The Lady of the Rivers

By: Philippa Gregory

Narrated by: Bianca Amato

Length: 19 hrs and 7 mins

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)

Great Listen

Loved this story. Bianca Amato brings it to life. Gripping tale. She does a wonderful job of portraying the characters.

Enjoyable if you like historical fiction

I like historical fiction and when the author makes you feel like you know the characters. Was an interesting take on life at court.

Captivating!

The story is believable and encaptures the listeners attention the entire story. The small details are relevant and interesting. Narrator Bianca Amato, does a fabulous job portraying each character and be I going them to life. Did not want the story to end !!!

Excellent historical fiction

I love Phillipa Gregory. Her historical knowledge combined with her imagination and writing skills make for such excellent books to read/listen to. Bianca Amato is one of my favorite narrators!! Great combo between the two of them.

A nice escape

If you could sum up The Lady of the Rivers in three words, what would they be?

A Nice Visit

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Lady of the Rivers?

Jacquetta going against how people were married and married for love.

If you could take any character from The Lady of the Rivers out to dinner, who would it be and why?

I would ask Margaret D'Anjou. She is a crazy character and larger then life.

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.

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!

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.

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

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.