What do you think?
Rate this book
Lady in Waiting
Die New Yorker Antiquitätenhändlerin Jane Lindsay findet in einem alten Gebetbuch versteckt einen kostbaren Ring mit der Inschrift "Jane". Bei ihren Nachforschungen stößt sie auf das Leben der Adeligen Jane Grey, die im England des 16. Jahrhunderts zur Königin ausgerufen wurde, bis sie - nach nur neun Tagen - von Mary, der Tochter von Heinrich VIII., verdrängt wurde. Fasziniert taucht Jane immer tiefer in das Leben ihrer Namensvetterin ein, was nicht ohne Folgen bleibt ...
336 pages, Paperback
First published September 7, 2010
328 people are currently reading
3,471 people want to read
About the author
Susan Meissner
33books8,695followersSusan Meissner is a USA Today bestselling novelist with more than a million books in the hands of readers, and in eighteen languages. Her critically acclaimed works of historical fiction have been named to numerous lists including Publishers Weekly’s annual roster of 100 best books, Library Reads Top Picks, Real Simple annual tally of best books, ϻӮ Readers’ Choice awards, Booklist’s Top Ten, and Book of the Month.
She attended Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego and is a former managing editor of a weekly newspaper. Susan’s expertise as a storyteller and her thoroughly researched topics make her a favorite author of book clubs everywhere. Her engaging and warm speaking style appeal to all manner of women’s groups, literary organizations, libraries and learning institutions, and service clubs.
When she is not working on a new novel, she enjoys teaching workshops on writing, spending time with her family, music, reading great books, and traveling.
She attended Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego and is a former managing editor of a weekly newspaper. Susan’s expertise as a storyteller and her thoroughly researched topics make her a favorite author of book clubs everywhere. Her engaging and warm speaking style appeal to all manner of women’s groups, literary organizations, libraries and learning institutions, and service clubs.
When she is not working on a new novel, she enjoys teaching workshops on writing, spending time with her family, music, reading great books, and traveling.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 456 reviews
December 6, 2018
I enjoyed the story with Lady Jane Grey. The present day story was a bit annoying to me. I think the main character was a little too weak for me. It started off interesting and then I rapidly got very bored and it's taken me forever to finish it.
I've loved everything else I've read thus far from Susan Meissner, but this one just fell a flat for me.
I've loved everything else I've read thus far from Susan Meissner, but this one just fell a flat for me.
December 6, 2010
I had never read a Susan Meissner book but that was a mistake. This is a fantastic double story, intertwining the story of Lady Jane Grey and a modern woman in her middle years. The characterizations burst fresh and complex; the history sparkled with the shimmer of authenticity. I loved A Lady in Waiting!
August 9, 2011
This was my first book by Susan Meissner and I enjoyed it. I was engrossed in the story quickly and couldn't wait to see how the book ended. Would the present day Jane save her marriage and find out who she is? Will Lady Jane Grey find happiness in the one she loves or will her parents arrange a marriage of convenience?
Well... if I had known a bit more of this time period's history, I could have answered the second question without having read the book. Outside of who Lady Jane Grey marries, the rest of this book is fiction. I was really disappointed to find an author's note at the end that says we don't know much; we can only guess. There was very little historical fact in this book, only conjecture. For that, I was disappointed. My personal preference in reading historical fiction is that I learn something true of the people being brought to life. Moser's How Do I Love Thee? (a novel about Elizabeth Barrett Browning) was a great example of this.
With that said, I did enjoy the writing and the story. I was just disappointed to find out so much of the historical parts of the story was conjecture.
Well... if I had known a bit more of this time period's history, I could have answered the second question without having read the book. Outside of who Lady Jane Grey marries, the rest of this book is fiction. I was really disappointed to find an author's note at the end that says we don't know much; we can only guess. There was very little historical fact in this book, only conjecture. For that, I was disappointed. My personal preference in reading historical fiction is that I learn something true of the people being brought to life. Moser's How Do I Love Thee? (a novel about Elizabeth Barrett Browning) was a great example of this.
With that said, I did enjoy the writing and the story. I was just disappointed to find out so much of the historical parts of the story was conjecture.
March 30, 2017
The more I learn about Lady Jane Grey, the more I marvel at the level of maturity and resolve she demonstrated when imprisoned in the Tower of London. This is not an academic work, but does correlate with many of the facts I have gleaned from other sources.
The storytelling was beautifully done and the balance between the modern Jane and Tudor Jane's time was just right. Using the ring as the link between the two stories was a touching reminder of the choices that were made for Tudor Jane while giving modern Jane the strength to make her own choices. My one disappointment with the book was the way the story was told at the end with a series of letters -- it was difficult for my linear brain to follow.
