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Jane Benjamin #2
Tomboy
It’s 1939. On the brink of World War II, Jane Benjamin wants to have it all. By day she hustles as a scruffy, tomboy cub reporter. By night she secretly struggles to raise her toddler sister, Elsie, and protect her from their mother. But Jane’s got a plan: she’ll become the San Francisco Prospect’s first gossip columnist and make enough money to care for Elsie.
Jane finagles her way to the women’s championship at Wimbledon, starring her hometown’s tennis phenom and cover girl Tommie O’Rourke. She plans to write her first column there. But then she witnesses Edith “Coach” Carlson, Tommie’s closest companion, drop dead in the stands of apparent heart attack, and her plan is thrown off track.
While sailing home on the RMS Queen Mary, Jane veers between competing instincts: Should she write a social bombshell column, personally damaging her new friend Tommie’s persona and career? Or should she work to uncover the truth of Coach’s death, which she now knows was a murder, and its connection to a larger conspiracy involving US participation in the coming war?
Putting away her menswear and donning first-class ballgowns, Jane discovers what upper-class status hides, protects, and destroys. Ultimately—like nations around the globe in 1939—she must choose what she’ll give up in order to do what’s right.
Jane finagles her way to the women’s championship at Wimbledon, starring her hometown’s tennis phenom and cover girl Tommie O’Rourke. She plans to write her first column there. But then she witnesses Edith “Coach” Carlson, Tommie’s closest companion, drop dead in the stands of apparent heart attack, and her plan is thrown off track.
While sailing home on the RMS Queen Mary, Jane veers between competing instincts: Should she write a social bombshell column, personally damaging her new friend Tommie’s persona and career? Or should she work to uncover the truth of Coach’s death, which she now knows was a murder, and its connection to a larger conspiracy involving US participation in the coming war?
Putting away her menswear and donning first-class ballgowns, Jane discovers what upper-class status hides, protects, and destroys. Ultimately—like nations around the globe in 1939—she must choose what she’ll give up in order to do what’s right.
312 pages, Paperback
First published June 28, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
March 20, 2023
TITLE: TOM BOY
SERIES: A Jane Benjamin Novel
AUTHOR: Shelley Blanton-Stroud
PUB DATE: 06.28.2022 Now Available
I first read Copy Boy in the summer of 2020 and still remember how much I loved it - keeping me up turning those pages as a young woman takes her brother’s identity escaping an abusive father. The historical setting of 1930’s San Francisco really drew me in.
In Tomboy, we follow Jane Benjamin in another set of adventure involving Wimbledon and the illustrious Queen Mary rubbing elbows with how the wealthy lives and divided in finding a story for a gossip column, and the murder linked to a more sinister story as the country enters into the Second World War.
Once again, I was pulled into the story that is immersive, well researched, and within a complex story line. It’s a story of a woman, a difficult girl, witty enough to survive and thrive in a man’s world not ready to accept her yet. Another triumphant read in the series.
SERIES: A Jane Benjamin Novel
AUTHOR: Shelley Blanton-Stroud
PUB DATE: 06.28.2022 Now Available
I first read Copy Boy in the summer of 2020 and still remember how much I loved it - keeping me up turning those pages as a young woman takes her brother’s identity escaping an abusive father. The historical setting of 1930’s San Francisco really drew me in.
In Tomboy, we follow Jane Benjamin in another set of adventure involving Wimbledon and the illustrious Queen Mary rubbing elbows with how the wealthy lives and divided in finding a story for a gossip column, and the murder linked to a more sinister story as the country enters into the Second World War.
Once again, I was pulled into the story that is immersive, well researched, and within a complex story line. It’s a story of a woman, a difficult girl, witty enough to survive and thrive in a man’s world not ready to accept her yet. Another triumphant read in the series.
February 8, 2022
Haiku
...
Tennis and intrigue
Great Depression devours
As the war creeps close
.
.
Battling her scruples
Such is the gossip of life
Mystery entwines
.
.
No easy path here
Consequences are shadows
Frenemies surround
.
.
Bourbon to be swilled
Merry Champagne to be poured
Pig and whistle lore
.
.
4.5
...
Tennis and intrigue
Great Depression devours
As the war creeps close
.
.
Battling her scruples
Such is the gossip of life
Mystery entwines
.
.
No easy path here
Consequences are shadows
Frenemies surround
.
.
Bourbon to be swilled
Merry Champagne to be poured
Pig and whistle lore
.
.
4.5
June 28, 2022
Tomboy is the second in the author’s historical mystery series featuring cub reporter Jane Benjamin. I can reassure readers who, like me, haven’t read the first book in the series, Copy Boy, that Tomboy works perfectly well as a standalone. The references to events in the earlier book provide new readers with a tantalising glimpse of Jane’s colourful journey to date. I say colourful but much of that colour is of a pretty dark hue as the occasional flashbacks to her early life demonstrate. She’s had a tough upbringing, witnessing violence and neglect as part of a family with an itinerant lifestyle. It’s given her a strong survival instinct.
Jane is feisty, resourceful, ambitious and determined her gender shouldn’t be an obstacle to achieving her journalistic ambitions. She’s had to learn to rely on herself from an early age but now finds herself with responsibility for her baby sister, Elsie. It’s a responsibility she feels quite conflicted about; she loves her little sister but she also wants to advance her career and the two don’t mix well. Jane’s clear-eyed about her own shortcomings and honest enough to admit she often makes decisions that adversely affect other people.
I really enjoyed the lively writing style and how the author recreated the atmosphere aboard the ocean liner Queen Mary from the luxury suites to the celebrities hobnobbing in the exclusive Verandah Grill (such as Charles Boyer, Irene Dunne and Fred Astaire) and, at the other end of the scale, the crew members in the bowels of the ship making their own amusement in the ‘Pig ‘n’ Whistle’. Thrust into an unfamiliar luxury lifestyle through her friendship with tennis star Tommie O’Rourke, Jane finds herself at sea, both literally and metaphorically. A bang on the head and a broken nose don’t help.
