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The Kingdom of Naples #1
The Girl Who Would Be Queen
Young Adult // Maria Angevin wants to be queen. All of her life she has dreamed of ruling her beloved home of Naples, wearing glittering jewels, and commanding the admiration of all around her. Unfortunately, she is the second daughter and it is her serious sister Princess Joanna who is heir. Joanna, too, desperately awaits her time to rule, but because of her desire to see Naples prosper and to care for its citizens, rather than the wish for the most beautiful gowns and to be covered in diamonds.
The Girl Who Would Be Queen is about Joanna and Maria, and the intrigues, betrayal, murders, and scandals that swirl around the rule of the Queen of Naples. Truth can be more sensational than fiction sometimes and with a feel similar to TV shows, The Borgias or The Tudors.
The Girl Who Would Be Queen is about Joanna and Maria, and the intrigues, betrayal, murders, and scandals that swirl around the rule of the Queen of Naples. Truth can be more sensational than fiction sometimes and with a feel similar to TV shows, The Borgias or The Tudors.
258 pages, Hardcover
Published March 6, 2021
742 people are currently reading
316 people want to read
About the author
Jane Ann McLachlan
14 books18 followersAlso known as J. A. McLachlan.
Jane Ann McLachlan was born in Toronto, Canada. She started writing stories when she was five years old, and has been reading literary fiction, science fiction and historical fiction in equal measure all her life. She received her B.A. in English Literature from York University and her M.A. in Canadian Literature from Carleton University. Before becoming a full-time writer she taught at Conestoga College.
Jane Ann McLachlan was born in Toronto, Canada. She started writing stories when she was five years old, and has been reading literary fiction, science fiction and historical fiction in equal measure all her life. She received her B.A. in English Literature from York University and her M.A. in Canadian Literature from Carleton University. Before becoming a full-time writer she taught at Conestoga College.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
March 5, 2019
This is a period and place in history that I hadn’t been familiar with before and I found this book very interesting. The story is told through the eyes of Princess Maria, aged around 13 years of age at the beginning of the book. She is a little jealous of the amount of attention her sister Joanna gets, Joanna being the heir to the throne. This is a time of court intrigues and plotting, jealousy of the powers of others and marriages made for gain. The story moves along at a good pace and it inspired me to find out more about the people in the book.
May 12, 2020
3.5
Because it was good, but I read better. Historical fiction is hard for me to rate, tbh.
I am really starting to get back into Historical fiction and I figured I’d try a time period I didn’t know much about. I didn’t know anything about Joanna I of Naples going into this, but I did some research before reading and her history is pretty interesting.
This was told by her sister Princess Maria’s point of view who has very conflicting emotions about her sister. She loves her sister dearly, but on the other side of the coin, she would very much like to be Queen of Naples. Maria had married the Duke of Durazzo who is only using Maria to get to the throne, which in this book isn’t going as he planned. From what I could tell from my research, it doesn’t end well for either of them.
The book is the first in a series, so I plan on reading the second, told from another’s point of view.
Because it was good, but I read better. Historical fiction is hard for me to rate, tbh.
I am really starting to get back into Historical fiction and I figured I’d try a time period I didn’t know much about. I didn’t know anything about Joanna I of Naples going into this, but I did some research before reading and her history is pretty interesting.
This was told by her sister Princess Maria’s point of view who has very conflicting emotions about her sister. She loves her sister dearly, but on the other side of the coin, she would very much like to be Queen of Naples. Maria had married the Duke of Durazzo who is only using Maria to get to the throne, which in this book isn’t going as he planned. From what I could tell from my research, it doesn’t end well for either of them.
The book is the first in a series, so I plan on reading the second, told from another’s point of view.
June 10, 2024
Eh, it's just okay. More like a young adult book.
February 11, 2019
Another excellent book. When I first started reading this book, I was not aware of the main characters in this book, Princess Joanna and her sister Princess Maria. Now I want to read more about them. They are fascinating women, especially given the time, 15th Century.
Joanna is the oldest sister and the heir to the throne of Naples currently held by her Grandfather Robert the Wise. There are several characters with the same names and occasionally I got a little confused but that was cleared up quickly. Joanna was married quite young to her cousin Andrew of Hungary. To say it was not a happy marriage would be an understatement.
