In 1338, England has declared war on France, and Jeanette of Kent, cousin to King Edward III, says goodbye to her family and travels overseas with the royal court for the first time.
Once in Antwerp, she is captivated by talented household knight Thomas Holland, just as he in turn is powerfully drawn to her.
Although both know their romance is forbidden, their love for each other grows stronger than the danger they face, and they marry in secret.
But before they can make their tryst known, Thomas has to leave for war, and in his absence, Jeanette is forced into a second marriage and locked away from the world.
Then Thomas returns, and the real fight begins.
As hostile family members battle to keep Jeanette and Thomas apart, the defiant lovers vow to be reunited — whatever the cost…
The Royal Rebel by Elizabeth Chadwick is published on 5 September, 2024.
You may enjoy reading Elizabeth’s feature Lost and found: remembering William Marshal, the Greatest Knight.
For more historical fiction, have a look at our round-up of over 180 books published his year.