What I appreciate about Susan Meissner is her steadfast faith that is evident without being preachy. I am reminded of God's providence in her books and look forward to reading more of them.
The storytelling was beautifully done and the balance between the modern Jane and Tudor Jane's time was just right. Using the ring as the link between the two stories was a touching reminder of the choices that were made for Tudor Jane while giving modern Jane the strength to make her own choices. My one disappointment with the book was the way the story was told at the end with a series of letters -- it was difficult for my linear brain to follow.
What I appreciate about Susan Meissner is her steadfast faith that is evident without being preachy. I am reminded of God's providence in her books and look forward to reading more of them.
April 21, 2019
I must say, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. I always love it when the story flips between past and present with a common thread connecting them, it just adds something to the story for me. Although I did enjoy the past parts more in this story, they were vastly more interesting! All in all this was a quick, fun read.
September 27, 2024
A tale about two woman named Jane
Jane of the present day is separated from her husband, hoping things will right themselves.
Lady Jane Grey, a sixteen year old short lived Queen of England in 1553.
They are both victims of others making decisions for them.
Jane in the present, realizes she does have choices.
Jane of the present day is separated from her husband, hoping things will right themselves.
Lady Jane Grey, a sixteen year old short lived Queen of England in 1553.
They are both victims of others making decisions for them.
Jane in the present, realizes she does have choices.
February 5, 2011
My first impressions of this book when I picked it up were:
1. The cover art is beautiful.
2. I want that ring!
3. I've never read anything by Susan Meissner. I'm excited to get to know a new author.
4. It's got that new book smell!!!
5. There's a family tree chart in the front. I love books with charts!
My impressions after reading are that you still can't judge a book by it's cover. That said I must confess, I'm an avid reader. I eat books. But this book turned out to be a really slow read for me. It took probably 3-4 days to complete.
Lady in Waiting is the story of 2 women, living hundreds of years apart. Their destinies become connected by a ring found by Jane, an antique shop owner and our main character. Jane is in a bad place, emotionally. When her husband walks out, she is blindsided. She begins to see her life clearly for the first time. That she has the life that she decided for herself. She's allowed others to shift her focus and make her life decisions. Jane doesn't know herself. She begins to question the life that she's been living for the past 20 plus years.
The other character, Lucy Day is a dressmaker for Lady Jane Grey in 1500s England. Lucy's story begins when she is brought in to attend to Lady Jane Grey, a young royal who is the chief mourner at a funeral for the Queen Dowager, Katherine. Jane and Lucy form a friendship that impacts them both for life.
This story is about decisions. We make them daily and they impact our lives. We decide who to love. We decide where our focus lies and in the end we have to live with those decisions. I didn't really enjoy this book as much as I thought I would. It felt very disjoint. The two stories didn't seem to have an obvious common thread. The theme was decisions. The ring didn't really play that big a part in the story, in my opinion.
I would have like to read just Jane's story. Her story would have been enough. I think the historical secondary story actually took away from the story of Jane and her husband. So in the end there were 2 semi-complete stories that felt forced in to the same book. Jane's story doesn't have the ending you want to read. It's more of a beginning. Overall, the characters could have used a little more development. I didn't feel like they had a lot of depth.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
1. The cover art is beautiful.
2. I want that ring!
3. I've never read anything by Susan Meissner. I'm excited to get to know a new author.
4. It's got that new book smell!!!
5. There's a family tree chart in the front. I love books with charts!
My impressions after reading are that you still can't judge a book by it's cover. That said I must confess, I'm an avid reader. I eat books. But this book turned out to be a really slow read for me. It took probably 3-4 days to complete.
Lady in Waiting is the story of 2 women, living hundreds of years apart. Their destinies become connected by a ring found by Jane, an antique shop owner and our main character. Jane is in a bad place, emotionally. When her husband walks out, she is blindsided. She begins to see her life clearly for the first time. That she has the life that she decided for herself. She's allowed others to shift her focus and make her life decisions. Jane doesn't know herself. She begins to question the life that she's been living for the past 20 plus years.
The other character, Lucy Day is a dressmaker for Lady Jane Grey in 1500s England. Lucy's story begins when she is brought in to attend to Lady Jane Grey, a young royal who is the chief mourner at a funeral for the Queen Dowager, Katherine. Jane and Lucy form a friendship that impacts them both for life.
This story is about decisions. We make them daily and they impact our lives. We decide who to love. We decide where our focus lies and in the end we have to live with those decisions. I didn't really enjoy this book as much as I thought I would. It felt very disjoint. The two stories didn't seem to have an obvious common thread. The theme was decisions. The ring didn't really play that big a part in the story, in my opinion.
