Description

Book Synopsis
A Sunday Times Bestseller England’s Forgotten Queens

‘O’Brien cleverly intertwines the personal and political in this enjoyable, gripping tale.’
-The Times

Widow Lady Katherine Swynford presents herself for a role in the household of merciless royal prince John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, hoping to end her destitution. But the Duke’s scandalous proposition leaves her life of pious integrity reeling…

Seduced by the glare of royal adoration, Katherine becomes John’s mistress. She will leave behind everything she has stood for to play second fiddle to his young wife and ruthless ambition. She will live in the shadows of the most powerful man in England in the hope of a love greater than propriety.

But soon the court whispers – whore, harlot, vile temptress – reach the ears of not just John’s bride but his most dangerous political enemies. As the Plantagenet prince is accused of bringing England to its knees, who better to blame than shameless she-devil Katherine Swynford?

Dragged from the shadows, Katherine must answer for her sins.

Praise for Anne O’Brien

‘O’Brien cleverly intertwines the personal and political in this enjoyable, gripping tale.’
- The Times

‘A gem of a subject … O’Brien is a terrific storyteller’
- Daily Telegraph

‘Joanna of Navarre is the feisty heroine in Anne O’Brien’s fast-paced historical novel The Queen’s Choice.’
-Good Housekeeping

‘A gripping story of love, heartache and political intrigue.’
-Woman & Home

‘Packed with drama, danger, romance and history.’
-Pam Norfolk, for the Press Association

‘Better than Philippa Gregory’ – The Bookseller

‘Anne O’Brien has joined the exclusive club of excellent historical novelists.’ – Sunday Express

‘A gripping historical drama.’
-Bella

‘This book has everything – royalty, scandal, fascinating historical politics and ultimately, the shaping of the woman who founded the Tudors.’ – Cosmopolitan

www.anneobrien.co.uk
@anne_obrien
@anne_obrien



Trade Review

Praise for Anne O’Brien

‘Joanna of Navarre is the feisty heroine in Anne O’Brien’s fast-paced historical novel The Queen’s Choice.’
-Good Housekeeping

‘O’Brien is a terrific storyteller’
- Daily Telegraph

‘A gripping story of love, heartache and political intrigue.’
-Woman & Home

‘Packed with drama, danger, romance and history, The Queen’s Choice is the perfect reading choice for the long winter nights.’
- The Press Association

‘A gripping historical drama.’
-Bella

The Scandalous Duchess

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    £10.44

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    RRP £10.99 – you save £0.55 (5%)

    Order before 4pm tomorrow for delivery by Wed 10 Jun 2026.

    A Paperback / softback by Anne O'Brien

    1 in stock


      View other formats and editions of The Scandalous Duchess by Anne O'Brien

      Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
      Publication Date: 20/02/2015
      ISBN13: 9781848453852, 978-1848453852
      ISBN10: 184845385X

      Description

      Book Synopsis
      A Sunday Times Bestseller England’s Forgotten Queens

      ‘O’Brien cleverly intertwines the personal and political in this enjoyable, gripping tale.’
      -The Times

      Widow Lady Katherine Swynford presents herself for a role in the household of merciless royal prince John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, hoping to end her destitution. But the Duke’s scandalous proposition leaves her life of pious integrity reeling…

      Seduced by the glare of royal adoration, Katherine becomes John’s mistress. She will leave behind everything she has stood for to play second fiddle to his young wife and ruthless ambition. She will live in the shadows of the most powerful man in England in the hope of a love greater than propriety.

      But soon the court whispers – whore, harlot, vile temptress – reach the ears of not just John’s bride but his most dangerous political enemies. As the Plantagenet prince is accused of bringing England to its knees, who better to blame than shameless she-devil Katherine Swynford?

      Dragged from the shadows, Katherine must answer for her sins.

      Praise for Anne O’Brien

      ‘O’Brien cleverly intertwines the personal and political in this enjoyable, gripping tale.’
      - The Times

      ‘A gem of a subject … O’Brien is a terrific storyteller’
      - Daily Telegraph

      ‘Joanna of Navarre is the feisty heroine in Anne O’Brien’s fast-paced historical novel The Queen’s Choice.’
      -Good Housekeeping

      ‘A gripping story of love, heartache and political intrigue.’
      -Woman & Home

      ‘Packed with drama, danger, romance and history.’
      -Pam Norfolk, for the Press Association

      ‘Better than Philippa Gregory’ – The Bookseller

      ‘Anne O’Brien has joined the exclusive club of excellent historical novelists.’ – Sunday Express

      ‘A gripping historical drama.’
      -Bella

      ‘This book has everything – royalty, scandal, fascinating historical politics and ultimately, the shaping of the woman who founded the Tudors.’ – Cosmopolitan

      www.anneobrien.co.uk
      @anne_obrien
      @anne_obrien



      Trade Review

      Praise for Anne O’Brien

      ‘Joanna of Navarre is the feisty heroine in Anne O’Brien’s fast-paced historical novel The Queen’s Choice.’
      -Good Housekeeping

      ‘O’Brien is a terrific storyteller’
      - Daily Telegraph

      ‘A gripping story of love, heartache and political intrigue.’
      -Woman & Home

      ‘Packed with drama, danger, romance and history, The Queen’s Choice is the perfect reading choice for the long winter nights.’
      - The Press Association

      ‘A gripping historical drama.’
      -Bella

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