"A capable, empathetic historical recap with an unusual heroine..."

Kirkus Reviews,
for Roses Have Thorns

"Rich in historical detail, full of intrigue, and starring a memorable heroine—Juliana St. John—who grows in both character and faith, Sandra Byrd's The Secret Keeper kept me completely engrossed in the tumultuous court of Henry VIII. I felt a part of the times, thanks to the author's skillful storytelling, vivid descriptions, and inspiring characters. Readers are in for a special treat with this remarkable novel."

Francine Rivers,
New York Times bestselling author

"Sandra Byrd's remarkable book, The Secret Keeper, provides exquisite attention to detail of time, language, and place. A deft creation of character voice that invites the reader in and never lets her go. A delicate suspense that keeps pages turning. And throughout, the evidence of a remarkable storyteller who moves emotions in ways that both inspire and satisfy. I fell in love with Juliana St. John and with her heart, and hope she and her secrets find the widest possible audience."

Jane Kirkpatrick,
New York Times bestselling author of Where Lilacs Still Bloom

"Juliana’s character as the main protagonist is both surprisingly fresh and perfectly presented. There is much more to her than a lady’s maid, and finding out her secrets as the story unfolds is a great pleasure. Unlike many novels of this kind — which portray a fictional character in the lead — this one works very well. A female’s place in society is expanded upon, but not so much as to become monotonous and spoil the historical theme."

Historical Novel Society

"The Secret Keeper is simply superb. It grabbed me from the start and never let go. [...] Even readers who shy away from the well-researched historical will get wrapped up in the Tudor trickery and lovely romance within this story. Byrd's tightly woven plot is laced with ever-splicing threads of intrigue that worm their way into your imagination and all but tie the book to your hands. Read it!"

USA Today

"Atmospheric, dramatic and full of twists, this second title in Byrd's "Ladies in Waiting" series (after To Die For) is a sure bet for fans of... Tudor fiction."

Library Journal, starred review for The Secret Keeper

"Byrd crafts a well-researched historical novel that engrosses readers in Juliana's world and the juicy details of the Tudor court ... Anglophiles and history buffs alike will surely enjoy this bird's-eye view into royal politics, love, and scandal."

Publishers Weekly, for
The Secret Keeper

"...this stunning novel ...reexamines Boleyn's life from her beginnings to her rise and eventual fall in the Tudor court. Byrd's novel adds a depth to the character of Anne Boleyn that is often missing in other novels, and she brings the history to life in exquisite detail. Readers might indeed find themselves sympathizing with the young queen. Highly recommended for fans of Philippa Gregory. "

Library Journal,
Starred Review

"... offers a fresh look at the court of King Henry VIII."

Romantic Times,
Four Stars

"In TO DIE FOR, Sandra Byrd gifts the reader with a fresh look at Anne Boleyn through the eyes of her lifelong friend Meg Wyatt. But Meg commands her own interest and respect in the Tudor world of triumph and tragedy. Readers will be drawn to the events, beautifully depicted, but also to the emotions, skillfully conveyed. A new Tudor historical to treasure."

Karen Harper, Author of
The Queen's Governess

"Sandra Byrd's first venture into historical fiction is nothing short of brilliant. All the Tudor details are perfectly placed, like gemstones in a royal crown, yet there is far more to this compelling novel... Simply put, To Die For is the best historical novel I've read in many a season, a masterpiece of history and heart."

Liz Curtis Higgs, best-selling author of Here Burns My Candle

"Most readers of Tudor historicals think they know Queen Anne Boleyn. They'll meet a very different Anne in Sandra Byrd's wonderfully told To Die For. Meg, who rises and falls with Anne, seeks her own lost love and faith. Anne's influence during the English Reformation is an integral and refreshing part of this story, one that Byrd tells with authority... A novel to savor and return to."

Jeane Westin, author of His Last Letter: Elizabeth I and the Earl of Leicester

"In this moving story of a friendship that survives a queen's rise and fall, Sandra Byrd reaches beyond the familiar stereotypes to give us the story of two remarkable women: Anne Boleyn and Meg Wyatt. A refreshingly three-dimensional Anne, and a Meg of courage and integrity, make this novel a must for your Tudor library."

Susan Higginbotham, Author of The Queen of Last Hopes

"If you love Philippa Gregory, you'll adore Sandra Byrd! Through the eyes of Anne Boleyn's most trusted friend, Meg Wyatt, Ms. Byrd seamlessly weaves sacred threads of history with those of captivating imagination to take us on an unforgettable journey of the heart. I've no doubt that if Anne and Meg could somehow read To Die For, they would thank Ms. Byrd for telling their stories with such grace and beauty."

Tamera Alexander, bestselling author of
Within My Heart and The Inheritance

"Ms. Byrd shows a wonderful sense of time and place in her novel, To Die For. Her characters and her story are drawn with precision. The new life she breathed into well-worn notables like Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII, as seen through her character, Meg, is simply captivating."

Diane Haeger, Author of
The Queen's Rival