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Liked It “Very good read. Adore historical fiction and the Tudors, so this was an easy picki.” see full review » see other reviews » |
Didn’t Like It “Jane in love with Wyatt? Didnt buy that for a second....kinda boring as I always find Jane to be...but typical of most books focused more on Anne than Jane. |
Newest Reviews
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“I thought this book was better than A Lady Raised High. Poor Jane so often is ignored in story lines because of her short reign but I thought this was a beautiful fictional portrait of a woman who is often scorned by Anne Boleyn admirers. ”
Kim S wrote this review Saturday, August 1 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No“Very good read. Adore historical fiction and the Tudors, so this was an easy picki.”
Kayla S wrote this review Saturday, June 13 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Not my favorite...but I do like this period in history.”
Helen R wrote this review Wednesday, May 20 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“Plain Jane by Laurien Gardner
Heather R wrote this review Saturday, May 16 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Queen Jane Seymour is one of the lesser known Queens of King Henry VIII and most certainly one of the least written about. Plain Jane by Laurien Gardner is the first book that I have read about Queen Jane and it did not disappoint.
The story begins at Wolf Hall, the family home of the Seymour's and we are introduced to Jane as a child. Her parents do not think that there are any prospects for Jane to find a husband and expect they will send her to a nunnery, because she is so plain. When the unlikely invitation is extended for Jane to join the court of Queen Catherine a chain of events are set off ultimately bringing her to the role of Queen.
This novel brings the reader through the reigns of Queen Catherine, Queen Anne, and then Queen Jane. What I found interesting is that these events are seen from the perspective of Jane where as most other books show these events from Anne's or Catherine's perspective. Much of the early portion of Jane's life is fictionalized, as not much is know about her before becoming Queen.
Overall, I found this author to be a very engaging writer. I would say that the writer's style is somewhat similar to Philippa Gregory. The characters are very well developed and the story flows convincingly through the years. I would recommend this to any one who want to know more of the story about Queen Jane Seymour.
4 out of 5 stars. ”“Jane in love with Wyatt? Didnt buy that for a second....kinda boring as I always find Jane to be...but typical of most books focused more on Anne than Jane.
memory g wrote this review Friday, May 8 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
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“Jane Seymour, the third wife of Henry VIII, and mother of his only surviving legitimate son, is usually given "short shrift" by history, possibly due to her common ancestory, plain looks, and undemanding nature. Gardner presents a thoughtful and entertaining fictional account of this quiet woman who is typically overshadowed by her predecessor, the mesmerizing Anne Boleyn.”
Darra W wrote this review Friday, November 7 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“sooo sad and yet touching- wonderful book- ”
Heather P wrote this review Thursday, October 9 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“This novel portrayed Jane Seymour as an innocent when it came to court politics, but an expert at making King Henry happy by treating him as a spoiled boy. At the beginning, we get to see a little of Jane's early life and her life as 'Plain Jane', though some of it is made up by the author.”
Laura W wrote this review Sunday, August 31 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“This historical romance brings to life the story of Henry VIII’s third wife. At a young age, Jane Seymour overhears her parents discussing their daughter’s fate. Their opinion is that since Jane’s face won’t win any prize for beauty and, with family finances not flourishing, it would be best to send their plain-featured daughter to a nunnery. Jane vows that one day, she will outshine her siblings. Sir Francis Bryan, a family cousin and close friend of the king, sees beneath Jane’s appearance and helps her secure a position as lady-in-waiting to Queen Catherine. King Henry is lusting after Anne Boleyn and wants nothing more than a son to secure his Tudor heritage. The beauty refuses his advances—she’s not going to make the same mistakes as her sister and mother did. Through Cromwell’s machinations, the king divorces his wife and marries the ravishing Anne. When the willful new queen does not produce a male heir, Henry’s roving eye falls upon Jane—much to her and the court’s surprise.
Robin636 wrote this review Friday, August 1 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
As Ms. Gardner notes of all the wives, Jane Seymour is “perhaps the least documented.” Not only will readers gain insight into Jane but the author paints a fascinating portrait of all the main characters involved in this intriguing time of Henry the Eighth. It’s wonderful to read a book that is well-written. A big plus for me, as a fan of this period in English history, was learning several things I didn’t know. Although the author has done a copious amount of research, her book is totally accessible. It’s a must-read for those who are interested in this compelling era and highly enjoyable even if you’re not.”
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