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Jeanette of Kent Duology #1
The Royal Rebel
From the much-loved bestselling author of historical fiction comes a brand new tale of royalty, rivalry and resilience
1338: England has declared war on France, and Jeanette of Kent, cousin to King Edward III, says goodbye to her family and travels overseas with the royal court for the first time. Once in Antwerp, she is captivated by talented household knight, Thomas Holland, just as he in turn is powerfully drawn to her. Although both know their romance is forbidden, their love for each other grows stronger than the danger they face, and they marry in secret. But before they can make their tryst known, Thomas has to leave for war, and in his absence, Jeanette is forced into a second marriage and locked away from the world. Then Thomas returns, and the real fight begins. As hostile family members battle to keep Jeanette and Thomas apart, the defiant lovers vow to be reunited - whatever the cost...From the award-winning and bestselling author, Elizabeth Chadwick, comes an epic love story set against the tumultuous backdrop of high chivalry, deadly warfare, devastating plague, and savage rivalry in the fourteenth century - the first of two parts telling the remarkable story of a woman who rose from royal rebel to formidable influence.
1338: England has declared war on France, and Jeanette of Kent, cousin to King Edward III, says goodbye to her family and travels overseas with the royal court for the first time. Once in Antwerp, she is captivated by talented household knight, Thomas Holland, just as he in turn is powerfully drawn to her. Although both know their romance is forbidden, their love for each other grows stronger than the danger they face, and they marry in secret. But before they can make their tryst known, Thomas has to leave for war, and in his absence, Jeanette is forced into a second marriage and locked away from the world. Then Thomas returns, and the real fight begins. As hostile family members battle to keep Jeanette and Thomas apart, the defiant lovers vow to be reunited - whatever the cost...From the award-winning and bestselling author, Elizabeth Chadwick, comes an epic love story set against the tumultuous backdrop of high chivalry, deadly warfare, devastating plague, and savage rivalry in the fourteenth century - the first of two parts telling the remarkable story of a woman who rose from royal rebel to formidable influence.
466 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 5, 2024
139 people are currently reading
803 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Chadwick
48 books3,260 followersBest selling historical novelist Elizabeth Chadwick won a Betty Trask Award for her first novel The Wild Hunt. She has been shortlisted for the UK's mainstream Best Romantic Novel of the Year Award 4 times and longlisted twice. Her novel The Scarlet Lion about the great William Marshal and his wife Isabelle de Clare, has been selected by Richard Lee, founder of the Historical Novel Society as one of the landmark historical novels of the last ten years.
When not at her desk, she can be found taking long walks with the dog, baking cakes, reading books (of course!) exploring ruins, listening to various brands of rock and metal music, and occasionally slaving over a steaming cauldron with re-enactment society Regia Anglorum.
When not at her desk, she can be found taking long walks with the dog, baking cakes, reading books (of course!) exploring ruins, listening to various brands of rock and metal music, and occasionally slaving over a steaming cauldron with re-enactment society Regia Anglorum.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
September 21, 2024
‘You have a veritable store of tales and legends,’ she said.
‘Stories stir men’s minds, hearts and souls until they become part of it. And then they live in the tale and the tale lives in them – and both become immortal ‘
‘Then let us have many tales of our lives,’ she said, ‘and let us be magical.’
4.5 🌟 a very well researched and compelling “wild hearts can’t be broken” feeling story about free spirited Jeanette of Kent, daughter of a prince and devoted knight Thomas Holland, who fight for their marriage to be legitimized for years despite many odds. Part of a duology but the first book can be read as a standalone.
‘Stories stir men’s minds, hearts and souls until they become part of it. And then they live in the tale and the tale lives in them – and both become immortal ‘
‘Then let us have many tales of our lives,’ she said, ‘and let us be magical.’
4.5 🌟 a very well researched and compelling “wild hearts can’t be broken” feeling story about free spirited Jeanette of Kent, daughter of a prince and devoted knight Thomas Holland, who fight for their marriage to be legitimized for years despite many odds. Part of a duology but the first book can be read as a standalone.
April 18, 2024
As someone who has delved into many of Elizabeth Chadwick's works, I found "The Royal Rebel" to be an enjoyable read, although not my favorite among her novels. Despite this, the exploration of forbidden love amidst royal intrigue still captivated me, showcasing Chadwick's skill at crafting engaging historical narratives.
