The Queen's Lady by Eve Edwards

Title: The Queen's Lady
Author: Eve Edwards
Publisher: Razorbill, Penguin
Published: 3rd Feb 2011
ISBN: 978-0141327334
Author's website: http://eve-edwards.co.uk/

Rating: 5/5

The cover on this is really sumptuous and brim full of gorgeous colours and detail, from the dress on the character, to the bronze metallic scroll detail and lettering of the author's name.  This review has spoilers of the first book, The Other Countess, but not too much is given away about The Queen's Lady.

Set in the late 1500's, The Queen's Lady is a historical romance based on the reign of Elizabeth I and the political court of that time.  This is Lady Jane Rievaulx's story and follows on from The Other Countess.  The start of the book sees Jane saying a bittersweet goodbye to a close friend, which seals her destiny in the royal court. Jane begins service to the Queen - during this we get a really good look at what life might have been like in service, and how royalty was treated at that time.

James was also in the last book, being Jane's virtual brother in law before she broke off the engagement to her future husband so they did not enter into a loveless marriage, and selflessly walking away so her betrothed could marry the love of his life.  James brings a new slant to this story.  He is haunted by the war in which he took part, and has a complete lack of self worth at the start.

Can the James and Jane finally be together...or will fate intervene?

Themes from the book include greed, family ties, commitment, romance and interracial love.  I loved reading this, and was swept away into a world of days long gone, where women had to be submissive and give in to both their family, and society's demands.  From this, I truly detested the character of Jane's brother Henry...vile creature!

Here's the book trailer for the Lacey Chronicles, of which there are: The Other Countess (already out), The Queen's Lady (coming February 2011) and The Rogue's Princess (July 2011).