The mystery at the heart of the book is not quite of the ‘locked room’ variety as the suspicious death has already occurred before the Queen Mary sets sail, but all the people who might have been involved are amongst the passengers and as Jane delves deeper she uncovers some unexpected things, not always by legitimate methods. I thought things got a little jumbled up towards the end of the book (or perhaps that was just me) and Jane’s angst over whether she was doing the right thing seemed to overshadow the unravelling of the mystery. Nevertheless, I enjoyed my first encounter with Jane in whose company life is never going to be dull.
Jane is feisty, resourceful, ambitious and determined her gender shouldn’t be an obstacle to achieving her journalistic ambitions. She’s had to learn to rely on herself from an early age but now finds herself with responsibility for her baby sister, Elsie. It’s a responsibility she feels quite conflicted about; she loves her little sister but she also wants to advance her career and the two don’t mix well. Jane’s clear-eyed about her own shortcomings and honest enough to admit she often makes decisions that adversely affect other people.
I really enjoyed the lively writing style and how the author recreated the atmosphere aboard the ocean liner Queen Mary from the luxury suites to the celebrities hobnobbing in the exclusive Verandah Grill (such as Charles Boyer, Irene Dunne and Fred Astaire) and, at the other end of the scale, the crew members in the bowels of the ship making their own amusement in the ‘Pig ‘n’ Whistle’. Thrust into an unfamiliar luxury lifestyle through her friendship with tennis star Tommie O’Rourke, Jane finds herself at sea, both literally and metaphorically. A bang on the head and a broken nose don’t help.
The mystery at the heart of the book is not quite of the ‘locked room’ variety as the suspicious death has already occurred before the Queen Mary sets sail, but all the people who might have been involved are amongst the passengers and as Jane delves deeper she uncovers some unexpected things, not always by legitimate methods. I thought things got a little jumbled up towards the end of the book (or perhaps that was just me) and Jane’s angst over whether she was doing the right thing seemed to overshadow the unravelling of the mystery. Nevertheless, I enjoyed my first encounter with Jane in whose company life is never going to be dull.
October 29, 2021
Tom Boy’s Jane Benjamin, who grew out of a 1937, dust-bowl, Okie, Hooverville tent camp, is a quintessential heroine for right now—gritty, gutsy, gender-bending, and driven to fulfill her journalistic ambitions in the male-centric bars and smoke-filled backrooms of the San Francisco newspaper world, while remaining true to herself and those who have been true to her. She's one "difficult girl" you want in your corner and on your "must read" pile.
February 14, 2023
Shelley Blanton-Stroud, the author of “Tom Boy,” has written an intriguing and suspenseful novel. The genres for this novel are Historical Fiction, Mystery, Suspense, and Fiction. The timeline for the story is 1939. The author vividly describes her characters as complex and complicated. This is the second book in the series, and I found that I could follow along, but it would have been beneficial to read the first book.
The protagonist of the story, Jane Benjamin, uses different names and seems manipulative and a survivalist. Times are difficult, and jobs are difficult for women. Jane has disguised herself as a boy in the past to become a Copy Boy. Jane takes care of her toddler sister during the day and uses and imposes on other people to do and get things for her. Jane jumps at the opportunity to write a gossip column and finds herself on a train and The Queen Mary. Using tickets in someone else’s name, Jane follows the activities of the Wimbledon’s Women championship. Jane is extremely lucky to have people clean her messes. I felt both sorry for Jane and annoyed that Jane is an opportunist and takes advantage of others.
When a murder occurs, Jane looks at the possibility of a big story. Jane has also become close to a famous tennis player and could write some damaging information about her. Will Jane be able to do the moral and right thing to do?
I appreciate that Shelley Blanton-Stroud discusses the problems of the times and how the news industry works. There are betrayals and secrets, and wealthy people pay for what they want. I would recommend this thought-provoking novel.
The protagonist of the story, Jane Benjamin, uses different names and seems manipulative and a survivalist. Times are difficult, and jobs are difficult for women. Jane has disguised herself as a boy in the past to become a Copy Boy. Jane takes care of her toddler sister during the day and uses and imposes on other people to do and get things for her. Jane jumps at the opportunity to write a gossip column and finds herself on a train and The Queen Mary. Using tickets in someone else’s name, Jane follows the activities of the Wimbledon’s Women championship. Jane is extremely lucky to have people clean her messes. I felt both sorry for Jane and annoyed that Jane is an opportunist and takes advantage of others.
When a murder occurs, Jane looks at the possibility of a big story. Jane has also become close to a famous tennis player and could write some damaging information about her. Will Jane be able to do the moral and right thing to do?
I appreciate that Shelley Blanton-Stroud discusses the problems of the times and how the news industry works. There are betrayals and secrets, and wealthy people pay for what they want. I would recommend this thought-provoking novel.
December 15, 2022
MY THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK
@IREADBOOKTOURS
I didn’t read the first book in this series, but I had no problems getting to know Jane and what was taking place in this book. She is trying to master raising a toddler as well as her job as a tomboy reporter while dressed in her finest young man’s clothes. And even when her boss found her out, she was so good at her job, he keeps her on as his employee. That’s a bit to say in the 1930’s. She masters at several interesting things, including a trip across the ocean and back. But will she get the big jobs she wants to make a good life for she and her toddler?
This is quite the journey to follow this character throughout the book. Jane is definitely not the perfect person, but she strives yo do what need by to survive. The author does a very nice job of writing with so much detail that it is easy to follow the story. The characters are well written into the story, and I enjoyed their development throughout this story, although the adventures of Jane and sometimes Tommie as well were kinda wild and truly adventurous. Tomboy is getting Four Stars from me. If you like Hidtorical Thriller type books, you are surr to like this one.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
@IREADBOOKTOURS
I didn’t read the first book in this series, but I had no problems getting to know Jane and what was taking place in this book. She is trying to master raising a toddler as well as her job as a tomboy reporter while dressed in her finest young man’s clothes. And even when her boss found her out, she was so good at her job, he keeps her on as his employee. That’s a bit to say in the 1930’s. She masters at several interesting things, including a trip across the ocean and back. But will she get the big jobs she wants to make a good life for she and her toddler?
