Book Review: Lady in Waiting

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.