Royal Mistress

By: Anne Easter Smith

Narrated by: Heather Wilds

Jane Lambert, the quick-witted and alluring daughter of a silk merchant, is twenty-two and still unmarried. When Jane’s father finally finds her a match, she’s married off to the dull, older silk merchant William Shore. Marriage doesn’t stop Jane from flirtation, however, and when the king’s chamberlain, Will Hastings, comes to her husband’s shop, Will knows King Edward will find her irresistible.

Edward IV has everything: Power, majestic bearing, superior military leadership, a sensual nature, and charisma. And with Jane as his mistress, he also finds true happiness. But when his hedonistic tendencies get in the way of being the strong leader England needs, his life, as well as those of Jane and Will Hastings, hangs in the balance. Jane must rely on her talents to survive as the new monarch, Richard III, bent on reforming his brother’s licentious court, ascends the throne.

This dramatic tale has been an inspiration to poets and playwrights for five hundred years, and, as told through the unique perspective of a woman plucked from obscurity and thrust into a life of notoriety, Royal Mistress is sure to enthrall today’s historical fiction lovers as well.

©2013 Anne Easter Smith (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

awesome!

I loved reading it. I have already started listening to the audio book and enjoy doing my errands as I listen!

Fantastic

I have read many books that have had Jane Shore in them and have often found her character interesting! This book does not disappoint and I absolutely enjoyed it. Historically liberal but overall fantastic story. Narration is superbly done. Enjoy this listen.

Good story. Good reader

I've had this one sitting around a while. I'm glad I hit around too it.

starts a bit slower, but keep at it! wonderful!

I knew little of royal mistresses, although I have been reading Anne Easter-Smith and likeness for about 5 years. The obstacles women have to face is astonishing! This is one of those stories, with romance, war, death and what men do to climb ladders. Heather Wilds voice acting is SUPERB! For a woman, a man or child! Her talents are boundless!!

A true historical romance

Many romance, writers describe their stories as set in historical times, but provide little historical context. Not so Ann Easter Smith’s “Royal Mistress.” This was an absolutely beautiful novel combining fascinating information about medieval London, the reign of Edward IV and the struggles of a woman attempting to control her own destiny - Jane Shore. Jane was King Edward’s mistress for the last eight years of his reign. Ms. Smith describes Jane’s triumphs and tribulations during and after her time with the king. The characters are drawn in detail, describing both their strengths and weaknesses. The romantic relationship between Jane and King Edward and the conflicted feelings she had about other men in her life who desired her was well done. Ms. Smith also deftly described the plight of most women in the Middle Ages who were totally dependent on the men in their lives for their literal survival. This is an astonishing true story that takes you to a very different world and time. I loved every word.

Pales in Comparison to her earlier work

I made it through, but the book wasn't nearly as good as Smith's earlier work. Felt like soft porn in some parts and one dimensional character development throughout - particularly as it relates to John Lambert and Thomas Grey. The best parts were the occasional references back to A Rose for A Crown, which is by far Smith's best work.

Delightful story but horrible narration

The story itself was entertaining and well-written. I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful historical fiction novel. Unfortunately, the narration by Heather Wilds was distractingly bad and sounded unpracticed— as though this was the narrator’s first pass. After having listened to the other Anne Easter Smith historical fiction novels narrated by the amazing Rosalyn Landor, I almost gave up on this story because I was so irritated by the narration. However, I’m glad that I stuck it out because Anne Easter Smith did not disappoint!

Very entertaining and great narration

This book was very entertaining and has a talented narrator. I recommend it to lovers of historical fiction.

Very good

A very good story as to what might very well have happened to the principal character and to the princes in the tower

Annoying narrator.

What did you love best about Royal Mistress?

Enjoyed the story despite the narrator who sounded like she was reading the text for the first time.