This is quite the journey to follow this character throughout the book. Jane is definitely not the perfect person, but she strives yo do what need by to survive. The author does a very nice job of writing with so much detail that it is easy to follow the story. The characters are well written into the story, and I enjoyed their development throughout this story, although the adventures of Jane and sometimes Tommie as well were kinda wild and truly adventurous. Tomboy is getting Four Stars from me. If you like Hidtorical Thriller type books, you are surr to like this one.
A special thanks to the author/publisher for a copy of this book. I am not required to write a positive review, the opinions here are mine alone. I am disclosing this with my review in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
June 16, 2022
Great summer read with a tough as nails cub reporter heroine chasing a story across the Atlantic on the Queen Mary in 1939. Jane Benjamin is an interesting main character who makes decisions that I didn’t always agree with, but she has a solid moral compass when push comes to shove.
TOMBOY is a well-researched historical mystery, and I appreciated the references to events and people famous in 1939.
My LGBTQ take: as a queer reader, I would have loved even more about queer tennis player Tommie O’Rourke, including her secret relationship/romance with one of the women in the book. (Keeping this review spoiler free so I won’t name who). I would love to read a spin-off story for Tommie herself.
I recommend TOMBOY to readers who enjoy mystery and historical fiction featuring a strong ensemble of women characters.
Thank you to BookSparks and She Writes Press for sending a gifted paperback for the Summer Pop Up Tour.
TOMBOY is a well-researched historical mystery, and I appreciated the references to events and people famous in 1939.
My LGBTQ take: as a queer reader, I would have loved even more about queer tennis player Tommie O’Rourke, including her secret relationship/romance with one of the women in the book. (Keeping this review spoiler free so I won’t name who). I would love to read a spin-off story for Tommie herself.
I recommend TOMBOY to readers who enjoy mystery and historical fiction featuring a strong ensemble of women characters.
Thank you to BookSparks and She Writes Press for sending a gifted paperback for the Summer Pop Up Tour.
October 19, 2022
In Tomboy, Blanton-Stroud creates a heroine who crosses boundaries in her work and her personal life to achieve her goals. Set against the backdrop of a looming World War, Jane cheats and claws her way to her dream job in a field dominated by men. Though the narrative takes place in vivid detail in the 1920s and 30s, Jane is a timeless protagonist: sassy, scrappy, gutsy, and driven. Intoxicating in the best possible way!
August 1, 2022
Copy Boy by Shelley Blanton-Stroud is the second in the series that started with Tom Boy. The protagonist is Jane Benjamin who is a cub reporter, itching to get 'the' story of a lifetime. Jane is the caregiver of her little sister and she just wants to have a good job so she can take care of her. This story takes place mainly on the RMS Queen Mary, there is talk of an upcoming war.
When the chance she finagles her way onto the RMS Queen Mary to go to Wimbleton. The story she is after is that of a tennis pro and cover girl Tommie O’Rourke. She is excited to cover the story of the star but once she gets there she finds that things are not what they appear regarding Tommie.
At Wimbleton, she witnesses Tommie's coach Edith “Coach” Carlson drop dead in the bleachers. It is suspected that it was a heart attack but Jane thinks otherwise. She wants to write this bombshell gossipy story for her newspaper but she starts to rethink that when she gets to know Tommie and those who surround her.
Jane has a dilemma, should she divulge all she has learned about Tommie and the coach, chance ruining Tommie's career, or should she do what is right? In Tom Boy, Jane dressed as a boy so she could get her position at the newspaper. In Copy boy, Jane is a bit more mature and thinking of what is best for her sister and her new friend, Tommie.
I enjoyed Tom Boy and was excited when the opportunity to review Copy Boy came up. I liked how Jane, grew up from this tomboy to a young lady. I applauded her for wanting to do a job that was historically male-dominated.
Shelley Blanton-Stroud does a wonderful job setting up the atmosphere to the times. Great research to tell a story that is authentic. Her descriptions of the clothing matched the era. Very glamorous.
Tom Boy is written as a series but can certainly be read as a stand-alone. I would recommend that you read the first one to get the whole context of Jane. I give the book 4 stars!
I received a copy of the book for review purposes only.
When the chance she finagles her way onto the RMS Queen Mary to go to Wimbleton. The story she is after is that of a tennis pro and cover girl Tommie O’Rourke. She is excited to cover the story of the star but once she gets there she finds that things are not what they appear regarding Tommie.
At Wimbleton, she witnesses Tommie's coach Edith “Coach” Carlson drop dead in the bleachers. It is suspected that it was a heart attack but Jane thinks otherwise. She wants to write this bombshell gossipy story for her newspaper but she starts to rethink that when she gets to know Tommie and those who surround her.
Jane has a dilemma, should she divulge all she has learned about Tommie and the coach, chance ruining Tommie's career, or should she do what is right? In Tom Boy, Jane dressed as a boy so she could get her position at the newspaper. In Copy boy, Jane is a bit more mature and thinking of what is best for her sister and her new friend, Tommie.
I enjoyed Tom Boy and was excited when the opportunity to review Copy Boy came up. I liked how Jane, grew up from this tomboy to a young lady. I applauded her for wanting to do a job that was historically male-dominated.
Shelley Blanton-Stroud does a wonderful job setting up the atmosphere to the times. Great research to tell a story that is authentic. Her descriptions of the clothing matched the era. Very glamorous.
Tom Boy is written as a series but can certainly be read as a stand-alone. I would recommend that you read the first one to get the whole context of Jane. I give the book 4 stars!
I received a copy of the book for review purposes only.
