Richard IIIOn February 4, 2013 scientists from the University of Leicester made a monumental historical announcement, that the skeletal remains found under a car park in Leicester, England were those of King Richard III! To celebrate this monumental historical discovery author and Richard III historian, Anne Easter Smith, will be launching a pre-publication tour for her upcoming novel, Royal Mistress, from February 7 – 22.

From AnneEasterSmith.com…

King Richard III was the reason I became an author. After reading Josephine Tey’s Daughter of Time in my early 20s, Richard became a bit of an obsession. Well into my 50s, after developing some writing skills as a newspaper editor, I decided to attempt a novel about who I thought the real Richard was. It was a labor of love and was eventually published as A Rose for the Crown by Touchstone at Simon & Schuster.

Richard is either a minor character or is made mention of in all of my books. From that first book where I looked at him through the eyes of a young woman who loved him, to my newest, Royal Mistress, Richard went from being a protagonist to an antagonist as I was forced to look at his actions from other people’s point of view.

So when the discovery of a skeleton beneath a car park in Leicester was made and the bones thought to be those of my favorite king, I was very excited. Richard is the only crowned king of England whose grave has never been found. The news has rekindled interest in the man, and Ricardians throughout the world!

Royal MistressPublication Date: May 7, 2013
Publisher: Touchstone
Hardcover; 512p

From the author of A Rose for the Crown and Daughter of York comes another engrossing historical novel of the York family in the Wars of the Roses, telling the fascinating story of the rise and fall of the final and favorite mistress of Edward IV.

Jane Lambert, the quick-witted and alluring daughter of a silk merchant, is twenty-two and still unmarried. When Jane’s father finally finds her a match, she’s married off to the dull, older silk merchant William Shore—but her heart belongs to another. Marriage doesn’t stop Jane Shore from flirtation, however, and when the king’s chamberlain and friend, Will Hastings, comes to her husband’s shop, Will knows his King will find her irresistible.

Edward IV has everything: power, majestic bearing, superior military leadership, a sensual nature, and charisma. And with Jane as his mistress, he also finds true happiness. But when his hedonistic tendencies get in the way of being the strong leader England needs, his life, as well as that of Jane Shore and Will Hastings, hang in the balance.

This dramatic tale has been an inspiration to poets and playwrights for 500 years, and told through the unique perspective of a woman plucked from obscurity and thrust into a life of notoriety, Royal Mistress is sure to enthrall today’s historical fiction lovers as well.

About the AuthorAnne Easter Smith

Anne Easter Smith is an award-winning historical novelist whose research and writing concentrates on England in the 15th century. Meticulous historical research, rich period detail, and compelling female protagonists combine to provide the reader with a sweeping portrait of England in the time of the Wars of the Roses. Her critically acclaimed first book, A Rose for the Crown, debuted in 2006, and her third, The King’s Grace, was the recipient of a Romantic Times Review Best Biography award in 2009. A Queen by Right has been nominated by Romantic TImes Review for the Best Historical Fiction award, 2011.

Articles on the Discovery

BBC news: DNA confirms Richard III is found
New York Times: Bones under parking lot belonged to Richard III
Facial reconstruction: How Richard may have appeared, as reported by BBC

Anne talks to NPI’s The World

Virtual Blog Tour Schedule

Thursday, February 7
Guest Post at Let Them Read Books

Friday, February 8
Interview at The Maiden’s Court
Guest Post at Confessions of an Avid Reader

Monday, February 11
Guest Post at A Bookish Affair

Tuesday, February 12
Interview at Historical Tapestry

Wednesday, February 13
Guest Post at Ageless Pages Reviews

Thursday, February 14
Guest Post at Books, Belles and Beaux

Friday, February 15
Interview at Unabridged Chick

Monday, February 18
Guest Post at So Many Books, So Little Time

Tuesday, February 19
Guest Post at The True Book Addict

Wednesday, February 20
Guest Post at A Bookish Libraria

Thursday, February 21
Interview at Enchanted by Josephine

Friday, February 22
Guest Post at Tanzanite’s Castle Full of Books

Monday, February 25
Guest Post at Historical Fiction Connection

Tuesday, February 26
Guest Post at Flashlight Commentary

Wednesday, February 27
Interview at Muse in the Fog Book Reviews

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