The Lady of the Rivers by Phillipa Gregory

Author: Phillipa Gregory
Publish Date: April 3, 2012
Website: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9987.Philippa_Gregory
ISBN: 9781416563716
List Price: $15.29 (Amazon)
My Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Jacket Synopsis:
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.

Comments:
Another great book in the series of the Cousin's War. I've read The White Queen and The Red Queen. This was a great story into the life of Jaquetta Woodville, mother of the White Queen. I love the backstory of how her French background melded into the English culture and how prominent a figure she may have really been. Now we know that this is historical fiction and mostly for entertainment, but it based on factual information about the real people who lived at that time.

In a time that was very dangerous for a women and especially an intelligent and spiritual woman. It was interesting to see how women may have controlled their destiny through strategic relationships and marriages.

I love the writing style of Phillipa Gregory. It is smooth, eventful, and ever entertaining. It is fascinating to believe that there maybe magic in their world or at least the notion of the sixth sense that helps to provide good natured guidance, or bad, however, you look at it. I am looking forward to reading more books in this Cousin's War series.