Monday, May 20, 2013

Book Review: Royal Mistress by Anne Easter Smith






Synopsis:

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.


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Before I began this book, I did not really know anything about Jane Lambert, so her life/story was new to me.

Royal Mistress was a fascinating read. I liked Jane a lot. I found it very easy to like her from the onset. Jane was a beautiful 22 year old young woman living in London during the 15th century. She is overly confident, smart, flirtatious, charismatic, and naïve when it came to love. I could not help, but to root for her and hope that she would find the type of love she was searching for.  

It is no wonder how quickly she captured the attention of King Edward IV and became his mistress. She became very influential. Once that happened, her life was never the same.

The writing was well done, and I enjoyed the fact that there was a good amount of history put into this novel. This was the first book of Anne E. Smith’s that I have read.  I liked it so much, no doubt I will check out more of her books.

Book lovers who enjoy a good historical fiction read involving some court life will appreciate Royal Mistress.



Rating: 4 out of 5.


**I received this book on behalf of Touchstone / Simon & Schuster, in exchange for nothing but my honest opinion. Thank you.**




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