Bücher von Helen Rayson-Hill

In the third volume of the Eleanor of Acquitaine novels, Eleanor finds herself torn between her early love for Henry II of England and resistance to his constant bullying of her and her sons in his fear of being superceded by his ambitious offspring.His paranoia leads him to imprison her to curtail her powers, but this makes her only more determined to resist him and defend her birthright, while, at the same time, reining in her sons' impulses to overthrow him.Who will win out-the autocratic Henry, or the resourceful Eleanor? It seems time may be on her side...

Eleanor of Aquitaine is intelligent and beautiful, her immense wealth desired by kings. Her father's dying wish places the young heiress under the guardianship of King Louis VI of France, who marries her to his monkish son. The pious French Court considers her education and intellect shameful. She is accused of emulating men, regarded as her betters. It is emphasised she is there to breed, look decorative, and keep her eloquent mouth shut.Eleanor longs to break free. The opportunity arises to lead an army on the Second Crusade. Eleanor grasps the chance and rides to the Holy Land accompanying Louis, now king. In Antioch, the young Queen discovers unexpected love and a prophesy. Her disastrous marriage to Louis is annulled at her request. Single, Eleanor attracts unwanted adventurers. Ambushed, she evades capture realising she must remarry. She weds young Henry Plantagenet, attractive and no monk, beginning a mighty dynasty.Eleanor could be regarded as an early feminist.This is Book 1 in a series about Eleanor.