A Marriage of Lions: An auspicious match. An invitation to war.

Main ideas:

• The novel follows Joanna of Swanscombe, a chamber lady to the queen who unexpectedly becomes a wealthy heiress and marries King Henry III's half-brother, William de Valence.
• Their marriage stirs up political unrest and the couple faces challenges as England descends into civil war.
• William is forced to flee for his life, leaving Joanna to navigate court politics and protect her family and fortune.
• The story is set in 13th-century England and explores themes of power struggles, survival, love, and courage in the face of danger.

Overall, "A Marriage of Lions" is a compelling historical fiction novel that delves into the lives of lesser-known historical figures. It portrays the challenges faced by Joanna and William as they navigate the complexities of court politics and the turbulent times in medieval England. Through meticulous research and strong storytelling, Elizabeth Chadwick brings to life the vivid characters and historical events of the era.

'Picking up an Elizabeth Chadwick novel you know you are in for a sumptuous ride.' - Daily Telegraph

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 flee 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.

'Elizabeth Chadford has taken the few facts known about Joanna's life and turned them into a rich, detailed portrait of a woman attempting to survive brutal court politics.' - The Times

Praise for Elizabeth Chadwick:

• 'An author who makes history come gloriously alive' - The Times
• 'Stunning . . . Her characters are beguiling, and the story is intriguing' - Barbara Erskine
• 'Meticulous research and strong storytelling' - Woman & Home
• 'Elizabeth Chadwick is without doubt the Queen of Medieval Fiction. A Marriage of Lions is captivating; a beautifully written thirteenth century epic inhabited by memorable personalities who step from the past and feel gloriously present.' - Carol McGrath, author of The Damask Rose