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Synopsis:
Amid the lush valleys and fragrant wildflowers of Provence, Marguerite, Elonore, Sanchia, and Beatrice have learned to charm, hunt, dance, and debate under the careful tutelage of their ambitious mother--and to abide by the countess's motto: Family comes first.
With Provence under constant attack, their legacy and safety depend upon powerful alliances. Marguerite's illustrious match with the young King Louis IX makes her Queen of France. Soon Elonore--independent and daring--is betrothed to Henry III of England. In turn, shy, devout Sanchia and tempestuous Beatrice wed noblemen who will also make them queens.
Yet a crown is no guarantee of protection. Enemies are everywhere, from Marguerite's duplicitous mother-in-law to vengeful lovers and land-hungry barons. Then there are the dangers that come from within, as loyalty succumbs to bitter sibling rivalry, and sister is pitted against sister for the prize each believes is rightfully hers--Provence itself.
From the treacherous courts of France and England, to the bloody tumult of the Crusades, Sherry Jones traces the extraordinary true story of four fascinating sisters whose passions, conquests, and progeny shaped the course of history.
My Review:
“Women have only the power that men allow them, said Beatrice.” How happy I am that the world has evolved enough that women have more of a voice to not have to continue to believe that true.''
This fantastic book has it all: family drama, love, lust, betrayal, redemption, and irony. Sherry Jones creates a story that explains how four very different sisters were able to end up as Queens and leaders of Europe - at the same time. Marguerite, Queen consort of France, Eleonore, Queen consort of England, Sanchia, Queen consort of Germany, Beatrice, Queen consort of Sicily. Four remarkable women made even more so by their sisterhood and the trials each faced.
The lifetimes of the Savoy sisters was a complicated epoch of war, rebellions, reconciliations, betrayals, conspiracies, bravery, cruelty, misunderstandings and regrets. Sherry Jones excels at piecing the puzzle together and pulls no punches about revealing less than sympathetic characteristics, along with admirable strengths.
Each of the sisters were so different, yet, they are both human and flawed. The sisters’ lives are very fascinating and sometimes tragic I could not help but sympathize with them. These sisters grew from naive women to become mature, intelligent, and strong from the struggles they faced. Each of them were admirable because they faced their problems with unyielding courage head-on in the face of their enemies. You will root for them and feel their sorrows as you follow their intertwined stories from childhood through death.
Overall, this novel is about family. It is about women striving to have power in a world that is influenced by men. The novel is about the meaning of power and the consequences and sacrifices they made because of it. It is a great tribute not only to these four fascinating women but also to women in the medieval time.
My Rating:
✬✬✬✬✬
