Sunday Synopsis-Historical Fiction (England 1400's)

The Lady of the Rivers by Philippa Gregory
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I absolutely love Philippa Gregory, particularly her novels set in historical England. So, why did I put this one off for so long? Because I didn't think The Lady of the Rivers would be as exciting as the novels such as The White Princess, The White Queen, and The Red Queen. And I was right.

Don't get me wrong... I really liked this book. It just seemed to go on forever almost in a cycle, probably because that's what happened in history. It wasn't as engaging as some of her others that I give five stars.

The main character is Jacquetta who is the mother of The White Queen, although the reader doesn't know that yet. Jacquetta is familiar with alchemy, and that is why the Duke of Bedford chooses her for his wife. He wants to know what she can "see" in the future. After the Duke's death, she finds romance and love with her only friend at court Richard Woodville. Jacquetta becomes a fixture at the court of King Henry VI and his wife Margaret, who is actually from France. Richard becomes a a trusted ally to the king and is frequently sent to France to keep the English holdings there. This time period is one of conflict between the Lancasters and the Yorks as well as war with France.

I truly enjoyed this book, but if I had to choose a favorite from Gregory's historical novels, this one would not make the top five. If you've never read her books, I suggest starting with The White Princess.

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