Book Review: The Queen of Last Hopes by Susan Higginbotham

The Queen of Last Hopes by Susan Higginbotham

Publish Date: January 2010

Format: Paperback pp

Synopsis (From the Publisher):

"A man other than my husband sits on England's throne today.

What would happen if this king suddenly went mad? What would his queen do? Would she make the same mistakes I did, or would she learn from mine?

Margaret of Anjou, queen of England, cannot give up on her husband-even when he slips into insanity. And as mother to the House of Lancaster's last hope, she cannot give up on her son-even when England turns against them. This gripping tale of a queen forced to stand strong in the face of overwhelming odds is at its heart a tender tale of love.

Award-winning author Susan Higginbotham will once again ask readers to question everything they know about right and wrong, compassion and hope, duty to one's country and the desire of one's own heart."


My Review:

When it comes to the Wars of the Roses, there are always a couple questions that come to mind: are you of a Yorkist or a Lancasterian opinion? Did Richard III kill the princes in the tower? Was Richard III a corrupt and merciless man? These questions are often the focus of many historical novels set during this time period, and it is not very often that a book is written with an emphasis of how it all began. The Queen of Last Hopes begins with Margaret of Anjou preparing to leave for England, where she will become the Queen of King Henry VI. Margaret is just 15 when she sets sail for England, and she is full of hope and determination to bring peace to the English and French people. Unfortunately, she quickly learns that the her striving to enter the political world, no matter how good her intentions might be, only leads to bitterness from the English people and slander against her name. Despite these unsavory results, Margaret is no less determined in defending her crown when the House of York tries to dethrone her husband and take away her sons birthright.

Being of a Yorkist opinion myself, I was quite surprised by how well Hgginbotham made me soften to the Lancasterian cause. Told from a first person perspective, Margaret becomes more than just a strong willed and "she-wolf" character, instead she becomes a woman desperate for peace, deeply in love, and above all, a protective mother. It was this method of writing that really made me feel a strong connection to those who fought for the House of Lancaster. Higginbotham also did a wonderful job of creating a lovable character out of King Henry VI. Of course Henry was still a weak king and on the verge of madness, but he was also a loving husband and a man who knew he didn't live up to his predecessors reign, which resulted in my heart going out to his plight and creating a better opinion of the Lancasters.

The Queen of Last Hopes is written in great historical detail, and delivers an exceptional telling of one of the most controversial time periods in history. With subtle wit, heart wrenching events and life-like characters, you will finish the novel only wanting more of this talented author.

New Release: The Queen of Last Hopes by Susan Higginbotham

Publish Date: January 1st 2011

Format: Paperback 368pp

Synopsis (From the Publisher):

"When fifteen-year-old Margaret of Anjou journeys from France to marry England’s Henry VI, she hopes that her wedding will mean a lasting peace between England and France. Instead, England’s losses of French territory infuriate the people, resulting in the horrific murder of Margaret’s first friend in England, William de la Pole.

Pregnant at last after eight years of marriage, Margaret places her hopes in her coming child. Then the worst happens: the gentle, ineffectual Henry suddenly goes mad and cannot even recognize his longed-for son. As feuding nobles rush to exploit the situation, Margaret determines to protect the rights of her husband and her child.

Undaunted by exile, poverty, danger, and the slanders of her enemies, Margaret remains loyal to her cause even as those around her falter in their allegiances. For the man and the boy she loves best, she will risk everything—her reputation, her safety, and the future of England itself."

Interview with Anne Easter Smith on Examiner.com

The delightful historical fiction author, Anne Easter Smith, has recently been interviewed on Examiner.com, which you can view here: Anne Easter Smith interview.

Her lovely books, set during the Wars of the Roses, currently include:
  

and soon to be published (May 2011):



Be sure to check back for more information about these intriguing novels!

