Anne Easter SmithReseñas

Historical Fiction

"Royal Mistress" by Anne Easter Smith was overall a decent read. The plot follows the life of Jane Lambert, the smart and attractive daughter of a silk merchant. It's obvious that Jane's father is closer and favors Jane's younger sister, Bella. So, when Jane's father finally finds her a match, she feels obligated to marry the very boring, older silk merchant, William Shore. Her marriage did not turn out the way that she had hoped. By chance, she meets the King and begins a long term affair as his mistress. Jane's life has its ups and downs. She finds herself in numerous relationships as a mistress to several men, to the dismay of her father. The history portion of this novel is well written and held my interest. Jane's life was a bit tedious to follow at times, and the ending was too predictable. Due to the history portrayed in the plot, I would recommend adding this novel to your "tbr" list.

4.25 Stars
A brilliantly researched historical fiction that depicts King Richard III in a more balanced and believable light, this novel is a quick read considering its length. There were some scenes or subplots I would've liked to see developed a little more, but overall the work is a great choice for historical fiction fans. The author incorporates some original ideas here and, for the most part, if it's not convincing, it's plausible. The plot and characters would make a great tv miniseries. I look forward to reading her earlier novels now.

GoodReads FirstReads Giveaway

This was the story of Edward IV's final (and longest lasting) mistress, (Elizabeth) Jane Shore. Very historical and we meet characters such as Richard III, Edward IV, Marquis Thomas Grey, and Queen Elizabeth, amongst others. It ended very predictably, but all in all a great read! 512 pages

A really good story about 4 of the illegitimate children of Edward IV, focusing on Grace Plantagenet. The story centered on one of the "pretenders" to the throne, the youngest prince in the tower (Richard, aka Dickie). Perkin Warbeck is a real historical personage, which made this a very good historical fiction read. I've read a lot about the Plantagenets, but this one was exceptionally good. 610 pages

DNF = got almost halfway through, too many offensive stereotypes and cliches. It's a shame, too, because this period in British history is interesting and it's cool to see what Katherine Swynford's descendents are up to but between the amateurish writing and the stereotypes the history couldn't shine.

Smith is one of my fav historical authors. This is the story of Margaret of York, sister of Edward IV and Richard III, amongst others. She was wed to Charles of Burgundy, a madman and a fool. She was barren and this caused her much sorrow. Not much is known historically about Margaret, but that she was a shrewd negotiator for her day and age. She was permitted liberties because her brother was the King of England. 594 pages½

I ended up giving this book only 4 stars only because as much as I wanted to I could not come to like the main character Grace until nearly the end of the book. Grace is the bastard daughter of King Edward IV and she was a real person. Nothing is known about her in history other then she accompanied Edward's wife, Elizabeth's coffin, at her funeral. With that, you could literally right whatever you want about her life because there is nothing to contradict her. The story was well told, but Grace came off with an air about her that I just couldn't get around. All in all - I enjoyed the book.

I loved this book. Anne Easter Smith is a terrific author. She keeps the story flowing and it is hard to put her books down. I didn't know really anything about Jane Shore other than what I had read and saw in the White Queen series. She does not come across as a woman you like in that scenario. Once you have read Royal Mistress you see what a strong woman she is and what she did to survive. It shed a whole new light on Mistress Shore and I look forward to reading more.

I enjoyed the book as I didn't really know much about Margaret but this truly is historical fiction because I don't believe there was ever anything, at least in what I've read, that ever connected these two together in any fashion. It was an enjoyable and easy read but I only gave it 4 stars because I feel that the ending was rather abrupt. I understood why the author ended it that way (she explains at the end of the book), but I would have rather it had continued and you will see what I mean if you choose to read it. I would recommend the book as I do like Anne Easter Smith.

First book I've read by this author and I was not disappointed. Wonderfully written and I got lost in the love affair of Kate and Richard III. I can't wait to read the other two books I have purchased from this author.