September 18, 2024
Brilliant cant wait for the next one.
February 7, 2025
A wonderful read about a fascinating woman from the 1300’s!
July 4, 2025
Another enjoyable book by Elizabeth Chadwick. I love the historical notes at the end.
November 8, 2024
Started very slowly. Better at the end when there was better documentation for the story.
October 27, 2024
Excellent gripping medieval tale of Joan of Kent (Jeanette). Take a trip to the 1300’s and get lost in this story of politics, war, justice, and a love story that is unforgettable. Thankfully there will be a sequel!
August 22, 2024
I've enjoyed previous works by Elizabeth Chadwick, especially her trilogy about Eleanor of Aquitaine, so was pleased to receive a copy of her latest work about Joan of Kent. Joan, known for her beauty as the Fair Maid of Kent, had a fascinating life so there’s certainly plenty of her story to tell.
This novel focuses on her early and secret marriage to the knight, Sir Thomas Holland - the marriage needs to be secret as they do not have royal consent, knowing her rank means she will be used instead for a political match. Instead she is married off to the son of the Earl of Salisbury, a boy of her own age. Joan and Thomas are kept apart as he is sent to fight overseas for the King but he manages to gain riches through war and petition the Pope to have their marriage recognised and her second marriage annulled.
The Royal Rebel concentrates on the story very much as a straight romance. Obviously, since this all dates from the 14th century, we can never be sure exactly what happened but the history around the main facts is well researched and there is a good sense of the period throughout the book. The author chooses not to concentrate too much on their age gap at the time of marriage, when Joan was around 12 or 13 years old and Thomas 26, and that’s a reasonable choice since it wouldn’t have been too unusual for the times but looks odd to us now. It’s a fast moving and entertaining read and I’m very glad to see there will be another book to continue Joan’s story.
Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an advance copy in return for an honest review.
This novel focuses on her early and secret marriage to the knight, Sir Thomas Holland - the marriage needs to be secret as they do not have royal consent, knowing her rank means she will be used instead for a political match. Instead she is married off to the son of the Earl of Salisbury, a boy of her own age. Joan and Thomas are kept apart as he is sent to fight overseas for the King but he manages to gain riches through war and petition the Pope to have their marriage recognised and her second marriage annulled.
The Royal Rebel concentrates on the story very much as a straight romance. Obviously, since this all dates from the 14th century, we can never be sure exactly what happened but the history around the main facts is well researched and there is a good sense of the period throughout the book. The author chooses not to concentrate too much on their age gap at the time of marriage, when Joan was around 12 or 13 years old and Thomas 26, and that’s a reasonable choice since it wouldn’t have been too unusual for the times but looks odd to us now. It’s a fast moving and entertaining read and I’m very glad to see there will be another book to continue Joan’s story.
Thanks to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for an advance copy in return for an honest review.
September 1, 2024
With the fourteenth century very firmly in place we become part of the English royal household as they travel to Antwerp and there within the court of Edward III, his cousin, Jeanette of Kent becomes powerfully attracted to Thomas Holland, a household knight, with little to his name other than his skill at the joust and tourney. The young lovers marry in secret and therein starts a struggle which results in them having to live separate lives with Jeanette even forced to bigamously marry another man.
Recreating history is what this author does best and in The Royal Rebel it has been a real delight to be taken back in time to witness the struggles and dangers which were very much part of court life. I particularly enjoyed following in Jeanette’s footsteps, witnessing her joy at her marriage to Thomas only for it to start to unravel. The lengths that people around her went to in order keep the couple apart demonstrates just how dangerous it was to live in the shadow of the English throne.
During some of the most momentous years of Edward III’s reign we witness Jeanette’s complicated life at the royal court as she moves between Europe and England and the sheer terror of living with ruthless people who, without any conscience, would do you harm. War, pestilence and danger are never far away and all are described in vivid detail thus making the story such a lively and atmospheric read. Part of a duology of books about the complicated life of Jeanette of Kent, The Royal Rebel is historical fiction at its absolute best.
Recreating history is what this author does best and in The Royal Rebel it has been a real delight to be taken back in time to witness the struggles and dangers which were very much part of court life. I particularly enjoyed following in Jeanette’s footsteps, witnessing her joy at her marriage to Thomas only for it to start to unravel. The lengths that people around her went to in order keep the couple apart demonstrates just how dangerous it was to live in the shadow of the English throne.
