I loved Cecily, Annie Garthwaite’s first book about Cecily Neville, so was thrilled to see her story continuing in The King’s Mother. Somehow this novel manages to be even better.

Cecily Neville, widow of Richard, Duke of York, and mother to Edward IV and Richard III, was the first woman to hold the title of The King’s Mother. She’s a wonderfully drawn character, very much centred in the time and acting from the beliefs of the period but utterly believable and sympathetic. Her relationships with her children are fascinating – Edward IV is both the ideal of a king but very flawed, George Duke of Clarence is a traitor to the cause but still loved as a son, Richard III is overlooked but loyal and her daughters are key to strategic alliances. She is completely engaged in the politics surrounding the success of her family and not afraid to do whatever is required.

The same is true for the other key females in the book - Elizabeth Woodville (Queen to Edward IV), her mother Jacquetta, Marguarite (Queen to Henry VI) and Margaret Beaufort (mother of Henry VII). The Wars of the Roses are massively complicated but the author handles it perfectly and it’s easy to follow the political machinations even allowing for the difficulty of how many people share names. Although they cannot fight in the battles, the women are involved in discussing tactics, running matters when the men are at war, and ensuring communications are spread throughout the lands. It’s interesting to see the wars going on from the viewpoint of those left behind rather than those directly in battle and their worry, fear and grief is beautifully portrayed.

Obviously there are elements of this story that we can never know, such as what really happened to the Duke of Clarence and, in particular, what happened to the princes in the tower but I thought all those elements were handled very well, with a lot of clear research and plausible theories.

An absolutely wonderful piece of historical fiction and I can’t wait to see what comes next from Annie Garthwaite.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in return for an honest review.

This book is about a strong and ambitious woman who will do anything to be sure that her family is where she thinks deserves to be. I loved the details of the relationships like mother-son but the details of those times as well. If you enjoy history and seeing history from another perspective too than yes, this book can be for you.

A fascinating way to learn about a pivotal period of English history..

Told from the perspective of Cecily, mother of Edward IV, George, and Richard (later Richard III), the story tells of the intrigues during the Wars of the Roses. The mother's voice humanises both Edward and Richard and their struggles against betrayals by friends and family.

A really interesting read.

This is due to be published on 11th July. Many thanks to Netgalley, for a free review copy, in exchange for my honest feedback.

While I appreciate this is very well researched and well written, it is no Hilary Mantel. I felt I was reading about The War of the Roses era (House of York against House of Lancaster) through a kind of “Bridgerton” lens. It focuses on strong female characters scheming to arrange marriages and to exert influence from behind the scenes. It is a lengthy read, yet with so much focus on marriages and partnerships, I felt many of the characters (both male and female) were often one dimensional. They lack depth and do not holistically reflect the complexity of the high intensity politics of England in this period. They are narrowed down to schemes and manipulations, and we learn little of their intellectual or strategic motivations. Maybe that is a different story.

I really wanted to like this more because of its shout out to powerful women in a patriarchal period, but these women often appear bitchy, self-serving, and power hungry showing little solidarity! This, as well as the frequency in changing loyalties, is probably accurate, but I feel it is an oversimplification of the times.

what a triumph of a book!

‘Cecily. Marguerite. Elizabeth. Margaret. King’s Mother. There can be only one.’

‘It will hurt Marguerite, she consoles herself. And there is some pleasure in that. I’ll have my joy again when she is dead.’

Cecily is an absolute matriarch, strong, unrelenting and knowing. Mother of two Kings, the first part of the book is concerned with her first son Edward IV, how he gets the throne and keeps it. All the while Cecily is there, coaching, directing, basically doing all the things he appears incapable of doing while he’s warring, drinking and womanising! Most of history tells us about these men, the battles and wars but it is the women at the heart of this story and of history, behind the scenes, directing, guiding and standing tall defending their families.

Then in steps Elizabeth Woodville and Cecily grinds her teeth to have to bow to her, Englands new Queen.

