In “The Lady of the Rivers,” now in paperback, #1 “New York Times” bestselling author Philippa Gregory “demonstrates the passion and skill that has made her the queen of English historical fiction (”Publishers Weekly," starred review).When she marries the Duke of Bedford, English Regent of France, Jacquetta is introduced to a mysterious world of learning and alchemy. Her only friend in the great household is the squire Richard Woodville, who is at her side when her husband dies. 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 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. 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 them all, including her daughter Elizabeth Woodville, for whom Jacquetta senses an extraordinary and unexpected future: a change of fortune, the throne of England, and the white rose of York.
With a “suspenseful pace that never flags” (“Kirkus Reviews”), “The Lady of the Rivers” is a sweeping, powerful story rich in passion and legend.
