Elizabeth Chadwick is brilliant!

FOR THE KING’S FAVOR
Elizabeth Chadwick,Sourcebooks Landmark, September 2010, $14.99,pb,544p, 978-1402244490

Synopsis the cover jacket:

When Roger Bigod arrives at King Henry II’s court to settle a bitter inheritance dispute, he becomes enchanted with Ida de Tosney, young mistress to the powerful king. A victim of Henry’s seduction and the mother of his son, Ida sees in Roger a chance to begin a new life. But Ida pays an agonizing price when she leaves the king, and as Roger’s importance grows and he gains an earldom, their marriage comes under increasing strain. Based on the true story of a royal mistress and the young lord she chose to marry.

Review:

I was simply enchanted and swept away as Chadwick captured my attention and introduced me into the world of Ida de Tosney. There is such a clear vision in your mind of Ida’s thoughts, her agony and the fear she has upon first meeting King Henry. It’s painful to witness her self loathing consume her. She shivers at times knowing the word “whore” is attached to her name. This way of life will never bring her happiness, regardless of her favored position and the lavish lifestyle at court. Her sense of what’s right and wrong are always clear to her. Her intelligence is what saves her, as she envisions a better life for herself, knowing the King will cast her aside one day for a younger woman. Ida is a proud woman who has keen survival instincts. Empathy for Ida is unavoidable. As the reader you just want to make it all better for her, become her confidant, offer advice.

One can never tire reading about King Henry II, who is a complex royal with a lustfully exciting life. Roger Bigod is a perfect knight in shining armor. His story is less familiar, creating the drama of a dysfunctional 12th century family complete with betrayal and greed. The characters live because of this writers breath. One of the best historical fiction novels I have read this year. Everyone must experience Elizabeth Chadwick’s exquisite writing. Her proficiency and talent place her among the elite in her genre.

Book Origin: Sourcebooks ARC sent for review.


© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2010].

Review-Captive Queen, by Alison Weir

CAPTIVE QUEEN
Alison Weir, Ballantine Books, August 2010, $26.00,HC,512p, 978-0-345-51187-4.

When Eleanor meets Henry of Anjou, the young and sensual son of the Count of Anjou,
to say he took her breath away, would be an understatement. She was entranced, and stirred physically, drawn by his powerful presence, muscular and solid, boldly handsome, with a glorious mane of red and arousing grey eyes. She knew she had to have him, yet she had also known his father, Count Geoffrey, who was here today to pay obeisance to the King, her husband Louis. Eleanor did not love Louis, he barely came to her, and when he did his loving was lackluster and a chore. She ached for love, real love and now looking at Henry, she knew she had found a man who would love her.

Alison Weir wastes no time captivating her audience as the story of her Captive Queen
unfolds. Immediately, you are whisked to the fairy tale drama of the life of Eleanor of Aquitaine. Henry of Anjou lusts for Eleanor, and vows that he must have her permanently, for his wife, for his kingdom and to control. She is also mesmerized with love and true passion with her future path so clear to her. She plots to convince Louise, King of France to grant her an annulment. Without knowing her true plans, Louise agrees and when the church accepts the plea, she dashes off to meet the young Henry of Anjou with spirit and audacity. And so, does she live happily ever after?

The fire that began between Henry and Eleanor becomes more a battle of wills and power as it drives Henry to fight for his kingdoms and pursue lusty liaisons. A wedge of mistrust is driven between the couple and with a feeling of melancholy you hope for reconciliation. Eleanor is imprisoned in a wretched hole when her decision to promote and protect her sons, over honoring her husband, causes Henry to become enraged. His anger is unmatched and unlikely that he will ever forgive her. Alison Weir shapes the characters of Eleanor and Henry with compassion, understanding and objectivity. King Henry, the vengeful, lustful and power driven male. Queen Eleanor, the courageous, patient, loving and naive woman. Both looking for forgiveness neither without sin. Captive Queen is a ruminative read with romantic resplendence that should be savored.

Disclosure: This ARC release was sent to me by the publisher.

© [Wisteria Leigh] and [Bookworm's Dinner], [2010].

New Giveaway-Power of a Woman, by Robert Fripp

Book Giveaway-Power of a Woman, Memoirs of a Turbulent Life: Eleanor of Aquitaine

Robert Fripp has graciously sent me three copies of his awesome book about Eleanor of Aquitaine to give away to three lucky winners. I have recently read a few historical fiction books about this vivacious and powerful Queen. Here is an opportunity to read a memoir style account or her life. An unusual look at Europe during the Middle Ages from her perspective.





Synopsis from http://eleanor.robertfripp.ca

"Eleanor of Aquitaine prevailed in an "iron, bearded world" as she puts it in Power of a Woman. Memoirs of a turbulent life: Eleanor of Aquitaine. Her long life was a fight to build and sustain feminine power and influence in an era controlled by the male-dominated Church and royal courts. Power of a Woman captures Eleanor's thoughts in her own voice, recalling exploits that carried her over the peaks and troughs of eighty turbulent years.

While she dictates, Eleanor lives her roles again: duchess of Aquitaine, queen of France and warring courtier, patron of troubadours, crusader, queen and regent of England, empire builder, femme fatale and the subject of romantic verse, mother of too many sons, founder of her Court of Ladies in Poitiers, instigator and arbiter of family strife, scorned wife, banished exile, regent of England again, tax collector, ransom gatherer, peacemaker, matchmaker, and perpetual negotiator. At eighty-one years of age this magnificent lady dictates the royal progress of her life."

The contest will end on the 31st of July. I have all three copies ready to send to each winner. Good luck!!

The first five people who respond will also be included in a special drawing for his comprehensive timeline of Eleanor of Aquitaine.

Power of a Woman, by Robert Fripp



Contest Rules:

Contestants must be from the US and provide an email address for notification. Comment why you would like to win this book. (one chance) Tweet about the contest. (one chance) Become a follower of Bookworms Dinner. (one chance) Mention this contest on your blog. (two chances)