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The White Queen follows Elizabeth Woodville as she rises to Queen of England and tries to hold the throne with her husband throughout the War of the Roses. Though it is historical fiction, Gregory again proves her prowess by making historical figures feel like relatable flesh and blood. Reading this once was enough for me but I'm looking forward to the next book following the queens of England throughout the War of the Roses.

Loving Jonathan Bailey and stalking him on google, I knew he played Shakespeare's Richard II earlier this year. I also adore Gaunt's and Kathryn Swynford's love story.

I learned so much from this book, such as Gaunt and his son, the future Henry IV, supported Richard. His arrogance and entitlement ruined his chances of a successful reign. Henry had even gone into exile peacefully until his inheritance was stolen.

I really want to read the play.

Final book in the trilogy and it‘s the best by far.

King Henry is now out of the picture. Eleanor spends her time as Queen Mother and advisor to her children. Tons of tragedy for Eleanor, plus plenty of backstabbing and betrayal which has always been commonplace for life as a royal. My favorite part is the politics and decision-making in this installment, always with the goal of protecting borders. Great series, I really enjoyed my time with it.

Beach reading 🏖️🍹☀️

Excellent!! But stressful toward the end, with the Revolt of 1173 and Eleanor‘s subsequent capture. These are not spoilers; history tells us these things. What stood out most was Henry and Eleanor‘s tumultuous relationship and the way Henry forged alliances with neighboring lands to solidify his empire. So much scandal and betrayal! I‘m eager to continue with the third book, but I may take a short break since they‘re such dense reads.

Nearly halfway thru this one and I‘m enjoying this [fictional] deep dive into Eleanor of Aquitaine‘s life! I love her.

Every time I read medieval stories I‘m just blown away by how little agency women had in that era-even rich and powerful ones-and by how pregnancy and childbirth really sort of ruled their lives.

Recent acquisition:

📖 The Eagle and the Hart: The Tragedy of Richard II and Henry IV by Helen Castor

I liked this book enough that it‘s tough to review here. There is just too much I want to talk about. Shakespeare, Richard II, king at 10, riding out amongst the mob of the Peasants Revolt in 1381, his disinterest in his country, and quest for absolute power. Henry IV, who usurped the throne, was his cousin, the same age, and loyal until he felt threatened. Also - Richard was never insane. An awesome book on the Women‘s Prize longlist.

Blame it on an upcoming trip to London, but this royal history about Richard II & Henry IV from the Women's Prize Nonfiction Longlist piqued my interest. Also helped that I've read the Shakespeare plays about these kings. At 20+ hours, it was a commitment. My interest waned near the end. But I was immersed for the first 3/4. War, intrigue, rebellion. Nothing was stable for long. Castor is THOROUGH & has a soft spot for Henry IV & his father 👇

I don't have words for how much I love this book.

So here's some stats:

82 days to read
758 pages read

I bought the book cause I couldn't read fast enough.

Love this book enough I bought the other two in the trilogy.

I am so glad I started, stuck with, and finished this book!