Upcoming Release: The Virgin Widow by Anne O'Brien

Publish Date: November 2nd 2010

Format: Paperback 488pp

Synopsis: (From the Publisher)

"A dazzling historical novel set during England's War of the Roses- the story of the courageous Anne Neville, future wife of Richard III, who comes of age in a time of chaos... 

Anne Neville, daughter of the powerful Earl of Warwick, grows up during the War of the Roses, a time when kings and queens are made and destroyed in an on-going battle for the ultimate prize: the throne of England. As a child Anne falls in love with the ambitious, proud Richard of Gloucester, third son of the House of York. But when her father is branded a traitor, her family must flee to exile in France. As Anne matures into a beautiful, poised woman, skillfully navigating the treacherous royal court of Margaret of Anjou, she secretly longs for Richard, who has become a great man under his brother's rule. But as their families scheme for power, Anne must protect her heart from betrayals on both sides-and from the man she has always loved, and cannot bring herself to trust."

Book Review: The Stolen Crown by Susan Higginbotham

Synopsis: (From the Publisher)

When six-year-old Kate Woodville’s beautiful sister Elizabeth makes a shocking—and secret—marriage to King Edward IV in 1464, Kate and her large family are whisked to the king’s court. Soon a bedazzled Kate becomes one of the greatest ladies in the land when she marries young Harry Stafford, Duke of Buckingham. But Kate’s fairy-tale existence as a duchess is shattered when the ongoing conflict between the houses of Lancaster and York engulfs the Woodville family.

As Edward IV fights to keep his crown, Harry’s relatives become hopelessly divided between Lancaster and York. Forced constantly to struggle with his own allegiances, Harry faces his defining moment when his dear friend Richard, Duke of Gloucester, determines to seize the throne for himself as Richard III. With lives in jeopardy and nothing less than a dynasty at stake, Harry’s loyalties—and his conscience—will be put to the ultimate test.

My Review:
The Stolen Crown is told through the perspective of Kate Woodville and Harry Stafford, who's lives are intertwined at a very young age. After the marriage of Kate's sister, Elizabeth, Kate soon finds herself betrothed to Harry and the young couple are destined to be the future Duke and Duchess of Buckingham. At first they do not get a long at all, but after a few tragedies occur they find themselves looking to each other for support and as they grow older it turns into a beautiful bond of love. Unfortunately, the time Kate and Harry live in is not a peaceful time for love.

The constant battle for the Crown of England is constantly being fought. While Edward IV is King, there are some years of peace in between the turmoil but when things are looking the best for Edward's reign tragedy strikes with his sudden death. England waits in suspense as the fate of England is left into the hands of a 9 year old boy, and everyone wonders if England will be sparred from another civil war. As supposed threats, murder and disastrous secrets become abundant, England's fate hangs in the balance as the fight for it's crown begins once again....


What a way to learn some history! Susan Higginbotham has created a compelling and thrilling tale of the Wars of the Roses. Packed with historical detail, the reader comes away with a greater knowledge of a turbulent time in English history. Since this novel is set during the Wars of the Roses, the mystery of the princes in the tower is of course a major point at the end of the book. Weather you are sympathetic to Richard III or believe he is guilty of the princes fate, the authors take on Richard does not diminish this novel's enjoyability at all. This is the first book by Susan Higginbotham that I have read and I can definitely say that I am going to really enjoy taking the time to read her other works!

Book Review - Phillippa Gregory's The White Queen

Synopsis: (from the publisher)

     Brother turns on brother to win the ultimate prize, the throne of England, in this dazzling account of the wars of the Plantagenets. They are the claimants and kings who ruled England before the Tudors, and now Philippa Gregory brings them to life through the dramatic and intimate stories of the secret players: the indomitable women, starting with Elizabeth Woodville, the White Queen.

The White Queen tells the story of a woman of extraordinary beauty and ambition who, catching the eye of the newly crowned boy king, marries him in secret and ascends to royalty. While Elizabeth rises to the demands of her exalted position and fights for the success of her family, her two sons become central figures in a mystery that has confounded historians for centuries: the missing princes in the Tower of London...

