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The Lady of the Rivers

By: Philippa Gregory
Narrated by: Bianca Amato
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Publisher's summary

Passion. Danger. Witchcraft....

The Lady of the Rivers is number-one New York Times best-selling author Philippa Gregory’s remarkable story of Jacquetta, Duchess of Bedford, a woman who navigated a treacherous path through the battle lines in the Wars of the Roses.

Descended from Melusina, the river goddess, Jacquetta always has had the gift of second sight. As a child visiting her uncle, she met his prisoner, Joan of Arc, and saw her own power reflected in the young woman accused of witchcraft. They share the mystery of the tarot card of the wheel of fortune before Joan is taken to a horrific death at the hands of the English rulers of France. Jacquetta understands the danger for a woman who dares to dream.

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.

A sweeping, powerful story rich in passion and legend and drawing on years of research, The Lady of the Rivers tells the story of the real-life mother of the white queen.

©2011 Philippa Gregory (P)2011 Simon and Schuster Audio

Critic reviews

“Sexy… scandalous… smart.” ( Redbook)
“Gregory is a consummate historical author.” ( Historical Novels Review)
“Confident, colorful, convincing, and full of conflict, betrayal, and political maneuvering.” ( Publishers Weekly)

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What listeners say about The Lady of the Rivers

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Loved it!

This was a great story. I did feel like there towards the end the battles kind of slow the pace of the storyline. However I know that this is a story that picks up with the next book the white queen. Overall I really enjoyed the storyline and I look forward to reading the white queen.

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Delightful!

Beautifully written and expertly narrated! I intend to listen to the whole series. A bit disappointed that the next book is narrated by a different person but we’ll see. Looking forward to the 3rd book which is also narrated by Bianca Amato!

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Time will spent.

A story of subtle twists and turns that leads the reader feeling that they journey along side the characters in a land and time of turmoil . The author’s poetic description brings to life and paints a picture of a world that a person of our time can only imagine.

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this book took a couple of starts

once I got far enough i couldn't stop! a lot of names and families to remember in the beginning. well worth the extra effort

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Loved this version of historical fiction

Phillips Gregory does not disappoint in this account. Characters well developed and relationships transform the accounts of their lives.

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Exceptional!!

Exceptional!
Wonderful interpretation of history mixed with the writers personal interpretation of a true lady.

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Great Book

Love the book. I love history and fitting it together. Wonderful book and narration. There were a couple of hiccups but they were barely noticeable.

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What an interesting person

Philippa Gregory does a great job of putting you in the shoes of Jaquetta and making you feel the time and place. It’s a longish book so especially in audio it’s possible to become a bit bogged down by the story but otherwise I really liked it very much . the narrator is great . she has the right level of emotion and she does different voices wonderfully well I would recommend this book for anyone interested in historical fiction and the Tudor period

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great series

I love this series.. very rich in historical context and character.
The reader is very good and nice to listen to.

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Great books

I enjoy listening to these books in chronological order. Philippa Gregory has a way of making you feel like you are a part of the story.

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