The House Of Allerbrook (Exmoor Saga #2) by Valerie Anand

[gilda_elise]

The House Of Allerbrook (Exmoor Saga #2) by Valerie Anand

"Lady-in-waiting Jane Sweetwater's resistance to the legendary attentions of Henry VIII may have saved her pretty neck, but her reward is a forced and unhappy marriage with a much older man and a harsh life on his farm. Her only consolation is that she still lives upon her beloved Exmoor, the bleak yet beautiful land that cradles Allerbrook House, her family home. In time, she regains the position of a woman with status and property, but she cannot ignore the rumblings from London, as the articles of faith change with every new coronation.

Jane's small world is penetrated by plotting, treachery and even thwarted love as those she holds dearest are forced to choose between family loyalty and fealty to the crown."

Though the second in the series, the events take place almost a century later. The story follows the life of Jane Sweetwater, a younger sister who ends up being the one sent to court after her older sister's fall from grace when she becomes pregnant. While there, she comes to the attention of the lecherous king, Henry VIII, and ends up fleeing back home.

It's at this point that she's forced into a loveless marriage to a much older man, even while being in love with another. This is the first of many sacrifices she makes for her family. And while Jane takes on much responsibility for that family, often that responsibility seems more thrust on her than readily taken. Her whole life is a series of mishaps that she has little to no power to prevent.

While not as interesting as the first book, actually slow in some places where the action bogs down (or when the reader can't take yet another sacrifice,) it's an interesting look at life of those not at the center of power, but whose lives are nevertheless affected.

Comments

[hsv-fangirl.livejournal.com]

I'm in awe of all the books you are reading! I have not read anything (book-wise) in a LONG time. :-( But that might change with your recs! lol

[gilda-elise.livejournal.com]

I went through periods in the past where I wasn't reading a lot, but then, suddenly, I was. I think what has really helped is that I set aside time before sleep just to read. I go to bed around 8:30p, but don't turn off the light until around 10p. That's my unwinding time while I read. :-)