Tuesday, October 22, 2013

Book Review: Royal Mistress by Anne Easter Smith

Review Copy Provided by Publisher
Publication Date: May 7th 2013
Format: Paperback, 489 pp


Synopsis (From the Publisher):
"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."

My Review:

Jane Lambert is unlucky enough to be wed to William Shore, a man the exact opposite of her bright and passionate nature, just when she had finally found love with Thomas Grey. Desperate to be loved and have a family of her own making, Jane sets out to change her fate at any cost, but little does she know where her journey will take her. From a merchant's wife to royal mistress, and from security to persecution, Jane Shore must utilize all her charms and wit in order to adapt with her ever changing circumstances and survive the turbulent times surrounding Edward IV and Richard III's reign.  

There have been a few books released over the past year which focus on Jane Shore, and although they all follow the main events of her life, this particular portrayal of Jane is absolutely fantastic. Anne Easter Smith really brought Jane to life in Royal Mistress by giving her a vivid and multifaceted personality, but most of all, because she created an extremely relatable character. 

One of the greatest aspects of Anne Easter Smith's work is always the obvious amount of historical research that precedes the writing. Not only does Royal Mistress offer an engrossing story, but it also delivers a good history lesson without reading like a textbook. In fact, the lyrical writing flowed with ease, and the occasional point of view from secondary characters ensured a well rounded and plot. 

From beginning to end Royal Mistress is an exceptional novel that shimmers with fine historical detail, making it the perfect book for any fan of historical fiction.   

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Copyright © 2013 Svea Love. All Rights Reserved.
FTC: I received this book from the publisher. As always these are my own honest opinions