It's hard for me to rate this book only because I probably should not have read it so closely after I finished Red Rose, White Rose which is also the story of Cecily Neville. When I read RRWR I knew next to nothing about Cecily and, therefore, was fascinated by her story. Then reading QBR, the basis of the story was pretty much the same. Certainly there were differences as both books are historical fiction but I enjoyed RRWR more. All in all it still was an enjoyable book and I do like this author alot.

I was interested in Anne Easter Smith's Royal Mistress because I loved one of her previous novels, Daughter of York I'm branching out a little bit from Tudor historical novels into War of The Roses historical novels, and I'm getting interested in Edward IV. Mostly because of The Rose of York, actually.
Royal Mistress tells the story of Jane Shore, a London merchant's wife who catches the eye of King Edward IV. Of course, he's married to Elizabeth Woodville (and possibly also Eleanor Butler) but that doesn't stop him from pursuing Jane. Or, any other attractive ladies, for that matter. I have no idea how he managed to get anything done.

Read the rest.

Tells the story of Richard III and humanizes him during the telling. Written sympathetically this tells of his childhood, teen years, as well as his adult years. He is no saint but he comes across as a good man. He is hardened by what happens to him and what he must do to remain loyal to God, King, and Country as taught to him by his father. His brothers are no role models but he finds good men in his life to teach him and train him.

I liked that we got a glimpse into his childhood. His brother George was a jerk. Edward should not have been in charge of young boys. Fortunately Richard is religious and moral and does not live as so many nobles during that time did. He tried to do right by those under his care whether in his house or kingdom. He tried to bring justice to the commoners. He was a faithful husband. History portrays him as cruel but he is only trying to follow what his father taught him. England first. I liked his friends from his teen years who become his advisors. He should have listened to them instead of some that he did. There was a lot of betrayal in his life from childhood on. The women in his life were more steadfast than most of the men.

He is also a thinker. He questions and ponders and comes to a conclusion, most of which are right. Now I'm interested in reading more books about this family.

Most people know Richard III from Shakespeare’s depiction – a misshapen, power grabbing, power grabbing man who sought the crown. This story was written after Richard’s defeat by Henry Tudor and as we all know history is written by the victors. Henry never felt fully secure on his throne so he did all that he could to destroy the reputation of any and all Plantagenets, living or dead.

This Son of York tells an alternate tale of Richard starting with his early years as his witnesses the the horror of war when the forces of Henry VI overrun Ludlow and force his father and older brothers to flee. He and his brother George along with his mother are then “guests” of the Crown until his father and older brothers returned many years later. He grew up hearing tales of his family’s right to the throne. How their line was stronger than that of Henry VI’s. Henry was also not the best king with his bouts of madness.

Soon, as history tells us his father and brothers come back and his father provactively forces Henry to accept the York line as his heir, disinheriting his own son. This does not prove the perfect solution and it leads to more war with York dead on the battlefied and his son claiming the throne as Edward IV.

But this is Richard III’s story and Ms. Easter Smith uses the big historical moments to show how they molded this 4th son of York to become the last Plantagenet king. At the start of each section she shares a paragraph or two from the modern day discovery of Richard’s bones. It was interesting and discordant – I had read many articles when the discovery was made as these types of archeological stories are very compelling.

I fell quickly into the world of the Nevilles, Yorks, Warwicks, et al and found myself lost in time and place. The War of the Roses was a violent time in England’s history as cousins fought each other over who should rule. It all ended when Henry Tudor killed Richard III. I’m not giving anything away as history is history. Ms. Easter Smith brings Richard to life in all ways; not perfect but not a monster either. I can’t say that I read this straight through or in one sitting – it’s so intense a story, but it’s a very compelling book and one that helps to reset the record on this king.

Basically the life story of Richard III in novel form. I knew little of the Plantagenet's before I read this book which has inspired me to do a little historical research. I find this book to be competent in most of its historical assumptions; perhaps a little less so on the intertwining of Richard and his mistress, Katherine Haute; but it makes for a great story! I will definitely read more of this author.

