The Falcon's Eyes: A Novel

by Francesca Stanfill

Set in France and England at the end of the twelfth century, the moving story of a spirited, questing young woman, Isabelle, who defies convention to forge a remarkable life, one profoundly influenced by the fabled queen she idolizes and comes to know—Eleanor of Aquitaine.

A sweeping, suspenseful tale about marriage, freedom, identity, and motherhood, The Falcon’s Eyes not only illuminates a brilliant century and the notorious queen who dominated it, but also brings to life the vivid band of characters whom the heroine encounters on her journey to selfhood. Principal among them, Isabelle’s charismatic, controlling husband, as obsessed by falconry as he is by having an heir. The various settings—Château Ravinour, Fontevraud Abbey, and Queen Eleanor’s exiled court in England—are depicted as memorably as the noblewomen, nuns, servants, falconers, and courtiers who inhabit them. With a series of twists and turns, the story pulses forward as Isabelle confronts one challenge, one danger, after another, until it hurtles to its final, enthralling, page.

With the historical understanding of Hillary Mantel and the storytelling gifts of Ken Follett, Francesca Stanfill has created an unforgettable character who, while firmly rooted in her era, is also a woman for all times.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, Medieval, France, British Literature, Adult

832 pages, Paperback

First published July 5, 2022

About the author

Francesca Stanfill was born in Oxford, England, and grew up in New York City and Los Angeles. She is a graduate of Yale University, where her studies included the History of Art and medieval history.
Her articles have appeared in many publications, including The New York Times Magazine, New York, and Vanity Fair. Her lifelong fascination with the twelfth century and its legendary queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine, propelled her to write The Falcon's Eyes, her third novel. She lives in New York.

Reviews

[Dianne · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I finished this book, I needed to mull over what I was thinking. Had I gone with my very first impression, I would have told you that there were many problems with this novel, the 'mystery' was easy to figure out, important secondary characters are lost toward the end, and you don't get involved with the Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine until about 65% of this novel. I would tell you that our main character, Isabelle, was (for the times) a willful, dishonest, whiny character that I just couldn't sympathize with. Her family was mean to the point of unbelievability. After some minor research, I found that an important part of this book was historically incorrect. But this is fiction, is it not?

I wonder about the ending too. It really wasn't a true ending (sort of a cliff-hanger in my mind)-I wonder if it was meant to be this way to get us to think or if there will be another book coming?

After mulling over this book overnight, I'm going with my first opinion. I was able to finish this book but was unhappy doing so.

*ARC supplied by the publisher, author and Edelweiss.

[Tammy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an old fashioned, linear historical novel set during the high Middle Ages which follows a young woman who eventually becomes close to Eleanor of Aquataine. It’s overly long but the historical detail is compelling and vivid. It seems to be the first of series. I became weary of eyes filling, shining, and glistening with tears.

[Brenda · Rating 2 out of 5]

The cover of this says it’s “a novel of Eleanor of Aquitaine”. It really, really isn’t. So don’t go into the book expecting that. She’s a small side character.

This also dragged a lot. Until the very end when there was actually something interesting happening, and it just wrapped up in two pages and abruptly ended. It didn’t need to be 800+ pages. I wouldn’t recommend this one.

Full disclosure: I received an ARC of this.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was able to read this book early from Edelweiss.

The Falcon's Eyes is what I would consider to be the perfect book. The characters, setting, plot, vernacular, and emotion of the book set it apart from other historical novels. While the book is called a novel of Eleanor of Aquitaine, it follows after Ben-Hur: the Story of Jesus Christ. The story about Jesus comes from the life of Ben-Hur, and for The Falcon's Eyes, the story of Queen Eleanor comes through the narration of the Lady Isabelle.

Through living with Isabelle in her provincial childhood, her strangling marriage, and her freedom in the abbey, Standfiill builds up to the reveal of Isabelle's life with the queen. Isabelle always dreamed of meeting the queen, and it is because of all her life choices that she needed to escape to the safety of the queen's exile.

Overall, I could not put this book down. Meeting Isabelle was like meeting an old friend, one who made mistakes I would make, who fought bravely for what she believed in, who cared for those around her, and who wanted a life of purpose and meaning. It was a joy to read this book, and truly sad to put it away. I will have to purchase this book when it becomes available. I commend the author for her in depth research into Queen Eleanor and how she told her story.

This book is not for the casual reader, as the 800 page count will scare off some people, but for those looking for a literary gem, this is the book I will recommend to them.

[Carole · Rating 2 out of 5]

Frustrating when a book infers it is about one thing and then isn't. Supposedly it was a book about Eleanor of Acquitaine and the reason I wanted to read it. Instead it is a tediously overdone work about a young woman who was, for a time, a companion to Eleanor. Of 800 pages very few included even a dribble of this great queen's life.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a lover of historical fiction, and medieval history itself, I could not possibly say enough good things about this book. Francesca Stanfill brings the Norman courts of France and England-- as well as the period's monasteries-- in the twelfth century in beautiful, vivid detail. She crafts nuanced, interesting, and sympathetic characters, especially in her protagonist Isabelle, who is both of her time and ahead of it. She chafes against the strictures placed on noble women in her era, but finds moments of meaningfulness and agency in her life nonetheless, fighting for autonomy and expression. Isabelle's journey takes her far and wide, and every setting is rendered so evocatively! This is a beautiful and touching blend of historical research and imaginative storytelling, and I enjoyed every word.

[Sasha (bahareads) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an uncorrected proof copy of this novel from HarperCollins in exchange for an honest review.

I really read an 800-page book for it to end on an opening/cliffhanger?!?! Now that I have got that off my chest let's get to the meat of The Falcon's Eyes

The Falcon's Eyes is about Isabelle and how she forges her own path and life for themselves. The description marks this book as a sweeping and suspenseful tale about many things but I would not go as far as to say that. I think it falls right in line with other historical fiction novels. It sets a person on a path and we, as the reader, see the completion of the path. The novel is advertised as "a novel of Eleanor of Aquitaine" and Eleanor is present in the novel but the wording of that phrase makes me think she's going to be a stronger presence throughout the novel than she actually was.

The book is split into six different sections which signify different changes happening in Isabelle's life. However, the first section of the book is about 1/3 of the book or around 300+ pages. I think too much time was spent building up that section, which consists primarily of Isabelle's marriage. I understand the reasoning behind it but I think about 100 pages could have been cut. Honestly overall I think Isabella's girlhood and most of the marriage could have been cut to make the book shorter. What regular person is going to buy and read an 800+ page book?!?

The theme of freedom that shines so much throughout the early pages I find the idea somewhat modern. Isabella's husband Gerald honestly is not free either. I am simplifying things but he has responsibilities that require things of him, just like she has of her. I honestly did not find anything here new or refreshing for the historical fiction genre. I think The Falcon's Eyes is well written and decently researched but once again, 800 pages..... I don't think I can get over that.

[Silvia Grice · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decently entertaining. The ending made me want to throw this book off the balcony. It got so good in the last 15 pages and then just ended. Very well written though

[Nichole]

It was nice ti read a standard, well researched linear historical fiction book.

[Tiffany · Rating 1 out of 5]

Long books don’t intimidate me. Historical books that challenge me don’t intimidate me. But I could not finish this book. It made me mad and frustrated. And I WANTED to like the book. I was excited to be in the historical era of Queen Eleanor. I was intrigued with Isabella.

I think what bothered me about this book was that it tried to be a modern feminist in an era that was very different. Instead of showing how women found and utilized power within marriage and motherhood-we get a yet another “historical” book showing a woman trying to not be married or have children. Why does everyone think a woman who is married and has children lacks power and strength? Why is marriage and motherhood portrayed as demeaning. It’s absurd. Wives and mothers exert considerable intelligence and strength to rear their children. What is ironic is that Queen Eleanor used the power of her marriages and motherhood to become an important political and historical figure. She would not be someone we know about without her marriages or her children. This was such a missed opportunity.

What is even sillier is that Isabelle’s husband doesn’t seem that terrible as a husband, especially for the time period. He doesn’t beat her. He encourages her intellect. He protects his servants from lascivious guests. Yes he is rigid about social class-but so was almost everyone in that world, except for the anachronistic Isabella. He likes nice things and lavishes them on his wife. He even arranges a divorce when it’s clear Isabella doesn’t want to remain married to him (which I questioned because Henry VIII had to kill his wives to end his marriages and he was the king). I liked him much better than bratty, whiny Isabella. He was flawed but everyone is. The author failed spectacularly to show him as a horrible husband. He was exceptionally kind to his wife when she miscarried or her baby died. She was quite lucky.

Ugh.

[Lena · Rating 2 out of 5]

I went back and forth so many times on whether I wanted this to be the book I brought to France -and ngl I kind of regret bringing it.

