The House of Allerbrook

This historical novel by Valerie Anand is actually the second in a series; the first is The House of Lanyon. I didn’t know that when I read it, and the story stood up fine on its own.

The main character in the novel is Jane Sweetwater, and we follow her through about 60 years of her life, starting at the age of 15 or so. It is set during the 16th century, where young Jane becomes a member of King Henry VIII’s court and is lucky (or unlucky) enough to catch the king’s lustful eye.

I know, that sounds like a bodice-ripper, doesn’t it? But it isn’t, I swear. Jane marries and has a kid and spends most of her life in the country. But what makes the book interesting is all of the history that she and her family become involved in over the years, including traveling to the New World.

It’s not a fabulous novel and it certainly isn’t life changing, but it’s a very pleasant read – a perfect beach/pool read.