This novel tells the story of Elizabeth Trentham. It focuses on the theory that Shakespeare did not write his own plays but hired a woman as a ghostwriter. While I do not believe this theory, it was a very interesting novel. It made the Elizabethan era come to life. My only complaint was I did not like the modern storyline and found it unnecessary. Still, I recommend this fans of The Dark Lady’s mask!

I loved this book. Did Shakespeare write his own plays or not? No one will ever know, but the mystery remains. This was well created and thought out.

Thank you NetGalley. Those who love Shakespeare or doubt him will like this story very much. It has mystery and romance in it plus history as well. Elizabeth was sorry she was not born a male. She loved to write. A page she wrote is found by Sudie just before she died. Sudie put her nephew and Cynthia, a history major together and after her passing they took the ball. The story goes back and forth from Elizabeth's life to today with Cynthia and Clay doing their investigating.

This was an absolutely fascinating book! I had not read any description of the book prior to reading it and no idea what to expect. The way that the author, Deena Lindstedt, brought the past and present together ends up a beautifully woven tapestry. This is a must read book about whether Shakespeare could have actually been a woman. The incredibly talented and strong willed Elizabeth Trentham is an unforgettable character from the past and the clues that are left for her future family are a mystery that must be solved. I highly recommend this book and thank #netgalley and the publisher for the requested ARC for my honest and own opinion.

I enjoyed the book, but it was difficult to keep up with all of the characters weaving in and out. I found the ending that was created to sort of come in out of nowhere. It was a fun read to imagine who Shakespeare may really have been.

An incredible read between the present and the sixteenth century., linked by literature and family ties.

When history teacher Cynthia Parsons is asked to research if the works of Shakespeare' were actually written

by a woman, she is immediately drawn into the life of Ely. an immensely talented writer, Four hundred tears

ago, women were allowed certain careers, being a playwright was not one of them., even with connections

with the royal court.

This is a lovely story with realistic descriptions and adventures. Scenes are brought to life as in the theatre.

A very enjoyable book.

I think I might be more of a fan of the works of Shakespeare after reading this captivating work of historical fiction, which is set during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. Never before in all my days, have I heard that the writer of Shakespeare is considered, by some people, to have been a woman! I rather like the idea.
In my opinion, Deena Lindstedt, the writer of Lady of the Play, cleverly stitches the fiction to her postulation. Working from the two ends of past (1500-1600's) and present, she supports her persuasive supposition, in a valiant attempt to fuse the two eras together and arrive at her hoped for conclusion: Yes, it was indeed a female writer.

Lindstet 'commissions' present-day Cynthia, researcher/author, who was commandeered by a lovely motherly, old lady, to ferrret out the truth behind the name "Shakespeare". Sprigs of romance and intrigue are intertwined, adding another layer to watch unfold. On the 'past' front is Ely whose amusing escapades add touches of humor, allure and hope, for women's emancipation; some time, some year, ever wishing it was 'now'.

Can it all be pulled together? Ely and Cynthia have set the stage. It's up to you to discover the drama's last act....

~Eunice C., Reviewer/Blogger~

November 2021

Disclaimer: This is my honest opinion based on the review copy given by the publisher.