My Review:

    In the beginning of the book we find Elizabeth Woodville standing on the side of the road with her two young boys, waiting for the King of England (Edward) to ride by. She then captures the eye of the King and his heart too. Secret meetings followed by a secret marriage, mixed with a little magic gave this book a great start.

    Elizabeth rose up quickly from her humble birth, she was now the Queen of England. Appointing her family to high positions through titles and marriage, she hoped to secure a strong future for her Woodville/Riverses kinsmen. Many hated and envied Elizabeth for her rise to power, therefore her enemies were immediately known, and it quickly became a court of ruthless politics.

    Edward soon had to go to war to fight for his crown. Fighting alongside him are two of his most loyal companions, His brother Duke Richard and Elizabeth's brother Anthony. Unfortunately Edwards other brother, Duke George, is fighting for the opposing side with Warwick "the kingmaker". George is vicious and hopes to take the crown from Edward, and then crown himself King. During this battle Elizabeth's father and eldest brother are killed at the hands of Duke George and Warwick, leading Elizabeth to vow for revenge. She curses them both with her magic and seals it with her own blood.

    Peace resumes for a while, and Elizabeth has a child. Soon after, Edward is at war again with Warwick and Duke George, and ends up fleeing England in order to live. In the meantime Elizabeth and her children find Sanctuary in a church, it is here she gives birth to her first son (with the king) Prince Edward. Elizabeth and her mother use their magic to create havoc in the seas, trying to help defeat the traitors and bring her husband back. 

    Edward finally returns, and is able to reclaim his crown through victory in battle. As time goes on, Duke George is constantly being a turncoat, and always trying to play the winning side. Elizabeth has a constant fear of The Tower of London, and being separated from her son Prince Edward. She is obsessed with revenge and gaining more power. More children are born to the King and Queen, and we find that Edward is constantly getting extremely drunk and has plenty of whores.

    In the last 100 pages of the book, things really pick up. Edward falls ill and dies, leaving his thrown to his little Prince Edward and naming His brother Duke Richard as protector. Elizabeth flees into sanctuary again, fearing that Richard will take the crown for himself. Richard does indeed take the crown and holds Prince Edward in the Tower of London. He also executes Elizabeths brother Anthony. So again Elizabeth focuses on revenge and curses Duke (now king) Richard.

     While in sanctuary Elizabeth is focused on plotting to regain control of England. She secretly sends away her second royal son, and then sends a look alike to The Tower to stay with his brother Prince Richard. She soon hears rumors that her sons in the tower have been murdered by Richard, but when she thinks logically about it she can not believe it to be true. Elizabeth's eldest daughter begs her to stop plotting and give up her ambition, which would let them lead a quiet life away from the danger. Still Elizabeth can not let go of her hate or pride.

     When Elizabeth and her daughters finally leave sanctuary, Elizabeth goes to the country and her daughters to court. Elizabeth is still plotting her return to power and revenge for her sons death. She sends for her other son that she had in hiding, feeling that it is now safe to bring him back....

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This book was definitely well written and well researched. I actually felt like I was reading a history book, but it was the most readable history book ever. Since this was the time of the Wars of the Roses, battles were all throughout the book. They were in great detail too, I was actually surprised at how well the author described the battle scenes. My only complaint about this book was that for the size of it, I felt there was not a deep enough story line for Elizabeth. Elizabeth was constantly set on revenge and was very ambitious, to the point of putting it before her children. This is all we saw from her and it became very repetitive towards the end, when I actually started to dislike her! When I reached the last page I thought it was only the end of a chapter, so I went to the next page and found that it was the Authors Note. I guess that is a good sign, I was just not ready for the book to end.

     Overall I really enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone. Having done extensive research on this time period myself, I can tell that the author put a great deal of time and passion into this piece of work.  I will be looking forward to her next installment in the series.