Cannonball passport- new author
Another beautiful cover. People have long been fascinated with the story of Eleanor of Aquitaine, because she held power at a time when women did not. In both England and in France, she had considerable influence and power. She also is a bit of a mystery, because while writing at the time speaks to her beauty, there is no portrait of her actual likeness.
The Summer Queen takes us from the time when Eleanor is 13 and her father dies and she is married off to the son of the King of France, Louis. Very soon after she is married the King dies and Louis becomes King Louis VII. Louis is the second son, and so he was raised by members of the clergy and has no political experience. At first, he is enamored with his wife and they seem to be getting along. But then Eleanor has 2 daughters and no sons, and the pair grow to hate each other. Louis is convinced that if he were only more pious, he would have a son and heir instead.
I really liked the writing in this book, it was a well written, immersive story. It moves quickly. There is a side story with Eleanor’s sister which makes for an interesting comparison with her romantic life. The one decision the author makes that I cannot get past is she has Eleanor take a lover and have a child with him that dies stillborn while she is traveling with Louis during the Crusades. It just was too unbelievable that no one else would find out about the pregnancy and birth, even in a large traveling retinue. Still, I did enjoy reading the book and will likely finish the series at some point. Maybe I’ll skip her misery with King Henry in England and just go to the final book.