I’m one of those people that believes that history affects literature and literature affects history so of course, this book focuses on the shenanigans that took place during Henry’s reign. The author, Katherine Longshore, did a great job with sticking to a lot of the historical facts that took place during this time period. Gilt was a great book to jump in and focus on the life of his teenage wife, Catherine Howard. He’s not my favorite king to read about, but there’s always something about his selfish choices and his numerous wives that lead to fascinating stories. And even though I didn’t love the book, I still enjoyed it. I love historical novels, but when it comes to King Henry VIII’s life being fictionalized, I usually cringe. This month, the book club that I am part of picked Gilt as our March read. LINKS: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | The Book Depository But court is also full of secrets, lies, and sordid affairs, and as Kitty witnesses Cat’s meteoric rise and fall as queen, she must figure out how to keep being a good friend when the price of telling the truth could literally be her head.

No longer stuck in Cat’s shadow, Kitty’s now caught between two men–the object of her affection and the object of her desire.

When Kitty Tylney’s best friend, Catherine Howard, worms her way into King Henry VIII’s heart and brings Kitty to court, she’s thrust into a world filled with fabulous gowns, sparkling jewels, and elegant parties. But it isn't too overtly graphic or overshadowing of the larger, more compelling story of Kitty, who finds the courage to cast off the shackles of an oppressive friendship and stand in her truth once she recognizes that living the dream of royalty also means living a lie.Genres: Young Adult, Historical Fiction, Romance The framework of 'Gilt' is the eventual beheading of Cat and the dangerous liaisons that led to it - so there is, by necessity, sexual content. The philandering Cat justifies her adultery by describing the king as a 'lame old fat man.' She and Kitty occasionally curse. Longshore seems cognizant of her young audience, writing with language that feels modern even if the context is not. Readers can practically feel the embroidered ball gowns and hand-stitched lace.

Longshore is 'a little obsessed with English history,' she writes in an author's note, and it shows in the era-appropriate details she works into her text.

Gilt by Katherine Longshore