During some of the most momentous years of Edward III’s reign we witness Jeanette’s complicated life at the royal court as she moves between Europe and England and the sheer terror of living with ruthless people who, without any conscience, would do you harm. War, pestilence and danger are never far away and all are described in vivid detail thus making the story such a lively and atmospheric read. Part of a duology of books about the complicated life of Jeanette of Kent, The Royal Rebel is historical fiction at its absolute best.
December 9, 2024
This is the first of a planned pair of novels telling the story of Joan of Kent, cousin of King Edward III. Chadwick refers to her throughout the book as Jeanette because that was the name given to her by the King’s son, Edward (known as the Black Prince), who had it engraved on a silver cup. I’ll do the same in this review to avoid confusion.
The Royal Rebel opens in 1338 with Jeanette preparing to leave her family behind and travel overseas with the royal court for the first time. Jeanette is only twelve years old, so in the absence of her mother she is chaperoned by Katerine, Countess of Salisbury. During the journey to Antwerp, Jeanette is drawn to one of the King’s household knights, Thomas Holland, and once they reach their destination they find opportunities to spend time together away from the watchful eye of the Countess. They continue their relationship for more than a year until Jeanette becomes pregnant and they decide to marry in secret, knowing that they would be unlikely to get the consent of her family or the King.
Soon after the wedding, Jeanette loses the child and then Thomas leaves to go to war. In his absence, Jeanette is forced into marriage with William Montagu, her younger brother’s friend whom she has always disliked. William is the son and heir of the Earl of Salisbury and both Jeanette’s mother and the Countess of Salisbury see it as a wonderful match. Although Jeanette confesses that she is already married and can provide evidence, the two women refuse to acknowledge it and the Montagu marriage goes ahead anyway. The rest of the novel follows Thomas and Jeanette in their long battle to prove the legitimacy of their marriage so that they can live together as husband and wife at last.
I love Elizabeth Chadwick’s books but wasn’t sure I was going to like this one at first. Most of the first half of the novel is devoted to the romance between Jeanette and Thomas and not much else – and with this being the first of two books on Jeanette’s life, Chadwick takes her time in developing this part of the story. Eventually, though, things do get much more compelling as our hero and heroine become embroiled in their mission to have their marriage ruled valid by the Pope. Jeanette’s mother, Margaret Wake, and the Countess of Salisbury are very much the villains here as they destroy evidence, play politics behind the scenes and even imprison Jeanette to ensure nothing interferes with their plans (in reality, it seems unclear whether they were aware of Jeanette’s marriage to Thomas Holland before pushing her into a bigamous marriage with William Montagu).
William is depicted as weak and immature, unwilling to defy his mother and make decisions of his own, but I – and I think Jeanette as well – began to feel sorry for him as the novel progressed, because he was under the control of the Countess just as much as she was and was wasting years of his life trapped in a false marriage to someone who would never love him. Jeanette, on the other hand, is the ‘rebel’ of the title and although, like William, she’s constrained by society and her noble status, she knows what she wants out of life and is determined to find a way to get it, however long it takes. Her brother, John, sums up the situation perfectly:
‘Women, when they gather together in their sewing groups to gossip, arrange marriages for their relatives like stitching secret patterns on their embroideries. I envy you because you have chosen to sew your own colours and to walk away from it all, even at a great cost to yourself and others.’
Jeanette’s age, being barely in her teens at the time of her marriage to the older Thomas, will obviously be problematic to a modern audience so Chadwick chooses not to focus on it too much. Although she does tell us at the beginning how old Jeanette is, she doesn’t make a big thing of it and it’s easy to forget about the age difference as you read. This first novel only covers the early part of Jeanette’s life, ending in 1350, so anyone who knows this period of history will know that there’s a lot more to come in the second novel. There’s no news on its publication yet, but I’ll be looking out for it.
The Royal Rebel opens in 1338 with Jeanette preparing to leave her family behind and travel overseas with the royal court for the first time. Jeanette is only twelve years old, so in the absence of her mother she is chaperoned by Katerine, Countess of Salisbury. During the journey to Antwerp, Jeanette is drawn to one of the King’s household knights, Thomas Holland, and once they reach their destination they find opportunities to spend time together away from the watchful eye of the Countess. They continue their relationship for more than a year until Jeanette becomes pregnant and they decide to marry in secret, knowing that they would be unlikely to get the consent of her family or the King.