Maria was engaged to Andrew's brother, the future King Charles I. So both sisters were suppose to become Queens. Quite early in the book it becomes obvious that this is another doomed betrothal. This book only deals with about five years of their lives so I am hopeful that this means that there could be a sequel. And given the facts that both sisters had a LOT of drama in their lives, maybe even a series of books. One can only hope.
I received an ARC ebook to read and give an honest review. This is a great book and serves to remind me that there were other royal houses that the British one's and now I am off to learn more about Queen Joanna I and her sister Princess Maria.
Joanna is the oldest sister and the heir to the throne of Naples currently held by her Grandfather Robert the Wise. There are several characters with the same names and occasionally I got a little confused but that was cleared up quickly. Joanna was married quite young to her cousin Andrew of Hungary. To say it was not a happy marriage would be an understatement.
Maria was engaged to Andrew's brother, the future King Charles I. So both sisters were suppose to become Queens. Quite early in the book it becomes obvious that this is another doomed betrothal. This book only deals with about five years of their lives so I am hopeful that this means that there could be a sequel. And given the facts that both sisters had a LOT of drama in their lives, maybe even a series of books. One can only hope.
I received an ARC ebook to read and give an honest review. This is a great book and serves to remind me that there were other royal houses that the British one's and now I am off to learn more about Queen Joanna I and her sister Princess Maria.
March 23, 2020
Princess Joanna of Naples is declared ruler and Queen after her grandfather unfortunately passes away. At sixteen years of age she is unaware of the trials she must soon face, not only as just a woman but also as the sole ruler of a Kingdom since her Grandfather recorded in his will that Joanna’s husband the duke must never be crowned King. Her younger sister Maria is both in awe and jealousy of the sister whom always receives all the attention. She is loyal to Joanna and loves her but at the same time she craves what is never within her grasp, the crown. Driven by her desires, Maria soon enters into a marriage that is both beneath her title and not fully approved by the crown but she foolishly doesn’t give a care. Now Joanna must try to make amends with the prince who was promised Maria’s hand as well as with the rival lords of the land and the sister who may just be the biggest betrayer of them all.
Told from Maria’s perspective the book seemed more young adult than historical fiction, true that Maria is very young throughout the whole story but she still is portrayed as too naive for me. Although I did enjoy the history itself and was not familiar with this particular tale, I was unable to create that connection with the character. Maybe if it was labeled YA I would’ve had a different expectation. Nevertheless I still recommend and think the story is well written.
Told from Maria’s perspective the book seemed more young adult than historical fiction, true that Maria is very young throughout the whole story but she still is portrayed as too naive for me. Although I did enjoy the history itself and was not familiar with this particular tale, I was unable to create that connection with the character. Maybe if it was labeled YA I would’ve had a different expectation. Nevertheless I still recommend and think the story is well written.
May 13, 2020
Got to the end, and wonder why I read this.
The premise is interesting. Based on historical events in Naples in the 1300s, two sisters are the heirs to their grandfather's throne, as their father, his son, is dead. Joanna is 16, and Maria is 13. Joanna was married young to competing heir to the throne.
When their grandfather dies, chaos ensues. The nobles don't want to be ruled by a 16 year old Joanna, her husband's family maneuvers to be the true power, and suitors pursue the young Maria, hoping to gain power through her. Even the Pope intervenes multiple times in the various power struggles.
The history side of things seem pretty well researched. I thought some of the descriptions of emotions and motivations weak.
The big problem was the surprise at the end that this was a series! (Yes, I can see that in the title on Goodreads, but it wasn't on the title where I got it.) And nothing was resolved. Even in a series, I expect each book to be able to stand on its own. This book ended on a convenient point on the historical timeline, but not with any sense of completion. In good series, the end of book often has some element resolved - a secret is revealed, a character resolves to do something differently, an enemy is conquered.
I won't continue the series, even though I like well research historical fiction.
