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The Damask Rose

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The Damask Rose

By: Carol McGrath
Narrated by: Clare Corbett
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About this listen

1266. Eleanor of Castile, adored wife of the Crown Prince of England, is still only a princess when she is held hostage in the brutal Baron's Rebellion and her baby daughter dies. Scarred by privation, a bitter Eleanor swears revenge on those who would harm her family - and vows never to let herself be vulnerable again.

As she rises to become queen, Eleanor keeps Olwen - a trusted herbalist, who tried to save her daughter - by her side. But it is dangerous to be friendless in a royal household, and as the court sets out on crusade, Olwen and Eleanor discover that the true battle for Europe may not be a matter of swords and lances, but one fanned by whispers and spies....

©2021 Carol McGrath (P)2020 W F Howes Historical Historical Fiction Medieval Mystery Romance Royalty Fiction Middle Ages Suspense England

Critic reviews

"Well-researched.... Fascinating." (Joanna Courtney)

"Beautifully done.... Captivating." (Suzannah Dunn)

"Rich, vivid and immersive.... Enthralling." (Nicola Cornick)
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I enjoyed this book very much! This is the second book by Carol McGrath that I’ve read and loved. There’s a nice amount of historical detail along with great story telling and characters in the book. I particularly admired the way the author portrayed Eleanor’s role as mother. We see how Eleanor’s early infant losses, (at such a young age herself at 13-15yrs old), clearly traumatised her, resulting in her keeping her future children at a slight arms length, but she very clearly cares for them. It was a realistic, nuanced portrayal of a unique, talented, flawed woman in unique circumstances. Definitely very good historical fiction and I look forward to reading more books by Carol McGrath!

Wonderful!!

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