Soon after the wedding, Jeanette loses the child and then Thomas leaves to go to war. In his absence, Jeanette is forced into marriage with William Montagu, her younger brother’s friend whom she has always disliked. William is the son and heir of the Earl of Salisbury and both Jeanette’s mother and the Countess of Salisbury see it as a wonderful match. Although Jeanette confesses that she is already married and can provide evidence, the two women refuse to acknowledge it and the Montagu marriage goes ahead anyway. The rest of the novel follows Thomas and Jeanette in their long battle to prove the legitimacy of their marriage so that they can live together as husband and wife at last.
I love Elizabeth Chadwick’s books but wasn’t sure I was going to like this one at first. Most of the first half of the novel is devoted to the romance between Jeanette and Thomas and not much else – and with this being the first of two books on Jeanette’s life, Chadwick takes her time in developing this part of the story. Eventually, though, things do get much more compelling as our hero and heroine become embroiled in their mission to have their marriage ruled valid by the Pope. Jeanette’s mother, Margaret Wake, and the Countess of Salisbury are very much the villains here as they destroy evidence, play politics behind the scenes and even imprison Jeanette to ensure nothing interferes with their plans (in reality, it seems unclear whether they were aware of Jeanette’s marriage to Thomas Holland before pushing her into a bigamous marriage with William Montagu).
William is depicted as weak and immature, unwilling to defy his mother and make decisions of his own, but I – and I think Jeanette as well – began to feel sorry for him as the novel progressed, because he was under the control of the Countess just as much as she was and was wasting years of his life trapped in a false marriage to someone who would never love him. Jeanette, on the other hand, is the ‘rebel’ of the title and although, like William, she’s constrained by society and her noble status, she knows what she wants out of life and is determined to find a way to get it, however long it takes. Her brother, John, sums up the situation perfectly:
‘Women, when they gather together in their sewing groups to gossip, arrange marriages for their relatives like stitching secret patterns on their embroideries. I envy you because you have chosen to sew your own colours and to walk away from it all, even at a great cost to yourself and others.’
Jeanette’s age, being barely in her teens at the time of her marriage to the older Thomas, will obviously be problematic to a modern audience so Chadwick chooses not to focus on it too much. Although she does tell us at the beginning how old Jeanette is, she doesn’t make a big thing of it and it’s easy to forget about the age difference as you read. This first novel only covers the early part of Jeanette’s life, ending in 1350, so anyone who knows this period of history will know that there’s a lot more to come in the second novel. There’s no news on its publication yet, but I’ll be looking out for it.
September 5, 2024
The Royal Rebel sweeps you into the vivid, high-stakes world of 14th-century England, where political tensions run high, war rages, and love defies all odds.
This historical fiction masterpiece tells the unforgettable forbidden love story of Jeanette of Kent, cousin to King Edward III, and the dashing knight Thomas Holland.
Set in 1338 during the early years of the Hundred Years' War, Jeanette embarks on her first royal tour overseas and is instantly drawn to the charismatic Thomas.
Their love story is pure forbidden romance gold, passionate, secret, and utterly captivating. I was engaged throughout just hoping for a happy ending.
I loved Jeanette’s character. She is fierce, strong willed and resilient who grows in strength as she faces impossible odds, and her journey from royal rebel to a woman of influence is as empowering as it is emotional.
Chadwick captures the era’s courtly intrigue, weaving in the whispers of rivalry, war, and family feuds that threaten to tear them apart. Just as their love blossoms, Thomas is called away to battle, and Jeanette finds herself trapped in an unwanted second marriage, facing challenges far beyond a love affair.
Chadwick doesn’t hold back on the drama, the stakes, or the historical detail. From the lively courts of Europe to the devastation of the Black Death, every chapter is rich with atmosphere. You feel every heartache and triumph, especially when Thomas returns from war and the true battle for their love begins.
The twists and turns in their fight for freedom left me in awe and rooting for these defiant lovers until the very end. A truly beautiful story.
If you love epic historical romances with strong-willed heroines, daring knights, and a rich backdrop of royal politics, The Royal Rebel is a must-read!
June 8, 2025
Horrible book. The main character Jeanette is insufferable, she's extremely unlikeable and the most "not like other girls" person I've ever read a POV of. The book is written as if every single person against Jeanette and Thomas are evil and those two are perfect people.
