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The King's Grace by Anne Easter Smith
Published by Touchstone on March 10, 2009
Genres: Fiction / Biographical, Fiction / Historical, Fiction / Romance / Historical / General
Pages: 608
Format: Paperback
Source: Bookstore
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The bestselling author of A Rose for the Crown and Daughter of York takes a young woman that history noticed only once and sets her on a quest for the truth about the murder of two boys and a man who claims to be king.

All that history knows of Grace Plantagenet is that she was an illegitimate daughter of Edward IV and one of two attendants aboard the funeral barge of his widowed queen. Thus, she was half sister of the famous young princes, who -- when this story begins in 1485 -- had been housed in the Tower by their uncle, Richard III, and are presumed dead.

But in the 1490s, a young man appears at the courts of Europe claiming to be Richard, duke of York, the younger of the boys, and seeking to claim his rightful throne from England's first Tudor king, Henry VII. But is this man who he says he is? Or is he Perkin Warbeck, a puppet of Margaret of York, duchess of Burgundy, who is determined to regain the crown for her York family? Grace Plantagenet finds herself in the midst of one of English history's greatest mysteries. If she can discover the fate of the princes and the true identity of Perkin Warbeck, perhaps she will find her own place in her family.

ABOUT THE BOOK

A sweeping historical novel set in the aftermath of the Wars of the Roses, The King’s Grace follows Grace Plantagenet, the illegitimate daughter of Edward IV, as she seeks her place in a divided royal world.

THE STORY

When rumors swirl that one of the lost princes in the Tower may still live, Grace is drawn into a political and emotional whirlwind that tests her loyalties, her heart, and her place in a shifting monarchy. With danger on all sides—from Tudor suspicion to Yorkist rebellion—Grace must navigate love, identity, and legacy in a kingdom haunted by secrets and war.

THE CHARACTERS

Grace is a nuanced, quietly compelling heroine—determined, intelligent, and driven by both personal and political stakes. Historical figures like Henry VII, Elizabeth of York, and Margaret Beaufort are intricately portrayed, but it’s the lesser-known characters who shine under Smith’s pen, adding emotional richness and realism to the complex web of royal relationships.

THE HISTORICAL FRAMEWORK

Anne Easter Smith’s command of the period is astonishing. Her research is evident in every scene—from the language and customs to the religious influence and geopolitical dynamics of the late 15th century. This book is a must-read for anyone familiar with the tangled branches of English and European royal bloodlines. It reads like a master class in medieval historical fiction, with the Church, monarchy, and nobility woven into a vibrant tapestry of fact and fiction.

STEAMOMETER

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1🔥

Romance is present but understated, with emotional rather than physical tension at the forefront. Expect heartfelt moments more than heat.

OVERALL THOUGHTS

For lovers of historical fiction, The King’s Grace is a masterwork. Anne Easter Smith doesn’t just write about history—she resurrects it. The immersive detail, elegant prose, and authentic voice make this a standout 5-star read. Perfect for fans of Philippa Gregory, Sharon Kay Penman, and Elizabeth Chadwick.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Anne Easter Smith is an award-winning author known for her deeply researched novels set during the Wars of the Roses. Learn more at anneeastersmith.com