In theory I should love it. Historical fiction, 12th century France, 800 pages, real historical figures in the background, and a young woman coming into her own.
And the worst part of this all is this book as a starred review from a trusted source (for me) so now I am doubting that source and their reviews because either the author has a bestie on the inside or...

Anyway, this book was just bad. There were elements that were interesting and even potentially well-done but overall it was poorly executed.
The writing wasn't great, the plot was extremely lacking and trite, Isabelle was 2dimensional, the "feminist" themes were way too heavy handed, and I struggled with the historical aspect as well. I think this book at the very least could have been more nuanced in its exploration of women during this period (as well as men). I just don't know. Definitely will not be bringing this book home with me.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to the author/publisher for the goodreads giveaway!

I barely know what to say about this one, I have so many mixed feelings. The first 5/7 was awesome. I tore through it and loved every second. Then suddenly I began to feel like I just wanted it to be over - maybe it was slow, maybe I just ran out of stamina (with over 800 pages there’s bound to be some slow parts and fatigue). Things picked back up for me towards the end and came to a screeching halt that left me wondering how the story actually ends and how on Earth I got to this kind of ending in an 800 page book?!? I would have loved for there to be an epilogue or SOMETHING to truly end the storyline.

My only real concern/complaint is that the cover states the is “a Novel of Eleanor of Aquitaine” and she is only introduced about halfway through and is only a supporting character. This is a novel of a character named Isabelle in which Eleanor of Aquitaine makes an appearance.

[Phoebe · Rating 2 out of 5]

The misleading title, the length, and the irritating heroine are all points against this historical fiction novel. This is not a novel about Eleanor of Aquitaine, but about a young woman who marries well but who has little sense. She doesn't strategize well, she doesn't understand her husband and his ambitions, she makes stupid errors that just get her into trouble, and we grow tired of her naivete. Stanfill must have taken ages to write this 800 page book so packed is it with detail and dialogue. So much dialogue. This is a talky novel. Eventually we do encounter Eleanor as a character and she doesn't disappoint, but she is a side character. Give this book a miss unless you can't get enough historical fiction--just don't expect anything ground-shaking. Adult.

[Jim Curtin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was unnecessarily dense, and the title was a little misleading.
1. The narrator doesn't meet Eleanor of Aquitaine until over 500 pages into the novel, and any mentions earlier than that sound like how one would discuss a celebrity one has never met.
2. The text of the story is over 800 pages, and so much of it doesn't relate to the main story of the narrator's relationship to Eleanor of Aquitaine. The descriptions were rich, but this novel wouldn't have suffered from being half the length

[Becky · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too long. Started promising but then became predictable and tiresome. Skimmed the last 20%.

[Lake Richmond · Rating 3 out of 5]

First and foremost to me is that this is not a novel of Eleanor of Aquitaine. I believe this tagline was removed in later printings but as mine is a first edition and proclaimed this I was a bit of a let down. Luckily I’d seen reviews noting this so I had some idea before going in.

While the story is enjoyable and I liked the writing style a lot it was a middling read for me. The first few parts of the book, say the first 60%, covered the timespan of maybe 2-3 years often times in month spans and then skipping a brief period. While the end of the book which covered a multitude of years felt really jammed in. Especially with all the action and intrigue occurring at the end it felt off balance.

Francesca painted a beautiful story but in the end it was let down by a misleading tagline and odd pacing. It did certainly wet my whistle to learn about Eleanor of Aquitaine and I’m thrilled to have Alison Weir’s book on standby on my shelf. I’ll try another of Francesca’s books though. I would suggest saving this until you’ve got no other pressing books on the TBR and time to read 800 pages

[Sarah W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novel depicts a rich medieval world full of tension and luxury. Isabelle is a young noblewoman from a family with more lineage than wealth who finds herself wed to a wealthy lord obsessed with falconry. As Isabelle slowly comes to realize the depth of her husband's cruelty, she starts to plan a way out of her marriage, showing a kind of ingenuity and spirit of adventure that puts her on a path to meet one of the most compelling figures of her age. Overall, this book didn't feel as long as it was, as I felt compelled to keep turning the pages to find out how Isabelle's story concluded. Highly recommended for those interested in the Middle Ages.

[Elizabeth Finley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This historical novel follows a young Isabelle in twelfth-century France during the reign of Henri II of England and Elanor of Aquitaine. Isabelle is married to a charismatic local Lord Gerard who is always trying to curry favor with which ever King will provide him the most standing in the inner circle. Isabelle breaks free of the marriage and hides in the service of Queen Elanor who is imprisoned by Henry II. This novel is set during the upheaval of the Plantagenet rule of France and England and ends at the very beginning of John's reign. Recommend this for anyone interested in history of this era. This is an older novel but well worth the search.

