LoveReading Says
The third and final volume of this magnificent trilogy of the life of Eleanor of Aquitaine starts with her release from the Palace of Sarum, Wiltshire in April 1176 where her husband Henry II held her prisoner for plotting against him to put her son William on the throne. She had eight children, most of whom she outlived and one way and another they all lusted after power. This detailed, absorbing book follows their fortunes through an extraordinary period of history. Deaths, marriages and deceit abound as a long life is lived. If you are a history buff then this is great. We stay with Eleanor, whom the author called Alienor as she would have been called in Aquitaine, through to her death in the Abbey of Fontevraud in April 1204. She saw Henry II, Richard I and John become Kings of England, a powerful lady which Elizabeth Chadwick beautifully portrays. Highly recommended. ~ Sarah Broadhurst
Sarah Broadhurst
Find This Book In
The Autumn Throne Synopsis
England, 1176 Imprisoned by her husband, King Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine, Queen of England, refuses to let her powerful husband bully her into submission, even as he forces her away from her children and her birthright. Freed only by Henry's death, Eleanor becomes dowager Queen of England. But the competition for land and power that Henry stirred up among his sons has intensified to a dangerous rivalry. Eleanor will need every ounce of courage and fortitude as she crosses the Alps in winter to bring Richard his bride, and travels medieval Europe to ransom her beloved son. But even her indomitable spirit will be tested to its limits as she attempts to keep the peace between her warring sons, and find a place in the centres of power for her daughters.
About This Edition
Elizabeth Chadwick Press Reviews
'Meticulous research and strong storytelling. The first in a trilogy about the passions and scandals in the 12th-century French court' Woman & Home
'A rich and compelling read' Candis
'Engrossingly written and well researched' Choice
'Uses authentic period detail to bring to life a new queen and the drama and intrigue surrounding her' France Magazine
About Elizabeth Chadwick
New York Times bestselling author Elizabeth Chadwick has written over 20 historical novels sold in 18 languages. Her first novel, The Wild Hunt, won a Betty Trask Award, and The Scarlet Lion was nominated as one of the Top Ten landmark historical novelists of the decade by Historical Novel Society founder Richard Lee. Elizabeth’s nineteenth novel, To Defy a King, won the RNA Historical Novel Prize in 2011. Her latest novels showcase meticulous research into one of medieval history’s most fascinating female figures, brought gloriously to life in this trilogy.
Eleanor of Aquitaine was queen consort of both France and England during her lifetime, as well as being one of the period’s most powerful, wealthy and influential women. The Summer Queen, the first in Chadwick’s compelling series, brings her earliest years to life with sensitivity and evocative detail, coupled with the most up-to-date research. The Winter Crown follows the scandal, politics, sex, triumphs and tragedies of Eleanor’s relationship with King Henry II. The Autumn Throne, published on 1st September 2016, the third novel of the trilogy, brings Eleanor’s epic story to a fitting and exultant close.
Visit her website at www.elizabethchadwick.com
Author photo © Charlie Hopkinson
More About Elizabeth Chadwick
