The King's Wife

by Liz Orwin

Elizabeth has been welcomed into the court of her uncle, King Richard III. Over the Yuletide celebrations she has received generous gifts, learned to love her gentle aunt and discovered her uncle is not the monster she was taught to expect. Impatient to be wed and desiring a crown like her mother before, Elizabeth also yearns to be loved. Believing she has met the one man who can offer all this and more, it does not occur to her there is a price to be paid for such riches. As the queen's health fails and Elizabeth's relations with her sister grow more difficult, the New Year begins in a storm of emotion. While Tristan and Iseult tread an impassioned path through their ancient tale, the road Elizabeth must walk in the months before Bosworth is no less perilous.

372 pages, Paperback

First published May 13, 2015

About the author

As a young girl I loved the comfort of being immersed in a good book. I wanted very much to write and though I began to do so, life often 'got in the way'. Only after a life-changing move did I put pen to paper and note down the scenes running through my head as I went about my day.

One of my deepest interests lies in the later Fifteenth Century, especially King Richard iii and anything connected with The House of York.
I am also fascinated with the Dark Ages and the early Saxon Kingdoms of England.

I especially enjoy musing about the impossible becoming the possible, where incredible events happen to ordinary people. History often encompasses both these aspects.

Reviews

[Christine Cazeneuve · Rating 4 out of 5]

Better than the first

Enjoyed this sequel much more than the first book. Although there were a few parts where it dragged it hardly merits a mention. Much more character development and great handling of the sensitive topic. I also appreciated the author wrapping up all the story lines.

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story covers the year 1485 from Elizabeth of York's POV, and when you get to the end you are just as shocked as her to see what a huge difference 12 months made to drastically change her life and all of England's. She has a front row seat to some events, such as Queen Anne's painful death, but other times, such as Bosworth, she is forced to wait for someone to bring her news.

This is an emotional roller coaster as we follow Elizabeth's hopes and fears and struggles to grapple with a love that she knows is impossible, but still wishes could happen.

Captivating look at critical events of the end of the War of the Roses from the POV of a very relatable teenager. Elizabeth may not have been in the middle of the action, but she was a part of events, and bore witness to a massive shake up to English History.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the 'Changes of Apparel' series is even more emotional, if that's possible. It portrays a love that is forbidden, impossible and irresistible, and yet there is no gratuitous sex or titillation - this is an emotional love. Richard is shown as the strong, moral and yet human man many believe he was, drawn to his beautiful niece in a time of great need, but with supreme strength of will. It leaves you feeling the greatest admiration for such strength and probity of character and the utmost sympathy with Elizabeth, who is portrayed not as a wanton flirt, but desperately, deeply in love (and we all know we can't choose who we fall in love with). I found it very moving and haunting.