What do you think?
Rate this book
The Janna Mysteries #3
Lilies For Love
Love, revenge, secrets, and murder in medieval England On the run from Lord Robert, the man who will stop at nothing to hide his secret, Janna takes refuge at Wiltune Abbey. While there, she desperately seeks to learn to read so she can uncover the truth about her unknown father—but first there are mysteries to be solved. Who is the newcomer asking questions about Janna? Who stabbed Lord Hugh at St. Edith's fair? Was the knife meant for Janna, or will Hugh's friendship with the beautiful Emma have disastrous consequences for them all? All too soon it is time for the lilies to bloom, and for Janna to make her next move on the frightening path toward the truth.
368 pages, Paperback
First published March 3, 2008
3 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
Felicity Pulman
24 books70 followersI grew up (a long time ago!) in a small bush town in Africa. No TV, iPods, computer games and surfing the internet – you could say I had a very deprived childhood! Not so. Instead, for entertainment I learned to read. Books became my windows to the world: they told me about dragons and fairies and magic. They told me about other countries and other cultures. They told me about myself. And I have never stopped reading, because I love stories.
I guess I always did things back to front – the hard way! In Africa, when I ran out of books to read, I wrote my own. I love writing stories, but I never thought about it as a grownup occupation. As a grownup, I had to go back to school to find out that I really was a writer. After doing the HSC at the age of 40, I went on to do a BA (Communications) degree at UTS. My major was creative writing, and suddenly I found myself experimenting with all sorts of genres and, in particular, writing the sorts of stories that I love to read – crime and timeslip fantasy back into the past.
I guess I always did things back to front – the hard way! In Africa, when I ran out of books to read, I wrote my own. I love writing stories, but I never thought about it as a grownup occupation. As a grownup, I had to go back to school to find out that I really was a writer. After doing the HSC at the age of 40, I went on to do a BA (Communications) degree at UTS. My major was creative writing, and suddenly I found myself experimenting with all sorts of genres and, in particular, writing the sorts of stories that I love to read – crime and timeslip fantasy back into the past.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 23, 2017
am still enjoying these. very easy to pick up and lose an hour with.
March 24, 2015
This series gets better as it progresses. The plot is somewhat more sophisticated and starts to appeal to older readers more, whilst the language is more adventurous and descriptive. Watching the character's journey and growth to maturity is engaging and there are still the Medieval Miss Marple-style detective skills to admire throughout the novel.
The story continues from the previous book, with Janna now ensconced in an abbey, trying desperately to adapt to the seclusion and strict rules that now dictate her life. We witness the internal struggles she endures and how she surmounts the constant obstacles that surround her, which create a good sense of atmosphere in the novel. Added to the mix is the stirrings of love and passion in the young woman, which is highly amusing and inappropriate considering the place she has found herself in - an abbey is not the ideal place to find love and passion, although it appears there is plenty of it going round here. The addition of murder and a range of mysterious crimes which need solving ensure the reader stays engaged until the end.
There is much to admire about the book and it is a good entertaining read, without being the kind of book that takes too much work or thought. Janna grows more likeable as a character and her pursuit for identify and fulfillment is moved to another stage by the end of the story, leading well onto another chapter in her life.
The story continues from the previous book, with Janna now ensconced in an abbey, trying desperately to adapt to the seclusion and strict rules that now dictate her life. We witness the internal struggles she endures and how she surmounts the constant obstacles that surround her, which create a good sense of atmosphere in the novel. Added to the mix is the stirrings of love and passion in the young woman, which is highly amusing and inappropriate considering the place she has found herself in - an abbey is not the ideal place to find love and passion, although it appears there is plenty of it going round here. The addition of murder and a range of mysterious crimes which need solving ensure the reader stays engaged until the end.
There is much to admire about the book and it is a good entertaining read, without being the kind of book that takes too much work or thought. Janna grows more likeable as a character and her pursuit for identify and fulfillment is moved to another stage by the end of the story, leading well onto another chapter in her life.
December 22, 2011
I really liked this book, as I did with the others I've read in the series. But, as I said with book 2, it needs to get a move on with Janna finding her father. This one got a bit further than in book 2, but she needs to get on with it.
March 19, 2015
The Janna Chronicles which is being published by Momentum Books in the coming months. This is really exciting because the whole series will be released in ebook format between January and June – roughly a book a month!
The Janna Chronicles:
1.Blood Oath
2.The Stolen Child
3.Unholy Murder
4.Pilgrim of Death
5.Devil’s Brew
6.Day of Judgment
I was given this book for my honest review. My opinions are my own and I was required only to leave my views on the book.
Janna is on with her quest. A young woman, left alone and destitute after the mysterious death of her mother, plants a sprig of rosemary on her grave and vows, somehow, to bring the murderer to justice. But who can Janna trust with the truth? Even the villain Godric, who wants to marry her, and Hugh, the dashing nobleman, have secrets that threaten her heart and her safety.
In a country torn apart by the vicious civil war between King Stephen and the Empress Matilda, Janna needs all her wits and courage to stay alive as she comes closer to those who are determined to silence her forever. Forced to flee once more, Janna takes shelter at Wiltune Abbey , and results in a meeting that will change Janna's life forever.
My thought; Magnificent. . . an extraordinary work of art, savage and beautiful. It immerses us in an ancient time and chronicles a period of catastrophic change. . . . Pulman’s profound comprehension of and compassion for all her characters invite us to acknowledge the wholeness of the life force [called] "The Janna Chronicles" a unity encompassing cruelty and kindness, ignorance and understanding, inevitable sorrow and joy. . . . The clash of circumstances assumes personal dimensions through her charismatic, flawed and achingly human protagonists. An epic quality and a gorgeous simplicity in service of this transcendent tale. . . . a rare reading experience that stayed with me even when away from the book and long after I finished reading it. I would recommend these books to all. Thank you Ms. Pulman for sharing your works of art in writing.
