The Queens Rival

(Paperback)

Available Formats

---

Publishing Details

Classifications

Physical Properties

Description

The forgotten story of Cecily Neville, Duchess of York. A strong woman who claimed the throne for her family in a time of war

A compelling story of divided loyalties and family betrayals. Dramatic and highly evocative Woman & Home
England, 1459. One family united by blood. Torn apart by war

The Wars of the Roses storm through the country, and Cecily Neville, Duchess of York, plots to topple the weak-minded King Henry VI from the throne.

But when the Yorkists are defeated at the battle of Ludford Bridge, Cecilys family flee and abandon her to face a marauding Lancastrian army on her own.

Stripped of her lands and imprisoned in Tonbridge Castle, the Duchess begins to spin a web of deceit. One that will eventually lead to treason, to the fall of King Henry VI, and to her eldest son being crowned King Edward IV.

OBrien manages to reinvent historical fiction My Weekly

This thrilling historical novel has it all high politics, drama, emotion, excellent writing It's a rollercoaster of a read Carol McGrath

Dramatic and highly evocative Womans Weekly

Reviews

A compelling story of divided loyalties and family betrayals. Dramatic and highly evocative Woman & Home

O'Brien manages to reinvent historical fiction by thrusting an untold story into the spotlight My Weekly

Dramatic and highly evocative Womans Weekly

This thrilling historical novel has it all high politics, drama, emotion, excellent writing It's a rollercoaster of a read Carol McGrath

Anne OBrien leads us on a deftly woven journey through the endlessly fascinating life of Cecily Neville, Duchess of York. Impeccable research shines through in the depth of detail to pull the reader into the highs and lows of the House of Yorks journeys around Fortunes Wheel Matt Lewis

Praise for Anne OBrien:

One of the best writers around she outdoes even Philippa Gregory The Sun

OBrien is a terrific story teller Daily Telegraph

OBrien cleverly intertwines the personal and political in this enjoyable, gripping tale The Times

A gripping story of love, heartache and political intrigue Woman & Home

The characters are larger than life and the author a compulsive storyteller Sunday Express

[A] fast-paced historical novel Good Housekeeping

This book has everything royalty, scandal, fascinating historical politics Cosmopolitan

OBriens page-turner vividly brings to life the restriction of women, and the compassion and strength of this real-life figure from medieval times Woman

A gripping historical drama Bella

Historical fiction at its best Candis

Packed with drama, danger, romance and history the perfect reading choice for the long winter nights The Press Association

Author Bio

Anne O'Brien was born in the West Riding of Yorkshire. After gaining a BA Honours degree in History at Manchester University and a Master's in Education at Hull, she lived in the East Riding for many years as a teacher of history. She now lives with her husband in an eighteenth-century timber-framed cottage in depths of the Welsh Marches in Herefordshire on the borders between England and Wales.