November 2010 Book of the Month.

June 2010 Debut of the Month.

A great read and a great insight into how women were used as pawns in the scheme of things in the families who aspired to rule England in the 15th century.  It is the story of Anne Neville, well written, well researched and well worth a read.

Comparison: Philippa Gregory, Alison Weir, Christie Dickason.

Synopsis

England, 1469. The War of the Roses

Daughter of Warwick the Kingmaker, and to be married at the age of fourteen, Anne Neville cannot dictate her own future. Used as a political pawn in a fifteenth-century power game, Anne faced conflict, treason, grief and tragedy as well as a love strong enough to survive rejection and separation and the political murder of her first husband.

Twice betrothed as a girl to Richard of Gloucester, the future Richard III and brother of King Edward IV, she is parted from him when her father’s treason forces her to flee into exile. Trapped in an unhappy and humiliating marriage with Prince Edward of Lancaster who is controlled by his mother, Margaret of Anjou and living in a hostile, impoverished court, Anne finds herself at the mercy of other’s whims. On her wedding night, the audience assembled to witness her bedding instead witnesses a royal humiliation, Margaret determines that Anne’s marriage is never to be consummated. Anne is released when the Prince is killed, but the man responsible is Richard the man she loves. Left as a prisoner on the ‘wrong side’ in the war, her father dead, her mother trapped in a convent and betrayed by her elder sister, Anne’s future hangs in the balance, overseen by Margaret.  But Anne withstands the force of political manoeuverings, makes her own choices, and ultimately secures her inheritance, her mother’s freedom and the man she desires.

A rich and compelling tale of love, ambition, lust, and intrigue, Virgin Widow introduces a woman of extraordinary determination and desire who lived at the very centre of the most exciting and glamorous court in Europe and survived by following her own heart.

About the Author

Anne O’Brien was born in Yorkshire and did a History degree at Manchester and a Masters at Hull University. Having been a history teacher, Anne decided to write historical romance. After living most of her life in Yorkshire, she now lives with her husband in an 18th century cottage in the depths of the Welsh Marches. Anne is a keen gardener and cook and has a huge rambling organic garden. She also practices Yoga and is a member of her local choir.  Virgin Widow is her first novel based on a historical character More books by this author Author 'Like for Like' recommendation