Janey Blackman leaves school, her family and her arch-enemy, Posy Bantley-Brown and goes to seek her fortune in London. There she loses her virginity, re-encounters Posy, falls in love and struggles to find her way in life until, in the end, she grows beyond her childhood fears and dreams and, in her own opinion at least, becomes "A Woman of Experience."
A Woman of Experience is the first Kay Gregory book I've read and I totally enjoyed it. Her fabulous characters and subtle humour had me from the start. Unlike most of the romance books I've been reading lately, Ms. Gregory doesn't shy from exposing all facets of her heroine making Janey feel like a real flesh and blood woman. You can see why she makes the choices she does and feel for her as she suffers the consequences. Ms. Gregory also writes discreet but amusing love scenes like no other author. I'll definitely read more from her!
In a Woman of Experience, Ms Gregory very ably depicts post-war England and the working class British people. She also brings out the lingering class distinction and the rise of a new generation of young people who kicked against the mores of the past. Having lived in a London bed-sitter and worked for a publishing house in the East End during the early 70's, I was able to identify very strongly with Janey's character and her struggles to find her feet. The strictures of Janey's up-bringing and the standards set by her parents cling to her, caging her in, and as much as she would like to kick over the traces, she finds that she is unable to let go completely and take life as it is offered to her with both hands. Janey has to grow into her new life and in doing so finds that everything is not a black and white as she supposed it to be. The indomitable spirit that was the saving grace of the British people during WWII, carries Janey through as she makes the choices that will carry into the future. Posy and David's problems suck Janey in and she finds herself taking sides and becoming involved, much against her will and not without heartbreak. Kyle's solid, albeit inflammable, presence carries Janey through as he supports her and allows her to mature into the strong young woman she aspires to. A Woman of Experience is a beautifully written book, and has much to recommend it. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review.
Was swept away by Ms. Gregory's writing and her heroine's youthful wit, charm and resilience. The unique details infused in the setting and time period were wonderfully refreshing. I truly felt like I was inside Chantersley Private School for Girls, Inspirational Books and the delightfully horrible Number Fifteen Wrenbert Terrace (just to name a few of the treats awaiting a reader). I enjoyed this book so much I immediately bought "A Woman of Impulse," the 2nd book in Ms. Gregory's Life, Love & Lies series.
I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily reviewed this book. This is my honest review. I usually don't read historical novels, but I wanted to try this after seeing all the positive reviews. I was surprised by how much I loved the book. Kay Gregory did a great job of pulling me into the story and feeling like I was in Janey's shoes. I hope you like this book as much as I did.
I don’t normally read historical romance but I can honestly say that I really enjoyed this book. Janey Blackman is the main character of this novel, a young woman whose world has just crushed down on her and we follow her through the year. No matter what happened she had hope and faith that made her stronger. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book.