October 27, 2021
A sharp and affecting novel of pain and love wrapped in a meticulously crafted mystery, Tomboy ascends to a breaking point that will leave you breathless.
August 25, 2021
I received an advanced reader copy of Tom Boy. Jane Benjamin is a resilient, resourceful and wonderfully flawed protagonist that I routed for through every page of her journey from Oakland to Wimbledon and back. The rich details of place and period are exquisite. The prose is crisp and the pace is snappy. Fasten your seat belts. It’s going to be a bumpy boat ride. Oops. I meant ship.
October 13, 2022
Jane Benjamin is up to her eyeballs in trouble. Living a man’s life as a woman in the 1930s is hard enough, but juggling her career as a writer with being the caretaker of a toddler is nigh impossible. Elsie has become a point of contention between Jane and her roommate Rivka, and Jane’s hanging all her hopes on landing the job as a gossip columnist to smooth the waters until she can afford to get her own place. When the college frat boy who was earmarked to get the column that Jane had her eyes on is too drunk to make the train, Jane makes a split-second decision and takes his place! Impressed by her gumption but not by her gender, Jane’s publisher Edward Zimmer gives her the chance of a lifetime. Go to England, see tennis star Tommie O’Rourke play, and see if she can win Zimmer over in regards with the column.
What happens next is both fantastical and incredibly real. Jane has nothing more than the clothes on her back and is suffering from a concussion caused by and upset Elsie and few days before. After Tommie’s amazing tennis victory and the subsequent death of her coach, Jane helps Tommie and her brother Frank escape a horde of reporters while trying to get back aboard ship. Tommie latches onto Jane and she finds herself in the middle of gossip, potential scandals, and an honest-to-god shipboard mystery. Coach’s death isn’t as cut and dried as it first appeared and Jane is in the perfect position to gather first-class material for her column.
I honestly loved this continuation of Jane’s story. Jane is flawed, and like most of us, blind to how she affects those around her. She exists in a gray area in that she is comfortable in being female, but prefers to inhabit a man’s role. I have to give the author all the kudos for her delicate and masterful explanations of how both Jane and Tommie see themselves. There are explanations of how same-sex relationships were seen in that time, as well as how the different classes of Americans viewed the coming conflict with Hitler. Jane makes new friends in this book, some new enemies; and learns that some of the opinions she held about people were wrong. In the end, we are left knowing that there will be more for Jane to face in the future, and that sometimes what you really need isn’t what you necessarily want.
What happens next is both fantastical and incredibly real. Jane has nothing more than the clothes on her back and is suffering from a concussion caused by and upset Elsie and few days before. After Tommie’s amazing tennis victory and the subsequent death of her coach, Jane helps Tommie and her brother Frank escape a horde of reporters while trying to get back aboard ship. Tommie latches onto Jane and she finds herself in the middle of gossip, potential scandals, and an honest-to-god shipboard mystery. Coach’s death isn’t as cut and dried as it first appeared and Jane is in the perfect position to gather first-class material for her column.
I honestly loved this continuation of Jane’s story. Jane is flawed, and like most of us, blind to how she affects those around her. She exists in a gray area in that she is comfortable in being female, but prefers to inhabit a man’s role. I have to give the author all the kudos for her delicate and masterful explanations of how both Jane and Tommie see themselves. There are explanations of how same-sex relationships were seen in that time, as well as how the different classes of Americans viewed the coming conflict with Hitler. Jane makes new friends in this book, some new enemies; and learns that some of the opinions she held about people were wrong. In the end, we are left knowing that there will be more for Jane to face in the future, and that sometimes what you really need isn’t what you necessarily want.
February 19, 2023
Gossip, murder and intrigue on the high seas.
Jane wants to be a gossip columnist in hopes of earning a higher wage to provide better for her toddler sister and move into a place of their own. Willing to do whatever it takes to get the position she finds herself on a trans Atlantic crossing to hopefully get the goods on a San Francisco tennis phenom, Tommie O'Rourke, while at the Wimbledon championships. When Tommie's coach and confidant drops dead at the match, Jane thinks she just might have found an angle for her first column. After befriending Tommie and finding herself as Tommie's guest in her suite aboard the Queen Mary, taking Coach's room, she has the perfect opportunity to get the goods on Tommie. What she finds though puts her in a moral dilemma, one she's not comfortable with as it could ruin Tommie's career by betraying her newfound friend. She also finds that Coach's death wasn't natural and she might be able to solve the murder. Jane's intent is to have it all, a gossip column, to be seen as a regular journalist by solving a crime and then to provide the best situation for her young sister. Will she be able to pull it off? You'll have to read this beguiling novel to find out.
This one picks up shortly after the events of the first book in the series, Copy Boy. Jane's gender fluidity gets her both in and out of precarious situations. The writing has an easy flow and a good pace. The characters are fleshed out and the settings are easily imagined with the descriptive and cinematic writing style. Although Jane makes some horrible decisions in her quest for success, I still find her a formidable force to be reckoned with and fun to hang out with. Even though this is the second book in the Jane Benjamin series, there's enough back story given that makes this easily read as a stand-alone. I really enjoyed this one and look forward to Jane's next adventure!
Thank you to the author, She Writes Press and Suzy Approved Book Tours for the gifted copy and including me on this tour.
Jane wants to be a gossip columnist in hopes of earning a higher wage to provide better for her toddler sister and move into a place of their own. Willing to do whatever it takes to get the position she finds herself on a trans Atlantic crossing to hopefully get the goods on a San Francisco tennis phenom, Tommie O'Rourke, while at the Wimbledon championships. When Tommie's coach and confidant drops dead at the match, Jane thinks she just might have found an angle for her first column. After befriending Tommie and finding herself as Tommie's guest in her suite aboard the Queen Mary, taking Coach's room, she has the perfect opportunity to get the goods on Tommie. What she finds though puts her in a moral dilemma, one she's not comfortable with as it could ruin Tommie's career by betraying her newfound friend. She also finds that Coach's death wasn't natural and she might be able to solve the murder. Jane's intent is to have it all, a gossip column, to be seen as a regular journalist by solving a crime and then to provide the best situation for her young sister. Will she be able to pull it off? You'll have to read this beguiling novel to find out.
