It’s England in 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 finds her 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 run 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.
A Marriage of Lions by Elizabeth Chadwick is published on 9 September, 2021.
Elizabeth has written many historical novels set in the medieval period, particularly focussed on the life, times and family of William Marshall, the hugely influential and powerful nobleman and warrior who served six English monarchs in the late 12th and early 13th centuries. She tells Historia how she became fascinated by him in Lost and found: remembering William Marshal, the Greatest Knight.
