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fictionallyyours's review
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
parklandmom's review against another edition
4.0
Audio book was very well narrated by two women. The story was very interesting and the mystery kept me intrigued and wondering how it would relate to the past and the present.
skatingonby's review against another edition
1.0
Didn't care for this one, which is surprising because I love this author. Boring & I wasn't connected to the characters at all. Negative quips about Catholicism throughout the book.
lmpenguin's review against another edition
4.0
I was drawn to this book from seeing the cover and then even further by the book jacket summary. I love history and stories that are historical accurate, even if they include some fiction. I have read other books that do not flip well between current day and historical times well. I am please to report that this book was a great balance between the two. Just when you got into the story line with one person it flipped and we got to learn more about the other Jane. This really made the story work.
Lady Jane's Story
I really enjoyed that these parts of this story were written not from Lady Jane's perspective rather her seamstress Lucy. This made for a interesting view of what was going on in not only Lady Jane's life but those in the world around her and how others were affected by the times. From this point of view, we see how little things changed this young women's (I had not realize how young) life for better and for worse. I loved the historical accuracy of this story line, but also thoroughly enjoyed the fiction written in to make the story work. I loved trying to figure out what was going to happen to the ring.
Present Day Jane's Story
Like so many women in today's culture, her husband announces one day that he has taken a job out of state and need a "break". Jane is heart broken and not willing to share her pain with anyone other than her best friend. Jane owns an antique store that once was her Aunt. In a package, Jane discovers few hundred year old Book Of Common Prayer and in its binding a ring. She is drawn to the ring because it has her name inscribe in it. After some research, could it be Lady Jane Grey's ring? In the process of trying to save her marriage, she realizes that she must first make herself happy. The top of this list is discovering if this ring really is Lady Jane's? Will she figure out the mystery and can she save her marriage?
I thought at first that I was going to be drawn mostly to the historical end of this story but about midway through the book, that changed. I felt like I could understand present day Jane so much better. I felt sad for her and wanted the best for her. I enjoyed seeing how these two stories played together. My favorite part of the entire book however is the very end which has letters tracking the history of the beautiful ring.
Lady Jane's Story
I really enjoyed that these parts of this story were written not from Lady Jane's perspective rather her seamstress Lucy. This made for a interesting view of what was going on in not only Lady Jane's life but those in the world around her and how others were affected by the times. From this point of view, we see how little things changed this young women's (I had not realize how young) life for better and for worse. I loved the historical accuracy of this story line, but also thoroughly enjoyed the fiction written in to make the story work. I loved trying to figure out what was going to happen to the ring.
Present Day Jane's Story
Like so many women in today's culture, her husband announces one day that he has taken a job out of state and need a "break". Jane is heart broken and not willing to share her pain with anyone other than her best friend. Jane owns an antique store that once was her Aunt. In a package, Jane discovers few hundred year old Book Of Common Prayer and in its binding a ring. She is drawn to the ring because it has her name inscribe in it. After some research, could it be Lady Jane Grey's ring? In the process of trying to save her marriage, she realizes that she must first make herself happy. The top of this list is discovering if this ring really is Lady Jane's? Will she figure out the mystery and can she save her marriage?
I thought at first that I was going to be drawn mostly to the historical end of this story but about midway through the book, that changed. I felt like I could understand present day Jane so much better. I felt sad for her and wanted the best for her. I enjoyed seeing how these two stories played together. My favorite part of the entire book however is the very end which has letters tracking the history of the beautiful ring.
ninasbooks57's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this story!!! Loved how one story line bounced into the other! Great story of how love prevails through the ups and downs of “life”. It’s all about a choice!
pilateschick's review against another edition
4.0
I was going to give the book 3 stars, but decided on 4 for one reason: the reflections of the Manhattan Jane caused a change in my own thinking. When a book broadens my perspective and matures my thinking, I can't think of many better ways to spend my time.
mbenzz's review against another edition
5.0
I read this book on a whim and it turned out to be one of the best books I've read this year (and I read a LOT of books)! This was my first Susan Meissner book, but it most certainly will not be my last. In fact, I've already purchased 'The Shape of Mercy' and plan to start it this evening.