I have read 2 excellent books this year regarding opposing sides during The Wars of the Roses; this is the second one. (The first was about Margaret of Anjou.)
It feels as if Anne Easter Smith has easily captured the love affair Between Cecily Neville and Richard of York. I have always had a great deal of sympathy for the Beaufort Nevilles: except some of the family that attach themselves to Henry VI's queen. I'm a sucker for John of Gaunt and Katherine Swynford.
It amazes me, the intricate family connections, and all of the destruction resulting from that precious claim to the throne of England. I love the inclusion of the family trees in the beginning of the novel, as I always appreciate the refresher-and learn something new. It's important to keep all of these characters straight!
Cecily and Richard had an amazing life together, and such tragedy in the end.
I would love to see the author write about Katherine Swynford.

Mistress Elizabeth Lambert, more commonly known as Jane Shore, was the most famous of Edward IV's mistresses. She has fascinated me for 30 years, since I first read "The Goldsmith's Wife". This latest novel has more accurate information about her, but I have to say there still is very little known about a great deal of her life. Her actual birth date is a mystery.
I am also a sucker for anything about Richard III. To me he is the ultimate mystery man. The romantic in me would love to believe that he had no hand in the murder of his two nephews, and that he really did have the "good of the realm" in mind when he stole the throne. I just can't quite believe this and am actually sorry for it! Anne Easter Smith believes it, and places a good deal of blame elsewhere. It's interesting to read opposing views, especially when presented this well. One incident she and I do agree on is William Hastings; what in the world happened there?
Anne Easter Smith has become one of my favorite authors. Subject matter alone would place her high on my list, but she also writes very well and manages to keep me up late every night that I have one of her novels in my hands! I know Jane will stay with me for a few days. Very heartily recommended.

Edward IV's sister Margaret is not a historical figure one reads about very often. She's one of those characters always on the fringe of the main story. It's a shame as she had quite an interesting life! I loved this book. It is well written and certainly not repetitive in subject matter.

In the questions for discussion she asks Why Elizabeth Woodville agrees to the marriage of Bess & Henry if she is such a loyal Yorkist. Anne Easter Smith seems to have forgotten that Elizabeth's first husband died fighting for the Lancaster side. Elizabeth was on the side that would benefit her the most.

A Rose For The Crown is a big improvement over this author’s other works I’ve read. The storytelling is more fluid without a ton of awkward descriptive side paragraphs or too perfect characters (though at times Kate had that stink about her). Phrasing sometimes read as awkward, but I could see the author’s reasons for those exchanges. Overall, I enjoyed this historical exploration more than previous attempts by Smith.

I think the ambiguity of my Kate Haute and Richard III knowledge helped spice this story for me. All I really knew about Richard was the propaganda that history has spewed about him and the fairly recent discovery of his bones under a parking lot. To see him from the eyes of one who loved him for himself rather than his position was an eye-opener. Kate’s simple faith and love made him more human to me, giving him more complex motivations rather than a lust for power and evil murdering personality.

Kate was a blank slate for me; I’d only read her name in passing. I enjoyed seeing her fleshed out into a woman with a personality all her own: loyal, sometimes blind to reality, loving, and sweet. The author didn’t have much in the historical record to go off of; according to her author’s note, there’s even some doubt that Kate was Richard III’s mother of his illegitimate children at all. Yet, she was a great foil with which to see the times and Richard’s place in them.

The author pleases again in the history department. Her setting skills are handled with aplomb, as per usual. The reader sees, hears, and smells each scene. I’ve come to expect this from Smith. The one area where this book falters a bit falls in this area, though. There are locations in the narrative where the speech can get very stilted and awkward, dragged down with exact phrasing from the era. I can appreciate that the author was striving for historical accuracy; so I can understand the reasoning. Yet, at times these exchanges made reading enjoyment hard to reach.

