THE WHITE PRINCESS by PHILIPPA GREGORY: A REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY

GIVEAWAY ENDED
THE WHITE PRINCESS

BY PHILIPPA GREGORY

ABOUT THE BOOK:

Caught between loyalties, the mother of the Tudors must choose between the red rose and the white.

Philippa Gregory, #1 New York Times best­selling author and “the queen of royal fiction” (USA Today), presents the latest Cousins’ War novel, the remarkable story of Elizabeth of York, daughter of the White Queen.

When Henry Tudor picks up the crown of England from the mud of Bosworth field, he knows he must marry the princess of the enemy house—Elizabeth of York—to unify a country divided by war for nearly two decades.

But his bride is still in love with his slain enemy, Richard III—and her mother and half of England dream of a missing heir, sent into the unknown by the White Queen. While the new monarchy can win power, it cannot win hearts in an England that plots for the triumphant return of the House of York. 

PRAISE FOR THE WHITE PRINCESS:

"Loyalties are torn, paranoia festers and you can almost hear the bray of royal trumpets as the period springs to life. It’s a bloody irresistible read."– People Magazine 

"Bring on the blood, sex and tears! . . . You name it, it's all here."– USA Today 

"This rich tapestry brings to vivid life the court of Henry and Elizabeth. Meticulously drawn characters with a seamless blending of historical fact and fiction combine in a page-turning epic of a story. Tudor-fiction fans can never get enough, and they will snap this one up."– Library Journal (starred review) 

"As usual, Gregory delivers a spellbinding exposé."– Kirkus Reviews 

"Elizabeth must navigate the treacherous waters of marriage, maternity, and mutiny in an age better at betrayal than childbirth. . . . At this novel’s core lies a political marriage seen in all its complexity."– Publishers Weekly 

"Replete with intrigue and heartrending drama."– Booklist 

"Gregory ... always delivers the goods."– New York Post 

"Gorgeous fun."– New York Daily News

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Philippa Gregory is the author of several bestselling novels, including The Other Boleyn Girl, and is a recognized authority on women’s history. She studied history at the University of Sussex and received a PhD from the University of Edinburgh. She welcomes visitors to her website, PhilippaGregory.com. - See more at: http://authors.simonandschuster.com/Philippa-Gregory/649#sthash.7dz4pF5E.dpuf

Philippa Gregory is the author of several bestselling novels, including The Other Boleyn Girl, and is a recognized authority on women’s history. She studied history at the University of Sussex and received a PhD from the University of Edinburgh. She welcomes visitors to her website, PhilippaGregory.com. 

SOME OTHER BOOKS BY PHILIPPA GREGORY:

                     

                      

                     

MY THOUGHTS/REVIEW:
Philippa Gregory’s fifth book in her “Cousins’ War” series, THE WHITE PRINCESS, is the story of Elizabeth of York who is the daughter of the White Queen. Set in England in the late 1400s, THE WHITE PRINCESS tells how Elizabeth is forced to marry Henry Tudor in order to settle the civil war that has gone on for almost 20 years. Following the defeat of Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth, Henry now claims the English crown and Elizabeth as his wife. Neither is really happy with the arrangement. Elizabeth was in love with Richard III and when she loses him, she also loses her chance to be the queen. Henry is not that happy either as he only enters into the marriage to show his loyalty to England.

One would think that this would settle things and life in merry old England could now go on peacefully. Well, history buffs know this isn’t so as many scheme to try and overthrow the Tudors so that the Yorks can return to power. Nobody trusts anyone including Henry and his wife. Elizabeth is married to a man she can barely tolerate but is trapped due to the political ramifications. Even her own family is unsupportive of her, especially her mother, as they long for the lost York princes to somehow return, (having been sent to the Tower of London by their Uncle Richard) and lay claim to the crown.

Henry still must battle uprisings and rebellions,
and continue to live a life distrusting everyone and living but to fight for and protect the throne for people he honestly doesn’t even like or understand. And then there is Henry’s mother. She is the only person Henry can trust and she feels it is her right to be where she is.

Henry makes some attempts to be kind to Elizabeth but she won’t tolerate it. While Elizabeth lived a life where she could have her way with a smile and her charm, she can’t begin to relate to the life Henry has had. She is hateful to Henry and his mother as she now is somewhat a prisoner in her own court. For the most part, readers will probably like Elizabeth and enjoy her barbs at the “in-laws”. After all, this is the future mother of the infamous Henry VIII, and once she realizes she is basically stuck where she is, seems to enjoy the attacks on the others.

I will admit that this period in history and kind of historical fiction is not the norm in my reading tastes. However, Phillipa Gregory’s THE WHITE PRINCESS is effectively paced with well developed characters that hold your interest. Being told from Elizabeth’s viewpoint also made THE WHITE PRINCESS an easier read for me.  As Gregory has expertly combined history and dramatic fiction together, and added a good bit of political affairs and conspiracy, THE WHITE PRINCESS is sure to be a hit with her fans and those of well written historical fiction. 

GIVEAWAY

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THE WHITE PRINCESS TO GIVE AWAY TO

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GIVEAWAY ENDS AT 
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