I love this authors work. This is a captivating read. The writing is beautiful and the descriptions are so good. A great historical book

I unfortunately forgot to download the e-book on my kindle before it was archived and/or lost interest in the book because it’s been on my tbr for way too long, so I wasn’t able to read and review it (on time). Since I Must give a star rating, I’ve given it 3 stars to stay neutral/in the middle. Sorry to the publisher for not having gotten around to actually read it. I never request a book without the best of intention to read it and review it, since I know how important it is to the authors in particular. But sometimes life happens and/or reading preferences change so much that you just don’t always get around to read a certain book anymore, even though at the time of requesting I was definitely planning to actually read it of course.

History comes alive as only Elizabeth Chadwick can provide. I don't think I need to say anymore. Buy!

From her early childhood, Joanna of Swanscombe was brought up at the court of Henry III where she became a trusted member of the royal household. When the King's half-brother, William de Valance came to live at court in 1247 he and Joanna were married and it is their long, and complex, relationship which forms the heart of the story. Against the background of civil unrest, particularly leading up to the Second Barons War led by Simon de Montfort, William and Joanna will have their loyalty to the King tested beyond limits.

As always Elizabeth Chadwick gets right into the centre of the medieval world and brings to life the sights, sounds and atmosphere of a country in turmoil. A weak King and a set of ambitious courtiers make the perfect combination for political intrigue and with her usual fine eye for historical accuracy the complex story of early medieval politics comes to life. Whilst I knew a little about Simon de Montfort, I knew nothing of Joanna and William, so all credit to the author for giving the chance for lesser known figures from history to have their moment in the spotlight.

Beautifully written, with a fascinating second half to the story, A Marriage of Lions brings the medieval world to life with all the complexities of chivalric rivalry, political skulduggery and murderous intrigue. Bringing history alive is what this talented author does best and A Marriage of Lions continues this tradition in fine style.

I read this ARC for an honest review
All thoughts and opinions are mine

I love Elizabeth Chadwick's books so was thrilled to be able to read this

As usual, the depth of research is impressive. I find myself totally immersed when I read her books and would thoroughly recommend her as an author

Elizabeth Chadwick yet again brings history to life. Joanna married off to the kings half brother has to use all her wits to keep her family safe. For anyone who loves medieval history this novel is a must

Joanna is placed in the Royal Court to serve Queen Alienor, wife of Henry III. She has few prospects until tragedy strikes her family and suddenly she is a valuable heiress. The King weds her to his half-brother William de Valence and the couple become powerful at court. however Henry is a weak king and his nobles, led by Simon de Montford, are plotting.
This is another wonderful tale from Chadwick. Joanna is a very minor figure in history but she was at the heart of the Barons' Revolt of the 13th century and Chadwick uses her as a device for exploring this era in more detail. There are not many books set in this period and most tend to support the cause of the nobles however this is more skewed to the Royal family focusing as it does on the wife of one of the french interlopers. Little is known of Joanna but Chadwick fleshes her out well and this is a really entertaining and well-researched book.

I’m absolutely going to read more by this author. A Marriage of Lions has re-awoken my interest in historical fiction, particularly that based around English nobility and royalty ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I haven't come across many novels about Henry III and Eleanor of Provence, so I was pleased to find that they are major characters in Elizabeth Chadwick’s new novel, A Marriage of Lions. The main focus of the story, however, is Henry’s younger half-brother, William de Valence, and his wife, Joanna de Munchensy of Swanscombe. Those of you who are avid readers of Chadwick’s novels will know that she has a particular interest in William Marshal, hero of The Greatest Knight, and that many of her recent books have featured various members of the Marshal family. This is another, as Joanna de Munchensy is one of William Marshal’s grandchildren.