I would have like to read just Jane's story. Her story would have been enough. I think the historical secondary story actually took away from the story of Jane and her husband. So in the end there were 2 semi-complete stories that felt forced in to the same book. Jane's story doesn't have the ending you want to read. It's more of a beginning. Overall, the characters could have used a little more development. I didn't feel like they had a lot of depth.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
November 29, 2023
Omg, I was crying on the bus today in Mexico reading this while my sister was sitting next to me sleeping...
I got this book from the library, but when it wouldn't let me check out the book, the librarian checked it out and saw that it wasn't cataloged, and they let me keep the book! So I went home with a few library books and one to keep.
I thought this would be a time-travel romance, but instead, there were two dual timelines. Jane owns an antique store, and her husband has walked out on her. She discovers a mysterious ring with a romantic engraving stuffed inside a prayer book. In the 1500s, Lucy Day becomes Lady Jane Grey's dressmaker. The ring was a betrothal ring from Edward Seymour to Jane. It was hidden because they weren't allowed to marry; instead, Jane was forced to marry someone else.
Even though I know about Jane Grey and how she only ruled England for 9 days, I must have forgotten about that and been aware that this book wasn't going to have a happy ending. Only halfway through did I realize this was going to end tragically.
And sure enough, I was crying on the bus, lol.
It was amazing at the end how the possessions with the ring were passed down from one generation to the next. Though not gonna lie, the author's note about the whole ring and Jane being in love with Edward being fictional kind of made me feel like why did I even read this. Then I realized it was still a good book and worth reading. We don't know, maybe she was in love with Edward or someone else when she died, but she was also sixteen, so I doubt it.
I got this book from the library, but when it wouldn't let me check out the book, the librarian checked it out and saw that it wasn't cataloged, and they let me keep the book! So I went home with a few library books and one to keep.
I thought this would be a time-travel romance, but instead, there were two dual timelines. Jane owns an antique store, and her husband has walked out on her. She discovers a mysterious ring with a romantic engraving stuffed inside a prayer book. In the 1500s, Lucy Day becomes Lady Jane Grey's dressmaker. The ring was a betrothal ring from Edward Seymour to Jane. It was hidden because they weren't allowed to marry; instead, Jane was forced to marry someone else.
Even though I know about Jane Grey and how she only ruled England for 9 days, I must have forgotten about that and been aware that this book wasn't going to have a happy ending. Only halfway through did I realize this was going to end tragically.
And sure enough, I was crying on the bus, lol.
It was amazing at the end how the possessions with the ring were passed down from one generation to the next. Though not gonna lie, the author's note about the whole ring and Jane being in love with Edward being fictional kind of made me feel like why did I even read this. Then I realized it was still a good book and worth reading. We don't know, maybe she was in love with Edward or someone else when she died, but she was also sixteen, so I doubt it.
November 3, 2021
I was eager to finally read a Susan Meissner book. I once started an earlier book by this author, a decade ago, and it didn't stick. I was hoping that since I matured in my reading habits, that I might appreciate this author more now.
Lady in Waiting was a book with two time lines, and although I doubt that people in England in the 16th century talked and behaved as described in the book, still, that was actually the timeline that I liked better.
The Jane of this time, on the other hand, was a bit more difficult to empathize with. Nevertheless, I gave both Janes my patience as I read on, and discovered more depth to their characters after awhile.
I didn't know Lady Jane Grey, sometimes referred to as the "Nine Days' Queen", and I was rather moved by her story, albeit simple. Furthermore, I thought that piece of Tudor history was fascinating. Hence my 3-star rating.
All in all, even with storylines that weren't that captivating, I think I'll read more by this author because she has such an extremely fluid pen.
Lady in Waiting was a book with two time lines, and although I doubt that people in England in the 16th century talked and behaved as described in the book, still, that was actually the timeline that I liked better.
The Jane of this time, on the other hand, was a bit more difficult to empathize with. Nevertheless, I gave both Janes my patience as I read on, and discovered more depth to their characters after awhile.
I didn't know Lady Jane Grey, sometimes referred to as the "Nine Days' Queen", and I was rather moved by her story, albeit simple. Furthermore, I thought that piece of Tudor history was fascinating. Hence my 3-star rating.
All in all, even with storylines that weren't that captivating, I think I'll read more by this author because she has such an extremely fluid pen.
August 23, 2016
I am not even sure what to say about this book. Meissner has great talent but this book let me feeling unsatisfied and confused.