A great window into a little known woman who saw much change in her life, this work was a pleasant diversion. Historical figures got new life and perspective, Kate giving us a new window into their soul. She, herself, shone as a loving, if flawed, personality. Some stilted conversational exchanges don’t condemn this book. When taken as a whole, the book is a great historical fictional work, and I highly recommend it.

I wanted to read this book because it was the continuation of the Duke of York's family. It didn't disappoint. I really enjoy reading what happened back in the 1400's and thank God women aren't betrothed to someone when they are 6 and sometimes married off to someone they don't know when they are 16 just to win favors for their kingdom. Anne Easter Smith knows how to bring these characters/people to life and follows history really close. I'm looking forward to continue reading about this family.

I've been reading historical fiction recently and finding I really like it. This book was very enjoyable. I'be been to York, Wakefield and Sandal Castle so this book really interested me. Anne Easter Smith did a great job of bringing you into the world of Richard, Duke of York and Cecily, Duchess of York and the people around them. Reading about the lives back in the 1400's always amazes me what it was like for women, the fact they are just property of men and how they battled all the time. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more by Anne Easter Smith. If you like historical fiction, this is a good one to read.

3.5 Stars

Margaret of York is one of those historical figures that just makes history interesting by her sheer force of personality, even if the work that portrays her doesn’t quite live up to her. This one excels at making her strong will and political acumen shine through; yet some of the storytelling and writing choices made by the author keep this from being one of the greats about this fascinating historical figure.

Smith is known for her attention to details and historical realism. This work is no different. Colorful medieval jousts, court scenes, and weddings make their appearances as expected. Everything is lovingly described and portrayed.

Margaret is someone most people nowadays haven’t heard of; only someone really interested in the Middle Ages would have heard of this dragon lady. I’ve only heard of her as I adore strong female figures from that time period, and she’s one of the strongest. She basically held together one of the strongest and richest kingdoms of the late Middle Ages after her husband died through sheer force of will and determination. Her smarts and connections preserved the duchy for her step-daughter for at least a few more decades after Charles’ death.

I love what Smith did in portraying her. Margaret’s never been more forceful and resilient against incredible odds and prejudices. A brutally abusive marriage and a society that didn’t appreciate her genius illustrate her strength of character when facing such. I love an intelligent medieval woman who knows how to work the system and earns the respect of those around her due to more than just her pretty face. Margaret is one of those women that made things happen.

Yet for all this strong frontal character and a great medieval background for her, the author made some story flow and telling options that kept this from reaching a great level. The ending left something to be desired. The author chose to leave off telling Margaret’s story at an odd place, knowing all the drama in her life coming that the author chose to leave out. While I can understand the want to leave the story ending on a positive note, the author choosing where they did made this story feel incomplete and with a sudden drop of an ending with no resolution. Maybe someone completely unfamiliar with Margaret’s story wouldn’t notice this odd ending, but I definitely did.

Also, a trait I found annoying was the author’s habit of inserting side paragraphs/speeches describing what was happening or an outsider’s impressions of people and places. You’d be immersed into a vivid scene, flowing along with the story, when suddenly we’d get a completely different POV describing how beautiful or wise Margaret was or something along those lines. Usually, it was to further describe and praise Margaret. I found these side speeches annoying; they pushed me out of the narrative more than they added anything to the flow.

A great story and primary lead make this an enjoyable read, but I’ve come across better in the genre. I loved the historical details and Margaret; she alone makes for a great tale. This one is a great escape for lovers of medieval historical fiction. The items that irked me may not bother another.

Anne Easter Smith presents a thoroughly plausible scenario in which Richard, Duke of Gloucester (later Richard III) meets and loves woman who fathers his illegitimate children. Her research is complete and detailed as she weaves the known people surrounding Richard III as well as his own character. I have always been of the mind that Richard III was a good man who has been maligned through the ages and this book, though fiction, presented my views of him in a believable way. Great book!