The Lady of the Rivers - Philippa Gregory

The Lady of the Rivers

By Philippa Gregory

  • Release Date: 2011-10-18
  • Genre: Historical Fiction
4 Score: 4 (From 708 Ratings)

Description

#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…

Reviews

  • Slow start. Great read

    5
    By robincarrio
    Started off boring but was glad I kept reading. It had me entranced.

  • The Lady Rivers

    5
    By averitas11
    Loved this book

  • Lady of the Rivers

    5
    By Mme_L
    The best of all her books, in my humble opinion. It lays the groundwork for all the rest. Still my favorite.

  • Love it.

    5
    By The Literary Phoenix
    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.

  • Surprised

    5
    By July bean mommy
    Woah! I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this book and now want to read more of Philipia's work. I haven't read for myself in some time, don't have much time on my hands as it is but finished in a week because of how much this book kept my interest. The design of her writing flows very nicely and because there aren't chapters per se the book goes much faster. Onto the Red Queen!

  • Amazing

    5
    By Yeahww
    I first read Gergory’s The White Queen and completely fell in love with Elizabeth Woodville and her life, I wish I would have read this one first because Jacquetta has became one of my most beloved characters of all time. Her story has got me completely wanting to know as much about the mediaeval times as possible. I grew to hate Queen Margaret but, Jacquetta and Richard’s love story kept me wanting more. I cannot wait to read The White Princess, I have such high hopes after this book and The White Queen.

  • Couldn't put it down.

    5
    By Jehanne Bowen
    It took me a while to first get into, but once I started I couldn't put it down and read it straight for two days until I finished it. Now I'm desperately searching for the rest of her books.

  • The Lady of the Rivers

    5
    By Lonely Millionaire
    Excellent

  • Lady of the Rivers

    4
    By Irma B
    I cab not wait for her novels to come out. Even though it is historical fiction I feel I learn so much. As always this was a good read and I turkey enjoyed it.

  • Awesome book!!

    5
    By shemarienp
    As usual Gregory delivers an awesome story. Jacquettas character and her amazing story is engaging all the way through.

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