The Janna Chronicles:
1.Blood Oath
2.The Stolen Child
3.Unholy Murder
4.Pilgrim of Death
5.Devil’s Brew
6.Day of Judgment
I was given this book for my honest review. My opinions are my own and I was required only to leave my views on the book.
Janna is on with her quest. A young woman, left alone and destitute after the mysterious death of her mother, plants a sprig of rosemary on her grave and vows, somehow, to bring the murderer to justice. But who can Janna trust with the truth? Even the villain Godric, who wants to marry her, and Hugh, the dashing nobleman, have secrets that threaten her heart and her safety.
In a country torn apart by the vicious civil war between King Stephen and the Empress Matilda, Janna needs all her wits and courage to stay alive as she comes closer to those who are determined to silence her forever. Forced to flee once more, Janna takes shelter at Wiltune Abbey , and results in a meeting that will change Janna's life forever.
My thought; Magnificent. . . an extraordinary work of art, savage and beautiful. It immerses us in an ancient time and chronicles a period of catastrophic change. . . . Pulman’s profound comprehension of and compassion for all her characters invite us to acknowledge the wholeness of the life force [called] "The Janna Chronicles" a unity encompassing cruelty and kindness, ignorance and understanding, inevitable sorrow and joy. . . . The clash of circumstances assumes personal dimensions through her charismatic, flawed and achingly human protagonists. An epic quality and a gorgeous simplicity in service of this transcendent tale. . . . a rare reading experience that stayed with me even when away from the book and long after I finished reading it. I would recommend these books to all. Thank you Ms. Pulman for sharing your works of art in writing.
June 10, 2015
Very much enjoyed, and I kind of like how long it's taking her to find out about her mother and father. Leaves the backbone of the story, while new plots crop up.
I especially like the scenes between Janna and Hugh. I usually hate romance, but there's something about this one that I like. It's so inappropriate, as Janna constantly reminds us (and rightly so!) and I like how cautious she is. Not once does she 'throw caution to the winds' or anything stupid. In fact
I can only hope my local library makes with the goods tomorrow! (late night hours). I have 4, 5 and 6 on order :D Allegedly I've read 4, according to my Goodreads, but I remember little, and 5 and 6 are complete mysteries to me! I'm eager to finish this series - I've been reading it for about seven years now, I think.
I especially like the scenes between Janna and Hugh. I usually hate romance, but there's something about this one that I like. It's so inappropriate, as Janna constantly reminds us (and rightly so!) and I like how cautious she is. Not once does she 'throw caution to the winds' or anything stupid. In fact
I can only hope my local library makes with the goods tomorrow! (late night hours). I have 4, 5 and 6 on order :D Allegedly I've read 4, according to my Goodreads, but I remember little, and 5 and 6 are complete mysteries to me! I'm eager to finish this series - I've been reading it for about seven years now, I think.
July 15, 2016
"On the run again from the lord Robert - the man who killed her mother and is quite prepared to kill Janna to keep his secret - Janna takes refuge at Wiltune Abbey. There she desperately seeks to learn to read, so she can uncover the truth about her unknown father. But first there are mysteries to be solved. Who is the newcomer asking questions about Janna? Who stabbed the lord Hugh at St Edith's fair? Was the knife meant for Janna? With the civil war between King Stephen and his cousin, the Empress Matilda, approaching the abbey's doorstep, is Janna's quest finished before it is begun?"
This book really is about love. Janna is now admired by the nobleman Hugh again as she heals him and their love has almost blossomed. There is also another love story involving her new friend at the abbey, Agnes.
The books a bit slow after the middle but pleasently so.
This book really is about love. Janna is now admired by the nobleman Hugh again as she heals him and their love has almost blossomed. There is also another love story involving her new friend at the abbey, Agnes.
The books a bit slow after the middle but pleasently so.
August 15, 2016
Unholy Murder (rebranded) is another wonderful instalment by Felicity Pulman in the Janna Chronicles (previously The Janna Mysteries). Janna's quest to find her father and avenge her mother's death continues in this novel. During her stay at an Abbey, Janna develops new friendships with some of the Nuns; she is involved in solving further mysteries; she further develops her healing and herblore and uncovers more secrets about her past. Lives evolve and hearts open, heal & break, as the story moves forward with both excitement and suspense in equal measure. Janna's old friends from books 1 and 2 feature throughout, and I'm excited to meet them all again when I read the next novel in this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 22, 2012
This third book in the series sees Janna taking refuge in Wiltune Abbey, solving a few mysteries and using her healing skills in the process. With the help from one of the nuns, she learns to read, thus bringing her further in her quest to find her father. There is even the hint of his relations when a guest arrives at the abbey. I enjoyed the banter between Janna and Hugh, and further difficulties with her relationship with Godric helps build up the tension within the love triangle.
December 21, 2015
I really liked this book, as I did with the others I've read in the series. But, as I said with book 2, it needs to get a move on with Janna finding her father. This one got a bit further than in book 2, but she needs to get on with it.
March 29, 2015
Another exceptionally well- written book in an exciting new series aimed at middle school and older readers. I am a huge fan of historical fiction, and this book has it all - interesting characters, intrigue, a little romance, a quest. I can't wait to read the next one!
November 16, 2009
Keeps getting better.
April 14, 2016
More of the same as Janna solves more mysteries on the way to finding her father and avenging her mother. This story is set in an abbey.
April 3, 2017
I'm still enjoying the series overall but I found this installment to be slower paced than the previous two and I am finding the progression of the overall series plot to be very slow.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews