In The White Queen, Philippa Gregory crafted an account of Elizabeth Woodville, the first commoner to marry a King of England, and a driving force in the wars between cousins for rule of the kingdom during the 15th century. Their wedding was arranged in secret by her mother, Jacquetta of Luxembourg. The Lady of the Rivers is the third book in the Cousins’ Wars series (The Red Queen details Elizabeth’s adversary Margaret of Beaufort) and recounts a fictionalized version of Jacquetta’s tale and the years leading up to Elizabeth’s reign.
Said to be a descendant of Melusina, a water sprite from French mythology, Jacquetta has the gift of Sight. She hears music when a family member is near death and on occasion has visions of the future. At the age of 17 she marries the Duke of Bedford solely because he wants to use her gifts. She falls in love with Richard Woodville, the duke’s squire, and marries him in secret after the duke’s death. She serves in the court of Queen Margaret of Anjou, wife of Henry VI, and is one of the queen’s closest confidants. As the Plantaganet family battles over the throne, Jacquetta and her family are thrown into the midst time and time again.
What’s interesting about the novel is while Jacquetta is the main focus, Queen Margaret is the more interesting character. She’s driven and takes action, even though her husband is ill through most of their reign, and weak-willed even when he’s well. Jacquetta seemed to be more on the sidelines than a direct force in her own life. The author’s note contains some information about Jacquetta after the book ends, including accusations of witchcraft, and I’d have liked to have more on that included in the book.
If you enjoy historical fiction based on real events, strong women and British royalty, then you can enter to win a copy of The Lady of the Rivers (U.S. only, please)! Leave a comment below and the winner will be announced on October 26. This giveaway is now closed.
- The winners of Breadcrumbs are #16 Britt and #17 Teri C.
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Nancy often gets confused by the lineage of the royal families. She writes about her 2 boys, books and life in Colorado at Life With My Boys and Books.
I just finished Josephine Tey’s “The Daughter of Time” which was mostly about Richard III, but also had quite a bit about Elizabeth Woodville in it. I’ve been wanting to read more in that era since finishing it, so winning this would be perfect!
Oh, I’d love to enter the contest! I’m a sucker for historical novels set in England. Thanks for the chance to win.
I would love to curl up on the couch with my favorite cup of tea and read this.
This is a fascinating period of history, in which women’s roles are seldom explored. Agree with Jessica that Tey’s The Daughter of Time wets the appetite for more.
Historical fiction is a favorite of mine and I’d love this book
I love reading historical books about real
events/people! The different time periods
and social behaviors are always unique and
interesting!
Many thanks, Cindi
Historical fiction can be fascinating.
Always enjoy a good historical fiction novel, particularly one set in England.
Please enter me it sounds so good and I love the cover! Thank you
I love historical fiction. This is an author whose work I haven’t read in years. I would be much interested in reading the entire series.
Mama Bear
I devour anything of Philippa Gregory’s as soon as I can get my hands on them. I am so excited for this next chapter of her Cousin’s War series! Thanks for the giveaway!
This looks like a great book. I’ll add it to my list if I don’t win…this site hasn’t steered me wrong yet! Thanks for your recommendations.
Congratulations, you win! Please reply to this post with your mailing address. Thanks for entering!
I love Historical Fiction!
I looooove Phillipa! I have several of her books, and can’t get enough of them! Thanks for the chance!
This sounds like a book I would really enjoy! I’ve heard that her books are very good! Thank you for the giveaway!
Interesting reading I’m sure.
I love Philippa Gregory! And yet I haven’t heard of this book until now. It sounds amazing!
Sounds indulging. You could probably get wrapped up in this story I’m sure.
I’d love to win this!