The story cut between a modern day story and a contemporary story with nothing really to tie them together. There was the ring, but it really didn't feel like enough to tie the books together.
I also expected there to be a Christian message. While God and prayer and mentioned, it is in passing and doesn't seem to effect the story.
Overall, I was disappointed in the story and it left me feeling like the story wasn't finished.
The story cut between a modern day story and a contemporary story with nothing really to tie them together. There was the ring, but it really didn't feel like enough to tie the books together.
I also expected there to be a Christian message. While God and prayer and mentioned, it is in passing and doesn't seem to effect the story.
Overall, I was disappointed in the story and it left me feeling like the story wasn't finished.
August 2, 2017
(This book deserves a proper review which I'll do later on)
October 3, 2010
I received this book as a first read from ϻӮ.
When I began this book I wasn't sure I would enjoy the story being told by two separate women 450 years apart. They are not related and seeminly their only common thread is a ring. This book turned out to be wonderful. It deals with the choices we make and the limitations we, and others, put on those choices.
Jane Lindsay is managing an antiques shop in Manhattan and feels her life is fine. Seemingly out of nowhere her husband tells her he needs a break and moves to New Hampshire, where he has already secured a job. She feels lost and confused and struggles with how to handle this action that is out of her control. She worries about what those closest to her, especially her college-aged son and her parents, will think about her situation and what she can even do to change it. At the same time she acquires an extremely old prayer book with a beautiful ring hidden in the binding. She becomes slightly obsessed with the ring and sets out to find out where and who it came from. The strangest thing about the ring...it has a lovely inscription as well as her name, Jane, inside!
At the same time as we are learning Jane Lindsay's story we are following the life of Lucy Day, who has become a dressmaker for Lady Jane Grey in 1548. The author concentrates on her interractions with Jane Grey and the impressions of someone allowed within the intimate circle of this tragic young woman. Jane is young, lonely and closely controlled by her parents. She is fourth in line for the crown of England and, with the king always ailing, her parents use Jane as a tool to better thier families allegiances. She feels she has no choice in her own life and confides in Lucy her sadnesses as well as her wishes. For she is in love with Edward Seymour, someone her parents are thinking of betrothing her to. He seems to love her as well, and has given her a ring to show this. As Jane waits for a decision on the rest of her life and begins to hope she might end up with the man she loves, her parents decide to give her to Guildford Dudley, who's father has the ear of the king. She is left miserable and married to a man she doesn't love. When John Dudley, Guildford's father, conspires to put Jane on the thrown, she is in an unwanted position of power and alligned with people who do not have her best interest at heart. When Princess Mary overthrows Jane's rule to put herself on the thrown, Jane, along with her puppeteers, find themselves in the Tower of London. Jane finally feels she is able to make a choice in her life: she will not repent and convert to Catholicism just to save her neck. She will stay true to her Protestant roots, no matter what that means for her future. She entrusts her prized ring from Edward Seymour to Lucy's possession and faces her fate.
We find that the main thread running through these two stories is about choice. Both Janes seemingly let others make the decisions for them and feel unable to control their own futures. We learn that both do have the chances to make the choices, even if they are hard and wrought with the unknown and that, while this is often the hardest rode to follow, personal happiness can only be achieved if we control how we get there.
I really enjoyed this book and will be looking for other books by this author in the future.
When I began this book I wasn't sure I would enjoy the story being told by two separate women 450 years apart. They are not related and seeminly their only common thread is a ring. This book turned out to be wonderful. It deals with the choices we make and the limitations we, and others, put on those choices.
Jane Lindsay is managing an antiques shop in Manhattan and feels her life is fine. Seemingly out of nowhere her husband tells her he needs a break and moves to New Hampshire, where he has already secured a job. She feels lost and confused and struggles with how to handle this action that is out of her control. She worries about what those closest to her, especially her college-aged son and her parents, will think about her situation and what she can even do to change it. At the same time she acquires an extremely old prayer book with a beautiful ring hidden in the binding. She becomes slightly obsessed with the ring and sets out to find out where and who it came from. The strangest thing about the ring...it has a lovely inscription as well as her name, Jane, inside!
