Waiting on Wednesday is hosted at Breaking the Spine.
"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.
"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, that spotlights upcoming releases we're eagerly anticipating.
The Lady of the Rivers by Philippa Gregory
From Amazon :
#1 New York Times bestselling author Philippa Gregory weaves witchcraft, passion, and adventure into the story of Jacquetta, Duchess of Bedford, a woman who navigated a treacherous path through the battle lines in the War of the Roses.
Descended from Melusina, the river goddess, Jacquetta has always had the gift of second sight. As a child visiting her uncle, she meets his prisoner, Joan of Arc, and recognizes her own power in the young woman accused of witchcraft. They share the mystery of the tarot card of the “wheel of fortune” before Joan is taken to a horrific death at the hands of the English rulers of France. Jacquetta understands the danger for a woman who dares to dream.
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.
Drawing on years of research, Philippa Gregory tells the story of the Woodvilles who achieve a place at the very heart of the Lancaster court, though Jacquetta can sense the 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. Henry the king slides into a mysterious sleep; Margaret the 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 married to a neighbor 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 based on history and rich in passion and legend, The Lady of the Rivers tells the story of the real-life mother to the White Queen. Philippa Gregory is writing at the height of her talent.
Why I want to read it :
- I enjoyed the first 2 books in The Cousins' War.
- Jacquetta proved herself to be a rather formidable and intriguing lady in The White Queen.
- I wonder at how a woman who married for love, could advise her daughter to make her choices based on ambition.
I want to start reading Gregory novels, but I don't know where to start
ReplyDeleteWhile I have not read any of Gregory's book I have heard amazing things about her writing. I am waiting for her new YA series to come out.
ReplyDelete@Jess
ReplyDeleteWell, I'm not really sure either ...I've only read about 5 of her books .. I just simply picked one that sounded interesting to me :-)
@Jan
Hmm ... I didn't know about the new YA series ... maybe I'll check it out.
Lady Of The Rivers is on my tbr list.
ReplyDeletehttp://tributebooksmama.blogspot.com/2011/10/waiting-on-wednesday_12.html
This is on my wish list. Sometimes I actually do read historical fiction. Come visit me over at Livre De Amour-Books of Love Blog. Old follower.
ReplyDeleteThe story flowed well, but not always at a brisk pace. The plot got a bit hung up with excessive detail where no real action was going on; such as traveling here and there, and Jacquetta having yet another child. I always enjoy Philippa Gregory's series.
ReplyDelete