I love historical fiction generally, and I really thought I'd like this book. However, there were so many people to keep track of and a lot of jumping around between time periods and it made the book difficult to concentrate on. Jennie Jerome Churchill's story was interesting, she was Winston Churchill's mother and one of the great ladies of her time but I don't think this book told it very well in places.

I did enjoy it though and would recommend it if you have the time to read it. Thanks to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I found this to be a great, entertaining book, even though it is historical fiction, it is based upon facts and gives a wonderful account following the life and loves of Winston Churchill’s mother, Lady Randolph Jennie (Jerome) Churchill. The story is very well written. The book grabbed my attention beginning with the first chapter and didn’t ever let me go, it all starts with us attending the funeral of Jennie and then backtracks through her life from her childhood memories, her marriage to Lord Randolph Churchill and then, the rest of the story.
Jennie was a headstrong, educated, beautiful, talented woman, but she was shunned by her piers due to her lifestyle and in the end, she so eloquently put them all in their place. It was hard to believe the time frame was during the late 1880’s and early 1900’s, she was a woman ahead of her time. And I do believe she was very instrumental in raising Winston Churchill and helping mold a future leader. She loved her two boys very much, Winston and Jack.. Regardless of what her piers thought of her, she had a true capacity for love and would sacrifice herself for her family, showing her true integrity and dignity.
I would highly recommend this read and give it a high 5*****’s. The only negative I found in this story was sometimes the chapters would switch back and forth between time frames, we would go between young Jennie Jerome’s life, then go to her current life and it was hard to follow the timeline, I wish the chapters would have listed the dates. But that was a small price to pay for an awesome book. Very educational.
I was given an advanced copy from Random House Publishing through Net Galley for my honest review

I loved this book about this interesting woman who was married to one of the most fascinating and enigmatic men of modern times.
This book was an insteresting study of both personalities.
Thanks to the publisher and and Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book

I thoroughly enjoy historical fiction. The author, Stephanie Barron, tells the story of Jennie Jerome Churchill set in multiple time periods of Jennie’s life. The author’s research was extensive. Parts of the book were compelling. However, for me, I did not connect with this story. Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

That Churchill Woman is the story of Jennie Jerome Churchill, the mother of Winston Churchill. Jennie was an American woman who married into English nobility and was quite ahead of her time. I thoroughly enjoyed Jennie's story! Stephanie Barron did a wonderful job bringing Jennie and that era in time to life for me!

If you aren't familiar with the life of Jennie Jerome Churchill, this is a very good place to start. Well researched and written, it's the story of probably the most famous of the Dollar Princesses- American women who married into the British aristocracy bringing along the funds to save many a historic estate. Jennie was, significantly, the mother of Winston Churchill but she was so much more. Her life with Randolph was, to put it mildly, unconventional. Her long time lover Count Charles Kimsky was not someone I knew much about so this was especially interesting. There are lots of details (some might argue too many) but for fans of Downton Abbey and fiction featuring famous women, there's just the right amount. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A good read.

I really went back and forth on the rating for this book. First off, the subject is brilliant. I think everyone knows who Winston Churchill is, but I had no idea who his mother was or that she was an American heiress that married into the British nobility. I loved reading about a real woman who came from money and married nobility, but I liked that she married a second son which came with far less privilege and recognition.

I had mixed feelings about the romance of this book. At times I greatly enjoyed it while at other times I just found the main character obnoxious and trifling. I didn't like how she played with Kinskey's feelings and I thought her suppression of her own feelings when she clearly had affairs often was a little silly. I did think the book ended in a weird place and I wonder if the author is planning on writing a sequel. It is mentioned in the notes afterwards that Jennie got a letter from Charles on her second marriage, but as someone who knew nothing about her I didn't even know she would get remarried considering how she rebuked Charles. I wish the author would have almost gone all the way up to that point and letter.

Great story! I know this is historical fiction but it reads so well that you could actually believe this book was real. Being a history buff, i do know that bits and pieces of it were based on fact and that made it immensely enjoyable. Always a pleasure to read about a strong woman that stands tall and forges their own path while shaping others. I really enjoyed this book. I received a copy from NetGalley and the publisher and this is my honest opinion.

Fascinating look at the American woman, Jennie Jerome, who married into British Nobility and raised one of the heroes of the 1900s, Winston Churchill. Society life at that time was very different from our own, and also for Jennie. She navigated it well, had the right friends, including the Prince of Wales, and tried to manage her ailing husband’s political career. He proved to be a difficult and thankless case. An interesting glimpse into the challenges of that lifestyle and time period.

An interesting piece of historical fiction that tackles the rumors and whispers about the infamous Lady Randolph Churchill. I particularly appreciated the look at Winston's childhood.