This one picks up shortly after the events of the first book in the series, Copy Boy. Jane's gender fluidity gets her both in and out of precarious situations. The writing has an easy flow and a good pace. The characters are fleshed out and the settings are easily imagined with the descriptive and cinematic writing style. Although Jane makes some horrible decisions in her quest for success, I still find her a formidable force to be reckoned with and fun to hang out with. Even though this is the second book in the Jane Benjamin series, there's enough back story given that makes this easily read as a stand-alone. I really enjoyed this one and look forward to Jane's next adventure!
Thank you to the author, She Writes Press and Suzy Approved Book Tours for the gifted copy and including me on this tour.
October 18, 2022
Tomboy can be read as a standalone novel. While it is the second book in the series, the author fills in the necessary pieces from Copy Boy that readers new to the series may have missed. Like always, readers benefit from reading a series in order as they can better understand characters and motivations--and much of Jane was created by Copy Boy's scenes. Having said that, Tomboy brings new characters and a complete storyline that can stand independently.
Tomboy Presents Historical Fiction with a Very Modern Edge. Readers are transported to 1939 with very historical themes and sentiments toward women's roles and social classes. Jane's strong female character gave the scenes a more modern feel as she sought to make her way in a male-dominated career and time in history. As in Copy Boy, I didn't love Jane as a person most of the time--but she was very effective in her role. Jane's decisions were often impulsive--and probably a little more male-like. It was hard not to like her character at least a bit because she was generally aiming to do the right thing in the big picture!
Would I Recommend Tomboy by Shelley Blanton-Stroud? This book presents a historical mystery --but it is more of a moral drama as Jane seeks to come to terms with her present, past, and obligations to do the right things. If you enjoy strong female characters breaking roles and rules in historical settings--with mystery and drama keeping the story charged--this book and series should be on your reading list. While I don't love Jane--I love that she grew and developed into a stronger Jane throughout this novel. I would definitely follow her into another adventure and would recommend this book and the series.
I received a copy of this book for use in a blog review. All opinions are my own.
Tomboy Presents Historical Fiction with a Very Modern Edge. Readers are transported to 1939 with very historical themes and sentiments toward women's roles and social classes. Jane's strong female character gave the scenes a more modern feel as she sought to make her way in a male-dominated career and time in history. As in Copy Boy, I didn't love Jane as a person most of the time--but she was very effective in her role. Jane's decisions were often impulsive--and probably a little more male-like. It was hard not to like her character at least a bit because she was generally aiming to do the right thing in the big picture!
Would I Recommend Tomboy by Shelley Blanton-Stroud? This book presents a historical mystery --but it is more of a moral drama as Jane seeks to come to terms with her present, past, and obligations to do the right things. If you enjoy strong female characters breaking roles and rules in historical settings--with mystery and drama keeping the story charged--this book and series should be on your reading list. While I don't love Jane--I love that she grew and developed into a stronger Jane throughout this novel. I would definitely follow her into another adventure and would recommend this book and the series.
I received a copy of this book for use in a blog review. All opinions are my own.
June 23, 2022
Thank you to @booksparks @blantonstroud and @shewritespress for having me on this tour of Tomboy!
Read this if you
🌟 are looking for star-crossed lovers
🧳 love historical fiction
🚢 want a story told aboard a ship
📰 like reading the newspaper
Tomboy is the second installment in the Jane Benjamin series, but can be read as a standalone.
Jane is trying her best to give her and her little sister the life they deserve, so when she leaves for work that day, she decides to finally ask for a promotion: gossip columnist. When she arrives only to learn her much needed job has been given to someone else while she handles the grunt work for her publisher, she decides to take matters into her own hands and ends up stealing the travel tickets she acquired for a Pat Shea. As she travels from San Francisco to Europe to see the famous Tommie O’Rourke play Wimbledon, Jane will make friends, enemies, and more as she fights for the gossip column. And when an unexpected death occurs, Jane will realize an even bigger story has fallen into her lap.
I really enjoyed this historical fiction novel. It had all the feel of 1939, right down to the vernacular used during that time period. I also enjoyed how much Jane stays true to herself, even when it may not be for the best. She is very strong and capable, and I enjoyed watching her snoop about. She reminded me a bit of Nancy Drew! I can’t wait to read the next installment in the Jane Benjamin series!
Read this if you
🌟 are looking for star-crossed lovers
🧳 love historical fiction
🚢 want a story told aboard a ship
📰 like reading the newspaper
Tomboy is the second installment in the Jane Benjamin series, but can be read as a standalone.
Jane is trying her best to give her and her little sister the life they deserve, so when she leaves for work that day, she decides to finally ask for a promotion: gossip columnist. When she arrives only to learn her much needed job has been given to someone else while she handles the grunt work for her publisher, she decides to take matters into her own hands and ends up stealing the travel tickets she acquired for a Pat Shea. As she travels from San Francisco to Europe to see the famous Tommie O’Rourke play Wimbledon, Jane will make friends, enemies, and more as she fights for the gossip column. And when an unexpected death occurs, Jane will realize an even bigger story has fallen into her lap.
I really enjoyed this historical fiction novel. It had all the feel of 1939, right down to the vernacular used during that time period. I also enjoyed how much Jane stays true to herself, even when it may not be for the best. She is very strong and capable, and I enjoyed watching her snoop about. She reminded me a bit of Nancy Drew! I can’t wait to read the next installment in the Jane Benjamin series!