‘As queen, I’m told, I need never kneel to you again. Or to any woman. I do it now to show my respect.’

What I love about this is that we feel in the thick of it, actually IN the conversations, the battles etc are at the edges, we are getting to the heart of these people in this book.

‘Let us in,’ Warwick says. ‘We’ve come for the good of the country. We’ve come to set England to rights.’ Have you now, thinks Cecily. I’ll set you to rights with a spike up your arse.’

As time runs on, we see the struggle for supremacy between Elizabeth and Cecily. The latter blamed for allowing her family to try to destroy the former in a simply fantastic piece of writing, women arguing, verbally jousting, it’s just superlative.

‘You told me? Madam, I take no orders from you!’ Another beat. The taking of a breath. ‘I hope you are come then, to do something more purposeful than shout.’ But it seems Elizabeth can do no other.

Elizabeth bends her body almost double and screams, ‘I am your queen!’ And now, Cecily’s voice rises above hers. ‘Then for God’s sake act like it!’ There is silence in the room.’

We see glimpses of Margaret Beaufort and Marguerite in the first half of the book but is the warrior Cecily who stands head and shoulders above them all.

‘She’s grown to like young Henry Tudor’s mother in the years since Edward’s crowning. She gives no trouble, which is something these days.’

‘I speak of Richard, Cecily, your living son. You must get up and fight for him.’

Throughout the book, Cecily is centre stage, is the root of everything that happens, and the twist at the end is a bit inspired actually, I’m not sure how much fact there is to the sequence of events when Richard takes the throne but I loved this version!

‘He turns and stares at her, as if he thinks her mad or devil-sent.’

But was it all worth it in the end for the loss of sons and a family in tatters? She would be called a she-wolf, trying to protect her sons at all costs but as the world turns and Margaret rises she realises she is not infallible.

‘For my son, I’d kill anyone. With my bare hands.’

This ending is brilliant as the women face each other, it is the women, the mothers who rule and hold the power.

An absolute Tour de Force!

“The King’s Mother” by Annie Garthwaite is a captivating dive into the heart of the War of the Roses, but it’s not just another account of battles and bloodshed. This book shines a light on the powerful women who played a pivotal role behind the scenes, particularly Cecily Neville, the titular “King’s Mother.”

The author brings the House of York to life, vividly portraying the sibling rivalries that threatened to tear the family apart. Cecily Neville emerges as a force to be reckoned with, a woman of unwavering ambition and shrewd political maneuvering. But she’s not the only one. The book masterfully weaves in the stories of other influential women, adding depth and complexity to the narrative.

What truly elevates “The King’s Mother” is its focus on these women’s agency. This is not history whitewashed to focus solely on men. We see the calculations, the sacrifices, and the undeniable power wielded by these remarkable figures.

If you’re looking for a fresh perspective on the War of the Roses, one that delves into the often-overlooked contributions of women, then “The King’s Mother” is a must-read. It’s a brilliantly written account that’s both informative and utterly engrossing. Highly recommended!

I thought this book was well written and it looks stunning. I did not however enjoy the story itself as I didn’t like the characterisation of Margaret or her world.

I loved every page, and battled not to race through it all in one sitting.

Treachery, a sprinkle of jealousy. a dash of treason and you have the perfect recipe for a fabulous page turning historical novel.
Add in plots, schemes, rumours, mercy, vengeance, and lots of love and loyalty. This is Annie Garthwaites second novel featuring and starring Lady Cecily Neville, the mother of Edward IV King of England from 1461 to April 1483, and Richard III, June 1483 to August 1485.

The King's Mother picks up right where the first book ended, with Edward on the throne of England, and Cecily by his side as the King's mother. Cunning, hard and strategic, Cecily was just as strong as she was in the first book. Once again, her personality was one of my favourite things of the book. She wasn't always likeable, on the contrary, but I always cheered for her, and admired her strength of character.

