The Queen's Lady

February 15, 2012
A 17-year-old widow struggles to find happiness in Elizabeth I's court in 1584. This second installment of The Lacey Chronicles (The Other Countess, 2011) stands on its own nicely. Lady Jane has survived a good marriage to a kindly elderly man, although her stepsons now intend to steal her dowry and even her wedding ring, through violence if necessary. Meanwhile, Jane secretly loves James Lacey, brother of the earl she was supposed to marry in the series' first installment. Now a lady-in-waiting to the Queen, Jane spends time with her old friend Milly, who runs a successful business as a seamstress. When her father tries to force her into another unwanted marriage, Jane looks to James for salvation, but he has embarked on Sir Walter Raleigh's first expedition to America. Can Jane save herself? Can Milly marry Diego, James' black servant, whom she has loved since childhood? Yes, it's all quite a soap opera. Edwards manages the historical setting fairly well, having clearly done her homework on the period. While the romance and characterizations remain standard stuff, the history might appeal to some readers. Spiced up with a few sword fights and dastardly attacks on innocent damsels, this fits the bill for historical romance. Pleasant for romance fans. (Historical romance. 12 & up)

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May 1, 2012

Gr 8 Up-Lady Jane Rievaulx, recently widowed, finds herself in service to the queen at Richmond Palace in 1584. She is excited to see the man who has won her heart, James Lacey. However, he has plans to journey to America and is plagued by self-doubt. The 18-year-old is caught between the stepsons of her late husband, who think she owes them money, and her own family, who have plans for her to remarry, not for love but out of duty. Jane is hesitant to agree to this arrangement until she is given an ultimatum that would devastate a lifelong friend. James can save her but there is no way of knowing if he will return in time. The descriptions of the time period, clothing, court protocol, and class distinctions provide more than just a backdrop for this historical novel. The characters' dialogue and romantic involvement are largely innocent. While this title continues the tale from The Other Countess (Delacorte, 2011), the author provides enough backstory for it to stand on its own.-Denise Moore, O'Gorman Junior High School, Sioux Falls, SD

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