The premise is interesting. Based on historical events in Naples in the 1300s, two sisters are the heirs to their grandfather's throne, as their father, his son, is dead. Joanna is 16, and Maria is 13. Joanna was married young to competing heir to the throne.
When their grandfather dies, chaos ensues. The nobles don't want to be ruled by a 16 year old Joanna, her husband's family maneuvers to be the true power, and suitors pursue the young Maria, hoping to gain power through her. Even the Pope intervenes multiple times in the various power struggles.
The history side of things seem pretty well researched. I thought some of the descriptions of emotions and motivations weak.
The big problem was the surprise at the end that this was a series! (Yes, I can see that in the title on Goodreads, but it wasn't on the title where I got it.) And nothing was resolved. Even in a series, I expect each book to be able to stand on its own. This book ended on a convenient point on the historical timeline, but not with any sense of completion. In good series, the end of book often has some element resolved - a secret is revealed, a character resolves to do something differently, an enemy is conquered.
I won't continue the series, even though I like well research historical fiction.
March 8, 2020
13th Century kingdom of Marie,the sister and Joann,Marie tells the story starting out as girls ready to marry the brothers of the kingdom. As they grow they both face different points of view. You have among the characters in the story,drama,love,betrayal and who to trust as you always have in the kingdom of the King.As time goes on,they have families and who will rule? Rights of taking over the Kingdom and who is right and who is wrong.This historical story takes place in Italy where you are told who you will marry whether you love them or not! Excitement happens through the stages of their lives where you are so wrapped up in the story you really believe that you are right there watching their lives happen! This is a series and I can't wait to read what happens to not only Joann and Maria but what happens to their county,to their children,their lives and losses! This is a very well written historical fiction book. If you get lost on the people ,who belongs to who and what role they play in the series,it is All laid out for you!! I like this so much because there are a lot of people who run the Kingdom of Italy and who the good guys are and who is out to betray them all!!!
March 4, 2019
McLachlan unveils a masterful portrayal of a unique time in history when two girls were trained and expected to behave like adults, when skill in political strategy and intrigue was a part of their normal education, and when the risk of a poor decision might include dishonor and death. I was captivated from the very beginning of the story with the power and place of these two girls juxtaposed with their youth and vulnerability. “Tough cookies” doesn’t begin to describe the control and stamina these young women delivered daily amidst the dangers and pitfalls of court life. This genre is not one I ordinarily read, but I enjoyed other books by McLachlan and my decision to read this one was not misplaced. I already knew that McLachlan is a skilled writer, but by the end of this novel, I was beginning to wonder if she has a time machine to assist her to pen the crisp dialogue, navigate the truth of the complicated political climate of the time, and depict court life so compellingly. I’m delighted to give _The Girl Who Would Be Queen_ five well-deserved stars!
July 4, 2019
This was an interesting historical read. Honestly, I did have some trouble following the genealogy despite the introduction. However, I was really drawn into the characters of the two sisters. I particularly liked the push-and-pull of their relationship.
I did, though, have issues with the actual action of the plot. Even though I understood that this is based on real history, it still felt odd that the female characters in the story couldn't do much. Specifically, I'm talking about Queen Joanna and how she is able to only exert action via letters and connections. I also had a hard time with the ending of the book--I really wanted more resolution. I see that this is book #1 in a series, but I wanted some wrapping up at the conclusion of the novel.
Overall, a good book for those interested in Naples history and the intrigues of the court during the 14th century. Very accurately depicted.
I did, though, have issues with the actual action of the plot. Even though I understood that this is based on real history, it still felt odd that the female characters in the story couldn't do much. Specifically, I'm talking about Queen Joanna and how she is able to only exert action via letters and connections. I also had a hard time with the ending of the book--I really wanted more resolution. I see that this is book #1 in a series, but I wanted some wrapping up at the conclusion of the novel.
Overall, a good book for those interested in Naples history and the intrigues of the court during the 14th century. Very accurately depicted.
