Queen by Right by Anne Easter Smith

Cecily Neville is destined to be great. Her father's favorite daughter, she makes a great match with Richard, Duke of York. Together, their fortunes rise and fall, but they always believe in each other.

I've recently read a couple of books over Cecily Neville, and this by far is my favorite. This Cecily isn't as flawed as others, but she is lively, fun and genuine. I feel like this book focuses a bit more on her life, but still manages to keep the reader in the political activity of the day. This book follows most of her life, but it didn't feel overdrawn or long. A great read from a classic author!

Bloodletter's Daughter by Linda Lafferty

Marketa Pichler, daughter and assistant to her blood letter father, helps her mother as a bathmaid. She dreams of freedom and learning, but is confined to bathing old customers. When Emperor Rudolph ll's insane son, Don Julius, is confined to the castle in Cesky Krumlov, Marketa sees her chance to become more than a bathmaid.But the insane Don Julius becomes obsessed with Marketa, who he insists is an angel out of the Coded Book of Wonder, a mystical book that has haunted  him for years.

This novel was amazing. Very well written, superbly researched. I loved Marketa and her subtle feminist ways. The secondary cast was also superb. The book had some twists and turns, but still had a happily ever after.

The Aviary Gate by Katie Hickman

Celia Lamphrey, daughter of a rich merchant is on her way to marry her betrothed when her ship is hijacked. Her father is murdered and Celia is sold into slavery, eventually ending up in the Sultan's harem. Paul, her betrothed, finds himself serving the English ambassador in Sultan's court when he hears whispers of Celia. Heartbroken, each try to find their way back to their previous life. 400 years later, Elizabeth, a heart broken student, hears Celia's cry and aims to discover how how Celia's story and her own end.

This novel was amazing. The politics of the harem, both inside and out, make this book interesting. This is also one of the first books where the time span between characters wasn't jarring with the switch. It's a great book and I can't wait to read it's sequel, The Pindar Diamond.

Red Rose, White Rose by Joanna Hickson

Enchantress of Paris by Marci Jefferson

Marie Mancini, niece to the powerful Cardinal Mazarin, decides to leave the convent she was sent to after a prophecy at her birth of disgrace and her mother's death. Now she seeks freedom and love. She goes the new court of the Sun King and finds her sister, Olympia, serving as his mistress. Marie sparks Louis' interest and they begin a love affair that could change a nation and two lonely hearts.

I loved this book, just like I loved Jefferson's previous book. The interaction between sisters really sold the book to me. Louis was just as I pictured him, majestic but loveable. The endjng is heartbreaking and amazing. I really enjoyed this one and I highly recommend it.