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Three Times the Lady: The story of Judith of Flanders
In a time dominated by men, can a woman choose her own destiny?As a daughter of King Charles of West Francia, Judith has always known that her destiny lies in a nunnery. But Judith longs for a very different life. She dreams of fine clothes, a household of her own, children and a handsome husband.
Athelwulf the ageing, but kindly King of Wessex is far from the romantic figure she has dreamed of, but when he proposes marriage, Judith seizes her chance to escape the religious life. She takes her place at his side as Queen of Wessex, a role she is certain she will fulfil to perfection.
At the Court of Winchester Judith’s life is dominated by her stepsons. She quickly forms a bond with the youngest, the engaging Atheling, Alfred, but finds very different emotions are stirred by his older brother, the rebellious and cynical Athelbald.
However, while marriage to a man nearly four times her age may not be exactly what she wanted, she discovers it has its advantages. He proves to be both generous and indulgent. He also leaves her with the prospect of a long and often scandalous widowhood, as the determined young woman battles heartbreak and imprisonment while never giving up hope of finding happiness - no matter how far she has to travel to find it…
The remarkable true story of Judith of Flanders, Three Times the Lady - discover this exciting tale today!
Athelwulf the ageing, but kindly King of Wessex is far from the romantic figure she has dreamed of, but when he proposes marriage, Judith seizes her chance to escape the religious life. She takes her place at his side as Queen of Wessex, a role she is certain she will fulfil to perfection.
At the Court of Winchester Judith’s life is dominated by her stepsons. She quickly forms a bond with the youngest, the engaging Atheling, Alfred, but finds very different emotions are stirred by his older brother, the rebellious and cynical Athelbald.
However, while marriage to a man nearly four times her age may not be exactly what she wanted, she discovers it has its advantages. He proves to be both generous and indulgent. He also leaves her with the prospect of a long and often scandalous widowhood, as the determined young woman battles heartbreak and imprisonment while never giving up hope of finding happiness - no matter how far she has to travel to find it…
The remarkable true story of Judith of Flanders, Three Times the Lady - discover this exciting tale today!
- GenresHistorical Fiction
367 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 4, 2016
157 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Anna Chant
14 books28 followersAnna is a writer, tutor and mother of three from South Devon, UK. She has a degree in history from the University of Sheffield. Her first novel, 'Kenneth's Queen' was published in April 2016 and her second, 'The Girl from Brittia' in July 2016. Anna has fallen in love with the Dark Ages, that fabulous period where legend and history collide, and especially the part played by the often uncelebrated and unrecorded women who lived through them. She hopes to tell the stories of as many as possible!
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 3, 2020
A Powerful & Charismatic Historical Romance About One Of History’s Most Influential Women!
Overview: Athelwulf, the aging but kindly King of Wessex, is far from the romantic figure Judith has dreamed of. But when he proposes marriage, the daughter of West Francia’s King Charles seizes her chance to escape the nunnery. Taking her place at Athelwulf’s side as Queen of Wessex, Judith will directly influence court politics for decades to come and forever change history.
In “Three Times the Lady”, Author Anna Chant presents a colorful historical portrait of one of the Dark Ages' most important politically influential female figures—Judith, Queen of Wessex. In this compelling and provocative Historical Fiction/Romance novel, Author Chant brilliantly takes a behind-the-scenes look, through the eyes of her Frankish princess, at how European nobility utilized the institution of marriage to form alliances with rival courts in order to magnify their power and unite Europe with Britain’s most powerful rulers. Chant also demonstrates how very involved the Catholic Church was in the political maneuvers of Europe’s wealthiest families—So much so, that individual high-ranking clergy most often aligned themselves with whatever royal figure could gift them the most wealth and lands, thereby gaining power and influence within the Church. Chant’s story brings to light the old adage of “Keep your friends close, but keep your enemies closer”.