March 4, 2019
4.5 Stars for A Girl Who Would be Queen by J.A. McLachlan
This is the first book I’ve read of this author. I found this book very interesting. It is written through the eyes of princess Maria who was age 13 and a half at the beginning and was the younger sister of princess Joanna at age 16. They were the grand daughters and heirs to King Robert of Naples. The princess’s were raised and contracted to be the future queens on their own. Princess Maria’s account of her feelings of jealousy, fairness, and of loyalty was heightened by her spirited nature through their ever changing lives at court. This fast pace storyline is full of intrigue, spies, and danger between the court’s wealthy families and the church’s interference in the struggle to take the power from the Queen and put a King in her place. I throughly enjoyed the book and will read more novels from this author.
This is the first book I’ve read of this author. I found this book very interesting. It is written through the eyes of princess Maria who was age 13 and a half at the beginning and was the younger sister of princess Joanna at age 16. They were the grand daughters and heirs to King Robert of Naples. The princess’s were raised and contracted to be the future queens on their own. Princess Maria’s account of her feelings of jealousy, fairness, and of loyalty was heightened by her spirited nature through their ever changing lives at court. This fast pace storyline is full of intrigue, spies, and danger between the court’s wealthy families and the church’s interference in the struggle to take the power from the Queen and put a King in her place. I throughly enjoyed the book and will read more novels from this author.
March 1, 2019
The plight of women through the centuries is at the forefront of this factual novel even though it only covers five years in the lives of two women who would be queens during the 13th century. In the afterword the author explained that this story is based on facts and she used her editorial license to lighten the story to create conversations, etc. The author actually visited the castle in this story which still stands today. Her description of the castle and its environs have me the power to image myself there. Little touches of description made me sit up and blink. I had thought that rushes on the floor were a phenomenon only in the dining hall but not so. They were even in the bedrooms.
The author's character development has me really caring about them. Her writing is tight and her scenes flowed nicely. Overall I enjoyed this book and I would read any book written by this author!
The author's character development has me really caring about them. Her writing is tight and her scenes flowed nicely. Overall I enjoyed this book and I would read any book written by this author!
October 28, 2019
This book was a pleasant fount of information about the 1300's in Naples, long before Italy was the result of combining all those city states into one country. It is the story of two sisters, one of which becomes queen at 16 and the other who at 13 is the heir should her sister die without issue.
Since I didn't know a lot about this time and place in history, I enjoyed learning about Queen Joanna and her sister in whose voice the story is told. McLachlan easily shows the chicanery of royals to one another with the dialogue between Queen Joanna and her witch of a mother-in-law. Courtly conversations are nothing if not political maneuvering and I enjoyed that aspect of the whole book.
The ending surprised me as I had one idea of what would happen and it didn't. That was actually a little disappointing but not in a large way. Well done, Ms. McLachlan!
Since I didn't know a lot about this time and place in history, I enjoyed learning about Queen Joanna and her sister in whose voice the story is told. McLachlan easily shows the chicanery of royals to one another with the dialogue between Queen Joanna and her witch of a mother-in-law. Courtly conversations are nothing if not political maneuvering and I enjoyed that aspect of the whole book.
The ending surprised me as I had one idea of what would happen and it didn't. That was actually a little disappointing but not in a large way. Well done, Ms. McLachlan!
September 18, 2020
The is a tough one to review. Although the history is well researched, with an element of truth being stranger than fiction, and the characters well developed, I wasn't really won over. I found Maria annoying with the constant flip flipping between being a very naive young child and a wise woman. Of course I do realize that this was very likely the case as she was a child at hey marriage as get sister was a child when she became queen, but the constant back and forth made it hard to warm to get as the main character. I must say the sisterly relationship was very spot on - you love your sister, you hate her, you're jealous, you'd protect her from anything... It's always a mix.
It was REALLY nice to read an historical novel of this period that was not about England. This was a fascinating time for all of Europe and this is still a very well written, engaging book.
It was REALLY nice to read an historical novel of this period that was not about England. This was a fascinating time for all of Europe and this is still a very well written, engaging book.
February 10, 2021
This story worked for me on many levels. First, I love the history of the Kingdom of Naples, and the market is certainly not saturated with it. McLachlan chose a brilliant point-of-view character to tell this story--Maria, younger sister to Queen Joanna, and her heir. She is an insider to the historical events, but definitely has her flaws and limitations. The royal court is filled with tension, and McLachlan brings it out in the interplay of court and papal politics, conflicts between love and duty, and the challenge of being a queen at age sixteen in a culture that doesn't give women power. Recommended!