At the same time as we are learning Jane Lindsay's story we are following the life of Lucy Day, who has become a dressmaker for Lady Jane Grey in 1548. The author concentrates on her interractions with Jane Grey and the impressions of someone allowed within the intimate circle of this tragic young woman. Jane is young, lonely and closely controlled by her parents. She is fourth in line for the crown of England and, with the king always ailing, her parents use Jane as a tool to better thier families allegiances. She feels she has no choice in her own life and confides in Lucy her sadnesses as well as her wishes. For she is in love with Edward Seymour, someone her parents are thinking of betrothing her to. He seems to love her as well, and has given her a ring to show this. As Jane waits for a decision on the rest of her life and begins to hope she might end up with the man she loves, her parents decide to give her to Guildford Dudley, who's father has the ear of the king. She is left miserable and married to a man she doesn't love. When John Dudley, Guildford's father, conspires to put Jane on the thrown, she is in an unwanted position of power and alligned with people who do not have her best interest at heart. When Princess Mary overthrows Jane's rule to put herself on the thrown, Jane, along with her puppeteers, find themselves in the Tower of London. Jane finally feels she is able to make a choice in her life: she will not repent and convert to Catholicism just to save her neck. She will stay true to her Protestant roots, no matter what that means for her future. She entrusts her prized ring from Edward Seymour to Lucy's possession and faces her fate.
We find that the main thread running through these two stories is about choice. Both Janes seemingly let others make the decisions for them and feel unable to control their own futures. We learn that both do have the chances to make the choices, even if they are hard and wrought with the unknown and that, while this is often the hardest rode to follow, personal happiness can only be achieved if we control how we get there.
I really enjoyed this book and will be looking for other books by this author in the future.
July 18, 2011
I love this Tudor period of history and have read a great many of Philippa Gregory's books that covered that period. This book is much slimmer than her novels and can be read rather quickly. This book concerns the fight to determine who gets to control the throne after King Henry VIII's son and heir dies at the young age of 15.
The story begins in modern times when I woman named Jane finds a very old ring in the spine of a prayer book that is bought at an estate sale in England. She makes the discovery during a time when she is broad sided by her husbands announcement that he is leaving her. The modern portion of the book covers Janes efforts to discover the owner of the ring as she works out the unraveling of her marriage.
The Tudor portion of the book covers the Lady Jane Grey's life from the age of 11 until her death at the age of 16 through as seen through the eyes of her loyal friend and seamstress Lucy. The book bounces back and forth in time but is never confusing and I found both parts of the story to be equally interesting. Lady Jane is a cousin to King Henry's VIII's children and as such is only fourth in line for the thrown. In the last weeks of King Edwards young life, he is manipulated into naming his cousin Jane to the throne. Jane is a political pawn being forced into a role she knows is wrong and does not want by members of her family. Jane is known as the nine days Queen because that is how long her reign lasted when her cousin Mary marched on London and took back the crown. Jane was subsequently charged with treason and executed along with her husband and various members of her family. As the story progresses we learn how Lady Jane acquired the ring found by modern Jane and who her true love is conjectured to be.
I really enjoyed this book. Even though I was already quite familiar with the story of the Lady Jane Grey, I love how it was intermingled with the modern Jane Lindsey. I loved the part of the book at the end that showed all of the letters through time between people who owned the ring as it traveled from owner to owner over hundreds of years revealing how the ring ultimately ended up lost in the spine of the book. I think anyone who enjoys historical romances will want to read this book. i look forward to exploring more of Susan Meissner's work in the future.
The story begins in modern times when I woman named Jane finds a very old ring in the spine of a prayer book that is bought at an estate sale in England. She makes the discovery during a time when she is broad sided by her husbands announcement that he is leaving her. The modern portion of the book covers Janes efforts to discover the owner of the ring as she works out the unraveling of her marriage.
The Tudor portion of the book covers the Lady Jane Grey's life from the age of 11 until her death at the age of 16 through as seen through the eyes of her loyal friend and seamstress Lucy. The book bounces back and forth in time but is never confusing and I found both parts of the story to be equally interesting. Lady Jane is a cousin to King Henry's VIII's children and as such is only fourth in line for the thrown. In the last weeks of King Edwards young life, he is manipulated into naming his cousin Jane to the throne. Jane is a political pawn being forced into a role she knows is wrong and does not want by members of her family. Jane is known as the nine days Queen because that is how long her reign lasted when her cousin Mary marched on London and took back the crown. Jane was subsequently charged with treason and executed along with her husband and various members of her family. As the story progresses we learn how Lady Jane acquired the ring found by modern Jane and who her true love is conjectured to be.
I really enjoyed this book. Even though I was already quite familiar with the story of the Lady Jane Grey, I love how it was intermingled with the modern Jane Lindsey. I loved the part of the book at the end that showed all of the letters through time between people who owned the ring as it traveled from owner to owner over hundreds of years revealing how the ring ultimately ended up lost in the spine of the book. I think anyone who enjoys historical romances will want to read this book. i look forward to exploring more of Susan Meissner's work in the future.
