The Winter Crown: A Novel of Eleanor of Aquitaine

This book brings history to life. I was never interested in the dry versions of history that I studied in school, but read this with special interest because I am a descendant of Eleanor of Aquitane. Fascinating reading.

I'm really loving this series. Start with The Summer Queen to gain the full scope.

I will totally be buying her series on William Marshal http://www.the store.com/gp/product/1402225180?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_sfl_title_3&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

I am a great fan of Elizabeth Chadwick & this, the second of the Eleanor of Aquitaine trilogy, was as well-written and engrossing as the first novel. I can hardly wait to read the final novel in the series.

Really admirable research. This gave me a new take on Eleanor and Henry. Unfortunately for me there were no surprises because I know the history too well. The friction between them is tangible and builds brick by brick into the prison that finally becomes a fact. Guilty of some repetition and awkwardness in a few places, for example, Henry paces like lion a bit too often. But my only real criticism is that the writer doesn't give the reader enough of the feeling of the middle ages. The violence is there, and the physical and religious ignorance, but the filth and discomfort they lived in, the grim, cold darkness of their brief lifespans is lacking presence. I know that we're dealing with kings and queens but the sheer suffering of Everyman is glossed over. However - I loved the book. Her tales are addictive. I'm going to read them all - like yummy chocolates,

The second of this trilogy was true Chadwick! Her research is impeccable, and although it is a work of fiction, the framework is true to history. I just wish I had known the third book wouldn't be out until Oct 2016. I would have waited to read the first two since now I must wait to finish the story of Eleanor of Aquitaine. The author takes a true story in a dark time and weaves into it passion, heartbreak, joy and gives a picture of the hardships of that century. For those who love stories of knights and such, Chadwick's books will certainly meet that criteria. It is an escape into another century, but still shows that some things never change.

I really enjoyed this book. I am now an Elizabeth Chadwick fan. I will continue to seek out her work. I love how history comes alive in this work., It is educational in regards to the era. and biographical information of the historical characters..

Great book and so well written and researched. She brings the lives and times of Eleanor amazingly to life- you feel as though you are living through the times! Can't wait for third book in the trilogy!

This interpretation of Alienor really shows her as bitter and grumpy. It gets very tiresome that she complains almost constantly about Henry. She knew he was strong, willful, and a micromangager when she agreed to marry him. Actually it was what attracted her to him. Why did she think he would turn out differently? Penham's interpretation is much stronger. I appreciate Ms. Chadwick's writing - her Marshall series in the best. Alienor is just getting tiresome - she could have done things to stop having more children long before.