October 10, 2020
The life of a princess
One would think a princess would have an easy life, but not in medieval Naples. This girl suffers from a large dysfunctional family, financial worries and a very complicated love life. Interesting read with lots of historical background not found in most history books.
One would think a princess would have an easy life, but not in medieval Naples. This girl suffers from a large dysfunctional family, financial worries and a very complicated love life. Interesting read with lots of historical background not found in most history books.
February 4, 2021
Robert the Wise, King of Naples, has died and his heirs are two teenage granddaughters. The narrator is Maria, the younger sister, and even for the 14th century it is a dismal story indeed. Historical fiction demands a fine balance of imagination and historical research. This novel could have used a little more history and a little less of Maria the drama queen.
February 13, 2020
An Excellent Read
I am still in awe at the fact that these women were making monumental decisions and yet still in their teens. The research done adds to the flavor of the story. The reader almost feels as if they were there experiencing the situation along with the characters.
I am still in awe at the fact that these women were making monumental decisions and yet still in their teens. The research done adds to the flavor of the story. The reader almost feels as if they were there experiencing the situation along with the characters.
May 19, 2020
Rate it 3.5 stars
I liked the story and I have never heard of these women before. At times I felt the story lagged before it picked up again. Hoping the second book in the series is a bit better.
I liked the story and I have never heard of these women before. At times I felt the story lagged before it picked up again. Hoping the second book in the series is a bit better.
March 22, 2019
Great book. But left me trying to figure out what happened. Book does not take you through the reign of Queen Joanna.
March 23, 2019
Don’t stop here! Fabulous read for anyone interested in history that doesn’t involve the Plantagenets or Tudors!
April 3, 2019
Good read
Good book, easy to read. Ending seemed a little short. Seemed pretty historically accurate with a few liberties taken to keep the story flowing.
Good book, easy to read. Ending seemed a little short. Seemed pretty historically accurate with a few liberties taken to keep the story flowing.
August 25, 2019
Very interesting!
This was a very interesting novel about Queen Joanna of Naples and her sister. It was well written and I could tell very well researched.
This was a very interesting novel about Queen Joanna of Naples and her sister. It was well written and I could tell very well researched.
June 9, 2020
Well done
Interesting take on a court we “hear” only a little about. It definitely piques my interest. Oh, the stories to be told.
Interesting take on a court we “hear” only a little about. It definitely piques my interest. Oh, the stories to be told.
August 14, 2020
Worth the Time
Really enjoyed every word and how this book flowed. I hated having to put the book down whenever I had to.
Really enjoyed every word and how this book flowed. I hated having to put the book down whenever I had to.
September 24, 2021
09/24/2021
March 6, 2019
This is a well written historical novel, Set in 1340’s in Naples.
Two sisters, princesses, with the elder sister as heir to the throne who has been married, since she was six years old, in a political alliance (obviously not in the adult sense).
The story focuses on the younger sister, Maria, (13 years old at the time of the novel) who is immature in some ways. Young girls and women are regarded as inferior to males and used for political alliances and begetting the next generation.
Maria decides, naively, that she will marry for love and not political reasons but soon realises that her husband is using her to try and gain the throne and kingdom.
Maria’s love and loyalties are tested when she is pitted against her sister who does becomes queen and her own husband who has total control over her.
There are interesting historical aspects as to how women are treated and especially when they become pregnant and are secluded for many weeks as the birth draws near and for some time afterwards.
This is a well-written historical novel. I found the historical aspects interesting as I have no knowledge of this time period in Naples. The descriptions, starting from the very first chapter of the masked ball transport the reader into the era.
The power of the church had a strong role to play in all the alliances that are being fought for. The intrigues and, in some cases, the brutality of the times gives the reader moments of shock.
This is a well written book, a ‘keep reading’ book, an amazing look at the lives of women in the 1300’s for a modern day reader.