From the first page I was utterly immersed, I was reminded what an incredible woman Cecily was. We join her as son Edward has taken the crown. Still chasing Mad Henry and Marguerite across England, smashing all dissent in his way while his mother holds London for him, focused, brilliant, inflexible.

This is a propulsive tale of a woman who will literally stop at nothing. As the king’s mother, Cecily binds men to her purpose, removing obstacles, denying all inconvenient truths, raising her own family up and remaking the rule of England to her own will. Divine right is presented in synchronicity with her own desire, and her ambitions are high.

I hope Annie Garthwaite is already writing book 3 because I know it will be fabulous.

A must read book.

Another wonderful historical novel follow up to Cecily from Annie Garthwaite that charts the life of Cecily,the Duchess of York, after the crown passes to her son, Edward, and she becomes the first titled "King's Mother". This book covers the well known part of history at the beginning of the War of the Roses between the houses of York and Lancaster for the English throne. What I found most interesting was the chosen angle of the author to cover the role of Cecily in some really pivotal moments in history including the marriage of Edward III to Elizabeth Woodville and the "Princes in the tower" and the making of Richard III as King.
This was well researched and intriguing book that deviates from the "myth" surrounding this era and the traditional Tudor version of events. I really enjoyed this read.

1461 sees Cecily’s eldest son, now King Edward IV, fighting to secure his crown, but Henry, the illegitimate son of Marguerite of Anjou, is trying to claim the crown for himself. Eventually Cecily receives news that Edward and his loyal army have secured his future following a bloody battle at York. He returns to London triumphant and peace is restored though that proves to be very short lived.

It soon becomes obvious that the Earl of Warwick, a cousin and one-time favourite of Edward is trying to usurp him, as are other cousins and relatives. Betrayal by former loyalists and certain family members soon becomes obvious and Cecily also finds that a number of her old friends have rapidly become former friends.

A powerfully written saga that is hard to put down. Annie Garthwaite brings vivid pictures into the readers mind and I found myself with tears in my eyes more than once. A wonderful historic chronicle.

An absolutely superb, historical novel, one of the best I have read in years. The King's Mother follows on from Annie Garthwaite's previous tour de force, Cicely, with the turbulent years of the mid-fifteenth century seen through the eyes of Cicely Neville, mother of King Edward IV. The writing is elegant and conjures up the historical world magnificently. The characters are complex and skilfully drawn, making them very real. Cicely is a fascinating protagonist, strong, clever and ruthless. Seeing this violent and complicated period through her eyes give it a fresh perspective. This is a splendid book and I'll be recommending it to all fans of historical fiction, in the bookshop and at the literary festival.

From the Wars of the Roses to the dawn of the Tudor age, this is a story of mothers and sons; of maternal ferocity and female ambition - of all they can bFrom the Wars of the Roses to the dawn of the Tudor age, this is a story of mothers and sons; of maternal ferocity and female ambition - of all they can build and all they can destroy.
I was keen to read more about Cecily & her ambitions for her son, the Crown through the war of the Roses ( The House of York verses the The House of Lancaster ) up to the Tudor Era ,but was sadly let down my all the dark Politics & in House fighting so to me some of the vital Female Characters including Cecily were swamped & I was left dashed & wanted better. I feel gutted that I cannot leave a more positive review. #NetGalley, #GoodReads, #FB, #Instagram, #Amazon.co.uk, #<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/8a5b541512e66ae64954bdaab137035a5b2a89d2" width="80" height="80" alt="200 Book Reviews" title="200 Book Reviews"/>,#<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/ef856e6ce35e6d2d729539aa1808a5fb4326a415" width="80" height="80" alt="Reviews Published" title="Reviews Published"/>, #<img src="https://www.netgalley.com/badge/aa60c7e77cc330186f26ea1f647542df8af8326a" width="80" height="80" alt="Professional Reader" title="Professional Reader"/>.uild and all they can destroy.

