King Charles II of England was involved with numerous women. There was the mother of his illegitimate son, Lucy Walter, his tempestuous mistress, Barbara Palmer, Duchess of Cleveland, his saucy and playful actress mistress, Nell Gwynn, his elegant French mistress, Louise de Kerouaille, Duchess of Portsmouth, and a whole host of others including a sad queen, Catherine of Braganza that was longing for her husband's love. There is one women that may have captured the heart of Charles II and most certainly helped save his throne that rarely gets mentioned in historical fiction. Jane Lane was a young English woman dreaming of adventure that helped Charles II escape and eventually regain his throne. Jane's fascinating story is finally told in "The September Queen: A Novel of Jane Lane" by Gillian Bagwell.
The novel centers around Jane, an intelligent and strong English woman longing for more in her life than the standard norm of marrying, having children, and running a household. Chance brings the dashing and gallant Charles Stuart, the rightful king of England to her doorstep. Disguised as her servant, Jane helps Charles to freedom and captures not only his friendship, but his passion, and even love. Charles gets to safety, but Jane is put in grave danger as a result of helping him. Jane and her brother flee to safety on a perilious journey. Jane eventually meets up again with her charming king in France and their relationship continues again. Charles become Jane's protector and keeps her with him in France and eventually sends her to his sister Mary's court at The Hague. Throughout it all, Jane stays true, loyal, and in love with Charles. When Charles is restored to the English throne, everything changes for the King and his savior and Jane is left dealing with heartbreak, jealousy, and even regret. "The September Queen" is a novel about the time leading up to the Restoration, a love story between a king and his subject, but most importantly the story of a young woman who was brave and strong.
This is a unique novel on the time period. Readers all know of the many women who captivated King Charles II, but the story of Jane, one of the first to captivate him is a rare gem that was needed to be told. Bagwell clearly knows and loves the time period so her novel completely comes to life. The novel features adventure, history, romance, and a coming of age story of a young woman who desired so much more than what was expected of her. Bagwell makes the character of Jane so likable and root-worthy. She is a true heroine with her intelligence, bravery, and loyalty. This is Jane's story and readers will fall in love with her and want the best for her.
Bagwell also writes a wonderful Charles II. He is dashing, sexy, and alluring, the perfect fantasy for young women, but there is a sadness and desperation to him because of all that he encountered in losing his father, his throne, and being made to wander around the world for safety. With these two strong characters of Charle and Jane, Bagwell's story is truly character driven.
The gang's all here in this novel as well with appearances by many familiar faces of the time period including Queen Henrietta Maria, the formidable mother of Charles, his numerous siblings including James, Duke of York, young Minette, and Mary, Princess Royal. Also included are appearances from young Anne Hyde before she became the wife and duchess to the Duke of York and a glimpse of the beautiful and captivating, Barbara Palmer. One of the best supporting characters in the novel is Queen Elizabeth of Bohemia, the elder aunt of Charles and friend to Jane. All the characters in "The September Queen" are memorable and well-written.
Bagwell may be one of the newer writers in the historical fiction genre, but she is one of the most talented. Her love and knoweldge of the time period shines through as well as her beautifully written words and descriptive details. This novel is guaranteed to be a favorite among historical fiction readers!
"The September Queen: A Novel of Jane Lane" will be released on November 1, 2011
To purchase "The September Queen: A Novel of Jane Lane": http://www.amazon.com/September-Queen-Gillian-Bagwell/dp/0425243230
For more information on Gillian Bagwell: http://www.gillianbagwell.com/
Comments