Review: Queen By Right by Anne Easter Smith + GIVEAWAY

Queen By Right

by Anne Easter Smith

Publication Date: May 10, 2011

Touchstone

528p 

SYNOPSIS

From the award-winning author of A Rose for the Crown, Daughter of York, and The King’s Grace comes another masterful historical novel—the story of Cecily of York, mother of two kings and the heroine of one of history’s greatest love stories.

Anne Easter Smith’s novels are beloved by readers for their ability “to grab you, sweep you along with the story, and make you fall in love with the characters.” * In Cecily Neville, duchess of York and ancestor of every English monarch to the present day, she has found her most engrossing character yet. History remembers Cecily of York standing on the steps of the Market Cross at Ludlow, facing an attacking army while holding the hands of her two young sons. Queen by Right reveals how she came to step into her destiny, beginning with her marriage to Richard, duke of York, whom she meets when she is nine and he is thirteen. Raised together in her father’s household, they become a true love match and together face personal tragedies, pivotal events of history, and deadly political intrigue. All of England knows that Richard has a clear claim to the throne, and when King Henry VI becomes unfit to rule, Cecily must put aside her hopes and fears and help her husband decide what is right for their family and their country. Queen by Right marks Anne Easter Smith’s greatest achievement, a book that every fan of sweeping, exquisitely detailed historical fiction will devour.

REVIEW

I became a fan of Anne Easter Smith when I read her first novel A Rose for the Crown and my admiration for her work was further cemented with her subsequent novels The King’s Grace and Daughter of York and now, my new favorite Queen By Right. Anne’s flair for weaving meticulous research, a strong story line and authentic characters make for one gratifying read that will keep you captivated from page one!

In Queen By Right Anne explores the life of Cecily Neville, a central figure in the War of the Roses as wife to Richard, Duke of York who fought King Henry VI for the crown of England. Also known as the Rose of Raby because of her beauty and Proud Cis because of her pride, Cecily started life in a loving home with a father who spoiled her mercilessly. When Richard Plantagenet becomes a ward of her father’s they form a friendship that will eventually turn to one of the sweetest love matches in history. Their marriage, though a strong one will face a number of hardships, both personally and with regards to Richard’s position in King Henry VI’s court. After years in Henry’s service Richard becomes disillusioned with the king’s weak and ineffectual rule and is tired of being passed over in favor of Henry’s favorites, so when the monarch begins to suffer from bouts of mental illness and Richard becomes protector of the realm he comes to the decision that will change the course of England’s history. As a descendent of King Edward III Richard has always known of his claim to the throne, but until now has been content to keep that knowledge in the back of his mind. Cecily is justly frightened but takes her role as wife very seriously and is determined to support her husband’s decision despite her fears.

I didn’t think it possible, but Cecily passed (albeit narrowly) Katherine Haute as my favorite Anne Easter Smith protagonist! I totally loved her spunk and the way she carried herself, most especially when she confronted the men attacking her home with her young sons on either side. Her strength in that moment, when she must have been filled with horror at the atrocities being inflicted on her people and filled with immense dread and vulnerability was inspiring and readers can’t help but be in awe of a woman like that!

Told in rich, vivid detail Smith paints a captivating portrait of a woman who lived during one of England’s most dangerous and chaotic periods, a woman would become the mother of two kings and forever known in history for her dignity and pride. This is a must read for any lover of historical fiction!

To learn more please visit Anne Easter Smith's WEBSITE and FACEBOOK PAGE.

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