This biography reveals the strength and influence of Elizabeth of York, mother of Henry VIII. A powerful and influential queen, she played a crucial role in uniting the Houses of Lancaster and York, laying the foundation for the Tudor dynasty.

This is an enjoyable and informative book.

NetGalley, Andrea Romance

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Born during the War of the Roses or The Cousin's War, Elizabeth of Your was the child of a commoner and a King. She was the sister of the two princes in the tower who disappeared under Richard III's reign. Henry Tudor ultimately killed King Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth Field. Henry Tudor went on to become King Henry VII. He took Elizabeth to be his bride, ending the War of the Roses by joining the Lancaster and York families. Their union produced several children including Arthur, Mary, Margaret, and King Henry VIII. She was named the other of the Tudor dynasty. Beverly Adams brings to life the world of Plantagenet & Tudor England in an easily digestible way. She starts with the background of the courtesies and customs without boring her readers. Her timeline begins with a brief history of the War of the Roses and continues Elizabeth's story from her birth to death. This book has an appendix that includes some of the documents mentioned throughout the book. It concludes with pictures of important members of the Tudor Dynasty. This book would be an excellent addition to a Tudor Historian or enthusiast's library.

NetGalley, Shannan Lee

Elizabeth walked a tightrope in many directions. From imprisonment to marriage, motherhood and the start of the Tudor dynasty. This is an informative and well told story of a queen of England. I found it fascinating, especially where new details are offered. A very readable book.

NetGalley, LOIS ELIYAHU

I have always read about Elizabeth of York in passing, almost missing her in the midst of her very famous descendants. Fortunately, this book has given me new context and a newfound interest in her character. The author makes it easy to follow through the many upheavals in Elizabeth's life, and their way of writing is captivating. I literally couldn't put this book down.

NetGalley, Eloise Falcone

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

The Tudor period was a time of great upheaval in the royal household, mainly due to Henry’s desire to change his wife with increasing frequency, The story of his wives and children is well known. However, in the period leading up to Henry’s rule, there was even greater conflict and the detail around this tends to be overlooked. The monarchy evolved from the Plantagenets to the Tudors; I was aware of this but knew little about the reasons for it, other than in a rather fragmented way with a bit of knowledge about the Wars of the Rises and the Princes in the Tower.

Elizabeth of York was a central figure and Beverly Adam’s has undertaken a difficult job in explaining the complexities around the events that led to the transition from the Plantagenets, uniting the warring factions of York and Lancaster by political machinations to ensure the ‘right’ marriages. As is often the case, the role of women is ignored or understated and yet most were capable of contrivances to ensure they got what they wanted. It’s clear from the detail here that Elizabeth was a strong and influential individual and I find it easy to imagine how she managed to sway opinion and shift the balance of power as she wished. Beverly Adam’s book is a great overview of a tumultuous period. The machinations and violence of the royals is difficult to stomach and this title is an excellent insight into the struggles for power. At times, Elizabeth is not the central figure but her shadow is ever present and I’ve enjoyed this look at the life of a remarkable individual. Well written , particularly for the lay reader with an interest in social history.

NetGalley, Anita Wallas

If you want a solid introductory book to the life and times of the first Tudor queen, I would recommend you read, “Elizabeth of York and the Birth of the Tudor Dynasty: Uniting the Roses” by Beverley Adams.

NetGalley, Heidi Malagisi

A thorough look at the daughter of King Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville - from her childhood until her death. Honestly, I thought I knew pretty much all there was to know about this young queen and I was pleasantly surprised to learn not only new things about her but about the traditions of the monarchy as well. Beverley Adams (author) poses some very interesting questions and if there is no clear-cut answer - she doesn't try to solve them. Instead she poses "food for thought" if you will - very well done. Includes pictures which is always a bonus from me. Not only a must for all White Rose and Red Rose fans but for all those who love histories of the monarchy. Definitely NOT a dull read.

NetGalley, Christine Cazeneuve

Really insightful and interesting for all us historians and well worth a read! Elizabeth of York has often been overlooked by Tudor historians in favour of her infamous son King Henry VIII and his six wives, as well as her glorious ‘Virgin Queen’ granddaughter Queen Elizabeth I. But Elizabeth, the daughter of King Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville, deserves far more recognition than she currently receives. She suffered the loss of her younger brothers, the Princes in the Tower, and lived through the reign of her maligned uncle King Richard III, who it has been suggested plotted to marry his niece.

NetGalley, Michelle Coates

This book gives Elizabeth a voice that has been lost to history in many ways, overshadowed by the controversies involving her brothers, uncle Richard, and her son.

NetGalley, Jodi Kasprzyk

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

‘The death of the princes made Elizabeth the true heir to the crown, in the eyes of loyal Yorkist supporters but at just 18 years old and being female her chances of ascending the throne was defunct’.

Such an interesting read that I devoured this really quickly!

A must read for Tudor lovers!

‘She had come a long way from being the scared girl in sanctuary to the young mother who stood on the threshold of true queenship’.

NetGalley, Georgi Lvs Books

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

I really didn’t know a lot about Elizabeth of York but was able to learn about this woman and how she started the Tudor dynasty. It was researched well and enjoyed how much passion Beverley Adams had about this.

NetGalley, Kathryn McLeer