I would have loved to have given this a 5* rating and have only reduced it to 4* as I found the names of the characters rather difficult to keep up with. I understand that people then did name their offspring after mothers, sisters, fathers, grandparents so it’s not really surprising that there are many people with the same or similar names which does keep the authenticity of the times.
Two sisters, princesses, with the elder sister as heir to the throne who has been married, since she was six years old, in a political alliance (obviously not in the adult sense).
The story focuses on the younger sister, Maria, (13 years old at the time of the novel) who is immature in some ways. Young girls and women are regarded as inferior to males and used for political alliances and begetting the next generation.
Maria decides, naively, that she will marry for love and not political reasons but soon realises that her husband is using her to try and gain the throne and kingdom.
Maria’s love and loyalties are tested when she is pitted against her sister who does becomes queen and her own husband who has total control over her.
There are interesting historical aspects as to how women are treated and especially when they become pregnant and are secluded for many weeks as the birth draws near and for some time afterwards.
This is a well-written historical novel. I found the historical aspects interesting as I have no knowledge of this time period in Naples. The descriptions, starting from the very first chapter of the masked ball transport the reader into the era.
The power of the church had a strong role to play in all the alliances that are being fought for. The intrigues and, in some cases, the brutality of the times gives the reader moments of shock.
This is a well written book, a ‘keep reading’ book, an amazing look at the lives of women in the 1300’s for a modern day reader.
I would have loved to have given this a 5* rating and have only reduced it to 4* as I found the names of the characters rather difficult to keep up with. I understand that people then did name their offspring after mothers, sisters, fathers, grandparents so it’s not really surprising that there are many people with the same or similar names which does keep the authenticity of the times.
March 10, 2020
No one does Historical Fiction like Jane Ann McLachlan! She “paints a vivid story of life in the 14th century.” (taken from my review of The Girl Who Would be Queen, 30 April 2019, https://robinsnest212.wordpress.com/2... )
The gritty, grueling reality of life in the 14th century. Rigid class lines, crossing them unthinkable. And yet many tried. Many failed and few succeeded. Philippa of Catania was one such. What it cost her this reader cannot fathom; nor the life she abandoned, so base and mean.
We live in an era and a culture that encourages rising above our lot in life, bettering ourselves, cheers our accomplishments; it’s hard to fathom being barred from higher education, reaching for the stars, being the best we can be.
With every turn, as Philippa’s good fortune increased, as favor seemed to smile on her, a piece of her was lost. I wanted to cry out against the injustice, I wept at trade off she made.
I was rather enamored of Raymond, his attention and affection for Philippa, as he, too, found favor and rose above his origins. His devotion to Philippa enviable and coveted, the stuff of romance and fairy tales.
The fact that this story is true makes it all the more fantastic and compelling.
“Ms. McLachlan’s telling [of this story] was exquisite, her research certainly thorough and impeccable, as conveyed in the details, the colorful descriptions and vivid language. The richness of this story is a luscious, velvet tapestry that wraps you in the richness of it.”
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
ALL | THE | FEATHERS!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, The Girl Who Tempted Fortune, Jane Ann McLachlan, The Girl Who Would be Queen
The gritty, grueling reality of life in the 14th century. Rigid class lines, crossing them unthinkable. And yet many tried. Many failed and few succeeded. Philippa of Catania was one such. What it cost her this reader cannot fathom; nor the life she abandoned, so base and mean.
We live in an era and a culture that encourages rising above our lot in life, bettering ourselves, cheers our accomplishments; it’s hard to fathom being barred from higher education, reaching for the stars, being the best we can be.
With every turn, as Philippa’s good fortune increased, as favor seemed to smile on her, a piece of her was lost. I wanted to cry out against the injustice, I wept at trade off she made.
I was rather enamored of Raymond, his attention and affection for Philippa, as he, too, found favor and rose above his origins. His devotion to Philippa enviable and coveted, the stuff of romance and fairy tales.
The fact that this story is true makes it all the more fantastic and compelling.
“Ms. McLachlan’s telling [of this story] was exquisite, her research certainly thorough and impeccable, as conveyed in the details, the colorful descriptions and vivid language. The richness of this story is a luscious, velvet tapestry that wraps you in the richness of it.”
