Nichole’s Blog

Something I really haven’t blogged much about is the fact that I love history.  I enjoy learning why something happened even more than what happened.  Why did the Civil War take place?  What caused the change in people to no longer accept the status quo?  That is one reason I do enjoy attending Renaissance Faires, even though there isn’t one close to where I live.

Because of that love of history, I was fascinated with the idea of a Renaissance Faire mystery.

I found this one available for my Sony e-reader and quickly downloaded it.  (There is something to be said for instant gratification, you know!)

This story takes place at a Renaissance Faire where the main character, Jessie, goes each summer.  As a history professor, Jessie spends the time apprenticing with different craftsmen.  When she works with a basket weaver, Jessie learns the art of creating beautiful baskets.  Unfortunately, a murdered man is found with strands of the basket material wrapped around his neck.

Jessie, convenced the master basket maker had something to do with the crime, does her best to solve the mystery and keep her friend out of trouble.  It doesn’t always work the way she wants it to, but in the end justice is served.

I enjoyed the novel — especially the premise that authors Joyce and Jim Lavene use for the series.  I’ve already purchased the second book (Ghastly Glass) and it’s sitting in the to-be-read pile.  I’m not sure how long the series will continue, as the Lavenes have multiple books out there, but a third novel is scheduled for release in Septemeber of this year.  I plan to grab that one when it’s available as well.

Blessings!

Nichole

Ready for a little known fact about Nichole?  I don’t JUST read mysteries.

I just finished The Boleyn Inheritance by Philippa Gregory.  This one was recommended to me by a friend, and is actually her copy.  I’ll admit that this novel was probably the longest one I’d read in awhile with more than 500 pages, but it’s written like a diary.  Or, rather, it’s written like three diaries: Jane Boylan, sister-in-law to the late Queen Anne; Anne of Cleaves, King Henry IIX’s fourth wife; and Kathrene Howard, maid-in-waiting to Anne of Cleaves and King Henry’s fifth wife.  A sequel to The Other Bolyn Girl, which I haven’t read (but is in my TBR pile), this novel focuses on the life of three important women in King Henry’s court.

Anne of Cleaves, a queen for less htan six months, lived in fear of her life.  She knew what Henry had done to her her three predicessors.  A German, she spoke little English and was thought to be stupid.  Ms. Gregory portrayes Anne as quiet, reserved and extremely intelligent.  She must have been to survive being married to Henry!  (The only other surviving wife was Catherine Parr, who only managed to live because Henry died first!)

Jane Bolyn is portrayed as a nasty, scheeming woman who I certainly wouldn’t want to have working for me.  Very well done!  She is human enough to have reasons for her evil, but crazed enough that the reasons don’t completely make sense.

Katherine “Kitty” Howard is just plain naive and immature — though any female who has survived high school knows the type!

Finally, there is King Henry, himself.  Ms. Gregory does a wonderful job of portraying his madness as well as the resultiing feelings and attitude of the court.

I must admit that I wasn’t too keen on starting this one, but did it because of the recommendation of my friend.  Now, though, I’m glad I read it and plan to add Ms. Gregory’s other titles to my Must Read pile.

Blessings!

Nichole