February 18, 2011
A few months ago, I received a copy of Lady in Waiting, by Susan Meissner to review. In all honesty, I finished the book 5 weeks ago, but never got around to writing a review. So now I've read it twice, and you'll get a more detailed experience!
Basic plot summary:
Jane manages an antiques store. Her husband is living in a different state, and she's lost as to why he left or what to do about it. One day she finds a very old ring in the binding of a Protestant prayer book. The original owner turns out to be Lady Jane Grey. The book follows two stories, one of the modern Jane and her quest for enlightenment and reconnecting with her husband, and one of the historical figure of Jane Grey, who was Queen of England for only 9 days. (remember, this is a FICTION book, not a fact book. Jane Grey was real, but the story of the ring is not!)
My thoughts:
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The passing of the story back and forth was just suspenseful enough to make me want more, without driving me crazy with breaking off the story line. I especially loved letters at the end, plausibly tracing the ring.
This is how Christian fiction should be. No one is preachy. No one is blatant in their oblations. Just everyday people, living their lives, full of faith, and standing true to their convictions.
The pace of the novel is slower - think of the movie Sabrina instead of Princess Bride. I loved the introspection and growth the two Janes show. Either story is capable of standing on it's own, but entwined together, they produce something magical. The author does such an astounding job at imagery, symbolism, and foreshadowing. (and yes, I'm feeling rather happy using words I haven't even thought of since 11th grade English!) The way the stories unfold - through despair, grief, and finally triumphant understanding - is inspiring. This is what good literature is all about!
I highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever wondered "what if", who has ever made a choice, or who has ever wanted to test their own convictions.
*I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Basic plot summary:
Jane manages an antiques store. Her husband is living in a different state, and she's lost as to why he left or what to do about it. One day she finds a very old ring in the binding of a Protestant prayer book. The original owner turns out to be Lady Jane Grey. The book follows two stories, one of the modern Jane and her quest for enlightenment and reconnecting with her husband, and one of the historical figure of Jane Grey, who was Queen of England for only 9 days. (remember, this is a FICTION book, not a fact book. Jane Grey was real, but the story of the ring is not!)
My thoughts:
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The passing of the story back and forth was just suspenseful enough to make me want more, without driving me crazy with breaking off the story line. I especially loved letters at the end, plausibly tracing the ring.
This is how Christian fiction should be. No one is preachy. No one is blatant in their oblations. Just everyday people, living their lives, full of faith, and standing true to their convictions.
The pace of the novel is slower - think of the movie Sabrina instead of Princess Bride. I loved the introspection and growth the two Janes show. Either story is capable of standing on it's own, but entwined together, they produce something magical. The author does such an astounding job at imagery, symbolism, and foreshadowing. (and yes, I'm feeling rather happy using words I haven't even thought of since 11th grade English!) The way the stories unfold - through despair, grief, and finally triumphant understanding - is inspiring. This is what good literature is all about!
I highly recommend this book to anyone who has ever wondered "what if", who has ever made a choice, or who has ever wanted to test their own convictions.
*I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 12, 2012
I’m a sucker for historic fiction. Lady in Waiting by Susan Meissner does not disappoint. With a clear handle on history, a vivid imagination and loads of emotion, the author brings Jane Grey to life in this unique and heart wrenching story.
It’s not enough to know what a historical figure feels or thinks. That’s been done so many times before. Susan Meissner applies a different strategy, exposing this intriguing character through the eyes of Lucy Day, her fictional dressmaker. How Lucy feels about Jane tells so much more about this character and adds depth to the story in a fantastic way.
The reader doesn’t start in the past though. This book begins it’s journey with Jane Lindsay, a present day antique dealer with a shop in Manhattan. The first section is told in her voice and we learn that she is dealing with a failing marriage and business pressures when her international assistant sends some newly acquired antiques her way including a prayer book and rosary that belonged to a Jane as well as a ring which has been carefully embedded in the spine of the book.
This begins a mystery and the weaving of past and present as we meet Lucy Day and discover the connections she has to the prayer book, rosary, and more importantly Jane Grey.
I was hooked into the story very quickly. My fascination for British royalty kept me glued to the page.
This book has two story lines which tie together well remaining somewhat separate. Of the two story lines I preferred Lucy. Her perspective of Lady Jane was heartfelt and connected me emotionally to history, which I loved. I think the historical aspect is truly this author’s strength and so I could have read an entire novel about Lucy alone.
There are discussion questions in the back of the book which are great. If you have a book club, don’t miss these questions. They are really great questions.
I not only recommend this book, I’ve shared my personal copy with others. I truly enjoyed this book and believe others will as well.