Readers will find Chant’s main protagonist, Judith, quite provocative as she is transformed from an innocent maiden pressured by her father, King Charles of Frankia, to take her religious vows into one of the most influential women of the Dark Ages. With a keen mind and regal demeanor, Judith seems to cheat Fate at every turn as she maintains limited freedom through the use of her keen wit and feminine wiles. Judith's life is in constant peril as she strives to survive a series of highly controversial marriages—the first, in which she is married off by her father’s command to the elderly King Athelwulf; the second, to retain her powerful status as Queen of Wessex and avoid a lifetime of religious service; and finally the third, for true love.
Each of Judith’s marriages causes its own set of problems when political and religious factions choose their sides as they fight for the retention and enhancement of their own positions, power, and wealth. Judith’s story clearly demonstrates the lack of women’s rights during this dark period in history. Judith has a very limited say in her own destiny, but when she learns about the interdependence between the nobility and the Church, and how Kings use bishops and cardinals as pawns to keep their enemies in check and maintain their power, lands, and privileged lifestyles, she triggers a dangerous game in which her very life may be forfeited.
“Three Times the Lady” is a brilliant, in-depth character study of a young woman destined for greatness. It is obvious that Author Anna Chant has done a copious amount of research to write this novel, and she has molded an often shocking but eye-opening story around her main character. Although Judith of Wessex held no rights to her own body, she used her grace and intelligence to her advantage, thereby paving the way for the future of women's rights across the ages.
As an historian, I highly recommend “Three Times a Lady” for its accurate portrayal of Frankish/British/Church politics, arranged marriages, and the rights of women in the Dark Ages. Author Chant paints a vivid portrait of a woman who rose above all to steer her own fate through the manipulation of the existing system and developed a quite formidable personality. Stunning vistas, a chivalrous culture, and a determined young woman who became a highly influential historical figure provide an irresistible draw to readers in this sweeping, romantic tale. Readers who love Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, tales of the Dark Ages, myths and legends, and portraits of powerful figures throughout this era of history, will greatly enjoy this powerful and charismatic read.
Overview: Athelwulf, the aging but kindly King of Wessex, is far from the romantic figure Judith has dreamed of. But when he proposes marriage, the daughter of West Francia’s King Charles seizes her chance to escape the nunnery. Taking her place at Athelwulf’s side as Queen of Wessex, Judith will directly influence court politics for decades to come and forever change history.
In “Three Times the Lady”, Author Anna Chant presents a colorful historical portrait of one of the Dark Ages' most important politically influential female figures—Judith, Queen of Wessex. In this compelling and provocative Historical Fiction/Romance novel, Author Chant brilliantly takes a behind-the-scenes look, through the eyes of her Frankish princess, at how European nobility utilized the institution of marriage to form alliances with rival courts in order to magnify their power and unite Europe with Britain’s most powerful rulers. Chant also demonstrates how very involved the Catholic Church was in the political maneuvers of Europe’s wealthiest families—So much so, that individual high-ranking clergy most often aligned themselves with whatever royal figure could gift them the most wealth and lands, thereby gaining power and influence within the Church. Chant’s story brings to light the old adage of “Keep your friends close, but keep your enemies closer”.
Readers will find Chant’s main protagonist, Judith, quite provocative as she is transformed from an innocent maiden pressured by her father, King Charles of Frankia, to take her religious vows into one of the most influential women of the Dark Ages. With a keen mind and regal demeanor, Judith seems to cheat Fate at every turn as she maintains limited freedom through the use of her keen wit and feminine wiles. Judith's life is in constant peril as she strives to survive a series of highly controversial marriages—the first, in which she is married off by her father’s command to the elderly King Athelwulf; the second, to retain her powerful status as Queen of Wessex and avoid a lifetime of religious service; and finally the third, for true love.
