HISTORICAL
THE QUEEN’S RIVAL
By Anne O’Brien, HQ, HB, £18.99. Out September 3 After the Yorkists are defeated in the battle of Ludford Bridge, Cecily is left to face the Lancastrian army on her own. Showing clear determination and a refusal to let her people suffer alone, Cecily faces problems head on, in her quest to claim the throne during the Wars of the Roses.
History is full of strong women, but none more so though than Cecily Neville, Duchess of York. Reaching the ripe age of 80, this is one historical figure who despite her strong character, was never crowned Queen. This fictitious novel provides an intriguing look into the soul of the “honourable Duchess” who is arguably the most forgotten woman of medieval history. With a clever format of letters, interspersed with Chronicle newspaper reports, O’Brien manages to reinvent historical fiction by thrusting an untold stor y into the spotlight. A relatable protagonist, this could easily be a modern-day story of a courageous woman with a strong mind, making good.
COSY CRIME
THE DARKEST EVENING BY ANN CLEEVES
LITERARY
JUST LIKE YOU BY NICK HORNBY
A modern romance set in contemporary North London following the unlikely partnership of Lucy a nearly divorced 41-year-old school teacher and 22-year-old part-time butcher Joseph. With political nuances from Brexit to interracial relations, Hornby’s writing is emotive and witty.
Imagine being accused of murder but you can’t remember the crime? Tabitha needs to prove everyone wrong. A courtroom drama that takes a fascinating look behind prison doors. Tabitha is frustrating but she’s certainly a character you vouch for. Twisty and addictive!
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