A Marriage of Lions

Author Elizabeth Chadwick
Narrator Helen Stern
Publisher Little, Brown Book Group
Publish Date 9 September 2021
Run Time 16 hours and 55 minutes
Format Audio
Genre Family life fiction, Historical fiction, Narrative theme: Love and relationships, Romance.

Listen to a sample

What to expect

An auspicious match, an invitation to war.

Historical Novel Society Editor's Choice

'Picking up an Elizabeth Chadwick novel you know you are in for a sumptuous ride'
Daily Telegraph

*

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.

'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

*

Praise for Elizabeth Chadwick

'An author who makes history come gloriously alive'
The Times

'Stunning . . . Her characters are beguiling, and the story is intriguing'
Barbara Erskine

'I rank Elizabeth Chadwick with such historical novelist stars as Dorothy Dunnett and Anya Seton'
Sharon Kay Penman

'Enjoyable and sensuous'
Daily Mail

'Meticulous research and strong storytelling'
Woman & Home

'A riveting read . . . A glorious adventure not to be missed!'
Candis

Critics Review

An author who makes history come gloriously alive

The Times

Stunning . . . Her characters are beguiling, and the story is intriguing

Barbara Erskine

Meticulous research and strong storytelling

Woman & Home

Elizabeth Chadwick is without doubt the Queen of Medieval Fiction. A Marriage of Lions is captivating; a beautifully written thirteenth century epic inhabited by memorable personalities who step from the past and feel gloriously present.

Carol McGrath, author of The Damask Rose

An even greater than expected treat! Elizabeth Chadwick’s work always delivers a combination of faultless historical research and astonishing insight. A Marriage of Lions turns the spotlight on one of the greatest heiresses of her generation, and her surprisingly successful arranged marriage to the King’s notoriously unpopular half- brother. An unmitigated joy.

Sara Cockerill, author of Eleanor of Aquitaine and Eleanor of Castile

Elizabeth Chadwick is a master at bringing history to life and making the characters live and breathe for today’s readers. Fascinating history, the political concerns of war and the domestic concerns of medieval married life are welded together seamlessly.

Deborah Swift, author of The Poison Keeper

Elizabeth Chadwick has a knack of getting into the heads and hearts of her characters, so that her books are impossible to put down. A Marriage of Lions is not to be missed, shining a light on the 13th century; the complex political manoeuvring, but also the family dynamics that coloured the politics.

Sharon Bennett Connolly

When I read Elizabeth Chadwick’s novels I always feel as if I’m looking through a window onto actual historical events, her writing is so vivid, and her research so superb. The portrait of William and Joanna’s marriage, which grows and thrives despite the travails of war and terror, is quite masterful.

Jane Johnson, author of The Sea Gate

Love, loss, hatred, heartbreak and survival all play their part in this riveting adventure which sees Chadwick at her storytelling best. Don’t miss it!

Blackpool Gazette

Known for both her historical accuracy and bringing interesting, nuanced characters to life, Elizabeth Chadwick’s latest novel is no different … this is another must-read from Elizabeth Chadwick

Press & Journal

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