Jane Steen (1) (1959–)

I enjoyed this introductory book to the forthcoming Lady Helena series. The characters were entertaining and I look forward to following them in future installments.

Lady Helena is newly widowed and surrounded by a multitude of older siblings (it's a bit difficult to keep track of them all at first), who all have advice for her. I liked that although she somewhat resents their influence at times, she mostly maintains warm family ties with them and communicates with them in a way that increases their respect for her. The story is at its best when it is focusing on her interactions with her family...and with Dr. Fortier.

Who is Dr. Fortier? A French physician with a certain air of mystery, rather disliked by the town, but intent on winning Lady Helena's trust. He comes to tell her of his suspicions about her late husband's death, and the two of them continue to cross paths throughout the novel.

Although Lady Helena is somewhat forward-thinking, she is not overly anachronistic or modern in her attitudes. Her personality hit the right balance for me, as being appropriate to a historical setting with modern readers.

The mystery and the scandal in the book felt very undeveloped to me. As they were revealed, I continued to find myself very puzzled by motive. I also could have done without the sordid aspect of the scandal. It got rather icky but, again, the motive for the actions didn't seem fully explained.

I will definitely be on the lookout for the next book!

Thanks to NetGalley and Aspidistra Press for the digital review copy!… (meer)

This is a series that I feel will continue to get better with each book as the secrets of Helena's family get slowly revealed through her investigations. Her friend and love interest, Fortier, also has a few secrets of his own.
This is not a lighthearted romp with a bit of mystery. The overall feel of the book is quite dark and the story is slow-moving but still very entertaining and difficult to put down. Helena is a widow mourning her late husband, she is still coming to terms with the revelations about her mother in the previous book, Fortier's father is dying and Odelia is being targeted by a malicious and dangerous person whilst she is having an affair with a married man. There is plenty of drama but Helena manoeuvres through it skillfully. She is very loyal to her family and no matter how much she disapproves of Odelia's lifestyle she holds steadfast in her love and faithfulness.
Most of the story centres around Odelia's relationship with Geraint, the artist and the rivalry and disharmony this causes with all the other women in Geraint's life, including his wife. Helena's family also rally around each other when scandal breaks out and I liked seeing their family unity. It will be interesting to see what skeletons the other family members have in their closets as the series unfolds.

I voluntarily reviewed a copy provided by the publisher.… (meer)