Thank you for coming by!

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  4. I think it's awful that he discarded women because he didn't get a son. I wonder what he would've done if he'd known that males create the sexes not females. Imagine that. Thank you

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    1. LOL! That is true and so funny. I feel sorry for these women. Taken in by wealthy and power. Thanks for coming by!

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  5. Thanks for sharing this intriguing information. I can't imagine Jane Seymour even considering this man! Congratulations on your new release.
    Blesings!

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    1. I know! I mean what would make her think that things would be better for her. Well, I guess they were in some way, she wasn't beheaded...Thanks for coming by Connie!

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  6. I have to say, I'm not very impressed with King Henry VIII. He seemed rather lewd. So sad that women were so disposable to him.

    Congratulations, Debbie, on the release of Bride by Blackmail! It sounds wonderful! Thank you for the chance to win such an awesome giveaway!! ~Alison Boss

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    1. Thank you, Alison! It is always exciting to get a new book out, but this one I really loved writing! It was a lot of fun.

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    2. Oops! I forgot to leave my email. It is: nj(dot)bossman(at)gmail(dot)com

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  7. Henry was King. Got to feel, and fear, for the wives

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    1. I think I'd have chosen to be single rather than get tangled up with him!

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  8. It was so awful how Henry treated his wives! Congratulations on your new release! Sounds so intriguing!

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  9. Hey Betsy! Thank you! So glad for this day to finally come!!

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  10. I think they all needed the Lord! We think the world is bad now but it always has been! jarning67(at)hotmail(dot)com

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    1. It has but I do feel like we have gotten even more depraved. But you are right, This world has always been full of sin. Thanks for coming by!

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  11. King Henry is a clear example of one who has been turned over to a reprobate mind.

    HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY, Debbie Lynne! ((((HUGS)))
    psalm103and138atgmaildotcom

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    1. Thank you, Caryl! :) Its been a busy day! And you are so right about King Henry!

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  12. Congratulations on the book your.

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  13. Sounds like a fascinating book. Looking forward to reading the book.

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  14. Interesting. I recently read Beyond the Sacred Page by Jack Cavanaugh, which was set partially in the Palace of Henry VIII and his wife, Anne Boleyn. It was quite fascinating. I am looking forward to reading your latest release!

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  15. I’ll ove this cover! The colors are great!

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