The novel opens in 1238 with the eight-year-old Joanna serving as a chamber lady at the court of Henry III and Eleanor of Provence (or Alienor as Chadwick spells the name). With several older male relatives, Joanna is seen as an insignificant member of the Marshal family until a sudden change in circumstances leaves her a very wealthy young woman with lands and titles of her own. In 1247, the King’s half-brothers – the sons of his mother Isabella of Angoulême’s second marriage to Hugh of Lusignan – arrive from France to take up positions at Henry’s court. The King becomes particularly fond of his youngest half-brother, William de Valence, and rewards him with marriage to Joanna, now one of the richest heiresses in England.

Although it’s an arranged marriage, it turns out to be a very happy one – but there are many at court who are not at all pleased with the favour being shown to William and his brothers. The powerful Simon de Montfort and his wife, the King’s sister, believe that part of the Marshal inheritance belongs to them and they set out to make life as difficult for William and Joanna as they possibly can. Meanwhile Queen Eleanor becomes resentful of the influence William and the other Lusignans wield over her young son, Prince Edward, and her previously good relationship with Joanna grows tense and strained. As the atmosphere becomes more and more hostile and the King’s power begins to weaken, Simon de Montfort and his barons see their chance to seize control of the throne and suddenly William and Joanna find themselves driven away from court as the country heads towards civil war.

I always enjoy Elizabeth Chadwick’s novels and this is another great one. Although I found it a bit slow to start with – the first half of the book is devoted mainly to the early days of Joanna’s marriage to William and the domestic details of their lives together – once the tension starts to build between the different factions surrounding the throne and the events leading to the Second Barons’ War get underway, it quickly became difficult to put down. I have read about this war before but only from the points of view of de Montfort and the King and Queen, so it was interesting to see things from the Lusignan/Marshal perspective.

I loved Joanna and William and the way their marriage is depicted. Their relationship is a close and affectionate one, based on trust and love, but the sensible, practical Joanna often finds herself frustrated by her husband’s more impulsive nature which leads him to make mistakes and damage both of their reputations at court. There’s not much information available on the real historical figures, particularly Joanna, but Chadwick’s portrayal feels convincing and believable and I enjoyed getting to know them both.

I always love getting stuck into a historical fiction read and knowing it will be lengthy and something to really get to grips with it. However, the length turned out to be this read's main flaw for me. It was just too long and became lacklustre and quite dull. Had some of the content been stripped out, I think it would have been much better.
As always with Chadwick, I enjoyed she has written about a lesser know but still important, woman, this time in the form of Joanna of Swanscombe. I thoroughly enjoyed learning about her life and seeing how she slotted in to important roles at court. I did enjoy this read but I did not love it.

Note: I received early access to this novel through netgalley in exchange for writing an impartial review. Thank you Little Brown.

Elizabeth Chadwick’s (one of my favorite historical fiction authors) latest novel centers on the little-known marriage between Joanna of Munchensi (c 1230-1307) and William de Valence (c. 1228 - 1296) — who become important figures at the court of England’s King Henry III (1207-1272). She is the granddaughter of the famous knight, William Marshall (1147-1219 -the subject of many of this author’s earlier historical novels). William de Valence is the son of Isabella of Angouleme (1186-1246) by her second husband Hugh de Lusignan (1183-1249). And since Isabelle’s first husband was the infamous King John (1166-1216 - of Robin Hood fame), it means William is also half-brother to King Henry III. (I know it’s confusing.)

In the author’s note at the end of the book, Chadwick summarizes much of what is actually known about these two historical figures. It turns out factual information about Joanna and William is limited. Yet Chadwick has taken what little exists and created a rich and wonderful reading experience, one where I not only felt I knew and understood these two main characters but also felt immersed in 13th century England.

Chadwick’s great skill as a writer is the way she weaves in simple details from the time period. A character visiting a market, or feeding unexpected visitors, or meting out justice to a lawbreaker — all become opportunities Chadwick uses to enrich our knowledge of the era.

