The Queen's Rival (54 page)

8. Henry continued to have strong feelings for Bess Blount long after their affair ended, yet not so with Elizabeth Carew, Jane Poppincourt, or Lady Hastings. Do you believe the source of those feelings was that she bore his child? There has long been conjecture that Mary Boleyn bore him children as well. What do you believe made the two circumstances different?

 

9. Henry VIII’s desire for an annulment from Katherine of Aragon is a running theme throughout the novel. Prior to reading
The Queen’s Rival
, what did you know about how the Church of England was formed? Did you realize this one royal marriage was pivotal in the formation of the American Episcopal Church as well?

 

10. Do you believe that, had Henry married Bess instead of Anne Boleyn, he might have remained content with her throughout the remainder of his life? If so, how would his life have been changed by a woman who loved him and whom he loved in return?

NEW AMERICAN LIBRARY NOVELS

BY DIANE HAEGER