The Summer Queen: A Medieval Tale of Eleanor of Aquitaine, Queen of France by Elizabeth Chadwick

[gilda_elise]

Scandal, politics, sex, triumphs, and tragedies abound in The Summer Queen, the first novel in this stunning trilogy, by New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Chadwick

Young Eleanor has everything to look forward to as the heiress to the wealthy Aquitaine. But when her beloved father suddenly dies, childhood is over. Sent to Paris and forced to marry Prince Louis VII of France, she barely adjusts before another death catapults them to King and Queen.

The first in the Eleanor of Aquitaine Trilogy, The Summer Queen follows Eleanor through the Second Crusade to the end of her marriage to Louis VII. Faced with great scandals, trials, fraught relationships, and forbidden love at every turn, Eleanor seeks the path that will make her queen of two countries and one of the most powerful women in the world.

Chadwick's meticulous research portrays the Middle Ages and Eleanor with depth and vivid imagery unparalleled in historical fiction that will keep readers riveted and wanting more.

Following the legendary life of Eleanor of Aquitaine, 12th Century Queen of France, and later Queen of England, this trilogy is medieval historical fiction at its most romantic, scandalous, and intriguing.

The Eleanor of Aquitaine Trilogy:
The Summer Queen (Book 1)
The Winter Crown (Book 2)
The Autumn Throne (Book 3)

I’ve never been all that taken with Eleanor of Aquitaine, but I’ve always enjoyed Chadwick’s writing, so I thought I’d give this book a chance. I’m glad I did.

Eleanor comes across much more sympathetic, especially in regards to Louis VII, though by changing the view of events I thought she weakened Eleanor. She seems to be drawn into circumstances, usually bad ones, but doesn’t have a viable way to get out of them. Because of the romance, Chadwick makes Louis VII very much the villain. Eleanor is a little too perfect in that regard.

So there are a few problems with the book, but, all in all, it’s an enjoyable read.

I’ll probably read the other two books. I’m interested in reading how she puts right Eleanor’s turning her sons away from their father (his being unfaithful as the reason just doesn’t cut it.) Henry is shown to be a better match for Eleanor, but even with his entry near the end of the book, there are clouds on the horizon.







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