Eleanor, the Firebrand Queen by Helen Rayson-Hill is the first book in what is to be a series about Eleanor of Aquitaine.
This book tells Eleanor’s story through her eyes. Written as if you are reading her private journal with her deepest and darkest secrets and thoughts exposed.
Eleanor is well educated and able to speak, write, and read in several languages. One of her deepest passions is to read. For this, she is looked down upon and thought to be making out that she is smarter and better than men.
It is made very clear to her that it is not attractive at all for a woman to have an education. That her sole purpose is to marry a man of standing, look attractive upon his arm, and have his children.
When her father passes away she marries the son of King Louis VI of France. This marriage proves to be loveless and a disaster. So broken-hearted she finds love in another’s arms and longs to break free from her marriage. After some time her marriage is annulled and she is set free.
She meets and marries Henry Plantagenet. She enters this marriage by making sure that she still maintains control over her money, which was a very brave and wise move for a woman of that time.
I love to read about historical figures and educate myself along the way. Eleanor certainly gets my respect, what an inspiring woman. I can’t wait to read the books that are yet to come in this series and learn even more about Eleanor.
Author: Helen Rayson-Hill
ISBN: 9781922332370
Copy courtesy of IP (Interactive Publications Pty Ltd)
A selection of our Beauty and Lace Club Members are reading Eleanor, the Firebrand Queen by Helen Rayson-Hill. You can read their comments below, or add your own review.
Im a Mum of 3 beautiful girls.
An avid reader that loves to travel but lacks the funds to venture far and wide constantly. A perfumeaholic with an addiction to beauty and skincare.
If not found with my head in a book or on a plane I can be found spending hours upon hour in Doctors and Hospital waiting rooms as part of my job as a Carer
Thankyou Beautyandlace and Interactive Publications Pty Ltd for the opportunity to read and review ‘Eleanor, The Firebrand Queen’.
A great historical book and well researched by a very qualified author, Helen Rayson-Hill.
Eleanor, at the commencement of the book is 13years old and her sister Petronilla (Nilla) is 11years.
After the death of her beloved father (who ensured her education), Eleanor becomes the Duchess of Aquitane and discovers her late father has arranged her marriage to 15year old Louis the son of King Louis VI of France.
At 14 after the death of King Louis (who she declared a giant lump of blubber-although she did like him and found him to be kind) Eleanor became the Queen of France.
Although Louis her monk like husband and Eleanor were not compatible she set about improving the gardens and the palace. After five years she had a daughter Marie, who was removed from her care at birth.
Furthering my review would spoil the reading of this interesting and true account of Eleanor’s life. Historical but not without humour of a woman before her time, determined, sometimes wilful but very well educated.
I loved this story! I loved the style it was written in which was written in such a way to be relatable to our day, ( not stuffy English of 1600) and as a historical book, it was easy to read.
The author presented Eleanor as a relatable person, with her thoughts and insights to her life on the way to being a Queen. Eleanor became a person not a figure relegated to history. After reading I read up on her life and background a truly remarkable women for her time.
The story itself was so intriguing but also horrifying at the same time. Truth can be stranger than fiction. Imagine some of those events happening today.
Im happy to say, I cant wait to read the next books in this series.
To be honest I was unsure if I’d like this book, it was outside my usual genre and comfort zone. However once I started the book, I found it difficult to put down. The author managed to make an historical figure very easy to relate to and really brought her to life. Whilst I knew of Eleanor of Aquitane, I didn’t know much about her. Now, I want to know more about this very progressive and forward thinking woman.
I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Thank you Beauty & Lace and Interactive Publications for a copy of this book in return for my honest review.
What a well written book this was! Years ago you couldn`t get me interested in history if you tried as I found it rather boring but through watching movies and some series tv shows on history I became engaged and interested but its got to be well told and that`s exactly what this author has done. Helen is telling a story steeped in history surrounding Eleanor and how she was thrust into marrying a complete stranger due to a tragedy and wishes of her father.
Her future was clearly decided at such a young age that she had no choice to learn how to navigate a male dominated society while trying to hold her own. and make the best of her situation.
I found this book engaging right from page one and every time I picked it back up I was straight there again, right by Eleanor`s side. I found myself having a quiet giggle at Eleanor`s thoughts at times and finding I was always wanting the best for her as well.
I really have great admiration for Helen Rayson- Hill, she is such a talented, well educated and very knowledgeable writer and every now and then when I paused to think, I couldn`t get over how clever she is to bring this story together with engagement, richness, humor and information to keep a reader so immersed as she had my attention and I wont be forgetting this book any time soon.
Thanks so much Beauty and Lace, Glass House Books and the real Queen…………Helen Rayson-Hill for bringing history to life for me.
Loved it!
Can`t wait till next one.
Whilst reading “Eleanor, the Firebrand Queen” by Helen Rayson-Hill I felt like I was being allowed into the private life and thoughts of Eleanor. It is written like a private diary where the reader is immersed in her life, her thoughts and her incredible journey between the ages of 14 to 32. Although a historical novel, it certainly felt like the characters were relatable and the difficulties faced by Eleanor throughout her life were timeless. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel, grew very fond of Eleanor”s character through her intelligence, wit, dignity, passion and also the manner in which she shouldered her responsibilities towards Aquitaine, her husband and the expectations of the time period despite repeated hardships and suffering. I noticed that this is Book 1 in a series about Eleanor, I am certain I will seek out the subsequent books in this series.
Thank you Beauty and Lace Bookclub, Glasshouse Books, Interactive Publications for the opportunity to read and review “Eleanor, the Firebrand Queen” by Helen Rayson-Hill.
Well written and nailed the era to a tee.
I loved reading this beautiful presented book .
I loved the main character Eleanor who is the daughter of King Louis who passes away and Eleanor takes over the reins as duchess of Aquitaine.
But then she finds out her father has already arranged her marriage and at just 14 to louis the son of King louis the vi of France he was 15 and a boring monk .
Eleanor was not happy and but ends up married with a child .
I loved Eleanors humour in the story .
You will have to read the story to find out more and what happens to Eleanor .
Thankyou beauty and lace
For letting me read and immerse myself into a different era of Eleanor the Firebrand Queen by Helen Raison – Hill .
Thank you Beauty and Lace for the opportunity to read Eleanor the Firebrand Queen. This story is steeped in history, and is such an engaging way to learn about a vastly different era to our own. Although set such a long time ago, the story is written in such a way that Eleanor and her struggles and triumphs are relatable. This book would appeal to history buffs far and wide. A truely enjoyable book.
Although circumstances made it take me a while to pick this book up, once I did I did not want to put it down! I dove into this tale and immersed myself in the story of Eleanor. It was very relatable even in this time. I will definitely be on the watch for the books that are due to follow from this one.
It was an eye opening delve into history and I thank you for the chance to read and review