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Anne O'Brien
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The King's Sister Kindle Edition

by Anne O'Brien (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.1 out of 5 stars 2,410 ratings

England’s Forgotten Queens

‘The gripping tale of Elizabeth of Lancaster, sibling of Henry IV. Packed with love, loss and intrigue’ – Sunday Express S Magazine

One betrayal is all it takes to change history

1382. Daughter of John of Gaunt, sister to the future King Henry IV, Elizabeth of Lancaster has learned the shrewd tricks of the court from England’s most powerful men.

In a time of political turmoil, allegiance to family is everything. A Plantagenet princess should never defy her father’s wishes. Yet headstrong Elizabeth refuses to bow to the fate of a strategic marriage. Rejecting her duty, Elizabeth weds the charming and ruthlessly ambitious Sir John Holland: Duke of Exeter, half-brother to King Richard II and the one man she has always wanted.

But defiance can come at a price.

1399. Elizabeth’s brother Henry has seized the throne. Her husband, confidant to the usurped Richard, masterminds a secret plot against the new King. Trapped in a dangerous web, Elizabeth must make a choice.

Defy the King and betray her family. Or condemn her husband and send him to his death.

Sister. Wife. Traitor.

She holds the fate of England in her hands.

Praise for Anne O’Brien:

‘One of the best writers around…she outdoes even Philippa Gregory’ The Sun

‘Her writing is highly evocative of the time period… O’Brien has produced an epic tale’ Historical Novel Society

‘Anne O’Brien’s novels give a voice to the “silent” women of history’ Yorkshire Post

‘Once again O’Brien proves herself a medieval history magician, conjuring up a sizzling, sweeping story’ Lancashire Evening Post

‘An exciting and intriguing story of love and historical politics. If you enjoy Philippa Gregory and Alison Weir you will love Anne O'Brien’ We Love This Book

‘This book is flawlessly written and well researched, and will appeal to her fans and those who like Philippa Gregory’s novels’ – Birmingham Post

‘A brilliantly researched and well-told story; you won’t be able to put this book down’ Candis

‘A fast paced historical drama that is full of suspense.’ Essentials

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  1. Print length
    560 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    HQ
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    7 Nov. 2014
  6. File size
    2.5 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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From the Publisher

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Product description

Review

‘Joanna of Navarre is the feisty heroine in Anne O’Brien’s fast-paced historical novel The Queen’s Choice’ – Good Housekeeping

‘O’Brien is a terrific storyteller’ – Daily Telegraph

‘A gripping story of love, heartache and political intrigue’ – Woman & Home

‘Packed with drama, danger, romance and history, The Queen’s Choice is the perfect reading choice for the long winter nights’ – The Press Association

‘A gripping historical drama’ – Bella

About the Author

As a prolific reader and ex-history teacher, Anne O’Brien has been lucky to fulfil her ambition to write historical romances. Her first success was a 400 word love story about a garden for Mills & Boon – an auspicious start! Anne lives with her husband in an eighteenth-century cottage. It is a place that gives her much inspiration and many sources for her writing. Anne often makes time to visit old houses, gardens and priories to absorb atmosphere for her novels.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00N1XRRZO
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ HQ
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ 7 Nov. 2014
  • Edition ‏ : ‎ 1st
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2.5 MB
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 560 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1474007481
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Customer reviews:
    4.1 out of 5 stars 2,410 ratings

About the author

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Anne O'Brien

Anne O'Brien

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Sunday Times Bestselling author Anne O’Brien was born in West Yorkshire. After gaining a BA Honours degree in History at Manchester University and a Master’s in Education at Hull, she lived in East Yorkshire for many years as a teacher of history.

Today she has sold over a million copies of her books in the UK and internationally. She lives with her husband in an eighteenth-century timber-framed cottage in the depths of the Welsh Marches in Herefordshire. The area provides endless inspiration for her novels about the forgotten women of medieval history.

Anne's new book, A Marriage of Fortune, the sequel to The Royal Game, the exciting story of the women of the famous letter- wrting Paston family, will be published on 28th September 2023 in paperback.

Visit Anne online at https://www.anneobrienbooks.com/

Sign up for Anne's monthly News Letter to keep up to date with books, events, giveaways and what Anne is writing about. https://www.anneobrienbooks.com/

Find Anne on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/anneobrienbooks/?ref=bookmarks

Follow her on Twitter @anne_obrien

Enjoy the inspiration for her historical novels on Pinterest https://uk.pinterest.com/thisisanneobrie/

Customer reviews

4.1 out of 5 stars
2,410 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this historical novel engaging and well-researched, with one review noting how it brings the time period to life with intrigue. The writing style receives positive feedback, and customers appreciate how it brings characters to life. However, the plot receives mixed reactions, with several customers finding it too slow and tedious. Customers also note that the book is a bit long-winded.

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ReadabilityHistorical contentWriting styleResearch accuracyCharacter developmentEmotion levelPlot lengthLength
128 customers mention ‘Readability’123 positive5 negative

Customers find the book engaging and well-written, with one customer noting it's captivating from the first couple of pages.

"...The author has a very pleasing style of writing which made this book enjoyable...." Read more

"...woven into this book make for interesting, intelligent and yet entertaining reading. As usual, very well written Anne O'Brien.Thankyou." Read more

"...This is the first book I have read about her, and truly spellbinding it proved to be. The author brings to life the various different characters...." Read more

"What an excellent book, I really like Anne O'Brien having read quite a few I knew I would purchase this one...." Read more

75 customers mention ‘Historical content’67 positive8 negative

Customers enjoy the historical content of the book, describing it as an interesting novel that brings the period to life, with one customer noting how it provides great insight into the court of the time.

"...period is brought to life with its intrigue, plots, dilemmas, love story etc. centred around Elizabeth of Lancaster, who hitherto is little known...." Read more

"...are there and the recount of those woven into this book make for interesting, intelligent and yet entertaining reading...." Read more

"Such a great story and all based on fact. I was gripped from the start. Anne O'Brien really knows her history. I love her books" Read more

"The story of Elizabeth of Lancaster is fascinating. This is the first book I have read about her, and truly spellbinding it proved to be...." Read more

27 customers mention ‘Writing style’19 positive8 negative

Customers find the writing style of the book very well written, with one customer noting it's an easy read.

"...The author has a very pleasing style of writing which made this book enjoyable...." Read more

"...As usual, very well written Anne O'Brien.Thankyou." Read more

"...scenes (like Elizabeth's last farewell from her husband) and some stiff dialogues, which is a shame since the background story of Elizabeth and John..." Read more

"Beautifully written and wholly plausible life of one of the bit players of history. Throughly enjoyable...." Read more

12 customers mention ‘Research accuracy’12 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's research accuracy, noting it is well-researched with enough verifiable facts and informative content.

"...and the recount of those woven into this book make for interesting, intelligent and yet entertaining reading...." Read more

"Such a great story and all based on fact. I was gripped from the start. Anne O'Brien really knows her history. I love her books" Read more

"...The historical research is thorough. Pity about the proof reading not showing up the errors...." Read more

"...of Lancaster, so Anne O’Brien’s new novel The King’s Sister is a great example of why we need historical fiction...." Read more

10 customers mention ‘Character development’7 positive3 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one noting how effectively the author brings characters to life.

"...The author brings to life the various different characters. The historical research is thorough...." Read more

"...womaniser yet Anne finds his sensitive side and he becomes a hugely likeable character, staunchly loyal to his half-brother King Richard...." Read more

"...And yet Margaret Beaufort, a thoroughly unlikeable character, was none the less compelling in the hands of Dr Gregory...." Read more

"...rating from me, it really impressed......Her ability to bring a character to life is amazing.......so now I will choose my netXt..." Read more

4 customers mention ‘Emotion level’4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the emotional content of the book, with one describing it as passionate.

"...Miss O'Brien brought Elizabeth alive, and she became a passionate, strong woman...." Read more

"...An emotional and well thought out book. Some aspects do not accurately represent what is written in history sources but most is very accurate...." Read more

"...The characters are real and the emotions spot on. An excellent read." Read more

"Heartrending and informative. Anne O'Brien gives us the history and the emotion. Brilliant." Read more

20 customers mention ‘Plot length’4 positive16 negative

Customers find the plot of the book too slow and tedious, describing it as a poor read.

"...This book began fairly slowly, and I did wonder initially, if it was going to be the book for me...." Read more

"Takes a while to get going and must admit I was struggling to stick with it at first, but well worth it once I got past that feeling, and glad I..." Read more

"Not bad....just a bit tired and slow in places and found myself skipping paragraphs....too much sentimental feelings in these bits for me, but..." Read more

"...This fascinating period is brought to life with its intrigue, plots, dilemmas, love story etc...." Read more

4 customers mention ‘Length’0 positive4 negative

Customers find the book's length negative, describing it as long-winded.

"I find O'Brien's prose style very plodding and ponderous, long winded. She could profitably be edited down by a good 20% by a decent editor...." Read more

"ok , but quite long winded , drawn out, i wouldn't want to read it again" Read more

"Enjoyable, but bit long drawn out you could skip few chapters and not miss anything." Read more

"Bit long winded" Read more

Top reviews from United Kingdom

  • Kitty
    5.0 out of 5 stars wonderful read!!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 10 June 2025
    Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
    So enjoyed this book and progressing on to the next! The depth of description of each character was a delight!
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  • Mrs. J. A. Ferris
    4.0 out of 5 stars The kings'Sister.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 August 2015
    Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
    I thoroughly enjoyed this story of a different member of the royal family at this pre Tudor time in our history. It just goes to show how what starts out to be minor squabbles at that time could change whole history! Whilst I know that a lot of the accounts are fiction, the facts are there and the recount of those woven into this book make for interesting, intelligent and yet entertaining reading. As usual, very well written Anne O'Brien.Thankyou.
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  • Kindlelover
    5.0 out of 5 stars A new book to read and a new author to follow!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 5 August 2015
    Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
    Well it seems that not only have I found new reading material, but I have found a new author to follow as well.

    Like a number of reviewers I have read many books about the Tudor period and more modern history e.g. Victorian and Edwardian period. But had very little reading experience of Lancastrian times. Well this book has filled many of the lamentable gaps in my knowledge!

    The author has a very pleasing style of writing which made this book enjoyable. The subject, Elizabeth of Lancaster, is at the centre of a fascinating story and Anne O'Brien has told it very well. After all she is well qualified to write historical books and has clearly done her homework.

    The love story between Elizabeth and John Holland is skilfully woven through the history of this time. I am not sure I always warmed to the character of John and I must say Elizabeth was far from perfect herself. But this is a portrayal of how their passionate love story unfolded and of the tragic culmination of their relationship. Eventually Elizabeth had a difficult decision to make. The events that followed devastated her, the depths of her grief is brilliantly portrayed by Anne O'Brien.

    The end of this book leaves Elizabeth at a stage where she has forgiven herself and is ready to move on, albeit with difficulty. There is hope.

    This fascinating period is brought to life with its intrigue, plots, dilemmas, love story etc. centred around Elizabeth of Lancaster, who hitherto is little known. A super book which I am sure will lead to further reading of this author.
    One person found this helpful
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  • S. B. Kelly
    3.0 out of 5 stars Plodding prose but a new acquaintance
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 15 August 2021
    Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
    I find O'Brien's prose style very plodding and ponderous, long winded. She could profitably be edited down by a good 20% by a decent editor. However, although Medieval history is an interest of mine, I knew nothing of Elizabeth of Lancaster, second daughter of John of Gaunt, sister of Henry IV.

    We are reminded how hard life was for young women, even those of royal blood. Perhaps especially those of royal blood. Elizabeth is married off to a child at the age of 17, because it suits her father to make the alliance. Her sister Philippa is dispatched to marry the King of Portugal and never see her homeland again as part of a war against Castile.

    As is customary for such novels, Elizabeth is depicted as a rather modern young woman. Dismayed by her child groom, she begins an affair with John Holland, half-brother to Richard II and her eventual husband. But with her brother Henry coming to usurp Richard's throne, the happy family is torn apart by divided loyalties.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • Tony
    5.0 out of 5 stars Highly recommended.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 19 May 2015
    Verified Purchase
    I’m prepared to bet you know little more than I did about the life of Elizabeth of Lancaster, so Anne O’Brien’s new novel The King’s Sister is a great example of why we need historical fiction. I discovered a whole new perspective on the rise of her brother to become King Henry IV – and began to see King Richard II in an entirely different light.

    Elizabeth is a strong, independent woman, with a very modern outlook – trapped in a privileged world of medieval nobility. Resigned to obey her father (a surprisingly understanding John of Gaunt) and accept his unfortunate choice of husband, she falls in love with the handsome knight Sir John Holland, Duke of Exeter. Holland is an adventurer and womaniser yet Anne finds his sensitive side and he becomes a hugely likeable character, staunchly loyal to his half-brother King Richard.

    Henry’s seizing of the throne puts them all in an impossible position, with Elizabeth torn between the man she loves and loyalty to the House of Lancaster. I particularly liked Anne’s portrayal of Katherine Swynford, (who reminded me of Diana Rigg’s portrayal of Olenna Tyrell in Game of Thrones) so now I have to read her book about Katherine - The Scandalous Duchess.

    Anne has included a short postscript about what became of Elizabeth of York, although I really wanted to know more about Sir John Cornewaille, who fought alongside Henry V at Agincourt. I was disappointed when The King’s Sister ended leaving me with so many questions - but when historical fiction sparks your interest in a period of time you know it has really succeeded.
    7 people found this helpful
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  • Elizabeth Head
    4.0 out of 5 stars The Kings Sister by Anne O'Brien
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 3 January 2015
    Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
    The story of Elizabeth of Lancaster is fascinating. This is the first book I have read about her, and truly spellbinding it proved to be. The author brings to life the various different characters. The historical research is thorough. Pity about the proof reading not showing up the errors. I enjoyed the book very much and would recommend to anyone who loves history.
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  • Helpful Harriet
    5.0 out of 5 stars such a good read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 25 September 2024
    Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
    Anyone wanting to learn history of this period with excitement and sensitivity would find this book gripping .
    Couldn’t put it down.
    May even re read this book!
    Something I’ve rarely done
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  • white rose
    2.0 out of 5 stars A little known woman
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 October 2015
    Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
    Hugely interested in what Phillipa Gregory has called 'liminal women': those influential women from the Middle Ages whose part in our history is largely unrecorded because of their gender. But I really didn't warm to this book at all. Perhaps it was the writing style - Elizabeth just didn't come alive to me and I didn't care about her. And yet Margaret Beaufort, a thoroughly unlikeable character, was none the less compelling in the hands of Dr Gregory. I fear that she, and Dame Hilary Mantel, may have spoiled me for other writers of historical fiction. This one was poor stuff.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Orion
    5.0 out of 5 stars This book was fantastic. I loved all of Anne obriens books and ...
    Reviewed in the United States on 19 February 2015
    Verified Purchase
    This book was fantastic. I loved all of Anne obriens books and just when I think she can't get any better than the book before she yet again steps up to the plate and does not disappoint! The dialogue between the main characters is engrossing and cleverly written. The scenic descriptions not overly done where one can lose interest. The main female protagonist you can't help but love, she is one sassy, interesting woman. Very entertaining I did not want it to end. Anne is an amazing storyteller truly gifted!
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  • Peppa
    5.0 out of 5 stars fascinating
    Reviewed in Spain on 27 May 2024
    Verified Purchase
    Anne O'Brien is one of my favorite writers and this novel is one of her best, in my opinion. I read it in one sitting.
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  • Philippa S. Beale
    3.0 out of 5 stars Not as good as Philippa Gregory
    Reviewed in France on 11 December 2015
    Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
    Interesting to write about someone who has escaped being defined by history. A good story and imaginative plot about Elizabeth of Lancaster , youngest daughter of John of Gaunt. It is in 'what if' genre of historical writing and the psychology of the people of the time is well described. I found the style of writing either improved or grew on me as the novel reached its conclusion and I understood that the author was intending to create a believable character but I didn't care about what happened to her; I had more sympathy for John Holland her husband. Not as engaging as Philippa Gregory or as well described or as well written.
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  • Miss Kelton
    5.0 out of 5 stars Historical fans will love this - Elizabeth Lancaster is a woman as so ...
    Reviewed in Australia on 11 June 2015
    Verified Purchase
    Historical fans will love this - Elizabeth Lancaster is a woman as so many of royal blood in those times were - used to wed to link families - countries - and fortunes - promised without any say by their families. However Elizabeth meets the love of her life - John Holland -sets aside her wedded child bridegroom to marry him - and eventually heart and loyalties are divided leading to either disaster for her Brother the King - or the death of her beloved husband. His final letter to her bought tears to my eyes - intrigue and mixed loyalties and emotions are the basis of her life - she was a strong woman as many were in those times - lucky if they survived child birth - and their misfortunes or fortunes overturned - as the Crown of England was fought for and a new King was crowned. This tale will hold you until the final page is turned and history unfolds yet another well written and researched personality.
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Überraschung
    Reviewed in Germany on 14 February 2016
    Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
    Dieses Buch ist eine empfehlenswerte Überraschung. Es erzählt eine Geschichte über eine grosse Liebe, die auf dem Altar familiärer Loyalitäten geopfert wird. Die Autorin hat es sehr gut verstanden, die inneren Konflikte der Protagonistin aufzuzeigen. Auch die historische Umrahmung (wobei ich kein Historiker bin) passt zu meinem bisherigen Kenntnisstand. An diesem Buch ist nichts schwülstig- schmonzettenhaftes, ganz im Gegenteil. Mit einem Wort LESENSWERT!
    Report

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