July 29, 2022
Jane Benjamin is risking it all for a shot at getting her own gossip column at the San Franciso newspaper The Prospect. Through a stroke of luck and a willingness to take a chance, Jane ends up on the RMS Queen Mary to attend the 1939 Wimbledon tennis championship. Impaired by a concussion and a lack of experience, Jane attempts to earn the right to her own column and solve a mystery along the way.
I loved Jane’s character, a young Okie who grew up in the Hoovervilles of California with a dysfunctional family. She suffered many indignities and abuse from her parents as they struggled to survive as migrant farm workers yet she struck out as a teenager to make a life for herself in spite of her difficult childhood. She is spunky and determined with a willingness to act now and beg forgiveness later. She knows she is out of her depth, but she fakes it till she makes it as she plows her way towards her goal.
This sequel to Copy Boy works well as a stand-alone. It’s a great historical mystery with a strong and gutsy female MC who goes after what she wants at a time when women weren’t often able or willing to do so. The period details and pre-World War II setting make for a fascinating story that illuminates the struggles of this time in history.
Read this one if you enjoy dynamic and tough female main characters making their way in trying times.
I loved Jane’s character, a young Okie who grew up in the Hoovervilles of California with a dysfunctional family. She suffered many indignities and abuse from her parents as they struggled to survive as migrant farm workers yet she struck out as a teenager to make a life for herself in spite of her difficult childhood. She is spunky and determined with a willingness to act now and beg forgiveness later. She knows she is out of her depth, but she fakes it till she makes it as she plows her way towards her goal.
This sequel to Copy Boy works well as a stand-alone. It’s a great historical mystery with a strong and gutsy female MC who goes after what she wants at a time when women weren’t often able or willing to do so. The period details and pre-World War II setting make for a fascinating story that illuminates the struggles of this time in history.
Read this one if you enjoy dynamic and tough female main characters making their way in trying times.
February 20, 2023
Oh Jane Benjamin - always pushing the limits of her luck with her career and life! Having grown up very poor and in Hooverville's, Jane knows she wants better for herself and her sister but Jane doesn't always have rationality when making decisions. Working as a cub reporter, which she finagled her way into, she knows she can do better than the men and to prove herself she makes a last minute decision that could either safe or sacrifice everything she has struggled to gain. Taking the seat of someone else, she is on her way to the women's championship at Wimbledon across the pond and leaves regard to the wind and ocean behind her. It seems where Jane goes, bad things happen and she always gets herself wrapped up in the situations. Tennis phenomenon Tommie's coach dropped dead in the stands during and Jane just so happened to finally be in the right spot at the right time and has become a quick friend to Tommie aboard the RMS Queen Mary on the return to the states and she is just where everyone wants to be. In Tommie's inner circle, and for once Jane is the envy of all but with it comes risks, trust and her career. Is the reputation of someone worth her career and friendship? Jane doesn't have much time to right a wrong and prove her little jaunt for the story was worth the risk. Thank you to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the invite and to the author for the free novel.
October 25, 2022
This was an easy-paced novel written from the first point of view. I found it entertaining and interesting. While Jane tries to break a story, it’s fun to get into the head of a young, reckless teen who will stop at nothing to get the job done to keep custody of her sister. Her immaturity and struggle to trust others get her into a few twists and turns, but in the end, she learns the value of loyalty and the cost of using others. There are a few lose ends that will make you want to pick up book three rather than be disappointed. I hadn’t read book one and didn’t feel lost. I will say it has a lot of flashbacks that aren’t usually my cup of tea, but I think it worked here. The
flashbacks may have taken me out of the story a couple of times because I wasn’t expecting them, or maybe I was so focused on the current tale that I had to adjust to some of the flashbacks. All in all, I would pick up book 3. I rate it a 3.5
The author gave me an audiobook copy, but I was not required to provide positive feedback. These thoughts and my opinions are my own. I thought the narrator did a great job with the voices and portraying young curious Jane.
flashbacks may have taken me out of the story a couple of times because I wasn’t expecting them, or maybe I was so focused on the current tale that I had to adjust to some of the flashbacks. All in all, I would pick up book 3. I rate it a 3.5
The author gave me an audiobook copy, but I was not required to provide positive feedback. These thoughts and my opinions are my own. I thought the narrator did a great job with the voices and portraying young curious Jane.
March 20, 2023
Thank you to Shelley, She Writes Press and Suzy Approved Book Tours for a copy of this book. I enjoyed this audio book so much! April Doty has the perfect voice of Jane and her narration was a delight to hear. I finished this audio in one day.
Tomboy is the second book in the series but can be read as a standalone. I have not read the first book and the author gives enough back story so you will not be lost.
Jane is a strong protagonist that is gritty and funny. She wants to make a better life for herself and her toddler sister. It is 1939 and Jane works in a man's world as a copy boy and hopes to get her big break to become a gossip columnist. When a reporter is too drunk to cover the Wimbledon tennis tournament and the American star Tommie O'Rourke, Jane takes his credentials to board the Queen Mary.
Jane has befriended Tommie and is at Wimbledon when Tommie's coach Edith Carlson dies from a heart attack. But Jane learns that the coach was murdered in connection with a larger conspiracy. Jane is caught up in a world of high class mystery and crime. Will Jane write the column that gets her what she deserves or will she do what is right?
Tomboy is the second book in the series but can be read as a standalone. I have not read the first book and the author gives enough back story so you will not be lost.
Jane is a strong protagonist that is gritty and funny. She wants to make a better life for herself and her toddler sister. It is 1939 and Jane works in a man's world as a copy boy and hopes to get her big break to become a gossip columnist. When a reporter is too drunk to cover the Wimbledon tennis tournament and the American star Tommie O'Rourke, Jane takes his credentials to board the Queen Mary.
Jane has befriended Tommie and is at Wimbledon when Tommie's coach Edith Carlson dies from a heart attack. But Jane learns that the coach was murdered in connection with a larger conspiracy. Jane is caught up in a world of high class mystery and crime. Will Jane write the column that gets her what she deserves or will she do what is right?
