The Historical Novel Society Editor’s Choice
‘Picking up an Elizabeth Chadwick novel you know you are in for a sumptuous ride’
Daily Telegraph
*
England, 1238
Raised at the court of King Henry III as a chamber lady to the queen, young Joanna of Swanscombe’s life changes forever when she comes into an inheritance far above all expectations, including her own.
Now a wealthy heiress, Joanna’s arranged marriage to the King’s charming, tournament-loving half-brother William de Valence immediately stokes the flames of political unrest as more established courtiers object to the privileges bestowed on newcomers.
As Joanna and William strive to build a life together, England descends into a bitter civil war. In mortal danger, William is forced to run for his life, and Joanna is left with only her wit and courage to outfox their enemies and prevent them from destroying her husband, her family, and their fortunes.
‘Elizabeth Chadwick has taken the few facts known about Joanna’s life and turned them into a rich, detailed portrait of a woman attempting to survive brutal court politics.’ The Times
*
Praise for Elizabeth Chadwick
‘An author who makes history come gloriously alive’
The Times
‘Stunning . . . Her characters are beguiling, and the story is intriguing’
Barbara Erskine
‘I rank Elizabeth Chadwick with such historical novelist stars as Dorothy Dunnett and Anya Seton’
Sharon Kay Penman
‘Enjoyable and sensuous’
Daily Mail
‘Meticulous research and strong storytelling’
Woman & Home
‘A riveting read . . . A glorious adventure not to be missed!’
Candis
‘Picking up an Elizabeth Chadwick novel you know you are in for a sumptuous ride’
Daily Telegraph
*
England, 1238
Raised at the court of King Henry III as a chamber lady to the queen, young Joanna of Swanscombe’s life changes forever when she comes into an inheritance far above all expectations, including her own.
Now a wealthy heiress, Joanna’s arranged marriage to the King’s charming, tournament-loving half-brother William de Valence immediately stokes the flames of political unrest as more established courtiers object to the privileges bestowed on newcomers.
As Joanna and William strive to build a life together, England descends into a bitter civil war. In mortal danger, William is forced to run for his life, and Joanna is left with only her wit and courage to outfox their enemies and prevent them from destroying her husband, her family, and their fortunes.
‘Elizabeth Chadwick has taken the few facts known about Joanna’s life and turned them into a rich, detailed portrait of a woman attempting to survive brutal court politics.’ The Times
*
Praise for Elizabeth Chadwick
‘An author who makes history come gloriously alive’
The Times
‘Stunning . . . Her characters are beguiling, and the story is intriguing’
Barbara Erskine
‘I rank Elizabeth Chadwick with such historical novelist stars as Dorothy Dunnett and Anya Seton’
Sharon Kay Penman
‘Enjoyable and sensuous’
Daily Mail
‘Meticulous research and strong storytelling’
Woman & Home
‘A riveting read . . . A glorious adventure not to be missed!’
Candis
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Reviews
Known for both her historical accuracy and bringing interesting, nuanced characters to life, Elizabeth Chadwick's latest novel is no different ... this is another must-read from Elizabeth Chadwick
Meticulous research and strong storytelling
Elizabeth Chadwick has a knack of getting into the heads and hearts of her characters, so that her books are impossible to put down. A Marriage of Lions is not to be missed, shining a light on the 13th century; the complex political manoeuvring, but also the family dynamics that coloured the politics.
When I read Elizabeth Chadwick's novels I always feel as if I'm looking through a window onto actual historical events, her writing is so vivid, and her research so superb. The portrait of William and Joanna's marriage, which grows and thrives despite the travails of war and terror, is quite masterful.
An even greater than expected treat! Elizabeth Chadwick's work always delivers a combination of faultless historical research and astonishing insight. A Marriage of Lions turns the spotlight on one of the greatest heiresses of her generation, and her surprisingly successful arranged marriage to the King's notoriously unpopular half- brother. An unmitigated joy.
Stunning . . . Her characters are beguiling, and the story is intriguing
Elizabeth Chadwick is without doubt the Queen of Medieval Fiction. A Marriage of Lions is captivating; a beautifully written thirteenth century epic inhabited by memorable personalities who step from the past and feel gloriously present.
Love, loss, hatred, heartbreak and survival all play their part in this riveting adventure which sees Chadwick at her storytelling best. Don't miss it!
Elizabeth Chadwick is a master at bringing history to life and making the characters live and breathe for today's readers. Fascinating history, the political concerns of war and the domestic concerns of medieval married life are welded together seamlessly.
An author who makes history come gloriously alive