“The Girl of Many Crowns” is the true and inspiring story of Judith, the first princess of France, who is a pawn in a complex political game of chess as her father, King Charles, tries to hold on to his kingdom. King Charles, grandson of Emperor Charlemagne, is beset on every side by Vikings, rebel lords, and greedy neighboring monarchs. He marries 12-year-old Judith to Aethelwulf, the aging King of Wessex, for political advantage. When she is widowed less than two years later, he arranges a second marriage for her. But, when Judith refuses to marry a third time at her father’s command, King Charles imprisons her in one of his palaces.
Baldwin Iron Arm is a powerful knight from Flanders who pledges loyalty to King Charles and his family. As the companion of Judith’s brother, Louis, he fulfills his oath by protecting King Charles’ family from Vikings, rebel lords, wars, and assassination plots. He is conflicted when he must choose between obeying the king and rescuing his daughter Judith from her imprisonment.
This very immersive, well-researched story will tug at your heartstrings and have you cheering on our very brave main character, Judith. Married at 12, windowed twice and refusing a 3rd marriage, your heart will go out to Judith and all of those who help her try to find happiness.
As I was reading this story, I kept thinking about how the care and love the author put into these characters very clearly showed. That was before I knew that the author is a decendant of the main character, Judith, the first princess of France. This story is a mix of real and fictional. Real people, mostly real events, fictional conversations, and such.
The last couple of chapters had me so invested. Knowing they were real people and the fact that they were so well researched and flushed out made it so much more exciting.
If you love historical fiction, I recommend reading this one!
I was lucky enough to receive a signed copy from this wonderful author!
Big thank you to D.H. Morris and @ireadbooktours for the opportunity to read this lovely story.
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