The Queen's Rival: A novel of Lady Margaret Clifford

England, 1553

As she is seventh in line to the throne, sixteen-year-old Lady Margaret Clifford knows her marriage should be an important one. Which is why she is shocked to learn her father has agreed to entertain a proposal from a mere knight.

Sir Andrew Dudley is a court favorite and joins the ranks of the Duke of Northumberland's family who are attempting to secure politically advantageous marriages. With the boy-king Edward VI failing to secure a marriage of his own and produce an heir, it is clear the Dudleys are plotting a path to the throne.

All is flung into turmoil when the king dies and the attempt to place Lady Jane Grey on the throne is foiled. Instead, Catholic Queen Mary takes the throne and Margaret is sent to court.

Margaret is relieved that Sir Andrew's proposal is off the cards, though she is still keen to secure herself a match. But first she must win the favor of the new queen. And with Queen Mary fearing rivals to her throne, that is not an easy task . . .

Can Margaret steer clear of the political machinations at Court? Will she strengthen her ties to the English throne through marriage?

Or will she meet the same fate as her poor cousin, Lady Jane?

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Release date

Audiobook: August 12, 2025