The Summer Queen

Eleanor of Aquitaine Trilogy, Book 1

By: Elizabeth Chadwick

Narrated by: Katie Scarfe

Length: 18 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

Eleanor of Aquitaine.

A loving mother. A betrayed wife. A queen beyond compare.

Eleanor of Aquitaine's story is legendary. She is an icon who has fascinated readers for over 800 years. But the real Eleanor remains elusive - until now. Based on the most up-to-date research, best-selling novelist Elizabeth Chadwick brings Eleanor's magnificent story to life, as never before.

Young, vibrant, privileged, Eleanor's future is golden as the heiress to wealthy Aquitaine. But when her beloved father dies suddenly in the summer of 1137, her childhood ends abruptly. Forced to marry the young prince Louis of France, Eleanor is still struggling to adjust to her new role when Louis' father dies and they become King and Queen of France. Leaving everything behind, the vivacious Eleanor must face the complex and faction-riddled French court. She is only 13.

Overflowing with scandal, politics, sex, triumphs and tragedies, The Summer Queen is the first novel in a stunning trilogy from award-winning and much-loved author Elizabeth Chadwick

©2013 Elizabeth Chadwick (P)2013 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"An author who makes history come gloriously alive." (The Times)

"Meticulous research and strong storytelling." (Woman & Home)

"A sumptuous ride." (Toby Clements, Daily Telegraph)

This book was well written and I fell in love with the characters.

This was my first Elizabeth Chadwick book and I absolutely loved it. I will be reading a lot more of her books now.

great escape if you like queens and kings

I downloaded this to listen to while I used the elliptical. I find it takes a really imaginative book to help me get through each workout. Some books are interesting enough, but it still takes too much effort to make it through an hour. This book allowed me to get completely lost in the 1100s, in the worlds of kings and queens. Before I knew it, whole chunks of time would pass by. Without question I will download her next book and take it to the gym with me.

Beautifully written!

loved it! I'm excited to listen to the Winter Crown!! I'm writing this review as it's being down loaded..

What a woman!

This is the 1st installment in the trilogy on Eleanor of Aquitaine's life. Ms. Chadwick is a great storyteller and picked a fantastic subject in Eleanor. I've thoroughly enjoyed both books that are currently out, and am looking forward to the third. If you are a lover of Philippa Gregory's books, you'll find Elizabeth Chadwick is just as good, if not better. Katie Scarfe does a good job on the women's voices, but a bit harsh and monotone on the men's voices. It doesn't take away from the story itself, but I can't give 5 stars to the performance.

A good rendition of an amazing woman

This was a delightful story of Eleanor. Of course it is fictional but certainly not total fiction. Considering the time and place, it is amazing the place she was able to hold in history.

Others have complained about the pronunciation of her name and the dreamy performance of the natrator. In contrast, I judge both by whether or not I was drawn into the story or stuck on the narrator or on poor writing.

I was fully engaged in the story and delighted to get back to it each time. I am looking forward to the rest of the story in the next book(s).

I enjoyed.

I found this to be an entertaining story that was performed well. I look forward to the other books i this series.

Entertaining and interesting

Wonderful presentation. The narration is pleasant and easy to listen to. Looking forward to the next book in the series

interesting listen

Its a fun story. A peak into what it would have been like, but having no clue if any of it happened that way. fun to think about.

summer queen

started out very slow and I almost stopped listening but it does pick up in the middle of the story

Fascinating saga of a fascinating woman

I have always been a little in love with Eleanor (or was it really Katheryn Hepburn?) as a historical figure. This book brings her to life in a totally credible & intriguing way. enjoyed every word of this masterful performance! Can't wait to immerse myself in " the rest of the story. "