By all historical accounts, Joanna and William’s marriage became a love match, a pairing of two intelligent and resourceful people. And Joanna is every bit as strong as her husband. Much of the drama in this story comes from the surrounding events of the time. Chiefly the barons lengthy rebellion against King Henry III, led by Simon de Montfort (c 1208- 1265 - husband to King Henry III’s sister, Eleanor) and his supporters. In fact, the book ends when that rebellion is resolved in 1265, even though the marriage of Joanna and William goes on for some 30 more years. (Perhaps Chadwick plans a sequel.)

I’m not sure why the author ended the book where she did, but I would have appreciated at least an Afterward with information about what became of this powerful couple in their subsequent years together. It would also have been OK with me to have a little less detail about the shifting politics of the rebellion, since my interest remained with the more personal stories of Joanna and William, their friends, allies, and even enemies — so many of whom were influential at the court of King Henry III and his successor, Edward I. Still, minor criticism and I HIGHLY recommended the book.

NOTE to Publisher: I usually post my reviews to Barnes & Noble, bookbub, Kobo, and Google Play - but this novel is not yet listed on those sites.

As I find my way back into reading for fun, I begin to remember how much I enjoy reading historical fiction. It’s something that my mother and I had in common (my mother and both of my grandmothers were great readers). A Marriage of Lions is simply wonderful.

Simon de Montfort’s legacy is well known but what of the men set against him? The half-siblings of Henry III are remembered as, well, grasping foreigners, but this book delves into their side of the story. Told largely from the perspective of Joanna of Swanscombe, a noblewoman who became an heiress , this is the story of her arranged marriage to William de Valence, the king’s youngest half-brother. Although they do their duty to the king by marrying each other, this is a love story, and it’s also a story of a remarkably strong-willed young woman.

This book is so well-written and so immersive. I admire any author who can make the everyday workings of a household as fascinating as the ongoing political intrigue, and who can move from the beautifully written intimacy of an evolving marriage to the wider war. One of the other things that hits hard is how fragile life was in the thirteenth century. Joanna and her older brother Iohan (John) are sent to court after their father remarries after the death of their mother. The first, most shocking death is that of Iohan, and that’s a warning of what is to come; there is violent death, as one might expect during a time of such unrest, but it is the quiet deaths, in childbirth, of beloved children, that hit the hardest and are written so well.

The relationships between women are also really compelling. Joanna’s mentor, Cecily de Sandford, is a wonderful character, who equips Joanna with the knowledge she needs to navigate life at court. Joanna’s relationship with the Queen changes is fascinating and emphasises just how tenuous her position in court really is.

I also fully appreciate how the author uses different spellings of the same names so we are never in doubt as to the identity of any given character; there is the Queen Alienor and the Spanish princess, Leonora; there is Iohan, and there is John de Warenne.

I’m absolutely going to read more by this author. A Marriage of Lions has re-awoken my interest in historical fiction, particularly that based around English nobility and royalty (and I’m not just saying this as someone who has relatively recently discovered a whole heap of royal ancestry!).

Rating: 5 stars.
TL;DR: a resourceful young woman and an ambitious young man navigate life in the court of Henry III, and loyalty prevails.

A Marriage of Lions by Elizabeth Chadwick

It is 1238 and Joanna of Swanscombe serves as a lady in waiting to Eleanor of Provence, Henry III’s Queen. Joanna’s future is uncertain despite her illustrious heritage – she is granddaughter to William Marshal – but many stand between Joanna and any chance of inheriting her family’s land and titles. But all of that changes and suddenly Joanna discovers herself to be one of England’s wealthiest heiresses. She has become a prize and the King decides to award her to his own half-brother, William de Valence. Now a grand lady in her own right, Joanna’s relationship with the Queen changes as the nobles of England, led by Simon de Montfort, turn against Henry’s half-brothers. Civil war grips the land and Joanna and William must use all of their skill to avoid the destruction of everything they hold dear.