Each of Judith’s marriages causes its own set of problems when political and religious factions choose their sides as they fight for the retention and enhancement of their own positions, power, and wealth. Judith’s story clearly demonstrates the lack of women’s rights during this dark period in history. Judith has a very limited say in her own destiny, but when she learns about the interdependence between the nobility and the Church, and how Kings use bishops and cardinals as pawns to keep their enemies in check and maintain their power, lands, and privileged lifestyles, she triggers a dangerous game in which her very life may be forfeited.
“Three Times the Lady” is a brilliant, in-depth character study of a young woman destined for greatness. It is obvious that Author Anna Chant has done a copious amount of research to write this novel, and she has molded an often shocking but eye-opening story around her main character. Although Judith of Wessex held no rights to her own body, she used her grace and intelligence to her advantage, thereby paving the way for the future of women's rights across the ages.
As an historian, I highly recommend “Three Times a Lady” for its accurate portrayal of Frankish/British/Church politics, arranged marriages, and the rights of women in the Dark Ages. Author Chant paints a vivid portrait of a woman who rose above all to steer her own fate through the manipulation of the existing system and developed a quite formidable personality. Stunning vistas, a chivalrous culture, and a determined young woman who became a highly influential historical figure provide an irresistible draw to readers in this sweeping, romantic tale. Readers who love Historical Fiction, Historical Romance, tales of the Dark Ages, myths and legends, and portraits of powerful figures throughout this era of history, will greatly enjoy this powerful and charismatic read.
December 3, 2018
Judith of Flanders, first Queen of Wessex is one of those puzzling characters that makes an author of historical fiction scratch her head. Her actions were more twentieth century than ninth century! Without wanting to give away this remarkable story, her scandalous behavior as widow of the elderly King of Wessex stirred up much controversy in her own day and incensed her father, King Charles of West Francia. Yet the story is very accurate and we can’t help but admire this courageous and willful girl who will do anything rather than spend her life in a nunnery. Although her escapades all fall within the confines of marriage, she is labeled a sinner and concubine and adulteress; she is excommunicated and spurned by her father and clerics alike. But Judith is much too clever to take this lying down (excuse the pun!) and manages to wriggle her way out of her predicaments with the assistance of her dubious, but devoted husbands.
“Judith paused at the entrance, surprised and touched by Athelbald’s words. Her heart rose at the realisation that she still had one ally.
“We do not doubt that you consider yourself married, my son,” Swithun said. “But the priest was wrong to condone it.”
“The priest was in the wrong, but it is the Queen and I who will be punished?” Athelbald replied.
“This is not about punishment, my lord,” Swithun said. “It is about atonement. You and the Queen have committed a most grievous sin. You must both atone for this to be sure of God’s mercy.”
“If the Queen enters a nunnery for her atonement, what must I do?” Athelbald asked sarcastically. “Donate large parts of my wealth to the church?”
Judith felt like cheering this comment, but made her entrance into the hall in a stately manner. As she looked at the men gathered around the table, she tried to calculate how much support she could count on…”
The third marriage was the most difficult one to pull off, yet luckily it turned out to be the most successful. Even though she wasn’t queen, she became the first Countess of Flanders and ancestor of Matilda, who married William the Conqueror. So our intrepid Judith was a very important character, indeed! This was a very interesting read and kept up my attention throughout.
“Judith paused at the entrance, surprised and touched by Athelbald’s words. Her heart rose at the realisation that she still had one ally.
“We do not doubt that you consider yourself married, my son,” Swithun said. “But the priest was wrong to condone it.”
“The priest was in the wrong, but it is the Queen and I who will be punished?” Athelbald replied.
“This is not about punishment, my lord,” Swithun said. “It is about atonement. You and the Queen have committed a most grievous sin. You must both atone for this to be sure of God’s mercy.”
“If the Queen enters a nunnery for her atonement, what must I do?” Athelbald asked sarcastically. “Donate large parts of my wealth to the church?”
