Married to the Duke of Bedford, English Regent of France, Jacquetta is introduced by him 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 can sense the growing threat from the people of England and the danger of royal rivals. Not even their courage and loyalty can keep the House of Lancaster on the throne. King Henry VI slides into a mysterious sleep; Margaret, his queen, turns to untrustworthy favorites for help; and Richard, Duke of York, threatens to overturn the whole kingdom for his rival dynasty of the House of York.
Jacquetta fights for her king, her queen, and for her daughter Elizabeth Woodville, a young woman for whom Jacquetta can sense an extraordinary and unexpected future: a change of fortune, the throne of England, and the white rose of York. A sweeping, powerful story rich in passion and legend and drawing on years of research, The Lady of the Rivers tells the story of the real-life mother to the White Queen.
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Reviews
"Once more, Gregory has magnificently rescued one of English history’s forgotten women from oblivion "
The Daily Mail Full Review
"Philippa Gregory paints a vivid, compassionate picture of starving, overtaxed, leaderless and desperate communities driven to revolt by injustice and despair."
The Express Full Review
"Showcasing the same intimate imaginative texture as her classic The Other Boleyn Girl, The Lady of the Rivers is Philippa Gregory back in rip-roaring form"
USA Today Full Review
"Wielding magic again in her latest....Gregory demonstrates the passion and skill that has made her queen of English historical fiction"
Publishers Weekly (starred review) Full Review
"The best writers of historical fiction imbue the past with the rich tapestry of life and depth, and Gregory is surely counted among their number.... A worthy addition to this fascinating series, once again distinguished by excellent characterization, thorough research, and a deft touch with the written word."
Library Journal
"The ethereal magic threaded throughout the story.... contrasts nicely with the power politics."
Booklist
"The best yet, a lively tale of witchcraft and romance set amid civil wars in England and France."
Associated Press
"Popular historical fiction at its finest, immaculately researched and superbly told"
Kate Saunders, The Times Full Review
"Jacquetta is a memorable addition to the author's portrait gallery of women who endeavoured to make history rather than merely become its victims"
Sunday Times Full Review
"Gregory explores an extraordinary period through the eyes of a remarkable woman. "
We Love This Book' from The Bookseller Full Review
"The beauty of Philippa Gregory’s prose resides in her details. She paints scenes so vividly, so exquisitely."
Bergen Record
"Fact and fiction are woven beautifully together to bring to life the story of Jacquetta Woodville"
Lovereading (September 2011 Book of the Month) Full Review
"I adored The White Queen and I'd have to say The Lady of the Rivers is just as enthralling....Gregory is one of my favorite authors....She brings to life moments in history better than any other author that I've encountered. The Lady of the Rivers is the perfect mixture of history, romance, action, and intrigue."
Confessions of a Book Addict Full Review
