This is exceedingly lightweight.
The historical research cannot of consisted of much more than a quick glance at Wikipedia. One can certainly learn more by spending 10 minutes reading Wikipedia.
It rambles on in the present tense with Elizabeth Woodville's rather 20th century outlook (apart from a belief she can see into the future and cast spells), occasionally reminding us we are supposed to be in the 15th century by a reference to an event or the rushes on the floor.
The last third may be better - This is one of the handful of books I gave-up before the end.
Don't waste your money or credits.

I'll admit it, I'm a historical fiction junkie. I've read and enjoyed all of Philippa's books and this one didn't disappoint me. I may not be the most discerning of listeners in this area and so she gets a lot of leeway from me, but I did like it and would recommend it.

I chose this book because I will be moving to London soon. I thought it would be nice to know something about the Rose Wars before I move. I've seen Philippa Gregory's books in book stores before, but I have always thought they looked a bit too romantic and... uhm...very "feminine" if you know what I mean... But I thought I'd give this book a try after a quick sample listen.

And I was very surprised in a positive way! This is not a sugar coated lovey-dove romance novel. It is a story about a strong woman living in hard times trying to make the best out of her life for herself and her family. It is told with great conviction. Elizabeth Woodville's life was really interesting! I now want to find out a lot more about her and the time she lived in!

The narrator was also superb! She captured all the characters in a very convincing way.

I was disappointed to find out that most of Philippa Gregory's books on Audible are abridged. So I guess I'll have to buy them in paper version from now on...

Philippa Gregory continues to produced stories backed by a wealth of research that truly bring historical events to life. In this story, Gregory tells of royal intrigue, power struggles, and romance. The story is beautifully crafted and narrator Susan Lyons does a wonderful job of bringing the voices to life. I absolutely adored this book and listened to it for hours at a time. Hated to have to turn it off and was very sad when the story was over.

That she never lost hope in her spouse

I have many.

There are too many

Yes I cried

I have not read the print version of this book but the narration of the audio version was incredible. The story was factual and the fiction was artfully woven together to provide a story that took the listener right into the lives of the characters. The narration was beautifully done and made me feel like I was inside the action, the minds of the characters and truly a contemporary of the times.

As the writer undoubtedly meant to do I fell in love with Elizabeth just like Edward did under the oak tree. She came to life in full color and character. Philippa's character of Elizabeth Woodville presented her as not only a likeable person but was truthful about her desire to propel her family to great heights, which in the history books has been seen as grasping and malevolent. The presentation of this character and her life was amazing as well as artful.

Her excellent narration fleshed out the characters and brings the listener into the lives of each one in such a way that the story is fuller and bolder for her telling of it.

Absolutely! If time had permitted I would have listened to it all the way through in one sitting. The story as well as the narration were fabulous!

Philippa Gregory has become one of the leading ladies in the arena of historical fiction. Through this genre we are able to learn about and experience the lives of people who were once just a few lines in a history book, books written with the bias and prejudice of the times. By experiencing her exquisite style of story telling we are finally able to see these people in a more believable and real way. As people just like us, with loves, and lives that are not so unlike our own. My hat is off to this writer and her talent for resurrecting the past with such finesse for us to experience and relate to in a modern way.

An outstanding pieces of writing and reading. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It really filled in the pieces for me.

When she met Edward of York.

Susan's voice is smooth and elegant, her characterizations precise and her transitions between these turbulent moments in history make one feel they are living in the moment she portrays. She really does justice to the work.

White Queen

Yes. Because it is an enlightening view of 15 century England.

The other two in the trilogy and the Boyleyn series. Very smartly written historical fiction.

Very likable characters

If read in order the books are better. Read The Lady of the Rivers first.

At one point in listening to this book I could not believe how sappy it is! Philippa Gregory transitiions from accepted historical facts to spinning a tall tale are easily determined. A life at court was not for the faint hearted and I wondered why anyone who fell from power would want to return to the backstabbing royal world. I have always loved English history and in spite of the drippy visions of a teenage girl I believe I will finish the series. One thing it does make clear is the order of Lancaster, York and Tutor. Susan Lyons did a great job.