A marriage of Lions by Elizabeth Chadwick

Format: 512 pages, Paperback

Published: April 14, 2022 by Sphere

Historical fiction/own

I like Chadwick´s historical books. They always makes me go down rabbit holes. Following entire lines of people and yes Joanna is a direct ancestor of the royal house still today.

Joanna was a granddaughter of William Marshall, but she was not an heiress. Still she got a position as a lady in waiting when she was 8. Also was the Marshall men cursed to not have kids? It is weird. Anyway, suddenly Joanne was an heiress and is married of to Henry IIIs brother William de Valence.

At this time Simon de Montfort is gaining power and is using the message England for the English and not foreigners, oh I guess it is nothing new then. He gets some barons on his side. Joannas husband who is from France is one reason they are angry. Also since she was an heiress and did not even marry someone from England. Also he was a total dick, de Montfort that is.

It is about her upbringing, marriage, kids and just life that is. All while tension is brewing through out the country.

I enjoyed it, and it is always fun with books that makes you want to google

England, 1238

Raised at the court of King Henry III as a chamber lady to the queen, young Joanna of Swanscombe's life changes forever when she comes into an inheritance far above all expectations, including her own.

Now a wealthy heiress, Joanna's arranged marriage to the King's charming, tournament-loving half-brother William de Valence immediately stokes the flames of political unrest as more established courtiers object to the privileges bestowed on newcomers.

As Joanna and William strive to build a life together, England descends into a bitter civil war. In mortal danger, William is forced to run for his life, and Joanna is left with only her wit and courage to outfox their enemies and prevent them from destroying her husband, her family, and their fortunes.