Anne Easter Smith 
Royal Mistress 
A Novel

From the author of A Rose for the Crown and Daughter of York comes another engrossing historical novel of the York family in the Wars of the Roses, telling the fascinating story of the rise and fall of the final and favorite mistress of Edward IV.Jane Lambert, the quick-witted and alluring daughter of a silk merchant, is twenty-two and still unmarried. When Janes father finally finds her a match, shes married off to the dull, older silk merchant William Shore. Marriage doesnt stop Jane from flirtation, however, and when the kings chamberlain, Will Hastings, comes to her husbands 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 brothers 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 todays historical fiction lovers as well.