The Royal Rebel

Jeanette of Kent Duology, Book 1

By: Elizabeth Chadwick

Narrated by: Amy Noble

1338: England has declared war on France, and Jeanette of Kent, cousin to King Edward III, says goodbye to her family and travels overseas with the royal court for the first time. Once in Antwerp, she is captivated by talented household knight Thomas Holland, just as he in turn is powerfully drawn to her.

Although both know their romance is forbidden, their love for each other grows stronger than the danger they face, and they marry in secret. But before they can make their tryst known, Thomas has to leave for war, and in his absence, Jeanette is forced into a second marriage and locked away from the world.

Then Thomas returns, and the real fight begins. As hostile family members battle to keep Jeanette and Thomas apart, the defiant lovers vow to be reunited - whatever the cost...

From the award-winning and bestselling author Elizabeth Chadwick, comes an epic love story set against the tumultuous backdrop of high chivalry, deadly warfare, devastating plague and savage rivalry in the fourteenth century - the first of two parts telling the remarkable story of a woman who rose from royal rebel to crownless queen.

©2024 Elizabeth Chadwick (P)2024 Hachette Audio UK

Enjoyable version of history!

I didn’t think that I would make it through the first chapter of this book because I’ve long loved the novel, The First Princess of Whales, which provides a different version of the story, opposite relationship dynamics, and a different motivation for the character’s behaviors. Because I love Elizabeth Chadwick’s works, I continued to listen and became completely engulfed. Well done!!!

Excellent

This story had me from the beginning. I felt Jeanette’s struggle and appreciate the entire arc. She was quite a woman to still be amazed by her story and struggles a few years (I mean centuries) after her death. I’ll definitely relisten and am (im)patiently waiting for book 2!

History and culture are illuminated in this expertly researched historical novel. Beautifully performed.

I felt present in each scene. Smells, textures, seasons, the very air, and food of the time, permeated my mind. Character development felt authentic as did their conversations. I loved learning that the story closely followed actual events and characters lives!

More emphasis on details of daily life would would be welcome!

Historical

It got a bit monotonous but I still enjoyed it. I liked the reader and think I might read more from the author

Strong characterizations

Chadwick’s commitment to the historical record/ the character development make this novel interesting. But the long, frustrating battle for their marriage nearly wore me out. But I’ll take a slow Chadwick over any other author writing of this era.