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.