April 15, 2013
What a beautiful book! I have long enjoyed novels with dual timelines, but this one was particularly engrossing. It is so rare that both storylines are equally gripping.
We follow the stories of present-day Jane Lindsay and 15th-century Lady Jane Gray, as both women struggle with fate and how much or how little they can control it.
It is a sweet, sad tale of friendship, hardship and hope.
We follow the stories of present-day Jane Lindsay and 15th-century Lady Jane Gray, as both women struggle with fate and how much or how little they can control it.
It is a sweet, sad tale of friendship, hardship and hope.
May 20, 2017
Historical fiction lovers will find this a compelling story of two Janes, told in century/period appropriate voices, as they wrestle with life's questions.
August 27, 2024
I really enjoyed this book!
Wonderful themes of agency and choices. Its a time hopper with two POV characters. I preffered the modern timeline and thought was believable and well done.
The historical timeline takes place just after the death of Henry VIII. If you are not familiar with the royal succession during that era, I would definitely do a quick Google search to understand who is who.
Squeaky clean. No language. Veeerrry mild closed door sex (between married people).
Maybe not the best for book club just bc the large cast of royals can be confusing to keep track of.
Well written, nice pacing.
Wonderful themes of agency and choices. Its a time hopper with two POV characters. I preffered the modern timeline and thought was believable and well done.
The historical timeline takes place just after the death of Henry VIII. If you are not familiar with the royal succession during that era, I would definitely do a quick Google search to understand who is who.
Squeaky clean. No language. Veeerrry mild closed door sex (between married people).
Maybe not the best for book club just bc the large cast of royals can be confusing to keep track of.
Well written, nice pacing.
October 11, 2020
Very enjoyable split-time novel! The historical element is based on research but as the author indicates, very much fiction. The modern-day component was just right and touches on how easy it is to feel like you are just doing what everyone expects or to drift apart from your spouse. Another winner from Meissner!
December 27, 2022
This historical fiction novel is the story of two women, 400+ years apart, whose lives are tied together by an antique ring. I enjoyed the both the story lines as both women dealt in their own way with their relationship with a man. Interesting characters and storyline, but not my favorite from this author. It was still a worthwhile read. 3/5 stars.
January 19, 2024
Never read a Meissner book I didn’t enjoy. This did not disappoint. I always learn something new or more about an historical event or time. It just amazed me that this young girl was the same age as my granddaughter when these events unfolded in her life. Susan Meissner’s books usually always grips me from the beginning and only get better as I read
February 22, 2025
I read this book to give the writings of this author a second chance. I had been disappointed with the first book I read by her, but this one was much better. Not nearly so many loose ends left undone. The story is quite well told. A few things in the story could have been better wrapped up, I thought, but all in all a good read.
September 5, 2019
Two stories in one as a contemporary woman clings to a remnant from the past to give her hope for the future. I love stories about the traumatic life of Lady Jane Grey in the 1500s. The author took a unique look at this tragic "Queen."
June 11, 2019
Really like the style of historical versus present day characters... and Susan Meissner is one of the best authors who does this well. The found ring, a prayer book and two Janes, past and present is a great "what if" presumption that weaves good storyline.
September 5, 2021
Good read that spans two different Janes - and the choices that are forced on them and the ones they make for themselves.
May 30, 2023
Dual time line, including the story of Lady Jane Grey, in the 14th century. Good book; different kind of story.
September 24, 2022
I loved this book. My dilemma was I couldn't put this book down, and then not wanting it to end. Susan Meissner is a favorite author and she once again captivated me in one of her historical novels. The characters were endearing and the story was compelling to me.
July 1, 2018
Another really well written story that weaves a thread from past to present. I don't think I will like the next one better than the previous one, and then I do.
November 26, 2023
A wonderful historical fiction. A ring found in the binding a prayer book with roots to the 16th century. A parallel story of the roots of the ring-unbeknownst to the current day owner, but dreamt of by the current owner, Jane. How close her dreams were to the accuracy of the rings original owner she may never know. With Susan Meissner’s dual story, we the reader can trace the rings lineage back to royal nobility and the Monarchy of England. A poignant story of friendship and relationships with quotes that are able to transcend the writings of this story and are applicable to many aspects of the readers life.
Susan Meissner’s Lady in Waiting
“I felt like I was heading into the vast unknown on an open sea. Ahead of me lay the uncharted territory of my marriage, where no one had dropped a boundary marker. I heard a ticking clock….which was a reminder of the clock my mother had fixed as a gift to me. An unintended reminder that things that last always have second, third and fourth beginnings. That is why we have antique stores, that is why past beauty has a sure home in the future.” AND “I wanted to ask if he was beginning to understand , as I was, that our relationship had roots we hadn’t seen, buried deep below the surface of our routine lives.”
