The Queens Rival

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 One family united by blood. Torn apart by war England, 1459: Cecily Neville, Duchess of York, is embroiled in a plot 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. Cecily can only watch as her lands are torn apart and divided up by the ruthless Queen Marguerite. From the towers of her prison 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. This is a story of heartbreak, ambition and treachery, of one womans quest to claim the throne during the violence and tragedy of the Wars of the Roses. 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