REVIEW: The Queen's Choice (Anne O'Brien)

Book: The Queen's Choice

Author: Anne O'Brien

My rating: 3/5.

Premise: France, 1399. The Duke of Brittany is dead and his widow, Joanna of Navarre, has inherited control of their land - a testament to her intellect, integrity and political prowess. Then comes an unprecedented proposal from Henry IV, King of England. The price of becoming his Queen? Abandoning her homeland and sacrificing her independence. But the union between Joanna and Henry would bring the chance of a vital alliance between two proud states – if they will allow it.

I love a good medieval historical fiction. It's one period that wasn't get covered in much depth at school. This book follows Queen Joan (a woman I had never heard of before!) as she navigates the politics of the court of England. I love how switched on and fiesty she is. Throughout the book, we see the barriers she has to overcome, walking the fine line between helping but not being seen as meddling. Joanna certainly knows her worth and can hold her own. I did get a bit annoyed with how proud she and Henry could be. It got a tad repetitive how she'd be shut out, they'd argue, then they'd make up a bit. Also, by keeping her out of it, we don't get to see as much of the politics, which is one thing I enjoy about these historical books. An interesting book though and a woman I'm glad I've read about!