This might be historical fiction, but these are all based on real times and events. What got me about this book in the series was not the scandal, or the rise of this queen or that princess... it was the religious persecution and the severity of consequences of heresy and treason. In a religiously stable country with strict laws it would be difficult, but over the span of a few monarchs here, the approved religion changed with every turn of the crown. Heretics in Mary's reign were tortured and burned at the stake left and right. To live in that kind of fear and uncertainty would be terrifying. It really makes me appreciate the freedoms we do truly have here in the US. 
 This is my third book by this author about the Tudor court and I am fascinated by the era and this woman's ability to write these stories rooted in truth but which read like pure fiction. I would frequently pause in the middle of a chapter and Google something on my phone, and I was often shocked at what I found. I plan to read the other 3 Tudor court books in the series and I look forward to the indirect history lessons to come.