[Christine Hopkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 middle ages historical fiction fun stars

This is a fun, easy read but I felt it had a couple distracting flaws. The main character makes some incredibly silly choices time and time again and there are just one too many kooky coincidences that took me out of the story time and time again. Still if you're a lover of historical fiction, the characters are engaging and the story moves at a good pace. Worth a read if those are things to enjoy!

[Brittney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually did really enjoy reading this book! But I go bored near the end and kinda skipped through the last few chapters.

[Tyler Dowdell · Rating 2 out of 5]

First I would like to start my review off by saying that I, like many was drawn to this book because on the cover it says “a novel of Elenor of Aquitaine” or something along those lines.

The paper back edition I ended up reading did not have that on the cover. Odd I thought to myself but as I progressed through the novel it became apparent that Elenor is but a supporting character who features in maybe 25% of this 811 page time.

In actuality this is a novel about Isabella who happens to meet Elenor halfway through the book and then again in final segment of the novel. The story is entirely about Isabella and her life from childhood to adulthood. The first half focuses on Isabella’s failed marriage and her attempts to conceive a child.

For me this segment has no payoff until, the extremely telegraphed “twist”in, the final 30 pages. It really could have been edited down. There are so many extraneous characters who have little bearing on the plot. It felt like the author was trying to have the scope of George R. R. Martin by building up this great world populated by a cast of characters who actually bear on the plot. Instead we get a large cast of character who show up at the latter half just to have Isabella leave the confines of Fontevraud abbey.

Fontevraud is the setting for the latter half of the book where Isabella settles after she is divorced from her husband for failing to conceive and heir. Here Isabella meets a young girl Marie whom she begins to teach as a lay member of the abbey. The years pass by and Richard the third comes to the throne and dies and Isabella gets to befriend Elenor of Aquitaine. It feels much like the first half of the book except we have a whole new set of characters for Isabella to interact with while very interesting events happen outside of her world of Fontevraud.

Finally in the final quarter of the book we have John ascend to the throne and we have mention of a villainous knight in King John’s retinue. And if you’ve not guessed it when he is first mentioned or have any inkling of who this villainous knight might be, it’s revealed in the final 20 pages that it was Isabella’s husband! And Marie, the girls she’s been teaching and raising as her own is his bastard daughter! Worse than all of this being telegraphed hundreds of pages back, this twist comes right at the end of the novel which ends with Isabella, Marie and another orphan from the abbey riding off into the sunset (and hopefully a better book).

Besides the lackluster story I took a lot of umbrage with the way in which the characters speak and act. This is historical fiction but all of the characters speak and act like they are pulled from the twentieth century. There is not a chance, even during Elenor of Aquitaine’s time, that Isabella would have ever spoken or acted the way she did.

Isabella comes off like a modern day Mary Sue who happens to be a rebellious daughter and “not like other girls” trope that seems to have flooded fiction in recent years. Yes I know that sounds incredibly misogynistic. For me if your writing historical fiction you have to have characters that feel like they could actually inhabit the time period in which you are writing.

Furthermore there is little plot to sustain a novel this length. There should have been major editing made to this novel that would have greatly benefited the pace of the story and may not have left me feeling as negatively about it as I do. At the end of the day I feel I wasted my time reading this novel. It’s simply too long, poorly paced, lacking plot, and inundated with unrealistic characters and has a “twist” that is unsatisfying and a plot that remains unresolved.

Also on page 548 the author mentions Isabella eating potatoes. Which is a glaring mistake that should have been caught before the novel went to print. Potatoes are native to the new world and have no place in medieval fiction.

[Sarah Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an uncorrected proof copy of this novel from HarperCollins in exchange for an honest review.

Set in France in the twelfth century, Isabelle is a young woman from a well to do but impoverished family. Her family makes a good match for her with a wealthy but controlling husband. With time, Isabelle continues to see more of the dark parts of her husband's personality and feels increasingly trapped in her circumstances.

While billed as a novel about Eleanor of Aquitaine, the queen doesn't appear in the book for several hundred pages. Even then, she is very much a side character. While I liked Isabelle well enough and was curious to see where the book would take her, it did seem like false advertising on the publisher's part to claim this was about Eleanor of Aquitaine on the cover. The book was also substantially longer than it needed to be. At over 800 pages, it could have had a few hundred pages shaved off without losing much substance. The largest section of the book is about Isabelle's marriage as she strives to provide an heir for her husband and grows increasingly uneasy in their relationship. This development could have been accomplished in less time.