July 1, 2022
This book was most enjoyable. I felt the research was historically accurate and the descriptions sufficient to hold my interest, and not so involved that I skipped them. I read every word. The descriptions of train and ship travel enabled me to feel that I was a passenger alongside Jane.
The mystery was convincing and the characters believable. I can’t say enough about how well this volume brought everything together. Without exception, it read smoothly and kept me turning pages, eager to find out what would happen next, how things would turn out.
Jane was the one I identified with the most. I think I might have been as courageous as she, but I couldn’t say for sure. I know for that time in our history she would have been scandalous and isn’t that a fine thing to be?
I have not read book one in the series, but I have purchased it and hope to read it soon. I will follow the author to see what’s up next for the cub reporter.
I received this advanced reader copy for my honest feedback. I can honestly say this book was very well done.
The mystery was convincing and the characters believable. I can’t say enough about how well this volume brought everything together. Without exception, it read smoothly and kept me turning pages, eager to find out what would happen next, how things would turn out.
Jane was the one I identified with the most. I think I might have been as courageous as she, but I couldn’t say for sure. I know for that time in our history she would have been scandalous and isn’t that a fine thing to be?
I have not read book one in the series, but I have purchased it and hope to read it soon. I will follow the author to see what’s up next for the cub reporter.
I received this advanced reader copy for my honest feedback. I can honestly say this book was very well done.
May 6, 2023
I had read the first Jane Benjamin novel, Copy Boy, and I couldn't wait to see what Jane would get up to next. Tom Boy doesn't disappoint! Jane has learned some things since Copy Boy, but she still figures she has lots more to learn, and learn them she does. Jane is full of love for her baby sister, and feels protective of her. At the same time, she figures that to really help her, she needs to make more money. Besides, she longs to write articles with a byline, even if it's the gossip column.
Jane meets challenges head-on. Sometimes she asks whether she needs to compromise some of her principals, and sometimes she does. She always comes back, though, to being true to herself and to what she believes in. Tom Boy will take you on a fast-paced ride, as Jane acts the sleuth who finally figures everything out, but has to decide what to reveal. We're happy to go along with her to a very satisfying conclusion.
Jane meets challenges head-on. Sometimes she asks whether she needs to compromise some of her principals, and sometimes she does. She always comes back, though, to being true to herself and to what she believes in. Tom Boy will take you on a fast-paced ride, as Jane acts the sleuth who finally figures everything out, but has to decide what to reveal. We're happy to go along with her to a very satisfying conclusion.
October 7, 2022
I absolutely adored this novel despite not having read the first in the series. Jane Benjamin is a carer for her little sister and she strives to have a good job so that she can continue to care for her. Jane ends up on the Queen Mary headed for Wimbledon, she is looking to write a story for her column but Jane ends up embroiled in more than she bargained for.
I adored Jane as she didn't have a great upbringing but despite that she is independent,feisty, ambitious and knows what she wants and strives to get it.
The setting is described beautifully to the times and I enjoyed reading the story aboard the luxurious Queen Mary.
Tomboy is an outstanding thriller/historical fiction novel that grabs hold of you until the very last page. I loved everything about it the storyline, characters and the settings.
I adored Jane as she didn't have a great upbringing but despite that she is independent,feisty, ambitious and knows what she wants and strives to get it.
The setting is described beautifully to the times and I enjoyed reading the story aboard the luxurious Queen Mary.
Tomboy is an outstanding thriller/historical fiction novel that grabs hold of you until the very last page. I loved everything about it the storyline, characters and the settings.
December 13, 2022
Jane Benjamin does a fantastic job with this novel and all of the characters. She brings depth, heart, and morals all into a historic setting with intrigue, twisting plots while keeping you wanting to not put this book down.
Be prepared to wonder as you journey though this tale and learn of the struggles women had in the job market decades ago, you learn how people then struggled with morals and doing the right thing; and a lesson we all need to learn in life on how who we are is a balance between who we know we are and how others see who we are.
I find historical based novels the most interesting in reading, we get a historical perspective of the time while the author weaves a story they see occurring during those historical times.
Jane Benjamin does not disappoint in this novel.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Be prepared to wonder as you journey though this tale and learn of the struggles women had in the job market decades ago, you learn how people then struggled with morals and doing the right thing; and a lesson we all need to learn in life on how who we are is a balance between who we know we are and how others see who we are.
I find historical based novels the most interesting in reading, we get a historical perspective of the time while the author weaves a story they see occurring during those historical times.
Jane Benjamin does not disappoint in this novel.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 15, 2023
A thrilling, inspiring, satisfying read!
Jane Benjamin, the fearless California Okie girl of Blanton-Stroud’s first book, Copy Boy, who broke into the 1930s male San Francisco newspaper world as a copy boy by pretending to be a man, is back! How can she rise above her position as a copy boy? Now she is even more gutsy, with off and on bravado as she takes big risks to get the job she wants so she can support herself and her little sister. This involves somehow finagling a train ride from SF to NYC, a berth on the Queen Mary to England, and a ticket to Wimbledon under the critical eyes of her publisher, who can make or break her career. On the trip, Jane faces more obstacles and drama than seem possible, and we feel them all through her determined, clear-thinking, wondering, questioning, and persistent heart. Because we understand Jane deeply through her thoughts and feelings, we are rooting for her even as we are sometimes dismayed by her choices and don’t know how she can possibly succeed.
Like the best of historical fiction, this is a story built on actual events that tells a personal tale of fictional characters, with impeccable references to actual historical figures, from the unnamed description of Hitler before the impending World War II to Inez Burns, a famous San Francisco abortionist. A thrilling, inspiring, satisfying read about how a nontraditional woman in San Francisco might have tackled success in a man’s world.