She acts as though she's the first person in the Late Middle Ages who didn't want to marry who her family told her to, though she's cousin to the King and somehow thinks she's special enough, despite everyone around her also being forced into marriage. Doesn't make it fine, but she acts as if she is the only person being forced into a marriage she doesn't want.
I know the book is based on the real events that happened to Joan of Kent, but it's disgusting that the author chose to romanticize the relationship of a 12/14 year old girl with a 26 year old man. She acts as if she pursued him only, as if a man with sexual and worldly experience couldn't say no to a literal child who doesn't know anything. Everyone treats her like she's a seductress even though she is so immature throughout the book, almost as if she's still a teenager who's been spoiled her entire life.
There's not even any on page reason for me to see why they'd be in love anyway, just a few looks and spending time together and suddenly they're having sex and then secretly married.
Just as bad is her cousin Edward being half in love with her, I know that they will eventually marry, but having him mooning after her whilst Jeanette is somehow oblivious to it is really annoying to read.
She acts as though she's the first person in the Late Middle Ages who didn't want to marry who her family told her to, though she's cousin to the King and somehow thinks she's special enough, despite everyone around her also being forced into marriage. Doesn't make it fine, but she acts as if she is the only person being forced into a marriage she doesn't want.
I know the book is based on the real events that happened to Joan of Kent, but it's disgusting that the author chose to romanticize the relationship of a 12/14 year old girl with a 26 year old man. She acts as if she pursued him only, as if a man with sexual and worldly experience couldn't say no to a literal child who doesn't know anything. Everyone treats her like she's a seductress even though she is so immature throughout the book, almost as if she's still a teenager who's been spoiled her entire life.
There's not even any on page reason for me to see why they'd be in love anyway, just a few looks and spending time together and suddenly they're having sex and then secretly married.
Just as bad is her cousin Edward being half in love with her, I know that they will eventually marry, but having him mooning after her whilst Jeanette is somehow oblivious to it is really annoying to read.
September 13, 2024
The Royal Rebel is a historical romance based in 14th Century England, following the story of Joan (Jeanette) of Kent and her love affair and clandestine marriage to a Knight of the royal household, Thomas Holland.
As a cousin to King Edward III, Jeanette is set to make a strategic marriage to benefit the crown and her family, but her headstrong attitude and inability to be as demure and mindful as a courtly maiden cause consternation with her mother and the Queen.
Jeanette catches the eye of Thomas Holland, a knight bent on rehabilitating his family name and proving himself. What starts as a courtly flirtation soon escalates, and the two marry in secret.
What follows is a tale of love and honour against serious adversity, as Jeanette’s family refuse to accept the marriage and the couple dare not tell the king of the match in case Thomas is killed.
The story spans years - and Chadwick’s skill of making a situation that lasts almost a decade feel tense and page-turning is a real gift. I found myself rooting for the pair, appalled at the machinations of the interested families and the court as they seek to control the couple.
The historical detail and accuracy of the book was brilliant. I had heard so much about Chadwick’s historical fiction books and now I understand why!
Thanks to Little Brown Books and the author for an advanced reader copy. The Royal Rebel is out now!
As a cousin to King Edward III, Jeanette is set to make a strategic marriage to benefit the crown and her family, but her headstrong attitude and inability to be as demure and mindful as a courtly maiden cause consternation with her mother and the Queen.
Jeanette catches the eye of Thomas Holland, a knight bent on rehabilitating his family name and proving himself. What starts as a courtly flirtation soon escalates, and the two marry in secret.
What follows is a tale of love and honour against serious adversity, as Jeanette’s family refuse to accept the marriage and the couple dare not tell the king of the match in case Thomas is killed.
The story spans years - and Chadwick’s skill of making a situation that lasts almost a decade feel tense and page-turning is a real gift. I found myself rooting for the pair, appalled at the machinations of the interested families and the court as they seek to control the couple.
The historical detail and accuracy of the book was brilliant. I had heard so much about Chadwick’s historical fiction books and now I understand why!
Thanks to Little Brown Books and the author for an advanced reader copy. The Royal Rebel is out now!
February 18, 2025
I have a special interest in the subject of Elizabeth Chadwick’s latest historical novel, The Royal Rebel. It’s about the woman usually known as Joan of Kent, in this time called Jeanette. She was the mother of John Holland, the man who built Dartington Hall, one of my favourite Devon haunts and the setting for my own novel, The Dartington Bride.
