The Lady of the Rivers

by Philippa Gregory

Book Overview

#1 New York Times bestselling author and "queen of royal fiction" ( USA TODAY ) Philippa Gregory brings to life the story of Jacquetta, Duchess of Bedford, a woman of passion and of legend who navigated a treacherous path through the battle lines in the War of the Roses to bring her family unimaginable power. When the young and beautiful Jacquetta is married to the older Duke of Bedford, English regent of France, he introduces her to a mysterious world of learning and alchemy. Her only friend in the great household is the duke's squire Richard Woodville, who is at her side when the duke's death leaves her a wealthy young widow. The two become lovers and marry in secret, returning to England to serve at the court of the young King Henry VI, where Jacquetta becomes a close and loyal friend to his new queen. The Woodvilles soon achieve a place at the very heart of the Lancaster court, though Jacquetta has visions of the growing threat from the people of England and the danger of their royal York rivals. Jacquetta fights for her king and queen, as she sees an extraordinary and unexpected future for her daughter Elizabeth: a change of fortune, the white rose of York, and the throne of England...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1416563709
• ISBN13: 9781416563709
• Release Date: October 2011
• Publisher: Atria Books
• Length: 443 Pages
• Weight: 1.47 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.5" x 6.6" x 9.4"

Customer Reviews

Amazing

Beautifully written

Great!

I LOVE historical fiction books and this book was fantastic! Well written and great to read. Just ordered book #2 in the series and can't wait to read it too!

Love

I loved this book! I'm just read The Red Queen and can't wait to read The Kingmaker's Daughter next.

Great read

I read The Other Bolyen Girl in high school, which introduced me to the author. This book is great, although fiction Gregory does a wonderful job of mixing in just enough facts to make the book feel like a true glimpse into the life of such a strong female figure, In a time rules by men.

A strong story for the mother of a queen.

Jacquetta's story is much more interesting than I anticipated.... The Lady Rivers is a character usually untouched by history, especially in a time that is so overshadowed by men and tyrants. Jacquetta is best known as the mother of Elizabeth Woodville, Queen of England and wife to Edward, the first York King. Gregory's books are always fictional, but filled with a slew of facts and even the foresight and alchemy fit well - much better, I think, than Hannah's in The Queen's Fool of her Tudor line. Having read The White Queen and The Red Queen, Jacquetta's story being a step away from the throne is a relief. In many ways, she reads like The Other Boleyn Girl's Mary, who I also enjoyed. Jacquetta's personality and attitude is a breath of fresh air from all the power-hungry women that Gregory typically portrays. Overall, this is a well-written tale about the rise and fall of power during the Cousin's War, with glimpses to the effects of battle on the kingdom and countyfolk alike. Gregory, as always, plays particular attention to the roles of women in this era. Gregory never disappoints. After The Constant Princess, this is my favorite of her works.