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A Marriage of Lions

An Auspicious Match. An Invitation to War.

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A Marriage of Lions

By: Elizabeth Chadwick
Narrated by: Helen Stern
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About this listen

An auspicious match, an invitation to war.

Historical Novel Society Editor's Choice

England, 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's 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.

©2021 Elizabeth Chadwick (P)2021 Hachette Audio UK
Fiction Historical Medieval Romance Marriage War King England Royalty
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Critic reviews

"Picking up an Elizabeth Chadwick novel you know you are in for a sumptuous ride." (Daily Telegraph)

"Elizabeth Chadwick has taken the few facts known about Joanna's life and turned them into a rich, detailed portrait of a woman attempting to survive brutal court politics." (The Times)

What listeners say about A Marriage of Lions

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  • Overall
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    3 out of 5 stars

It was ok

Very long and quite a good story but I didn’t like the narrator. Also hard to pick up if I’d fallen asleep listening as all the chapter titles are so similar

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  • Overall
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Just love this author

Great story !
Felt I was there. I can’t wait to listen to another story love the way it’s based on real life characters

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    5 out of 5 stars
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A brilliant historical novel

I really enjoyed this book, as I have all of Elizabeth Chadwick’s works. They are always meticulously researched, and she is very skilled at weaving known fact with fiction, so that her books can be enjoyed on more than one level. I love the way this writer describes so much everyday, mundane detail of life in the Middle Ages, making the period much easier to relate to on a human level. The narrator’s voice is very easy to listen to, and perfectly suited to the story and the ambiance of the time.

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1 person found this helpful

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Wonderful reconstruction

Another impressive, carefully researched reconstruction of the lives of famous historical characters. Elizabeth Chadwick inspires me to read further into the historic events in her stories.

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A beautiful and moving piece of historical fiction

This is a truly exceptional work of historical fiction. The love story is beautiful, and the writing is lyrical and confident. Elizabeth Chadwick's talent is one of a kind and in a class of its own. The Author's notes are a great addition and will fill you in on not only the author's passionate perspective but the factual outcome of these real-life characters. If you have never read or listened to her work and are a fan of the time period, I highly recommend this book. It is a great example of a chivalric or courtly love story that is not sappy. Add in the fact that there is a raging conflict in the background that leads up to the Second Baron's war and you have a perfectly balanced novel. I love history and always feel just a wee bit smarter after a Chadwick book.

This was well worth the wait for it to be published.

Helen Stern is a new narrator for me and overlooking a few bizarre pronunciations, the Audible version was good. It is definitely on my repeat list.

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    3 out of 5 stars

Not the best.

Abit soapy. The word ‘womb’ is heavily used. Syrupy declarations of love and devotion and lacks pace.
Honestly, I’d skip it if I could have my time again.

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The story in general is just ok, a bit mundane.

I think I was expecting more from Elizabeth Chadwick, it was more like a history lesson.


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marriage of lions

once again a great book by Elizabeth Chadwick excellent detail historically accurate well narrated .

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A marriage of Lions

I liked all of the story, nothing to dislike, it was a very brilliant interesting story, very well read !

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As always a wonderful story that Elizabeth Chadwick can write so well

All the characters so real and believable with the family links to William Marshall that great knight who served his kings with honour.
Thrilling, romantic and never losing the sense of historical authenticity. Thank you Elizabeth Chadwick for another masterpiece.

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1 person found this helpful