Concentrating on Jeanette’s first marriage to Sir Thomas Holland, the author weaves a gripping story of forbidden love around a meticulously researched background of intrigue, rivalry, and politics at the court of Edward III. As the king’s niece, a dynastic marriage is on the cards for Jeanette. But she falls in love with a handsome knight in the royal household called Thomas Holland. Romance turns into a long battle against the constraints on women in the upper echelons of fourteenth century society. Forced to keep her marriage to Thomas secret, she faces years terrible treatment by the women in her own ambitious family. Jeanette is pushed into a bigamous alliance with the immature and weak William, who is equally trapped in their loveless relationship. It all makes a fascinating read as a standalone novel, although a sequel is on the way. I’m looking forward very much to the next instalment, when I hope to meet Jeanette’s son John.
Concentrating on Jeanette’s first marriage to Sir Thomas Holland, the author weaves a gripping story of forbidden love around a meticulously researched background of intrigue, rivalry, and politics at the court of Edward III. As the king’s niece, a dynastic marriage is on the cards for Jeanette. But she falls in love with a handsome knight in the royal household called Thomas Holland. Romance turns into a long battle against the constraints on women in the upper echelons of fourteenth century society. Forced to keep her marriage to Thomas secret, she faces years terrible treatment by the women in her own ambitious family. Jeanette is pushed into a bigamous alliance with the immature and weak William, who is equally trapped in their loveless relationship. It all makes a fascinating read as a standalone novel, although a sequel is on the way. I’m looking forward very much to the next instalment, when I hope to meet Jeanette’s son John.
April 28, 2024
The Royal Rebel by Elizabeth Chadwick
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2
The Royal Rebel is based on the historical figure, Joan of Kent who was cousin to King Edward III. Referred to throughout the books as Jeanette, it is certainly a story of adversity as Elizabeth Chadwick writes about the forbidden romance between the feisty Jeanette and Thomas Holland, a younger son who is a knight to the royal family. There’s heartbreak but this is mainly a story of hope. History is really brought to life by the author, and Chadwick never fails to add in the story well researched little details that conjure up the medieval period as if you were there yourself, this is no exception.
I love Chadwick, I’d go so far as to say that she is amongst my favourite authors and I’ve read most of her back catalogue. This book has a different feel to it, I’m not sure I can pinpoint what exactly, but perhaps it’s because there’s a long period of time that is of Jeanette waiting, and I truly do admire her for remaining true to her love of Thomas during it but it makes for a chunk of the book where we’re also waiting.
I doubt this is going to be a standalone, although it does wrap up nicely so you can stop here, I’m just aware that it’s not the end of Jeanette’s story and I am really looking forward to what comes next.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 1/2
The Royal Rebel is based on the historical figure, Joan of Kent who was cousin to King Edward III. Referred to throughout the books as Jeanette, it is certainly a story of adversity as Elizabeth Chadwick writes about the forbidden romance between the feisty Jeanette and Thomas Holland, a younger son who is a knight to the royal family. There’s heartbreak but this is mainly a story of hope. History is really brought to life by the author, and Chadwick never fails to add in the story well researched little details that conjure up the medieval period as if you were there yourself, this is no exception.
I love Chadwick, I’d go so far as to say that she is amongst my favourite authors and I’ve read most of her back catalogue. This book has a different feel to it, I’m not sure I can pinpoint what exactly, but perhaps it’s because there’s a long period of time that is of Jeanette waiting, and I truly do admire her for remaining true to her love of Thomas during it but it makes for a chunk of the book where we’re also waiting.
I doubt this is going to be a standalone, although it does wrap up nicely so you can stop here, I’m just aware that it’s not the end of Jeanette’s story and I am really looking forward to what comes next.
October 11, 2024
As usual in my reviews, I will not rehash the plot. Instead I recommend that you read this for yourself.
I've read many books by Elizabeth Chadwick (particularly the William Marshal series) and always enjoyed them - so was delighted to be invited to read this novel - I was not disappointed.
This story is based on a real historical character - Jeanette of Kent - who was the cousin of King Edward III. As usual in Elizabeth Chadwick's writing, the background is impeccably researched, which is reflected in the rich descriptions of the characters, clothing, settings and general way of life in that period.
At that time, young noblewomen were generally considered to be "property", and were frequently used to make alliances through marriage for the advancement and benefit of their families - regardless of the hopes and feelings of the young ladies themselves! The novel details Jeanette's struggle to stay true to her heart and be herself, despite the many risks, threats, and obstacles in her path.
