Laurien Gardner Plain Jane

Plain Jane

Laurien Gardner

Jove, Jul 2006, $6.99

ISBN: 0515141550

In 1537 England Jane Seymour has no suitors, no prospects and no future at least with a man. She understands that no male would desire PLAIN JANE. The reticent lady actually gets a lift when she is selected as a maid of honor to Queen Catherine.

While she feels bad for Catherine when Henry VIII ignores her in favor of beautiful Anne Boleyn, she knows to remain quiet, which in fact is her personality. Jane stays at court when Catherine is dumped and divorced as Henry marries Anne. However after she fails to produce an heir, Henry becomes tired of her demanding obstinate shrewish ways and to the shock of everyone begins to look in the direction of the shy silent mouse, PLAIN JANE. Jane is attracted to her Highness, but hides it as she believes a hale, hearty hunk like King Henry would never find her attractive. However, she soon believes she can win his heart and the throne by his side.

The third Laurien Gardner historical tale focusing on the wives of King Henry VIII (see THE SPANISH BRIDE and A LADY RAISED HIGH) is an intriguing look at PLAIN JANE Seymour who wins the immediate sweepstake in spousal roulette. She triumphs because she gives the monarch what he most desires in life, a male heir. The look into Jane's life enables the reader a fascinating glimpse at royalty in the early sixteenth century as Henry changes much of the accepted culture with his divorces and ultimately the establishment of a new church. Historical readers will enjoy the latest entry and look forward to reading about the next person on the chopping block, Katherine Howard.

Harriet Klausner