In this stunning debut novel, Sophie Perinot unravels the
complicated, but enchanting story of two medieval queens
overlooked by history. Marguerite and Eleanor are the two
eldest daughters of the Count of Provence and Beatrice of
Savoy. Beatrice is renown for her beauty, but more so for
her royal Savoy blood. The Savoyards are a wealthy and
ancient family considered prizes for the kings of Europe.
When the King of France, Louis IX and the King Henry III of
England seek a bride, they look no further than the beauties
of Savoy.
Marguerite is the eldest daughter of the Count of Provence.
She is considered the most beautiful and sweet tempered.
Marguerite is matched with King Louis IX and is immediately
enchanted with the handsome French King. Although Marguerite
is separated from her family, she finds comfort in the
unexpected and passionate love she feels for her husband.
But Marguerite and Louis' fortunate love match must
withstand Louis' overzealous devotion to the church and the
overbearing influence of his mother, Blanche of Castile, the
Dowager Queen.
Eleanor, the second eldest daughter of the Count of
Provence, is married to King Henry III of England. While her
sister is docile, Eleanor is headstrong and opinionated.
Although Eleanor is disappointed that the English king is
not as handsome as the King of France, Eleanor finds a rare
love with the English king. However, their marriage is
threatened by the instability growing in the heart of
England. Although a generous king, the unruly barons
threaten the future of Eleanor's son, Prince Edward. When
Eleanor attempts to fight for the future of her son, she
threatens the peace and happiness she has found with King
Henry.
THE SISTER QUEENS follows the lives of two queens who take
turns narrating the book. Marguerite's story begins with the
girlish excitement of marrying the most handsome king in
Europe, but her letters soon reveal a queen desperate to
produce an heir in order to save her marriage. Eleanor's
letters initially provide a comfort to a queen who must
compete with the affection of her mother-in-law and her
husband's growing obsession with the church. However, over
the years, the sisters roles are reversed as Marguerite
experiences love for the first time. Eleanor, on the other
hand, begins to accept that her husband cannot provide the
leadership England needs to ensure the future of her son.
Sophie Perinot's magical storytelling transforms history
into a page-turner medieval saga. Although the novel is
nearly 500 pages long, readers will crave for more of
Marguerite and Eleanor's story. Perinot really does an
amazing job that brings two obscure historical figures to
life and evolving them from young girls into powerhouse
queens who rival the power of kings. THE SISTER QUEENS
brings the majesty of the French and English court in the
thirteenth century to life in every page. History buffs will
love how Perinot mixes fact with fiction to create this
enthralling story of two queens. This is the must read novel
of the summer for anyone with a passion for historical
fiction.
Patient, perfect, and used to being first, Marguerite
becomes Queen of France. But Louis IX is a religious zealot
who denies himself the love and companionship his wife
craves. Can she borrow enough of her sister's boldness to
grasp her chance for happiness in a forbidden
love?
Passionate, strong-willed, and stubborn, Eleanor
becomes Queen of England. Henry III is a good man, but not a
good king. Can Eleanor stop competing with her sister and
value what she has, or will she let it slip
away?
The Sister Queens is historical fiction
at its most compelling, and is an unforgettable first novel.
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