The Autumn Throne (Eleanor of Aquitaine trilogy)

Main ideas:

• The novel concludes the trilogy that began with "The Summer Queen" and continued in "The Winter Crown," focusing on the life of Eleanor of Aquitaine.
• Eleanor, imprisoned by her husband King Henry II, refuses to let his bullying and mistreatment break her spirit.
• After Henry's death, Eleanor becomes the dowager Queen of England but faces challenges from her sons who are competing for land and power.
• Eleanor embarks on a daring journey across the Alps in winter to bring Richard his bride and travels throughout medieval Europe to ransom her son.
• She must use all her courage and fortitude to navigate the complex politics and keep peace among her warring sons while also securing positions of power for her daughters.

Overall, "The Triumphant Conclusion" is a historical fiction novel that portrays Eleanor of Aquitaine as a determined and resilient queen. It explores themes of family dynamics, power struggles, and the strength of Eleanor's character as she faces challenges and fights for the well-being of her children and her own place in history.

Eleanor of Aquitaine's powerful story is brought to a triumphant and beautiful close by much-loved author Elizabeth Chadwick in the trilogy that began with The Summer Queen and continued in The Winter Crown.

A loving mother. A betrayed wife. A queen beyond compare.

Imprisoned by her husband, King Henry II, Eleanor of Aquitaine, Queen of England, refuses to let her powerful husband bully her into submission, even as he forces her away from her children and her birthright.

Freed only by Henry's death, Eleanor becomes dowager Queen of England. But the competition for land and power that Henry stirred up among his sons has intensified to a dangerous rivalry.

Eleanor will need every ounce of courage and fortitude as she crosses the Alps in winter to bring Richard his bride, and travels medieval Europe to ransom her beloved son. But even her indomitable spirit will be tested to its limits as she attempts to keep the peace between her warring sons, and find a place in the centres of power for her daughters.