This was an enjoyable read, recommended for fans of well researched historical fiction. I didn't realise that this book is the first of two, so am eagerly looking forward to the next in the series!
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.
I've read many books by Elizabeth Chadwick (particularly the William Marshal series) and always enjoyed them - so was delighted to be invited to read this novel - I was not disappointed.
This story is based on a real historical character - Jeanette of Kent - who was the cousin of King Edward III. As usual in Elizabeth Chadwick's writing, the background is impeccably researched, which is reflected in the rich descriptions of the characters, clothing, settings and general way of life in that period.
At that time, young noblewomen were generally considered to be "property", and were frequently used to make alliances through marriage for the advancement and benefit of their families - regardless of the hopes and feelings of the young ladies themselves! The novel details Jeanette's struggle to stay true to her heart and be herself, despite the many risks, threats, and obstacles in her path.
This was an enjoyable read, recommended for fans of well researched historical fiction. I didn't realise that this book is the first of two, so am eagerly looking forward to the next in the series!
My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.
July 28, 2025
This is the fantastic life story of Jeanette of Kent. She lived during the medieval times and was such a strong woman. She was the cousin of King Edward and was sent as a girl to live with Queen Philippa. As a young teen she fell in love with Thomas a soldier. She ended up seducing him and marrying him in secret. While he was off at war, she was forced into marriage with William an Earl. She fought against the match arguing that she was already married but his mother, grandmother and her mother forced her into it saying that he had died. She fought for her marriage for years, refusing to accept that she was the wife of William de Montagu. At one point they even locked her up so she couldn't testify in court. She was incredibly brave. I can't wait to read the next one especially since when you read the family tree at the beginning of the book it shows her marrying Prince Edward - The Black Prince as her second husband. He had always been in love with her.
October 29, 2024
Jeanette is niece of the King, even if her father was executed as a traitor, so she has value to society. Brought up under the restrictions of her mother, Jeanette joins the household of Queen Philippa just as war on France is declared and the court decamps to Flanders. There Jeanette mets a handsome young knight called Thomas Howard, she falls madly in love and they marry in secret. However her family is plotting a far grander marriage for Jeanette and this prior commitment is just an inconvenience.
I have long been fascinated by the story of Joan of Kent, wife of the Black Prince and mother of Richard II. Here Chadwick has started a new series by going back to the beginning of Joan's story and the scandal that ensued. As ever with Chadwick, it is romantic and rose-tinted tale but also incredibly well-grounded in research. Undemanding but interesting!
I have long been fascinated by the story of Joan of Kent, wife of the Black Prince and mother of Richard II. Here Chadwick has started a new series by going back to the beginning of Joan's story and the scandal that ensued. As ever with Chadwick, it is romantic and rose-tinted tale but also incredibly well-grounded in research. Undemanding but interesting!
June 10, 2024
Another brilliant book from Elizabeth Chadwick. She seems to have a way of weeding out the most fascinating love stories from history and this one was no different. The story of Jeanette and Thomas, fighting for their love and for their secret marriage, was heartbreaking at times. Their frustration and injustice at being kept apart was palpable. We see Jeanette grow from a rebellious child into a woman who is steadfast in her love. I thought Thomas was a perfect hero. I felt quite sorry for William too by the end of the book, because I kept remembering how young he and Jeanette had been and that their circumstances were forced upon them. I also loved Prince Edward in this. It was a fantastic historical read an a wonderful story of enduring love.
October 20, 2024
Beyond remembering that Richard II's mother Joan (Jeanette) was titled the 'Fair Maid of Kent', I knew nothing about her. 'The Royal Rebel' brought me up to speed as to what a fascinating and scandalous life she had before she married Edward, the 'Black Prince'. Not one of my favourite Elizabeth Chadwicks - nothing to do with the quality of the book which is as brilliantly written as ever -but rather that the storyline, whilst being very romantic, is also so frustrating! Great ending though! I'm looking forward to part 2.
