This saga delves into the heart of the English countryside, following a determined woman in the 18th century as she defies societal norms to claim her ancestral estate. Driven by passion and ambition, she pursues absolute control over the land she cherishes, regardless of the cost. The series explores themes of obsession, inheritance, and the dark consequences of power. It masterfully weaves a tale of family secrets and a woman's relentless fight against convention.
Philippa Gregory's first novel and first in the bestselling Wideacre trilogy.
A compelling tale of passion and intrigue set in the eighteenth century. From
the author of The Other Boleyn Girl and The Virgin's Lover.
Pre-order BOLEYN TRAITOR now - Philippa Gregory's landmark return to the Tudor court, coming Autumn 2025 ... The second novel in the bestselling Wideacre Trilogy, a compulsive drama set in the eighteenth century. By Philippa Gregory, the author of The Other Boleyn Girl and The Virgin's Lover. The Wideacre estate is bankrupt, the villagers are living in poverty and Wideacre Hall is a smoke-blackened ruin. But in the Dower House two children are being raised in protected innocence. Equal claimants to the inheritance of Wideacre, rivals for the love of the village, they are tied by a secret childhood betrothal but forbidden to marry. Only one can be the favoured child. Only one can inherit the magical understanding between the land and the Lacey family that can make the Sussex village grow green again. Only one can be Beatrice Lacey's true heir. Sweeping, passionate, unique: 'The Favoured Child' is the second novel in Philippa Gregory's bestselling trilogy which began with 'Wideacre' and concluded with 'Meridon'.
The third volume in the Wideacre trilogy, this story features Meridon, a desolate Romany girl, who is determined to escape the hard poverty of her childhood. Riding bareback in a travelling show, while her sister, Dandy, risks her life on the trapeze, Meridon dedicates herself to freeing them both from danger and want.