I received a copy of the book for a free and unbiased opinion.
I have to confess I’ve not heard Queen Berengaria, wife of Richard the Lionheart, so I was curious to find out more.
This detail in this book is impressive, from the descriptions of markets, camps , food and clothes and I loved the authors writing.
The book covers a period that isn’t typically written about- although there are books about the crusades, I don’t think I’ve read a book from the point of view of the women who have joined the crusades.
Berengaria, journey from a young Princess to a confident consort is well described and Avelina’s story adds a perspective from a non-Royal. As expected, there is intrigue, war and conflict. Even though this is Garia’s story, Eleanor of Aquitaine steals the scene at the start of the book.
The pace was a little slow for me in the middle but on the whole I did enjoy this book.
Perfect for Fans of
Who would like to read non-Tudor historical fiction

I loved this novel as I do all the author's books! I enjoyed it because of the excellent historical research (Carol is a historian) which she weaved into a very interesting and fascinating tale. I was quickly immersed in the storyline. The novel is told through two women's eyes, a queen Berengaria of Navarre, and a lady (fictional character). Both meet on their way to a crusade and become fast friends. Because of this feminine point of view, I learned a lot about what it meant to be a married woman, its dangers and its expectations waiting for a husband gone to war... Romance plays a role but only as a support to show women's role in the Medieval Ages. A great read which I highly recommend.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.