1

10 days to finish this book and it was excellent. Don't know why it's taking me so long anymore to read something. I don't get my lunchtime to do it since it's so noisy in our breakroom and sitting in the car can get a little cold and uncomfortable. Anyway, "The Lady of the Rivers" by Philippa Gregory was excellent. She takes a relatively obscure character out of history and gives them the credit they deserve. In this case it was Jaquetta who is descended from Melusina, the river goddess. As a young teen she met Joan of Arc and was present for her execution. She learned then to keep her second sight quiet but when she was given in marriage to Duke of Bedford he kept her a virgin so she could scry for him as a pure maiden. He introduced her to a mysterious world of learning and alchemy. Her only friend is the duke's squire, Richard Woodville. When the Duke dies she marries in secret to Richard. She's fined by the empire for marrying without permission but she is a favorite at the court of King Henry VI and a friend to his bride. Her husband is made a Baron and they have a small estate he inherits from his father where they raise their 12 children. One dies in adolescence. They both spend the majority of their time away from the family at court. Love Philippa Gregory and her history lessons.