Description
Book Synopsis Wales, 1093.
The warm, comfortable family life of young Nesta, daughter of Prince Rhys of Deheubarth is destroyed when her father is killed and she is taken hostage. Her honor is further tarnished when she is taken as an unwilling concubine by King William's ruthless younger brother Henry, who later ascends the throne under suspicious circumstances.
Gerald FitzWalter, an ambitious young knight is rewarded for his unwavering loyalty to his new King with Nesta's hand in marriage. He is delighted, having always admired her from afar, but Nesta's only comfort is her return to her beloved Wales where cannot help but be tempted by the handsome, charismatic and dangerous son of the Welsh prince, Owain. When he offers her the chance to join him in his plan to overthrow Norman rule she must choose between her duty and her desire . . .
Trade ReviewThis novel is a stunning evocation of a turbulent age in the history of Wales from a master storyteller who knows her period well. Elizabeth Chadwick weaves a colourful tapestry of the tale of the near-legendary Princess Nesta of Deheubarth, which is at turns moving and shocking. Powerfully written and deeply engaging, I cannot recommend it highly enough. * Alison Weir, author of HENRY VIII: THE HEART AND THE CROWN *
When you pick up a novel by Elizabeth Chadwick you always know you are going to be swept into a tale told in glorious Technicolour, full of wonderful characters, and thrilling adventure, and
The King's Jewel is no exception. I always love to feel I am learning when I read a good historical, and I know that when I read Chadwick's work, I can totally trust her to have researched every detail. Nesta is a particularly arresting protagonist, and you cannot help but feel for Gerald, who is drawn with care and empathy. Authentic, exciting, romantic, and gorgeously woven, this is historical fiction at its best. * Jane Johnson, author of THE SEA GATE *
Elizabeth builds an engaging story of a young woman who makes the most of a life forced upon her, but whose instinct to rebel sees her make decisions that are not always in her best interests...Chadwick creates a captivating story that will keep the reader enthralled to the very end...A thoroughly enjoyable novel...I can't recommend it highly enough! * Sharon Bennett Connolly, author of HEROINES OF THE TUDOR WORLD *
A compelling story of a passionate and complex woman, whose life was inextricably woven into the early history of Wales. Elizabeth has created one of her most intriguing and contradictory characters yet in this brilliant book. I loved it. * Barbara Erskine, author of THE DREAM WEAVERS *