Elizabeth Chadwick has long been a favourite novelist of mine and the novels of hers that I love the most are those that focus on William Marshal and his extraordinary family, as well as on the women who are less well known to history but nevertheless played a significant role in public life in the 12th and 13th centuries. A Marriage of Lions gives us just such a story, and it is every bit as wonderful as the author’s last novel The Irish Princess, which I adored. Joanna is a fabulous character and, as we follow her from childhood to middle age, we experience so much of life at the court of Henry III, domestic and political, a place divided by land- and power-hungry lords, these conflicts intensified by strategic marriages. There can be no peace for Joanna once she’s wealthy – others want that that wealth – and once she’s married above her station.

It’s a fantastic story and it immerses the reader in so many ways. The domestic details of a privileged life in the early 13th century are particularly interesting, with Joanna moving between palaces, castles and manors, turning fortified walls into a home, even travelling between England and the Continent. It is grand until we’re brought into the birthing chambers of Joanna and the women she knows. It is then that these women are faced with a life and death situation. The brutal reality is that women faced death throughout their child bearing years and Joanna, the Queen and other women in the novel give birth many times. Death is a companion and a shadow. Rank is irrelevant to it. There are moments in this novel of such sadness.

Then there’s the political and martial side to Henry III’s court. The son of King John, Henry is a weak ruler and often a weak man. The novel takes place over a fair few years and we watch Henry and his wife change in character. Joanna feels it keenly. It’s actually tragic to watch Henry’s decline and the Queen’s increasing hostility. The title of the book, A Marriage of Lions, is so well-chosen and apt. There are many lions and lionesses in this novel, not least of whom is Simon de Montfort, who is well drawn here as an appalling bully. Henry is trapped between big personalities, including that of his brother William de Valence, Joanna’s husband. I loved William. He is a man of action and a man who frequently makes errors of judgement but he is always likeable. His marriage with Joanna is arranged but it is strong. It’s such a pleasure to read about Joanna and William’s life together and the way in which they face their trials.

Elizabeth Chadwick illuminates this period of medieval history like no other author I can recall. The men, women and children of her novels are so believable and genuine. Their motivations and aspirations are so well understood. I’ll be visiting Goodrich Castle in Wales shortly and, when I do, I’ll think of Joanna walking in its grounds. She lived there so many hundreds of years ago but, thanks to Elizabeth Chadwick, I can feel a connection. Likewise, when I’m next in the grounds of Blenheim Palace, just down the road from me, I’ll stand where the royal palace of Woodstock once stood and imagine Henry III and his court feasting, laughing and fighting in its great hall.

A Marriage of Lions tells an utterly engrossing and captivating story, giving Joanna and William the limelight they deserve, bringing them out of the shadow of the monstrous and astonishing Simon de Montfort. I was particularly fascinated by the depiction of Henry III’s marriage but Joanna and William take centre stage and shine in this fabulous, immersive novel.

Other reviews
The Greatest Knight
The Scarlet Lion
The Time of Singing
Lady of the English
The Summer Queen
The Winter Crown
The Autumn Throne
Templar Silks
The Irish Princess

A powerful, well written and masterful take on the lives of Joanna De Valence and her husband William De Valence and the incredible and troubled lives they lived as stout allies of King Henry III. A moving tale that shows clearly the love they had for each other, their children, their King and country. I honestly struggled to put it down and found myself devouring any and all information i could find on the couple and the people that surrounded them. A five star read for me!

A sumptuous Medieval
tapestry taking place over
several decades during the tumultuous reign of
Henry III and his queen
Alienor of Provence, this
rollicking and truculent fictional feat embodies
all the best that English
historical fiction has to offer today.
Murderous grudges, family jealousies and boundless political ambitions collide at breathtaking speed and erupt in uncontrollable
violence admist the razzle-dazzle of the world of chivalry and its complex knightly system.
An unforgettable and fiery maelstrom of personal squabbles and political shenanigans that always threaten to topple down a teetering throne upon which seats a rather weak monarch. Historically accurate and cleverly plotted this magnificent novel should definitely please anyone interested in 13th century England and some its darkest and most violent aspects. Blessed with a cast of very colorful and unforgettable characters, this bold and entertaining historical romp deserves to be enjoyed without any moderation whatsoever👍👍

