Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. Henry VIII is probably one of the most well-known kings, thanks to various movies and TV shows inspired by his reign, and many wives. This gives us a glimpse into his life with his first wife, and eventually his second wife, from each of their POVs. I found the differences surrounding the situation quite interesting, depending on who was delivering the narration. I recommend this for anyone looking to read a dramatization of such an important moment in history, especially given the unique format providing the POV of each key player. ~ Liliyana Shadowlyn (Reviewer) , NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. A fascinating look at a remarkable period in history, I thoroughly enjoyed this well-written, captivating read! ~ Natalie Shefler (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. I loved the premise of this book and felt it was really well executed. I really like the three-way narrative. I could easily imagine the staging of the story - I would love to be in the audience for it! ~ Kimberly O'Hara Nunez (Educator) , NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. This period of history is one of my favourites so I was delighted to see this book come out from a publisher which is always so reliable. The tension builds and releases throughout this great evocation of a period which gets a lot of attention but still offers up so many angles and new ways to explore well-known stories. ~ Haydon Spenceley (Reviewer) , NetGalley

4 Star Rating: I love the Tudor era it has turned out to be my favourite part of history so I was excited to read this. This is a fresh take on the divorce matter between Henry VIII and Katherine Aragon so he can wed Anne Boleyn. Its told in the first person so we get three points of views about the whole thing. I enjoyed the different take on it and if you like Tudor history then pick this up ~ Natalie Power, Amazon

I’m a Tudors obsessive, and I found this a fresh take on stories that we’ve all heard before. Highly recommended for history fans. ~ Claire Meadows (Media), NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. I admit I am a Tudor addict. And although I read most everything I can about this fascinating era of history, Thomas Crockett's book on Henry VIII and his first two wives was an excellent read. He tells the story as if it were current events, keeping front page focus on these three people as their story plays out in front of the world. A good take on what could have been a rehash of a story that's been told many times. ~ Denice Langley (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. What a unique concept for a novel. The Great Matter Monologues tells the story of the love triangle of Henry VIII, Katherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn through these 3 leading participants. Each character is given their own voice and presents the story through their own eyes. The author has really thought of the personalities involved and of the crisis and drama that they lived through. Wonderfully written and incredibly well researched, this is a must-read for all lovers of all things Tudor. ~ Sharon Connolly (Reviewer), NetGalley

..........This was well written and the author managed to write in the style pertaining to that era. I easily transported myself back to Henry's courts and could feel Henry's desperation as he tried to plead his case. This is a worth while and entertaining read, one which will indeed supplement anybody's current store of knowledge on this topic or which will also serve as an introduction to one of the most notable occurrences of dissent ever to have been witnessed on the English throne. ~ Clara Carter (Educator), NetGalley

As a complete Tudor fanatic, I was ever so excited to be accepted to read this. I gobbled it up in no time at all and enjoyed it very much, a nice easy read, and a period of time I can’t get enough of... would recommend to all history lovers. ~ L. J (Reviewer), NetGalley

.......I have read extensively on the subject and although I was not surprised by the inner thoughts of the three people involved in a politically and personally complicated Matter, I did enjoy the way these thoughts were delivered. All three have the opportunity to speak of their frustrations and expectations, and we learn how their minds work. This was what I enjoyed most about this novel.... ~ Beata B. Reviewer (Reviewer), NetGalley

..............This is an enjoyable read, with a more stylistic take on the Great Matter than I had previously seen. I would recommend it to history buffs, especially those who also have an interest in theatre. ~ Courtney Tonokawa (Reviewer) , NetGalley

Three persons involved in the so-called Great Matter deliver monologues and present their positions with regard to the divorce Henry VIII was so desperately seeking. I have read extensively on the subject and although I was not surprised by the inner thoughts of the three people involved in a politically and personally complicated Matter, I did enjoy the way these thoughts were delivered. All three have the opportunity to speak of their frustrations and expectations, and we learn how their minds worked. This was what I enjoyed most about this novel. All in all, an interesting offering by Mr Crockett, even though it may be a little difficult read for someone who has never read anything on the subject matter. ~ Beata B. Reviewer (Reviewer), NetGalley

I love all things to do with history and the Tudors, and this book was everything I hoped it would be. For me, the author told their stories in a way I haven't heard before. 4 stars! ~ Millie Scott-Allen (Reviewer) , NetGalley

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. This is a very familiar story told in a most interesting way. The three central characters, Henry the eighth, Queen Katherine and Anne Boleyn, are each given a voice and an opportunity to put forward their own accusations, and to show the cut and thrust of life at court. It reads like a script, and you can imagine each protagonist facing each other in a court of law and arguing their case. My only gripe in this otherwise splendid book, was that Anne Boleyn was portrayed without any great affection or respect. She came over as a shouty, whining woman, who was under a great deal of stress, but had a great influence on the ' new religion' which wasn't fully investigated or taken into account. Anne was the strongest character in this book, and has always fascinated scholars, even now. I greatly enjoyed this book. It will become a worthy addition to a school library or syllabus reading list. ~ Daphne Sharpe (Educator) , NetGalley

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. I can easily recommend this to fans of Philippa Gregory and Alison Weir. Though the story is familiar, the first person point of view is fresh and feels Personal. Like other reviewers, I felt that Anne Boleyn was written as more of a Shrew and less thoughtful than other histories account—yet, it did not ruin the enjoyment for me. Well done! ~ Christina Boyd (Reviewer), NetGalley

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. I really enjoyed this book so much. It has a really great plot, superb main characters and I read it in one sitting. I would highly recommend this book. ~ Stephanie Collins (Reviewer), NetGalley

Praise for Thorns in a Realm of Roses: '...a brilliant work of historical narrative fiction...truly remarkable, both as history and as fiction, and is definitely one to re-read.' ~ Mallory Haws, Netgalley