The Lady of the Rivers: A Novel

Philippa Gregory

Oct 2011 · Sold by Simon and Schuster

About this ebook

#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…

Ratings and reviews

This is one of my favourite books of all time! Suspense, intrigue, romance, and a little bit of magic in one delicious story! I've read this book so many times that it's missing the front and back cover but I'm still holding on to it as one of my most treasured possessions. Definitely worth the read! And also if you love this do not miss the Queen's fool! It's seriously underrated and in my top five!!!

I love the way Ms Gregory takes real events and real people and makes a wonderful and dramatic story from these events. She is the Alison Weir of fiction. If you love history, fiction and drama you will love this book and all her others. I have a degree in history and I am very passionate about accurate history and her books satisfy my requirements. Also, I love how her story is always from the perspective of women, who were forgotten about during this point in history.

Loved it. Obsessed with tudormhistory and knowing what came prior to the introduction of Tudor into English lineage is riveting.

About the author

Philippa Gregory is the author of many New York Times bestselling novels, including The Other Boleyn Girl, and is a recognized authority on women’s history. Many of her works have been adapted for the screen including The Other Boleyn Girl. She graduated from the University of Sussex and received a PhD from the University of Edinburgh, where she is a Regent. She holds honorary degrees from Teesside University and the University of Sussex. She is a fellow of the Universities of Sussex and Cardiff and was awarded the 2016 Harrogate Festival Award for Contribution to Historical Fiction. She is an honorary research fellow at Birkbeck, University of London. She was awarded a CBE title for services to literature and charity in 2022. She welcomes visitors to her website PhilippaGregory.com.