Jane Benjamin, the fearless California Okie girl of Blanton-Stroud’s first book, Copy Boy, who broke into the 1930s male San Francisco newspaper world as a copy boy by pretending to be a man, is back! How can she rise above her position as a copy boy? Now she is even more gutsy, with off and on bravado as she takes big risks to get the job she wants so she can support herself and her little sister. This involves somehow finagling a train ride from SF to NYC, a berth on the Queen Mary to England, and a ticket to Wimbledon under the critical eyes of her publisher, who can make or break her career. On the trip, Jane faces more obstacles and drama than seem possible, and we feel them all through her determined, clear-thinking, wondering, questioning, and persistent heart. Because we understand Jane deeply through her thoughts and feelings, we are rooting for her even as we are sometimes dismayed by her choices and don’t know how she can possibly succeed.
Like the best of historical fiction, this is a story built on actual events that tells a personal tale of fictional characters, with impeccable references to actual historical figures, from the unnamed description of Hitler before the impending World War II to Inez Burns, a famous San Francisco abortionist. A thrilling, inspiring, satisfying read about how a nontraditional woman in San Francisco might have tackled success in a man’s world.
June 17, 2022
I really enjoyed the descriptions of the people and places of this era. This time period was not easy for women. I couldn't help but think about my own mother who would have been a couple of years older than Jane at that time. There were many laugh out loud moments due to Jane's spirit, resourcefulness, and her scrappiness in dealing with the challenges of life and her chosen career. Jane was, what I would say, full of "spit and vinegar." I enjoyed the author's writing style as she provided wonderful mental pictures as she included the observations of people and their behavior through the eyes of the main character. Reading this makes me want to read more books by this author. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 11, 2023
Tom Boy is a cozy historical fiction/mystery centers around Jane Benjamin and her determination to break the glass ceiling in journalism. She is very gender fluid and knows how to us it to her advantage to get her job done. I loved how strong and intelligent she was. The beginning of the book is a lot more of Jane’s emotional past and how she’s gotten to this point. If you are a fan of tennis, strong FMC and cozy mysteries-I would pick up these books.
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The narration from the audiobook really brought the story alive. There were a few parts of the novel that had singing, which just immersive you into the writing. I loved the authors note at the end about all the research that went into this book.
•••
The narration from the audiobook really brought the story alive. There were a few parts of the novel that had singing, which just immersive you into the writing. I loved the authors note at the end about all the research that went into this book.
February 15, 2023
Ms. Blanton-Stroud is a new author for me. This is the 2nd book in the Jane Benjamin series. It can be read as a stand-alone because the author did a great writing about Jane’s memories in “Copy Boy” making it easy for the reader to see why Jane does what she does. Growing up with an abusive mother, Jane is self sufficient but is also manipulative in many ways. She will do whatever she has to or use whomever she has to in hopes of becoming a gossip columnist. The author did a wonderful job creating a very strong protagonist who is trying her best to secure a good career to helper make a better life for her toddler sister Elsie. At times you feel sorry for her but at other times, you don’t like her. Definitely recommend others to read.
February 17, 2023
This is book two in the series about Jane Benjamin, a reporter who cares for her little sister. Jane grew up poor and she does anything she can to push herself ahead in a career that is dominated by men She holds her own pretty well. This time Jane is doing a story about pro tennis player Tommie O’Rourke. When the coach dies from a heart attack Jane isn't sure that is really what happened. Once armed with the gossip and the facts Jane is left to question what she should write. She could expose secrets that would be damaging. And Jane is a major opportunist. This was a good historical mystery. I liked how the secrets and lives of the rich were weaved in this next book.
Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY
Dawnny Ruby
Novels N Latte
Hudson Valley NY
July 1, 2022
Tomboy is the sequel to Copy Boy but works as a standalone. It is set in 1939 and Jane Benjamin aspires to become a gossip columnist at the San Francisco newspaper where she is a cub reporter, so that she can provide for her toddler sister Elsie. An unexpected opportunity arises, and Jane finagles her way to Wimbledon to cover local tennis star Tommie O'Rourke. When Tommie's coach dies suddenly of an apparent heart attack, Jane realizes that her death may not have such a simple explanation. Most of the story takes place on the Queen Mary, which makes for an interesting and dynamic setting.
Jane is a flawed character who sometimes fails those she cares about, but she is tenacious, bright, courageous and resourceful. She finds herself in an ethical dilemma and must figure out how to do the right thing, while also not jettisoning her chances for advancement. I could not stop reading this incredibly well-written, perfectly paced, compelling historical mystery. I can't wait to read Copy Boy and any further books in the Jane Benjamin series. Thank you to BookSparks, She Writes Press, and Shelley Blanton-Stroud for a complimentary copy. @BookSparks @SheWritesPress @BlantonStroud #TomboyBook
Jane is a flawed character who sometimes fails those she cares about, but she is tenacious, bright, courageous and resourceful. She finds herself in an ethical dilemma and must figure out how to do the right thing, while also not jettisoning her chances for advancement. I could not stop reading this incredibly well-written, perfectly paced, compelling historical mystery. I can't wait to read Copy Boy and any further books in the Jane Benjamin series. Thank you to BookSparks, She Writes Press, and Shelley Blanton-Stroud for a complimentary copy. @BookSparks @SheWritesPress @BlantonStroud #TomboyBook
July 6, 2022
Tomboy is a fantastically original story about the flawed and hugely ambitious Jane who gets entangled in a murder of a famous LBGTQ tennis player Tommie's tennis coach. jane finds herself in a new world of money and power that can change and influence the lives of the people she comes across.
There is intrigue aplenty, secret romances, murder, a girl who has strong moral beliefs, forced to make decisions that she maybe would not have normally done.
Tomboy is written with incredible insight into the characters making them hugely believable and absolutely worth investing your time into. It's a riveting and unusual read that will hold your attention to the end.
There is intrigue aplenty, secret romances, murder, a girl who has strong moral beliefs, forced to make decisions that she maybe would not have normally done.
Tomboy is written with incredible insight into the characters making them hugely believable and absolutely worth investing your time into. It's a riveting and unusual read that will hold your attention to the end.
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