Having eagerly awaited Annie Garthwaite's second book I was not disappointed. Once again her work is incredibly well researched and thoroughly readable. Despite the level of detail and number of characters, Annie's writing draws you in and ensures you don't loose track of who's who thanks to her clever style and discrete reminders. Based on actual events, Annie manages to convey a real sense of the time period and a true atmospheric setting in a succinct style, giving the reader a true sense of the setting without loosing the plot line through long wordy descriptions as others have done. I am a true fan of this author, thrilled to enjoy her second book as much as the first and will follow her career with enthusiasm.

Although a bit bit of slow burner, it is well worth sticking with this book. Beautifully written and truly a masterpiece.

4+

‘‘Tis strange….. but true; for truth is always strange; stranger than fiction….’ Lord Byron, 1823.

Never a truer word, especially when reflecting on this tumultuous period of English history. Treachery, treachery and more treachery. Let’s add in discontent, ambition, bitterness, jealousy, avarice, backstabbing, betrayal, and treason. Plots, schemes, rumours, mercy, vengeance, but also love and loyalty. This is Annie Garthwaites second novel featuring and starring Lady Cecily Neville, the mother of Edward IV, king of England from 1461 to April 1483, and Richard III, June 1483 to August 1485. However, there are other mothers too whose sons have a cause. There’s Marguerite of Anjou, wife of the deposed Henry VI and mother of Edouard, also Elizabeth Woodville, wife of Edward IV and mother of Princes, Edward and Richard, and finally, Margaret Beaufort, mother of Henry Tudor. This is the latter stages of the of the Wars of the Roses, the bloody civil wars between two competing royal families, the houses of York and Lancaster. Many dead, a bloodied land and a multitude of devious machinations to win the prize of the crown of England. Is the current ascendancy of the House of York going to last? How secure is Cecily’s position as The Kings Mother?

Yet again, Annie Garthwaite does a good job in trying to clear a path through the complexity of this period of English history. I do think it helps to know something as they delight in keeping the same names, there are lots of Edwards, Richards, and Henry’s knocking about which can be confusing to say the least. The fact that the author has made women central to this tale is one of the very best features of the book. As history has wrongly written out a lot of women, it’s good to redress the balance and all the women here are portrayed very well as strong characters and some are more than a match for the men.

Cecily is quite the personality and an excellent central protagonist. She’s clever, politically astute, tough (which you need to be with all this going on) a realist, especially about her sons, in particular, the greed and all the rest of it of her son, George, Duke of Clarence. She’s straight talking, brave, not necessarily likeable, but she’s certainly admirable. I very much like the way that Margaret Beaufort is portrayed and the unexpected friendship between her and Cecily, another strong and clever woman. Elizabeth Woodville has a lot to put up with though her portrayal isn’t perhaps as strong as the other two, it’s still good as is the portrayal of Anne, wife of Richard III.

Edward IV’s personality shines through, he’s not likeable at all, but being the number one tough guy is essential and he does die of natural causes instead of being backstabbed and so enough said. I love the portrayal of Richard III probably because it chimes with my own view. Earnest, loyal to Edward, a great soldier, and I particularly like how the author deals with the thorny matter of Edward IV’s sons, the so-called Princes in the Tower. She’s right, there’s no conclusive evidence and I’ll say no more. Historians will argue about this one till the cows come home!

However, I can’t say I like the way that Henry VI is referred to, it jars with me. I dare say in 15th century conversation it fits with medieval attitudes but the author could’ve referred to the poor soul differently elsewhere but this is just my personal view.

Overall, it’s a very good read, though obviously take some things with a pinch of salt, but as much of history is about interpretation, this is hers. It’s historical fiction at the end of the day and very good historical fiction at that.

With thanks to NetGalley, and especially to Penguin General UK for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

Cecily is the focus of Cecily is the mother of the last Plantagenet kings, she has buried a husband and countless children, and she is a fierce champion of those remaining sons, who would face treachery and battles to keep power. This is told with such skill and flair, keeping the reader right there in the 15th century, authentic but not foreign to the modern ear.