Judith felt like cheering this comment, but made her entrance into the hall in a stately manner. As she looked at the men gathered around the table, she tried to calculate how much support she could count on…”
The third marriage was the most difficult one to pull off, yet luckily it turned out to be the most successful. Even though she wasn’t queen, she became the first Countess of Flanders and ancestor of Matilda, who married William the Conqueror. So our intrepid Judith was a very important character, indeed! This was a very interesting read and kept up my attention throughout.
August 18, 2021
Just Okay
I sort of liked this story but when the soon to be second husband starts calling her “sweetheart” I was cringing as the word does not come into the language for several hundred more years. Those scenes sounded more like an old Humphrey Bogart movie.
The characters are well drawn but the story telling feels passive and predictable, I couldn’t wait for it to end. It drives me crazy when contemporary phrases are used like “Cut out the act” omg, seriously? Though the events and places are of the period there is nothing in the style of their speech that is. Bruges is one of the most beautiful, historical cities in the world, it’s beauty could have been so much better described. Even Trier, with its gorgeous yet cozy looking castle on the hill and barges in the river, it’s gorgeous there. This is more like a modern romance story placed in the clothing of the dark ages..meh.
I sort of liked this story but when the soon to be second husband starts calling her “sweetheart” I was cringing as the word does not come into the language for several hundred more years. Those scenes sounded more like an old Humphrey Bogart movie.
The characters are well drawn but the story telling feels passive and predictable, I couldn’t wait for it to end. It drives me crazy when contemporary phrases are used like “Cut out the act” omg, seriously? Though the events and places are of the period there is nothing in the style of their speech that is. Bruges is one of the most beautiful, historical cities in the world, it’s beauty could have been so much better described. Even Trier, with its gorgeous yet cozy looking castle on the hill and barges in the river, it’s gorgeous there. This is more like a modern romance story placed in the clothing of the dark ages..meh.
May 17, 2021
I am very much enjoying all the books from Anna Chant's "Women of the Dark Ages " series..Judith was very much an anomaly for her times but had an interesting and productive life. Alfred the Great was her beloved stepson and his youngest daughter married Baldwin II her son.
I am starting "Dawn of the Franks" now and will finish up with "The Girl from Brittia" before starting the next series about Siward of Gloucester and his compatriots.
Recommended strongly for fans of Medieval Historical novels.
I am starting "Dawn of the Franks" now and will finish up with "The Girl from Brittia" before starting the next series about Siward of Gloucester and his compatriots.
Recommended strongly for fans of Medieval Historical novels.
April 30, 2020
Three times the lady....five times the stars
Running out of great things to say about this author. She is just such a great storyteller. The characters and the story all come alive and I truly find the book hard to put down. Keep writing Anna Chant...please.
Running out of great things to say about this author. She is just such a great storyteller. The characters and the story all come alive and I truly find the book hard to put down. Keep writing Anna Chant...please.
September 5, 2020
I liked this book, though it was rather more plausible than Dawn of the Franks. Chant writes about strong women in a period of history and country Francia that is not often covered so fascinating stuff.
October 20, 2020
Page Turner, Excellent Read
I appreciate that Judith was portrayed ad an intelligent woman who strived to change her own destiny by being pragmatic and using what little advantage, as a women of the time, had. Her character was very believable and truly brought her to life.
I appreciate that Judith was portrayed ad an intelligent woman who strived to change her own destiny by being pragmatic and using what little advantage, as a women of the time, had. Her character was very believable and truly brought her to life.
January 11, 2018
This author brings to life characters who would otherwise remain buried in the dust of history, unnamed and hardly referred to alongside their revered husbands. Wonderful stuff. I loved Judith.
June 6, 2020
A very entertaining historical novel about Judith of Flanders and Saxon England.
April 29, 2021
Good read
Enjoyed this book, couldn't put it down! Great read! I recommend it, if you are looking for a good written historical fiction with some romance!
Enjoyed this book, couldn't put it down! Great read! I recommend it, if you are looking for a good written historical fiction with some romance!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews