Elizabeth was born in 1466 at Westminster Palace, England. She was the daughter of Elizabeth Woodville and Edward IV. She was briefly betrothed to both George Neville and the Dauphin of France, but both were cancelled due to various circumstances. She was made Lady of the Garter in 1477. Her father died, elevating her brother, Edward V, to the throne. Her mother's marriage was declared invalid, and she fled with her younger children to attempt to stay safe from Richard, Duke of Gloucester. Richard eventually took over the throne as Richard III. Henry VII married Elizabeth of York in an alliance between their mothers. Elizabeth and her mother in law (that I cannot stand) Margaret Beaufort shaped the court and the etiquette. Elizabeth had no political influence, but her MIL sure did. I am not really a fan of Henry VII, and he had a terrible reputation as a money hoarder, refusing to spend money for anything necessary or to improve conditions. She provided Henry VII with heirs, including the notorious Henry VIII. Unfortunately, she gave birth to her last daughter, Catherine, who died. Elizabeth herself died from a post partum infection, which was a fairly frequent occurrence back then. Henry VII was apparently quite upset about her death, as well as her surviving children. She was reported to be very kind to everyone she came in contact with, so there were many who mourned her death.

I bought this book because I watched The White Princess and The White Queen and read that series of books. I also really enjoy the work of this author. She always researches her subject very well, and there are always books in the bibliography worth checking out and reading. I also like this time period, and try to read as much as I can about the Tudor's and Plantagenet's. I was pleased with my purchase.