I found this book quite unsettling- though in a good way. It did not follow on as expected. I love the historical reach of this novel. The politics and one's lust for power were written so cleverly from the perspective of an apprentice confectioner and a Lady-in waiting who both become so much more. Ultimately, I love all the betrayal in this book that was expected in the time period. While this book has a slow pick-up (like 300 pages), I highly recommend reading it.