The Red Queen by Philippa Gregory 400 pages

The story of the Tudors is told through the eyes of Margaret Beaufort, mother of Henry VII.  From the age of nine, she knows the only role for a woman in her position is to bear an heir to the throne.  She is married off at age 12 and almost immediately bears a son.  Her husband dies, and she must separate from her son.  Her second marriage is to a pacifist knight.  She later brokers her third union to a turncoat who may be the key to her hopes.  The book is all about the wars between the various families who believe they are the true line to the throne.  Margaret will stop at nothing to see her son become king.  The novel is full of battles, betrayals, and political manueverings.