Dani's Bookshelf

Summary:
Descended from Melusina, the river goddess, Jacquetta always has had the gift of second sight. As a child visiting her uncle, she met his prisoner, Joan of Arc, and saw her own power reflected in the young woman accused of witchcraft. They share the mystery of the tarot card of the wheel of fortune before Joan is taken to a horrific death at the hands of the English rulers of France. Jacquetta understands the danger for a woman who dares to dream.
Jacquetta is married to the Duke of Bedford, English regent of France, and he introduces her to a mysterious world of learning and alchemy. Her only friend in the great household is the duke’s squire Richard Woodville, who is at her side when the duke’s death leaves her a wealthy young widow. The two become lovers and marry in secret, returning to England to serve at the court of the young King Henry VI, where Jacquetta becomes a close and loyal friend to his new queen.
The Woodvilles soon achieve a place at the very heart of the Lancaster court, though Jacquetta can sense the growing threat from the people of England and the danger of royal rivals. Not even their courage and loyalty can keep the House of Lancaster on the throne. Henry the king slides into a mysterious sleep; Margaret the queen turns to untrustworthy favorites for help; and Richard, Duke of York, threatens to overturn the whole kingdom for his rival dynasty.
Jacquetta fights for her king, her queen, and for her daughter Elizabeth for whom Jacquetta can sense an extraordinary and unexpected future: a change of fortune, the throne of England, and the white rose of York.
My Thoughts:
Philippa's books always draw me  in to the story really fast and before I know it  am at the end and  disapointed that I now have to wait another year or so before the next one. This one was no exception I enjoyed Jacquetta's story and was relived to find that the Joan of Arc portion of the book did not drag on through out the story. I even enjoyed the Meslunia  parts I guess because there was so much more going on than just the witch craft. Queen Margaret of Anjou needed a good slapping from time to time with all of her whining and clinging to Jacquetta who seemed to be with child every year or so.I personally would have like to have seen more of the running of her house hold and interactions with her staff the poor woman never stayed home long enough to have a child and get back to court.
 I would really suggest reading this one before the White Queen then read The Red  Queen  if you have not started this series yet  since it will make more sense  to the reader that way. I personally enjoyed it and look forward to the next book in the series  The Kingmaker's Daughters.
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