ROBIN’S FEATHERS
ALL | THE | FEATHERS!
I received a complimentary copy of this book, but was under no obligation to read the book or to post a review. I offer my review of my own free will. The opinions expressed in my review are my honest thoughts and reaction to this book.
#Blogwords, Tuesday Reviews-Day, #TRD, Book Review, The Girl Who Tempted Fortune, Jane Ann McLachlan, The Girl Who Would be Queen
February 8, 2020
Historical books are so interesting! This is a genre I am learning to love! The author researched this book & visited the castle (I subscribe to her newsletter). It felt like this book was very authentic for the time period of the 1300's and history of the royalty in Naples, Italy.
The thing I love about a historical novel is feeling like you are there! This book definitely does that! The details are rich, the dialogue filled with personal thoughts & the cultural life of that time is vividly written about. I never knew about confinement near the end of pregnancy for women or the fears of summer fevers that children could catch and die from. The impact of the church on politics and marriages to ensure alliances between kingdoms. It is all so fascinating!
The princesses were so young, just teenagers. King Robert the Wise is on his deathbed & bequeaths the crown to the oldest of the princesses, Joanna. She has been trained for her role as Queen. The story is told through the eyes of her younger sister, Maria. Maria admits she is prettier but not as smart as her sister. She has a crush on her cousin Charles and ends up being abducted by him and marrying him of her free will.
The story really unfolds from there. The Queen Joanna is in a loveless marriage with Andrew from Hungaria. There is enough drama to hold my interest. The details from that historical time period really flesh out the story. The tension kept me turning the pages! What will happen next? I was actually disappointed when the book ended as I wanted more!!
The thing I love about a historical novel is feeling like you are there! This book definitely does that! The details are rich, the dialogue filled with personal thoughts & the cultural life of that time is vividly written about. I never knew about confinement near the end of pregnancy for women or the fears of summer fevers that children could catch and die from. The impact of the church on politics and marriages to ensure alliances between kingdoms. It is all so fascinating!
The princesses were so young, just teenagers. King Robert the Wise is on his deathbed & bequeaths the crown to the oldest of the princesses, Joanna. She has been trained for her role as Queen. The story is told through the eyes of her younger sister, Maria. Maria admits she is prettier but not as smart as her sister. She has a crush on her cousin Charles and ends up being abducted by him and marrying him of her free will.
The story really unfolds from there. The Queen Joanna is in a loveless marriage with Andrew from Hungaria. There is enough drama to hold my interest. The details from that historical time period really flesh out the story. The tension kept me turning the pages! What will happen next? I was actually disappointed when the book ended as I wanted more!!
July 14, 2025
I really enjoy Historical Fiction stories and got completely sucked into the Tudor series so this one caught my attention when I met the author at a local event.
I love the characters however there are a lot of them and with all the names and "aliases" it can sometimes get a bit confusing, especially when the have the same names! This is just a circumstance of the times and setting though, not the author.
I found myself rooting for Maria at times and wanting to bang my head against the wall at other times. I definitely had to keep reminding myself of her age, inexperience, and the era to not get too frustrated at some parts.
I will definitely be reading the next one in the series and am looking forward to seeing the story from another character's perspective. I would definitely be interested to see a story from Joanna's POV to see her mindset.
I love the characters however there are a lot of them and with all the names and "aliases" it can sometimes get a bit confusing, especially when the have the same names! This is just a circumstance of the times and setting though, not the author.
I found myself rooting for Maria at times and wanting to bang my head against the wall at other times. I definitely had to keep reminding myself of her age, inexperience, and the era to not get too frustrated at some parts.
I will definitely be reading the next one in the series and am looking forward to seeing the story from another character's perspective. I would definitely be interested to see a story from Joanna's POV to see her mindset.
March 10, 2022
I haven't read historical fiction in many years so not sure if the writing style has changed but this book is nothing like I expected and I didn't care for it although I appreciate the research work. I felt as if I were reading a book geared to a teen reader as it was very simplistic. I didn't care enough about the character Joanna to continue to read the next installments. The most informative section was on the ritual of childbirth. That's about it.
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