I also was taken aback at the lack of historical accuracy. In particular, the author includes multiple letters throughout the book. They are in no way historically accurate and are full of asides, quibbling, mockery, etc. etc. Paper at that time was precious, as was ink. No one would have wasted space with such long diatribes about nothing. Isabelle marries a husband with a great estate and a large household. Wives at that time would have managed the house and had a great many responsibilities throughout the day to oversee such a bustling and well to do household. Yet Isabelle literally sits around bored without a single task to accomplish other than trying to get pregnant. Furthermore, Isabelle's brother is presented as the butt of the joke. While he may have been disliked, no woman of that time would have treated a male from an aristocratic family in such an unwelcoming manner. I also questioned whether Isabelle would have had friends who would pay her way as she did. In those days, a husbandless and then fatherless woman without means of her own would not have been seen as a sound investment and not have been someone that large sums of money from other families would have been spent on. Finally, without giving away spoilers, the grand conclusion and plot twist was poorly executed and seemed without real purpose other than to maybe set the book up for a sequel.

A novel with a likeable lead, a compelling enough plot but far too long winded and too little research for historical accuracy.

[Mary Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is historical fiction at its best. In this substantial tome, we travel with Isabelle, a noblewoman living at the end of the 12th century, on her life’s journey. Isabelle is a vivacious and adventuresome woman living at time when a woman’s only purpose was to be a dutiful wife and mother. As she seeks an identity outside the strict societal expectations, circumstances bring her into the world of Eleanor of Aquitaine, one of history’s most interesting women. In the author’s capable hands, it’s easy to become immersed in the medieval world and through short chapters and crisp writing, the 800+ pages are not as daunting as one would think. All the exotic, romantic elements of the period are included, as well as token attention to the dreary and mundane life of the servants, serfs, and merchants. The political upheaval of the time forms the backdrop and while some knowledge of the period is useful, Stanfill provides just enough detail to help make the overall story legitimate without overwhelming the reader.

[The Page Ladies Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review…The Falcon's Eyes by Francesca Stanfill

The Falcons Eyes is the story of Isabelle, who defies convention to forge a remarkable life, one profoundly influenced by the queen she idolizes, Eleanor of Aquitaine. It not only illuminates a brilliant century and the notorious queen who dominated it, but also brings to life the vivid band of characters whom the heroine encounters on her journey to selfhood and as Isabelle confronts one challenge, one danger, after another.

I am a huge fan of historical fiction and history books so I had a great time reading this story! There are definitely some interesting characters, especially Isabelle! She was a woman who cared deeply for those close to her and she truly wanted a life with purpose and meaning. It was easy to find a connection with her. The setting is in both France and England during the twelfth century and with beautiful and vivid details Francesca Stanfill painted a beautiful picture! The story is rich in history and it has a great story with some unexpected twists and turns that will keep you turning the pages! Wonderful story! Thank you Random Things Tours for sharing this book with me!

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[Kate Shotliff · Rating 4 out of 5]

If I had one word to describe this book, it would be epic (not just because she long… she’s an 800+ page beast) because there is so much detail and depth to the character of Isabelle and the world that she exists in. The writing is so descriptive and emotive, really embellishing the historical narrative of the very gender and class driven society. I loved following Isabelle’s journey from her childhood home through her tempestuous marriage to Gerard (what an utter douche) and then how by fate or luck she ends up meeting Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine. It really feels like you are in Isabelle’s head, and I felt totally immersed in her character, I chuckled every time Guy wrote to her imagining her rolling her eyes and going ffs, in medieval French of course.

It’s not as advertised ‘a novel about Eleanor of Aquitaine’ though she does pop up just after half-way through, it’s Isabelle’s story and her life. I didn’t mind this so much, but I can see why some readers might feel mislead by the tagline.

All in all, I loved this book highly recommend it to lovers of historical fiction. Thank you to HarperCollins for my gifted copy.