I won't summarize this book since it's been done here many times already, but Ms. Meissner has such a great knack for storytelling. When I first started this I wasn't very confident that the two stories would be told in much detail. I didn't think, given the length of the book, that she would be able to spend enough time on each story to make me care about the characters (well, Jane of the present day. I already knew Lady Jane Greys story). She not only told both stories beautifully, but her narration makes you feel as though you are right there, sitting in the same room as Lady Jane Grey and her seamstress Lucy back in 1553.
Overall, I just cannot recommend his book enough. I am SO glad I read it (devoured it actually. I blew through it in 2 days). I can't wait to get into 'The Shape of Mercy' and every other book she's written. If the reviews of her other books are accurate, I may have just found a new favorite author!
I won't summarize this book since it's been done here many times already, but Ms. Meissner has such a great knack for storytelling. When I first started this I wasn't very confident that the two stories would be told in much detail. I didn't think, given the length of the book, that she would be able to spend enough time on each story to make me care about the characters (well, Jane of the present day. I already knew Lady Jane Greys story). She not only told both stories beautifully, but her narration makes you feel as though you are right there, sitting in the same room as Lady Jane Grey and her seamstress Lucy back in 1553.
Overall, I just cannot recommend his book enough. I am SO glad I read it (devoured it actually. I blew through it in 2 days). I can't wait to get into 'The Shape of Mercy' and every other book she's written. If the reviews of her other books are accurate, I may have just found a new favorite author!
kendall_reads8's review against another edition
4.0
This book came from Blogging For Books and I was not so sure at first. I am not a lover of Christian Fiction but it looked good and I gave it a try.
LADY IN WAITING is a very good story that tells the tale of two Janes. One who's marriage is ending after many years and one that lived in the 16th century who's life was just beginning.
It all started with finding a ring and wondering what the story was behind the original owner of the ring. I enjoyed how the author weaved the two separate stories together, allowing us to really get to know each Jane's story.
I enjoyed Lady Jane much more than I did Jane Lindsay. I found Jane Lindsay to be a bit of a punching bag who did not find it easy to stand up for herself. Maybe it is the age, the inexperience but Lady Jane was much more likable and easier to identify with in my opinion.
Overall I did enjoy reading the book. I am glad I took the chance on it. Normally I see Christian Fiction and don't bother.
LADY IN WAITING is a very good story that tells the tale of two Janes. One who's marriage is ending after many years and one that lived in the 16th century who's life was just beginning.
It all started with finding a ring and wondering what the story was behind the original owner of the ring. I enjoyed how the author weaved the two separate stories together, allowing us to really get to know each Jane's story.
I enjoyed Lady Jane much more than I did Jane Lindsay. I found Jane Lindsay to be a bit of a punching bag who did not find it easy to stand up for herself. Maybe it is the age, the inexperience but Lady Jane was much more likable and easier to identify with in my opinion.
Overall I did enjoy reading the book. I am glad I took the chance on it. Normally I see Christian Fiction and don't bother.
hnbb's review against another edition
4.0
I was concerned about this book. The cover looks like an historical romance or something and it is about Lady Jane Grey, but fiction. Anyone that knows me well, knows I love Lady Jane Grey. I wrote my senior capstone paper on her. I admire that she did not turn her back on her faith even if it could save her life. She had great faith to the end. This is why I am hesitant to read fiction based on her. This book switched back and forth between modern day Jane Lindsay and 16th century Lucy Day, dressmaker for Lady Jane Grey. I was pleasantly surprised. It did a good job and I had a hard time putting it down. One thing that I struggled with was that I would really get into one character's story and then it would switch. I had to stop myself from skipping ahead. That element was distracting each time it happened. Overall, though, I would recommend this book.