I have The Lady of the Rivers on my TBR and was going to start it next, but just found that it's actually book 3 of a series. I found one review that said reading the first book wasn't absolutely necessary, but nothing of having read the second book. I normally don't read series out of order, but it sounds like this is a sort of prequel? I'm conflicted and thought to ask the experts here. :) Should I hold off and read the The White Queen and The Red Queen first? 

IMO yes-in part-I feel it gives more depth to the stories of both Jacita(not spelled right) and Elizabeth(the White Queen.  )But, no, I don't feel that the Red Queen needs to be read first-that's Margaret's story(Lancaster side) and not the start of the Woodenville dynasty.

I was conflicted going into "the Red Queen".  Couldn't see how Gregory was going to make me care about Margaret Beaufort-I have issues....Entertaining read.  Didn't turn me sympathic to Margaret -but did give me a greater understanding of her motivations. 

Just keep in mind that-for me-much of what Gregory writes lends itself to an emphasis on historical "fiction".

Jan

Thank you, Jan! I will wait and read The White Queen first. :)

It sounds like I'd be fine to read The White Queen, The Lady of the Rivers, and then The Red Queen and not be confused or mixed up then, yes? 

Yep, I think that'll be fine Kelly.  Enjoy!

Jan