The Queen's Rival — Diane Haeger

KING HENRY VIII HAD MANY WIVES -- AND MANY LOVERS--BUT HIS FIRST WELL-KNOWN MISTRESS MIGHT BE THE MOST FASCINATING OF THEM ALL.

As the beautiful daughter of courtiers, Elizabeth "Bessie" Blount is overjoyed when she secures a coveted position as maid of honor to Katherine of Aragon. Her beauty and charm captivate many at court, but all are shocked when she captures the attention of the king himself. Though Henry has always felt kindly toward his queen, no one has ever ignited his passions the way Bess does. Both are swept up in a royal affair, and there are whispers that the queen ought to be worried for her throne.

When Bess gives birth to a healthy son -- something the queen has never been able to do -- the whispers become a roar. But little does Bess know that the Boleyn girls will soon come to court with their own aim to steal the heart of the king...

As Henry's love for her begins to fade, Bess must turn to her trusted friend, the illegitimate son of Cardinal Wolsey, to help her move beyond life as the queen's rival.