During Advent and the Christmas season, into the Feasts of Epiphany and Candlemas, Berengaria of Navarre crosses the Alps.
She is accompanied by her mother-in-law to be: iron-jawed Eleanor of Aquitaine...
***
1191 and the Third Crusade is underway . . .
It is 1191 and King Richard the Lionheart is on crusade to pitch battle against Saladin and liberate the city of Jerusalem and her lands. His mother, the formidable Eleanor of Aquitaine and his promised bride, Princess Berengaria of Navarre, make a perilous journey over the Alps in midwinter. They are to rendezvous with Richard in the Sicilian port of Messina.
There are hazards along the way - vicious assassins, marauding pirates, violent storms and a shipwreck. Berengaria is as feisty as her foes and, surviving it all, she and Richard marry in Cyprus. England needs an heir. But first, Richard and his Queen must return home . . .
The Lost Queen is a thrilling medieval story of high adventure, survival, friendship and the enduring love of a Queen for her King.
***
Today I am back with the book review that I should have posted for the blog tour on Friday. I had a horrid flu bug, and although my throat is still somewhat sore, I am feeling a little better, although not quite myself yet. Certainly sufficiently better to bring you my review of The Lost Queen as promised.
This was an enjoyable historical fiction book set in 1191 during the reign of King Richard the Lionheart. I like the way this author writes. In fact, this is not the first of her books that I have read. I read The Woman in the Shadows back in 2018, although the title has since been changed to Mistress Cromwell. If you would like to read my review of this book you can find it here.
The author brings both the story and the characters to life extremely well. I really enjoyed learning about the character of Berengaria of Navarre, the wife of King Richard I. She has passed through popular history with little note and it was great to get to know more about her. She was a strong and resilient woman who showed great courage.
The novel was clearly well researched and the author used enough detail to create a realistic feeling Medieval period. There were a few surprises along the way and the novel had a dramatic feel. Any fans of historical fiction, particularly the Medieval period will love this novel.
ISBN: 978 1472297372
Publisher: Headline Accent
Formats: e-book, audio and paperback
No. of Pages: 336 (paperback)
About the Author:
Following a first degree in English and History, Carol McGrath completed an MA in Creative Writing from The Seamus Heaney Centre, Queens University Belfast, followed by an MPhil in English from University of London. The Handfasted Wife, first in a trilogy about the royal women of 1066 was shortlisted for the RoNAS in 2014. The Swan-Daughter and The Betrothed Sister complete this highly acclaimed trilogy. Mistress Cromwell, a best-selling historical novel about Elizabeth Cromwell, wife of Henry VIII’s statesman, Thomas Cromwell, was republished by Headline in 2020. The Silken Rose, first in a medieval She-Wolf Queens Trilogy, featuring Ailenor of Provence, saw publication in April 2020. This was followed by The Damask Rose. The Stone Rose was published April 2022. Carol is writing Historical non-fiction as well as fiction. Sex and Sexuality in Tudor England was published in February 2022. The Stolen Crown 2023 and The Lost Queen will be published 18th July 2024. Carol lives in Oxfordshire, England and in Greece.
(e-book and media courtesy of Rachel's Random Resources)
(all opinions are my own)
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