The Lady of the Rivers

By: Philippa Gregory

Narrated by: Bianca Amato

#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…

Another Gregory Tour-de-Force

This is a prequel to "The White Queen," (Elizabeth Woodville), and follows the story of her mother, Jaquetta, duchess of Bedford. Jaquetta's family is descended from Melusina, a water goddess, and the women in her family have inherited the ability to "scry," or foresee the future--a talent that Jaquetta possesses. This little bit of fantasy is woven into the historical story, and in fact, Jaquetta was accused of witchcraft by King Richard III, although he never pursued the charges and it happens after this story comes to a close. Gregory takes us through the court intrigue and politics of the time, which led to the War of Roses and eventually to the Tudor Dynasty, with consummate skill. Once of the things I love about Gregory's work is that she is an "herstorical" writer; she relates history from the point of view of the people who had the least power over their circumstances--women--and shows how women have turned the tide of history again and again. A very enjoyable read.

excellent, engaging, enthralling

I'll be listening to every book in the series. So good! I highly recommend this for Outlander fans.

excellent historical novel

well written, finely crafted, well read. a pleasure to listen to. I am a fan of the author

excellent

this is a great book and Bianca Amato does an amazing job.highly recommend this book

My first Gregory book.

I am so pleased with the performance and story. I look forward to more of her novels.