Telynor's Library, and then some

I had such high hopes for this one, a retelling of the life of Bess of Hardwick. This novel is full of descriptions, some sex, encounters with Tudor royalty, a nasty relation, but cuts off the final, most interesting part of Bess's life -- when she was Countess of Shrewsbury, and her life became entangled with Mary, Queen of Scots. That to me was a huge blunder on the author's part. Also, Bess and her husbands are such goodies that I was heartily bored by them and couldn't wait for this novel to end. Ultimately, this gets just two stars and a not recommended from me. Too bad, as this could have been a great deal more.

For the longer review, please go here:
http://www.epinions.com/review/Gillian_Bagwell_Venus_in_Winter_A_Novel_of_Bess_of_Hardwick_epi/content_626962763396