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I gave this book 5 stars, just like the others in the series. It was fascinating to see everything from a new viewpoint, and this one felt noticeably darker than the earlier books. It showed Queen Elizabeth Woodville in a completely different light, and I still can‘t get over the rivalry within the family. The Kingmaker‘s Daughter is another gripping installment that definitely didn‘t disappoint.

I‘m really enjoying this series, and The Red Queen was a strong read. I didn‘t like Margaret Beaufort—she often mistook devotion for ambition and would do anything for power. The constant fighting between cousins still amazes me, and the battle scenes were brutal. Overall, it was an amazing book and an easy 5-star read.

I never knew the story behind King Henry VI and his mental illness. The women of this era were really treated poorly, and yet some were really brave. #Read2025 @DieAReader
My last book read for #37by37Readathon @MatchlessMarie

The White Queen is the second book in Philippa Gregory‘s series, and it absolutely leaves me wanting more. It‘s beautifully researched and written, bringing this fascinating period of history to life. At times, it can be confusing with so many characters sharing the same names—so many Edwards, Elizabeths, and Margarets!—but that‘s true to the era and part of what makes it feel authentic. I‘ll definitely be continuing with this series!

The Lady of the Rivers is a captivating story of Jacquetta of Luxembourg, who rises from servant to near royalty. Her life is filled with both terrifying and fascinating challenges—family betrayals, battles, and shifting alliances. Gregory‘s writing vividly brings this turbulent world to life, showing how different and dangerous life was in the years leading to the Tudors. An engaging and dramatic read—I look forward to the rest of the series.

This was a book to get lost in. Filled with intrigue, as the main characters negotiate the twists and turns of life in the royal court in the years leading up to the War of the Roses. A fascinating history lesson and a great read.

Thanks to #Roll100 , I finally got around to reading this! @PuddleJumper

#AllergicToChunksters

#CharacterCharm #Queen My friend is reading Gregory , on one of my swings through the used bookstore, found a couple she needed.👏

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.

Philippa Gregory does a fantastic job of planting you in a character's shoes- what thoughts they might have had or why historical decisions may have been made. Jacquetta is a character that history does not know much about. Kudos to the author for delving into and developing a life that feels plausible and real.

Recent home library acquisition:

📖 Requiem of the Rose King vol. 1 by Aya Kanno

I've never read manga but I found this retelling of the Wars of the Roses in a little free library and had to grab it.