Joanna

Very interesting. I remember the first two books as more or less standard romances - well-written and nicely done, with well-drawn characters, but still rather generic in setting. In this one, the politics and especially the wars derived from them drive the romance. The marriage - which becomes just a betrothal - is set in train because a war-leader is necessary; over and over, the connection between Joanna and Geoffrey, and the misunderstandings, are triggered, driven, or modified by politics or Geoffrey having to go to war. It's an era I don't know much about but am interested in - I know Richard's reign pretty well but not John's, aside from the Magna Carta. I'll need to check facts elsewhere but Gellis is usually pretty good about show more making the setting accurate. I'm enjoying both the romance, which is a very rich story, and the historical aspects of the story. Very good. Unfortunately I don't have the next one in the series - I think I'll reread the first two and see if I misremembered them. show less

A very enjoyable historical romance, which takes place during the reign of King John . Geoffrey is the son of William of Salisbury, John's bastard brother which whom the king is very close. But due to jealousy, the king and especially his wife resent Geoffrey and scheme to discredit him. Joanna, his betrothed, is the daughter of Alinor of Roselynde, a very rich and powerful landowner. She and her husband Ian also share a rocky past with King John. Wars with Wales and France, intrigues at court, the ups and downs of Joanna and Geoffrey's relationship all contribute to a satisfying plot with likeable characters ...... except for King John, who is someone you love to hate.