The Summer Queen

by Elizabeth Chadwick

Book 1 in the Eleanor of Aquitaine series.

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Audio available 4.2

In 1137, the death of her father makes thirteen-year-old Eleanor duchess of Aquitaine and one of Europe’s greatest heiresses. Marriage to the future Louis VII takes her into a French court divided by faction and piety, while queenship and the Second Crusade expose her to diplomacy, warfare and public scandal.

Eleanor’s determination to exercise authority brings her into conflict with Louis and the expectations placed upon a medieval queen. As their marriage fails, she must protect Aquitaine, secure an annulment and make the audacious choice to marry Henry of Anjou, creating a partnership that will transform the politics of western Europe.