[MissInformation · Rating 2 out of 5]

Slow going -- as many readers shared, the subtitle is a misnomer: it's not really a "novel of Eleanor of Aquitaine." The story focuses on the fictional daughter of a rather impoverished French nobleman. I normally wouldn't quibble about the main character being so similar to other fictional heroines in historical fiction (headstrong, a reader, intelligent but a maker of poor choices, getting along better with her brothers than her mother [who has 'little use for daughters'], etc.), but the jacket blurb trumpets the author has the 'historical understanding of Hilary Mantel' (!) - a reason I read this in the first place. A few historical inaccuracies (embroidery hoops?) were off-putting for a tome like this (816 pages). However, the descriptions of the falconry were decent (I have a nephew who is a falconer).

Unfortunately, Stanfill lacks Mantel's ability to relate a story in an exciting and unique way. It felt like this author was loathe to miss any detail of 13th century life. Long descriptions of scenery and clothing did not move the story along.

This is a very traditional, old fashioned novel. If that's your thing, you'll like it a lot better than I did.

[Morena]

"With the historical understanding of Hillary Mantel" Are you shitting me? Hillary Mantel went above and beyond to understand people of the past. She understood how important it was for the lay men to have an heir. The survival of your whole house depended on it, all your familiars depended on you having an heir. Trivializing this essential building block of a society, calling it an "obsession" just because your idiotic, anachronistic heroine doesn't aspire to marriage, shows your deplorable ignorance of the era. This author and the slew of other clones do nothing but pander to idiotic trends that drag this whole genre into a mud. Yes I am bitter because I love to read, I love to immerse myself in the PAST-- not present posturing as past, not some american woman's disney-dream--the PAST in all its shit and glory.

[James Glass · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the opening line of this book.
Abraham died. He didn’t do it of old age or natural causes.
Unless you count a small child slicing you up with an old-fashioned
barber’s razor as natural.
I'm not sure if it was the writer's intent to use sarcasm at the end, but it hooked me. The story is well written, and the dialogue is done very well.
This book is not for the faint hearted. I love reading gory stuff and the author really delivers. At times the disturbingly, beautiful visuals were enough to even turn my stomach. However, this talent also includes beautiful visuals too.
If you love horror, you'll enjoy the book. Kudos to the author.

[LoriAnn Pilant · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book just a few days ago and I still can’t get the wonderful setting, and characters out of my mind... I could hardly put it down to do anything for the two days and nights it took me to read it and I’m STILL trying to pull myself away from Fontevraud Abbey and the women of this delicious novel💕. It transported me to THAT time and each place SO well that I felt as if I have time traveled and made new friends whom I will miss dearly, at least until I reread it again .... which I most definitely will do!!! Cannot WAIT to see what MS. STANFILL has in store for us next!!!! Laura in Mo.

[Margaret Willoughby · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book despite it's nearly 800 pages. Historical fiction my favorite Genre. Set in France and England late 12the century during the reign of King Henry 11 or 111? and Eleanor of Aquitaine.
Story of Isobelle belongs to a titled but poor family in France. She is rather rebellious and not a fourite of her mother. There are 4 children the older daughter Emilie marries a knight and gives birth to several children so is deemed to be successful.The family is unable to provide a dowry for Isobel so at age 17 is betrothed to rich but untitled gentleman called Gerard. He is after the title of countess that comes with Isobelle.After a while, Isobelle grows to love Gerard and lives a life of luxury. She produces a daughter who only lives a couple of months. Starts to resent her husband control over her and everyone else he has dealings with. She realizes he is ruthless and cruel
After the still birth of a son she decides to plan how to get a divorce from Gerard. After Gerard throws her out she returns to her family who feel she has failed. She receives a letter from a very rich lady whom she befriends while with Gerard. Proposing she moves to Fontrevard Abbey . This happens and she is reasonably happy there.Strict regime but gets involved with teaching orphan children. Gerard however wants to take his revenge on Isobelle so when she is given the opportunity of moving to England as a companion to The imprisoned Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine she moves to Salisbury in England. After a couple of years she is told ex-husband Gerard is dead burnt in a fire she returns to the Abbey in France. Various things happen King Henry dies and is buried at the Abbey. Richard becomes king. Eleanor of Acquatine moves to Abbey. After Richard's death John becomes king but as history records not a good king.. In a twist at the end Gerard reappears as an envoy from King John. Gerard as devious as ever planned the fires and escaped.
Still promises revenge but unable while Eleanir lives to harm Isobelle. Eleanor finally dies in her 80s and Isibelle as commanded by the Eleanor to take all her letters and other belonging to Spain to the only daughter she can trust. So Isabelle with 2 of the orphan children brought up at the Abbey escape just in time as Gerard hearing of Queen Eleanor's death rides in haste to the Abbey.