BOOK REVIEW: ROYAL MISTRESS by ANNE EASTER SMITH

 

Royal Mistress

Anne Easter Smith

Literature/Fiction (Adult)

Touchstone

Pub Date   May 7 2013

ISBN: 9781451648621    

Description

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.  (Netgalley)

About the author . . . 

A native of England, Anne Easter Smith has lived in the United States for more than forty years. She was the features editor at a newspaper in New York State and now lives in Newburyport, Massachusetts, with her husband, Scott. You can visit her website at AnneEasterSmith.com.  (Edelweiss)

Reader review . . . 

Young Jane Lambert, the mercer's daughter, caught the eye of Thomas Grey, Marquess of Dorset and stepson of King Edward IV, but because she was not of noble birth, he could not consider marriage with her.  Her father made what he considered to be a good marriage for her with merchant William Shore, but when the marriage is not what Jane expected, she petitions for an annulment.  The beautiful young woman attained her freedom with the help of the king, who desired her for himself.  After the death of Edward IV, Jane turned to the king's chamberlain, Will Hastings, for protection and comfort.  But with Richard III on the throne, Jane and Will were both in danger.  

This is historical fiction at its best.  When writing about a character who lived many centuries before, it is not always easy to find documented details of their everyday life.  An author who can take a few facts and a couple of legends and write an engaging, believable novel deserves major kudos.  Ms. Smith has done just this.  With a detailed bibliography and suggested reading list at the end, anyone who wants to learn more about this fascinating era of English history can do so.  

While Jane and the men in her life are of course the main characters, one of the most interesting characterizations was that of Richard III.  The author has presented him in a new light, different from the Shakespearean view that has endured.  

This was the first novel I have read by Ms. Smith, but it will not be the last.  If you have read everything you can find on the Tudor dynasty, pick up Royal Mistress  and begin reading about the House of Plantagenet.  

5 stars

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the Edelweiss and Netgalley book review  programs. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”