A-Z April Blogging Challenge - Q - the QUEEN'S PAWN by Christy English

the Queen's Pawn by Christy English recounts the life of Princess Alais of France, who was destined to marry Richard, one of Henry II and Eleanore of Aquitaine's offspring.  I have read so historical fiction novels that graze over Alais, other than to mention she was left to languish in England for several years waiting to marry Richard and, eventually, caught the eye of the adulterous Henry.

I hope to learn much more about Alais and her life in the Queen's Pawn.  Welcomed by Eleanor as a daughter, the relationship sours when Henry begins to view Alais with typical undisguised desire.  Now Alais is Eleanor's rival, a battle the strong-willed Eleanor is determined to win.

A-Z April Blogging Challenge - H - HARLOT QUEEN by Hilda Lewis

Harlot Queen by Hilda Lewis recounts the life of Isabella of France, the wife of Edward II of England. An unfortunate moniker to be known by but, desperate for love and comfort, she turns to a lover.  Perhaps quite understandable when your husband forsakes the pleasures of the marital bed for intimate sport with other men.

These events occur at the tender age of 14 and, as she matures, her need to vengence against her husband's lovers grow and became an obsession.  Mayhem is the result.  When the royal family creates a disastrous situation amongst themselves, you can be sure that the common folk suffer the consequences as well.