Many thanks to Netgalley and Little Brown for this terrific ARC

"A Marriage of Lions" is an epic Elizabeth Chadwick tale set in the mid 13th century. Henry III is on the throne but he is proving to be a weaker ruler than is required in these turbulent times. Simon de Montfort sets out to take advantage. As usual Elizabeth Chadwick has carried out meticulous research to include true historical characters and events in her narrative. A great novel of its type.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity to review this book.

A Marriage of Lions, An auspicious match. An invitation to war., Elizabeth Chadwick

Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance.

Tastes change as you age, but Elizabeth Chadwick's novels have been favourites of mine for a very long time, a good 25 years or so.
I don't read historical novels often, but love ones like these, set on a personal level, taking real events and people and weaving what could have happened from the research available. I love that I feel taken back in time, that I'm living events with the characters.
True to history there are hard times, casual violence, starvation and the ever present battles and loss of life. As always women are chattels to be disposed of in political alliances, and do as bidden by their male relatives....Tough times indeed.

I loved Joanna and her feelings and staunch loyalty to William. That was sorely tested at times. We can see when they first marry how William loves her, but is still very much a boy, where Joanna has always been ahead of her age and is the far more responsible of them. William and his brothers are at times careless, heedless of their position, and it brings him into some dangerous areas. Joanna has deep waters to smooth.
Still, life then was very turbulent, things could change day to day, those at the top brought down by a carefully worded whisper to the King. He has strong feelings for his half brothers – but their being French means there is a lot of jealousy from the English, even though William is very careful to be even handed and treat everyone equally.

As usual this story covers several years, and we see the main characters grow, see rivalries and dislikes become out and out hatreds, leading to some dangerous times. Its a fantastic read, one to treasure and reread.

Stars: five, another dip into history for me, losing myself for hours in times and ways long gone.

ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers

Unfortunately, I was unable to read A Marriage of Loins by Elizabeth Chadwick because I didn't manage to

download it to my mobile. What a pity!

I wish you lots of success with the book..

Another wonderful pacy novel by Elizabeth Chadwick. It covers the struggle for power behind the throne of Henry III between his half brothers and Simon de Montfort’s camp. Love these books. Despite an early read from NetGalley, I shall still be buying my own copy.

A Marriage of Lions by Elizabeth Chadwick is an excellent historical fiction novel that brings us straight into the heart of the 13th century during the reign of Henry III. It has it all: history, intrigue, action, romance, passion, loss, mystery, suspense, and an excellent narrative that was gripping from beginning to end.

I have read several books by Ms. Chadwick and have loved every one of them, so I knew when I saw this newest book that I had to read it. I am yet again very impressed. The author has a stunning ability to take true historic characters and be able to weave a relatable, honest, and fascinating narrative that fills in areas of uncertainty and really takes the historic notes and creates a story with a flourish that is truly addictive.

The story of the power/ruling struggles between Henry III, his family, the nobleman, and the push/pull relationships that took place was enthralling. I have read about Simon de Montfort, however not as much about William de Valence- King Henry III's half-brother that was challenging in his own right (that I can remember), nor of his wife Joanna at all. Chadwick was great in weaving a story that fit within the historical timeframe, events, and interweaved the fictional tale into the nonfictional line. If she was anything in real life as she was so carefully and creatively depicted here in this story, she was an impressive woman that was born well before her time.

I loved taking a trip into the past into the medieval times of England and immerse myself into the royals, court intrigues, and all of the struggles and battles for control and power that were associated. A great journey.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Sphere/Little, Brown Book Group UK for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to NG only at this time and will post it to my GR, Bookbub, Instagram, Amazon, and B&N accounts upon publication per publisher request.