The king's lover

Amidst the pitfalls of court, a monarch's love can represent power and wealth, but also the most brutal of threats. Widowed by a merchant and possessing a secret capable of shaking the entire kingdom, commoner Alice Perrers is removed from her family to live under the protection of Queen Philippa of England. However, her beauty and wit attract Edward III, and their love affair soon turns into a court scandal. Condemned by all as an opportunist who enriched herself by manipulating an ailing king, Alice must fight to defend her honor. "A brilliant and realistic portrait of a misunderstood woman." Publisher's Weekly "A sumptuous debut novel. The spirit and atmosphere of Edward III's court are masterfully captured." Lancashire Evening Post