(There’s also the fact that he spends all daylight hours as a horse, but more on that later.) G thinks Jane’s insufferable and too bookish-which, rude, that’s not a thing-and Jane thinks G is a useless and promiscuous lordling. When they first find out about their impending nuptials, neither Jane nor G want anything to do with each other. If they tagged along while Jane and I hung out, I’d be OK with that. Thankfully, they’re willing to admit when they’re wrong, and strive to overcome generations of conditioning. They’re not terrible, by any means, but they are men in an age where men think they’re better than everyone else (*tugs at collar*). And everything I’d want in a BFF.Įdward and Gifford-”call me G”-on the other hand, aren’t nearly as cool as Jane. She’s not afraid to speak her mind, even to the King of England. She’s willing to get her hands dirty, and realizes that her privileged upbringing affords her many opportunities that most other people in England couldn’t even imagine.

She’s a forward thinking feminist at a time when women were seen as little better than pretty pieces of art or breeding stock. Jane is an extremely intelligent, sharp-witted young woman with a deep-seated love of learning and books. It’s a good thing Jane and Gifford Dudley (son of Lord Dudley, the King’s most trusted advisor) have no plans for Saturday night. Thing is, Jane’s not married-meaning no male progeny-and Edward’s health is rapidly failing (possibly through no fault of his own or any illness, if you know what I mean). But being the cousin of England’s King Edward VI means that she occasionally has to do things she might not want to do, and the latest situation she’s facing is a doozy: The king is dying, and has chosen Jane’s heirs as his successors. (Also, the book’s MC would be totally impressed at my use of such a big word.)Īs long as she has a stack of books nearby, Lady Jane Grey is content to live out her life unmarried and in private. Plus, the handwritten notes are totally cute, and fit in well with the novel (and the novel’s chapter art). This cover is a little bit Big Face, a little bit Fancy Dress, and whole lot of Instagram Filter, but I … love it? The cover model is gorgeous, and the title treatment is fab. Bonus Factors: Shapeshifting, Book Love, “History”

My lady jane by cynthia hand