Susan Meissner’s Lady in Waiting
“I felt like I was heading into the vast unknown on an open sea. Ahead of me lay the uncharted territory of my marriage, where no one had dropped a boundary marker. I heard a ticking clock….which was a reminder of the clock my mother had fixed as a gift to me. An unintended reminder that things that last always have second, third and fourth beginnings. That is why we have antique stores, that is why past beauty has a sure home in the future.” AND “I wanted to ask if he was beginning to understand , as I was, that our relationship had roots we hadn’t seen, buried deep below the surface of our routine lives.”
April 26, 2022
Lady in Waiting by Susan Meissner
Years: Present day and 1548-1553
Location: Manhattan, NY and England
Format: Kindle
Main Characters:
Jane Lindsay: Dealer in antiques, marriage falling apart
Brad: Jane’s husband
Lady Jane Grey: Young royal
Lucy Day: Lady Jane Grey’s dressmaker
Two stories, two time periods tied together by a ring with the name Jane and a verse from Song of Solomon inscribed on it.
Present day: Jane Lindsay is an antique dealer and just received a box with a prayer book and a ring. Jane felt an automatic connection to this ring and set out to find as much history about it as possible. Meanwhile, her husband has asked for a break from their marriage and took a job in another state and moved. She was beside herself, completely unaware that there was anything wrong with their marriage. Examining her life, her marriage, and trying to make sense of where to go from here was a challenge, but enlightening.
1548 – England, Lucy Day is Lady Jane Grey’s dressmaker. Because they’re both young they develop a friendship of sorts. Lucy has proven she does not gossip so Jane felt she could trust her. For years Lucy stayed with Jane, learning her sadness at being unable to do anything but what was expected of her, and of her fondness for a particular man, a man who gave her a ring she held dear.
The faith element of the book wasn’t so much in present day storyline. It was in Lady Jane Grey’s decision to maintain her love of God and keep her sense of God’s work in her life through grace. She supported the Reformed Church of England, differing from other royal relatives who would (and did) bring Catholicism back. She held to her faith even while imprisoned. She was given a chance to renounce the Reformed Church and convert to the Catholic faith. She would not relent and because of it she was beheaded.
I rather liked this book. It held my interest. I’d read a book years ago by Phillipa Gregory that dealt with the Tudor time period, including Lady Jane Grey. I think it was influential in my love for historical fiction.
I especially enjoyed seeing how Jane Lindsay decided to work on her marriage and learn a great deal about herself in the process.
Years: Present day and 1548-1553
Location: Manhattan, NY and England
Format: Kindle
Main Characters:
Jane Lindsay: Dealer in antiques, marriage falling apart
Brad: Jane’s husband
Lady Jane Grey: Young royal
Lucy Day: Lady Jane Grey’s dressmaker
Two stories, two time periods tied together by a ring with the name Jane and a verse from Song of Solomon inscribed on it.
Present day: Jane Lindsay is an antique dealer and just received a box with a prayer book and a ring. Jane felt an automatic connection to this ring and set out to find as much history about it as possible. Meanwhile, her husband has asked for a break from their marriage and took a job in another state and moved. She was beside herself, completely unaware that there was anything wrong with their marriage. Examining her life, her marriage, and trying to make sense of where to go from here was a challenge, but enlightening.
1548 – England, Lucy Day is Lady Jane Grey’s dressmaker. Because they’re both young they develop a friendship of sorts. Lucy has proven she does not gossip so Jane felt she could trust her. For years Lucy stayed with Jane, learning her sadness at being unable to do anything but what was expected of her, and of her fondness for a particular man, a man who gave her a ring she held dear.
The faith element of the book wasn’t so much in present day storyline. It was in Lady Jane Grey’s decision to maintain her love of God and keep her sense of God’s work in her life through grace. She supported the Reformed Church of England, differing from other royal relatives who would (and did) bring Catholicism back. She held to her faith even while imprisoned. She was given a chance to renounce the Reformed Church and convert to the Catholic faith. She would not relent and because of it she was beheaded.
I rather liked this book. It held my interest. I’d read a book years ago by Phillipa Gregory that dealt with the Tudor time period, including Lady Jane Grey. I think it was influential in my love for historical fiction.
I especially enjoyed seeing how Jane Lindsay decided to work on her marriage and learn a great deal about herself in the process.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 456 reviews
Can't find what you're looking for?
Get help and learn more about the design.