Jennie Jerome was a rich, privileged, and unconventional New Yorker who married Lord Randolph Churchill and becomes the mother of Winston Churchill, one of the most prominent men of the twentieth century. Jennie hardly knew Randolph before agreeing to marry him, however, she was hellbent on marrying him despite her mother's misgivings. The marriage had its ups and downs, and Jennie had countless lovers. But, one particular will dominate her life in this book: Count Charles Kinsky. Their love affair is pretty much doomed from the start, yet they can't stay away from each other, even when Bertie, Prince of Wales, warns Jennie about the risks himself...

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This was an excellent historical fiction in that it provided details about how people lived, dressed, ate and interacted during the specific time periods and countries. It also had an interesting story that weaved in the life of some fascinating individuals. With that said, this was not a great book about Lady Jennie Spencer Churchhill. I compare it to “A Well Behaved Woman”, also a Historical Fiction about Alva Smith Vanderbilt. That book offered so much insight into her thoughts and feelings and what framed her point of view, especially as it related to her activities with women’s rights. This book focuses almost exclusively on Jennie but I never felt like she was a real person. While this presents some narrative that she had affairs it certainly does not paint her as a wanton woman who earned her reputation. And while the story tried to show that she made her own decisions without regard for society, her actions were completely contrary. The only concession she seems to have made was denying her one true love and some hinted at affairs. And really the book was filled with references to affairs between her class. The rationale for taking Lord Randolph on the world tour was framed around getting him out of London and taking him to Burma. But she later calls it her journey of the soul, was this some type of punishment she meted out to herself? There just is not enough introspection provided to really understand her motivation for leaving her children and the man that she loved to endure this horrible situation with a man who clearly did not love her.

So even though I have some criticism I did enjoy reading the book and it is evident that the author did extensive research. I would definitely recommend this to readers of historical fiction and general fiction as it reads both ways.

I've been looking forward to reading this book for a while. I'm surprised at how much I actually did not enjoy it. I was thinking it would be a biography type read, but it's not. This is a story about Jennie Churchill and a few male acquaintances. It's disappointing at best. I thought she should have been a much stronger and independent character. It didn't live up to my expectations unfortunately.

That Churchill Woman by Stephanie Barron

Jennie Jerome, more formally known as Lady Randolph Churchill, lived big and yet tread the rough path between regimented British Victorian society and her own choices. Stephanie Barron’s novel focuses on Lady Randolph’s life during her first marriage, during which we are permitted glimpses of Winston Churchill’s childhood. Barron tries to fill in the gap between what we “know” about Jennie’s actions and what motivated her to act. Flashbacks help explain the influence of Jennie’s childhood and upbringing on her adult life. The author clearly conducted considerable research, including several works written by members of the family. Unfortunately, there are many questions about which no one can generate factual answers. Nonetheless, Barron does a persuasive job of weaving the threads together to create a credible tapestry. Lady Randolph Churchill may not be a person all readers admire but she is to be respected for her independence and her willingness to take responsibility for the consequences of her actions.

I found Barron’s portrayal compelling, and a quick read. I only wish she had gone further. I would have liked to have learned more about Jennie’s war efforts and in what ways she mentored Winston in his early political efforts. Of course, that is why good novels lead you to good biographies. If you loved Downton Abbey, the late Victorian era, British nobility, or independent women, you will love this novel. I highly recommend picking it up.

Thanks to Netgalley and Random House Publishing-Ballantine for the opportunity to read an e-ARC in exchange for a candid review.

What a fantastic book! Part Downtown Abbey, part biography, and totally entertaining, "That Churchill Woman" is a hugely entertaining (and educational!) read. The story of Jennie Churchill, mother of Winston Churchill brings Jennie out of the shadow of her famous son and into the light. Married at age 19 to Randolph Churchill (he needed an heiress, she got a title) Jennie was a bright and headstrong woman, well ahead of her time, who did her best to live her life on her terms. Her marriage was much more political than based on love (although she didn't' know that when she entered into it), with Jennie as a strong guiding influence on her husband as a member of Parliament, even going so far as to review and edit his speeches. She was famous for her love affairs, supportive of women's rights, and a huge advocate for her sons in a time when the aristocracy sent their sons off to sometimes brutal boarding schools.

I couldn't put this book down; I learned so much about this wonderful inspirational woman who did so much more than give birth to Winston Churchill. The author has done an amazing job researching this highly complex woman and bringing her to life for all of us. Don't miss "That Churchill Woman"!

Winston Churhill’s mother is the focus on this fictional account of life in This fascinating fictional account focuses on Winston Churchill's mother, an American heiress Jenny Jerome. While volumes have been written about Churchill, most modern readers know little about his mother’s unconventional and closely watched life. She certainly will never win mother of the year honors but Jenny did seem to come through when needed to support young Winston. While the descriptions of late 19th and early 20th fashion got a little tedious at times, the book is well researched. Historical fiction fans will appreciate the detail and insights. I love learning about strong women and their lives in historical context and this book delivered for me.

Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

May be some spoilers

July 2 1921

Margot and her step daughter violet are discussing jennie ,lady Randolph churchill.stating that jennie was not faithful to her husband but that it’s loyalty that matters.Jennie is an American that married a British man and had a son named Winston churchill.It’s said that jennie slept with anyone that asked. Thhat she wasn’t thought cheap only because she was a lady.jennie did not pay much attention to Winston when he was younger only when he was older and interested in her.lady jennie at this point is dead.violet always adored winston and was depressed he married.Was jeannie smart or frivolous ? A whore or equal to the men she slept with.



1883

Women gasp and men admire her figure as she steps into the room in the latest fashion.men fight over who is taking jeannie to dinner.jennie is drawn to count kinsky.1873

Lord Randolph is seducing jennie. Lord Randolph kissed jennie before declaring marry me after 3 days . Jennie was never one to love lightly.jennie goes riding with count kinsky.jeannie says to tame a animal you mount and lord kinsky lips twitch at deeper meaning.jennie is a piano player. Jennie takes lovers for years with lord Randolphs blessing. Her one rule was love was never allowed.jennie has two sons jack k and winston.jennie sometimes goes over lord Randolph speechs.shows jack and winston from nursery to grown. I liked jennie despite all her wrong doings.



#Thatchurchill woman #netgalley

This latest by Stephanie Barron features complex characters that although based on the real life of Jennie Spencer-Churchill, American heiress and mother of Winston Churchill, THAT CHURCHILL WOMAN is scintillating historical fiction. Wow—to have lived such a life! Barron’s incomparable research is ever apparent and adds to the richness of her story.

After losing her sister Camille at a young age, having cheated death herself, Jennie Jerome grew into a forward thinking woman who lived a large life, “lived her best life” as we would say now, regretting little. Her father, Leonard Jerome, told her then, “The only way to fight death, Jennie, is to live. You’ve got to do it for two people now—yourself and Camille. Take every chance you get. Do everything she didn’t get to do. Live two lives in the space of one. I’ll back you to the hilt.”

As an American heiress, she dazzled the British aristocracy and other European elite—“I cannot be one of them, after all. Much better to be the best possible version of myself”—and for a time they loved her verve. Living by certain axioms of London Society such as “Sleep where you like, but be in your own bed by morning” served her well...until it didn’t. She was a keeper of secrets and knew how to manage the men in her life, especially her husband Lord Randolph Spencer-Churchill. Her longtime love affair with Austria’s Prince Karl (Charles) Kinsky reads like tantalizing fiction...that left me rather melancholy for the both of them.

Even the most astute historical fiction readers will be caught off guard by the provocative and engaging prose and insights of this surprisingly powerful and intriguing woman during a colorful era. THAT CHURCHILL WOMAN is not to be missed!

Did you ever hear the saying that behind every great man stands a great woman? Have you ever wondered about a great man and the mother who raised him?

In the book, That Churchill Woman we meet the woman who was the mother of Winston Churchill, who of course would go onto great prominence as leader of England during World War 2.

Jennie Jerome was her name. She was a woman raised in luxury, having been born to an American family with influence and money. She arrives in England and to all accounts becomes a woman who is followed, written about, and admired though often spoken of disparagingly. She came to Victorian England so staid in their morals and convention and married Lord Randolph Churchill. The marriage, as presented in this book, was not a happy one for Randolph was seldom home and was a closeted homosexual.

However, Jennie makes her own way. Rumored to have had many encounters with other men, she is drawn to Count Charles Kinsky and falls deeply in love with him. However, Jennie well knows the "rules" of the times and even though she could divorce Randolph, she instead charts Randolph's rise in the environs of British politics and Parliament. She walks a narrow path of what her desires are and what the times dictate.

She was her own person, strong willed and willing to do what needed to be accomplished, even at the risk of losing the man she loved and the children she gave birth to. Jennie had an indomitable spirit and through her legacy, she was able to provide England, her adopted land with a man who would eventually lead them through the most trying time one could imagine.

Thank you to Stephanie Barron, Ballantine Books, and Net Galley for an advanced copy of this book due to be published on January 29, 2019.

I always find the Victorian era intriguing, especially when combined with the mother of a towering historical figure such as Winston Churchill. Alas, it was ultimately rather disappointing. Following the life of Jennie Churchill, we hear about her childhood sporadically played out throughout the novel, as well as her marriage to politician and younger son of a duke Randall Churchill. The focus is mainly on her affair with Austrian Charles Kinsky and supposedly her 'independence.' I was underwhelmed by her supposed flouting of society however, as she seemed to bend to every frivolous and shallow Victorian rule. Ultimately, the only thing interesting to find about Jennie Churchill was that she gave birth to Winston. Well-written and well-researched, but a bit dull.