The King's Concubine by Anne O'Brien
'O'Brien cleverly intertwines the personal and political in this enjoyable, gripping tale.'
-The Times
One marriage. Three people. Proud king. Loving wife. Infamous mistress. 1362.
Philippa of Hainault selects a young orphan from a convent. Alice Perrers, a girl born with nothing but ambition. The Queen has a role waiting for her at court.
'I have lifted you from nothing Alice. Now you repay me.' Led down the corridors of the royal palace, the young virgin is secretly delivered to King Edward III - to perform the wifely duties of which ailing Philippa is no longer capable. Power has a price, and Alice Perrers will pay it. Mistress to the King. Confidante of the Queen. Whore to the court.
Her fate is double edged; loved by the majesties, ostracised by her peers. Alice must balance her future with care as her star begins to rise - the despised concubine is not untouchable. Politics and pillow talk are dangerous bedfellows.
The fading great King wants her in his bed. Her enemies want her banished. One mistake and Alice will face a threat worse than any malicious whispers of the past.
Praise for Anne O'Brien'O'Brien cleverly intertwines the personal and political in this enjoyable, gripping tale.'
- The Times
'A gem of a subject ... O'Brien is a terrific storyteller'
- Daily Telegraph
'Joanna of Navarre is the feisty heroine in Anne O'Brien's fast-paced historical novel The Queen's Choice.'
-Good Housekeeping
'A gripping story of love, heartache and political intrigue.'
-Woman & Home
'Packed with drama, danger, romance and history.'
-Pam Norfolk, for the Press Association
'Better than Philippa Gregory' - The Bookseller
'Anne O'Brien has joined the exclusive club of excellent historical novelists.' - Sunday Express
'A gripping historical drama.'
-Bella
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