Author: Philippa Gregory
Title: The Lady of the Rivers
Publisher: Simon and Schuster
Publish Date: September 15, 2011
Source: Crazy Book Tours
Buy: Amazon
Book Blurb: Descended from Melusina, the river goddess, Jacquetta always has had the gift of second sight. As a child visiting her uncle, she met his prisoner, Joan of Arc, and saw her own power reflected 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.
Jacquetta is married to the Duke of Bedford, English regent of France, and 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 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. 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.
Jacquetta fights for her king, her queen, and for her daughter Elizabeth 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 of the white queen.
Review: I haven't read a Phillipa Gregory book in ages, even though every book she's written is either on my TBR pile or on my Nook. The Lady of the River might not be the best book to pick up if you haven't read any of her other novels before. The beginning drags a bit and if you aren't used to this kind of historical fiction, you may be tempted to put the book down.
Don't do that. You'll miss out.
Gregory focuses on witchcraft which is something that figures into Jacquetta's life. This book ties in with The White Queen and The Red Queen, which you'll want to read after this one.
The thing that I like the most about any book by Phillipa Gregory, is her ability to take you back in time with her characters. You are there with Jacquetta. Her writing pulls you in to the story, and though this book isn't as good as any in the Boleyn series, it is still worth reading if you have a love for historical fiction. Gregory is a master at her genre, much like Jean Plaidy.
When you put down this book, you'll have not only read a good story, but you'll have learned something too.
Rating: 4 flowers
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