Review: Four Sisters, All Queens by Sherry Jones

From the award-winning author of the controversial international bestseller The Jewel of Medina, a historical novel that chronicles the lives of four sisters, all daughters of Beatrice of Provence—all of whom became queens in medieval Europe. When Beatrice of Savoy, countess of Provence, sends her four beautiful, accomplished daughters to become queens, she admonishes them: Family comes first. As a result, the daughters—Marguerite, queen of France; Eleanor, queen of England; Sanchia, queen of Germany; and Beatrice, queen of Sicily—work not only to expand their husbands’ empires and broker peace between nations, but also to bring the House of Savoy to greater power and influence than before. Their father’s death, however, tears the sisters apart, pitting them against one another for the legacy each believes rightfully hers—Provence itself.

Told from alternating points of view of all four queens, and set in the tumultuous thirteenth century, this is a tale of greed, lust, ambition, and sibling rivalry on a royal scale, exploring the meaning of true power and bringing to life four of the most celebrated women of their time—each of whom had an impact on the history of Europe.

Book description from Goodreads


Introduction to my review: Have you ever read stories you enjoyed so much that when you sat down to gather your thoughts, you didn't know where to begin? Or it seems that anything you want to say or write doesn't quite do it justice? I feel this way about Four Sisters, All Queens. I don't believe there is anything I dislike about this story except that it ended!

I mentioned to Sherry yesterday that I'm having to re-write my review because I felt I was giving too much away. My review below will be nothing but praise and I hope it will encourage you to read this brilliant story.

My review: This poignant and powerful story is about four extraordinary sisters. Who-due to their mother's ambition-became queens. What is so intriguing about them is their distinctive personalities and how they shaped and molded Europe during a fascinating time in history.

There are several complex issues happening in this story but Sherry gives us a perfectly balanced and evenly paced story that will keep you enthralled to the very end.

Sherry does a wonderful job capturing the culture of the era, so good, in fact that one can tell she did extensive research. Historical accuracies is what avid readers of Historical Fiction such as myself want to see. I highly recommend this story to all.

I gave this novel five stars.

Stephanie
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