May 21, 2025
Joan of Kent and Sir Thomas Holland find love and treachery in Edward's court. There's a lot of misinformation about Joan all over the place (for instance Wikipedia has her aged 12 when she secretly married Holland, someone correct that please) and while this wasn't my favorite Chadwick novel it was a pretty cracking read nonetheless and I'm hoping that the 2nd book delves into their children and her marriage to the Black Prince. The Plantagenet era is way more fascinating and filled with skullduggery than anything the Tudors could come up with and I'll never tire of tales about this period
November 1, 2024
I loved this book. Chadwick does a great job with the sources and with her research, as usual, but I believe her greatest talent is seeing into the psychological insights of people who lived seven hundred years ago. Yes, God was a major motivating force in their lives, but underneath it all, they were very much like people today--wanting and seeking out love and respect, and being driven by jealousy, lust, greed. Her take on Jeanette of Kent is very well done. I highly recommend this book.
August 31, 2025
I didn't want this book to end. I can't wait for the next installment.
I haven't read much about this era and was unsure if I would like it, but I found it to be a well written, extremely interesting story, with beautiful descriptions of the scenes within castles, the clothes worn and the feelings of men at war.
I was prompted to find out more about the characters involved and was completely lost in the book right the way through.
I haven't read much about this era and was unsure if I would like it, but I found it to be a well written, extremely interesting story, with beautiful descriptions of the scenes within castles, the clothes worn and the feelings of men at war.
I was prompted to find out more about the characters involved and was completely lost in the book right the way through.
November 4, 2025
Another wonderfully written and entertaining read by Elizabeth Chadwick…A Royal Rebel details the early life of Jeanette (Joan) of Kent.
Jeanette meets Thomas Holland, a Knight in the King’s Court and is immediately attracted. They marry in secret, but when Thomas goes on crusade, Jeanette‘s family plans for her to marry William Montagu, a man more befitting in rank.
As with all her other books, Elizabeth Chadwick did not disappoint!
Jeanette meets Thomas Holland, a Knight in the King’s Court and is immediately attracted. They marry in secret, but when Thomas goes on crusade, Jeanette‘s family plans for her to marry William Montagu, a man more befitting in rank.
As with all her other books, Elizabeth Chadwick did not disappoint!
October 1, 2024
A book about Joan of Kent the daughter of a son of Edward I. Joan is a determined young lass the story takes you to a time where societal expectations were different.
Elizabeth writes wonderful books, and always includes an authors note to explain choices made in the telling of the story. She is thorough in her research. Do read this book.
Elizabeth writes wonderful books, and always includes an authors note to explain choices made in the telling of the story. She is thorough in her research. Do read this book.
October 6, 2024
Another winner by Elizabeth Chadwick, one of my favorite authors. If you like historical fiction, you should read all of her books. You will be transported to each time period she writes about. Jeannette's character developed into a strong woman over the course of her travails. I am so looking forward to reading the second book in this duology.
February 17, 2025
This book was available to me from Amazon for just 99 cents, so of course I jumped in. I think I have read other books by this author that I enjoyed more than this one that I would classify as a romance from 1338. I think I had hoped for more historical emphasis vs romance. Had to do a bit of speed reading to get to the end as it is a long book and not that interesting to me.
March 21, 2025
An enjoyable book. Not a person I knew anything about so although she was areal person in history that didn't stop the suspense of not knowing how her situation would work out.
As ever Elizabeth's writing style is engaging and her characters have depth. I like that she weaves her story within the historical facts so you learn more.
As ever Elizabeth's writing style is engaging and her characters have depth. I like that she weaves her story within the historical facts so you learn more.
May 13, 2025
Rather slow going, possibly because there isn't much information available on the early part of Jeanette's life other than the fact that she did enter into marriage with Thomas Holland without permission (aged 12?)
While I didn't enjoy this book as much as some of Elizabeth Chadwick's others, I look forward to the second instalment which I believe should have more detail.
While I didn't enjoy this book as much as some of Elizabeth Chadwick's others, I look forward to the second instalment which I believe should have more detail.
December 6, 2025
Well Written
I thoroughly enjoyed the suspense of the lovers' situation even as I felt the frustration of their absurd predicament. Only excellent writing could hold my attention as well. The story could easily have come across as trite by a lesser writer. A thoroughly enjoyable read to take your mind off any tensions that may exist in your life. I highly recommend.
I thoroughly enjoyed the suspense of the lovers' situation even as I felt the frustration of their absurd predicament. Only excellent writing could hold my attention as well. The story could easily have come across as trite by a lesser writer. A thoroughly enjoyable read to take your mind off any tensions that may exist in your life. I highly recommend.
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