LOVED THIS!
While I am fully aware that so much of Cecily's story, as told here, and the true history of those times and the powers that fought each other throughout Edward's reign and beyond, will never ever be known, I really loved this version of events.
It's a fascinating twist on the story of Edward IV, his brothers and their very unsettled time as the royal family of England.
The debate regarding Richard III's culpability in the disappearance of his nephews will never cease, and this argument is as likely as any other as to what may have happened. There are enough facts and true events woven in to allow for this level of supposition, which is what makes this book so gripping for anybody who loves a strong historical novel.
Cecily is indeed unlikely to have been a meek and mild woman caught in the tides of great men, and here she is perhaps given the celebration she deserves for her role in the Wars of the Roses, and her unimaginable losses - her husband, four sons and her grandsons.
Read it now.

The King’s Mother
Four mothers fight for their sons as the Wars of the Roses rage
by Annie Garthwaite

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: General Fiction (Adult), Historical Fiction, Women's Fiction

I loved this book, I'm more familiar with later history, but have read a few set in this time. I've always read Richard very differently to how he is portrayed her, and this interpretation of him makes so much more sense.
Cecily was an incredible women, so determined and so cleverly calculating – and she needed to be in this turbulent time. She amazed me how she pushed forward, commanded so much respect at a time when women were still very much second class and property.
Edward – I can't imagine being king at just 18. It explains his actions, he was determined to be a good king, wanted to do the best for his country and yet still had the emotions of a teen. His actions caused trouble for so many women and children, and yet it wasn't done maliciously, but at a time when every misstep gets picked up by an enemy and used against that person.
There's so much emotion here, and we see just how determined mothers can be for their children. Especially the sons, as they would be the ones holding power. When I look at what the families went through I do wonder why any of them actually wanted the positions, it rarely brings happiness, just prestige for a time until someone else comes and takes over.
As before the story is so well written that I just fell into the past with the characters, drawn into the dramas of their lives, feeling the despair and fear, happiness over victories, and trying to keep up with the manipulations that were part of daily life. A fabulous read, with a new and interesting slant for me on Richard.

Stars: Five, a cracking read, pulling me back into history along with the characters.

ARC supplied by netgalley and publishers

*A big thank-you to Annie Garthwaite, Penguin General UK, and NetGalley for arc in exchange for my honest review.*
Having read the book on Cecily Neville, I was more than curious on the Author's vision on her later life. Cecily as the mother to three brothers, two of whom become kings, has the equisite sense of the power and the politics. She seems to be made of steel and to draw strength from other players' weaknesses, Cecily's loyalty towards her sons is steadfast despite her own reservations.
The book is fascinating, as is the history of the War of the Roses, and Ms Garthwaite's interpretation and presentation of the Plantagenets and especially Margaret Beaufort absolutely convincing. Both ladies were equally strong and totally devoted to their offspring. They played chess literally and figuratively, showing each other respect, however mercy was not the option either of them considered.
My sentiment for Richard III is supported by this novel, and I liked the idea put forward by the Author as regards the fate of the Princes in the Tower, the more that the mystery will most probably be never uncovered. Bravo, Ms Garthwaite!

The King’s Mother by Annie Garthwaite is an excellent historical fiction and is the sequel to the amazing novel, Cecily.

I absolutely loved Cecily, so I could not wait to read the continuation. As before, Ms. Garthwaite presents a stunning narrative in the voice of Cecily, wife of the late Richard of York, and mother to Kings Edward IV and Richard III.

This book takes us from 1461 to 1487. The research, the detail, the presentation…it is all excellent, engaging, and thought-provoking.
I devoured every moment of this gem.

The historical notes at the end to describe what happened afterwards also adds a lot to the novel.

I think my favorite parts were the interactions, discussions, and relationship between Cecily and Margaret Beaufort. It really drew me in.

I can’t recommend these two novels enough.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Penguin General UK - Fig Tree, Hamish Hamilton, Viking, Penguin Life, Penguin Business, Viking for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 7/11/24.