From the author of A Rose for the Crown and Daughter of York comes another engrossing historical novel of the York family in the Wars of the Roses, telling the fascinating story of the rise and fall of the final and favorite mistress of Edward IV.
Jane Lambert, the quick-witted and alluring daughter of a silk merchant, is twenty-two and still unmarried. When Jane’s father finally finds her a match, she’s married off to the dull, older silk merchant William Shore—but her heart belongs to another. Marriage doesn’t stop Jane Shore from flirtation, however, and when the king’s chamberlain and friend, Will Hastings, comes to her husband’s shop, Will knows his King will find her irresistible.
Edward IV has everything: power, majestic bearing, superior military leadership, a sensual nature, and charisma. And with Jane as his mistress, he also finds true happiness. But when his hedonistic tendencies get in the way of being the strong leader England needs, his life, as well as that of Jane Shore and Will Hastings, hang in the balance.
This dramatic tale has been an inspiration to poets and playwrights for 500 years, and told through the unique perspective of a woman plucked from obscurity and thrust into a life of notoriety, Royal Mistress is sure to enthrall today’s historical fiction lovers as well.
You can learn more here: http://www.anneeastersmith.com/Home_Page.html
My Thoughts
Elizabeth Jane Shore was a one of three mistress's of King Edward IV of England, but of the three she was with him the longest. She was one of the daughters of a silk merchant and married a man of her father's choosing who turned out to be impotent so she sets out to have her marriage annulled In the meantime she catches the eye of three men, Thomas Grey, Will Hastings and King Edward IV. After the King dies, Jane is accused of being a spy for King Edward's wife, Elizabeth Woodville, to get King Richard off the throne. This is not the case but she is imprisoned anyway. Due to the fact that she was in love with Thomas Grey, son of Elizabeth Woodville and was actually trying to see him where Elizabeth was in sanctuary, it is assumed she is a spy. The second time she was sent to prison she came under the protection of the King's Solicitor General, Thomas Lynom. He is besotted with her and they eventually marry and had one daughter. This story is not only about Jane Shore but about King Richard and the supposed fate of his nephews, who were imprisoned in the Tower and never seen again. The history books speculate that King Richard had his nephews killed but I like to believe what the author puts into this story that the boys were killed by someone else against his wishes. I like to think that King Richard was not such a bad guy. This novel is full of historical facts but is also a story of love, hate and of course the inevitable political machinations that are always part of England's history and it touches on the very beginning of the Tudor era. I loved Anne Easter Smith's style of writing and her knowledge is impressive. If you love English historical novels and Anne Easter Smith in particular, then this book should go on your stack of books to be read.
I received a copy of this book for review and was not monetarily compensated for my review.
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