Lady of the Rivers by Philippa Gregory

If you've been reading my book blog for a while, you know that I love historical fiction and that I am especially interested in the British monarchy.  For those reasons, I really like Philippa Gregory's books. They are historically accurate, told from a woman's perspective and usually lead me to spend time googling more information about the characters.  The Lady of the Rivers is about King Henry VI and the start of the War of the Roses, which I knew very little about.  Here is the Amazon summary:

Jacquetta is married to the Duke of Bedford, English regent of France, and 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 can sense the growing threat from the people of England and the danger of royal rivals. Not even their courage and loyalty can keep the House of Lancaster on the throne. 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.

Jacquetta fights for her king, her queen, and for her daughter Elizabeth for whom Jacquetta can sense an extraordinary and unexpected future: a change of fortune, the throne of England, and the white rose of York.

Review: A good read if you like historical fiction
Related Books: chronologically prior to The White Queen and The Red Queen
Read: May 2012 (via CD from the library)