Laurien Gardner

I enjoyed this book quite abit. I am not that familiar with Jane Seymour other than that she was the 3rd wife of Henry VIII-gave him his only living son, Edward and that supposedly she was the only wife he ever really loved.
I have to say while the novel was engrossing on many levels-Jane is somewhat boring. She is kind of like the oldest child who always does exactly what is expected of them. I did not know that she was considered plain and not very attractive. It was interesting to see her perceptions as a lady in waiting to Katherine of Aragon with Anne Boleyn and her perspective on the whole Henry and Anne fiasco.
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This is first book in a trilogy about the first three wives of Henry VIII. This book is about a fictional maid of honour to Catherine of Aragon called Estrella. The story weaves from past to present and begins with Cathetine coming to England to marry Prince Arthur. The reader also gets Estrella's story and her observations around Catherine.

Unlike some historical fiction this version was very light and didn't bog me down. As much as I like Philippa Gregory and Alison Weir their books can be a bit heavy and can become a little too much at times. This book was very different, nice and light and a quick read.

What I didn't enjoy so much was Estrella's story. For me I wanted to read more about Catherine as sometimes I can overlook her as I like to read about Anne Boleyn more. A lot of Catherines life was missed out and could have been added if not for Estrella's story which didn't interest me at all. Infact I skipped some pages to read just about Catherine.

I do have the next two books in the series and find I'm not looking forward to reading them if they are the same format as this one. I would recommend this book to any historical fiction fan if they want something a bit light.… (más)

Plain Jane, written by Laurien Gardner, is a rare view at Jane Seymour, third wife of Henry VIII. She isn't a beauty in the traditional sense like Anne Boleyn. Gardner present Seymour as a woman with an inner beauty determined not to be beheaded or be set aside as her predecessors were. Although Jane is one of the lesser-known wives, she is important in that she was the only wife to successfully bring a son, an heir, to the monarchy. Gardner brings us a story that gives Jane substance and gives the reader appreciation for this little-known queen. She is quiet, obedient, and faithful. She does stand up to the king, but in a quiet way unlike her predecessors. Jane's death, so soon after Edward is born, is treated with empathy and is given a dignity that Jane so richly deserves. Well done, Laurien Gardner.… (más)