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Joanna Courtney has wanted to be a writer ever since she could read. After spending endless hours entertaining her siblings with made-up stories, it was no surprise when Joanna pursued her passion for books during her time at Cambridge University - where she combined her love of English and History by specializing in Medieval Literature. Joanna continued to write through her first years of work and then, married and living in Derbyshire, in the sparse hours available between raising four children. She teaches creative writing across the country and for the Open University. Joanna is fascinated by defining moments in history, of which the Battle of Hastings is certainly one. The outcome of that momentous day is one of the big 'what-ifs?' of England's past and she has loved being able to immerse herself in the world of the Anglo-Saxons, Normans and Vikings whilst writing The Queens of the Conquest trilogy. Klappentext ‘It is my intention, Duke William, to nominate you as England’s heir should I die without issue.’ William’s fingers closed so tightly around Mathilda’s that she had to dig her toes into her boots to stop herself crying out. ‘I am honoured, Edward.’ ‘You are. But be warned, Cousin – crowns sparkle far more from a distance. I can place the throne on your horizon but only you can tread the path to take it. Are you ready?’ William looked to Mathilda. She gave him a small nod and he turned resolutely back. ‘We are ready.’ For William the Conqueror's bride, Mathilda, there is only one prize - the English throne. Zusammenfassung The Conqueror's Queen is the third novel in Joanna Courtney's sweeping and romantic Queens of Conquest trilogy. A crown can be won, blood cannot be changed. Mathilda of Flanders is furious at her father's choice of husband for her. William of Normandy has a reputation as a rough warrior but after a violent start to their courtship Mathilda discovers him to be a man of unexpected sensitivity, driven by two goals: to win her heart and to win her a throne. Astoundingly the throne seems to come first, for King Edward of England invites the newlyweds to Westminster and declares William his heir. But with the passing of time, this secretive promise is soon forgotten . . . though not by William. Or Mathilda. As events either side of the Narrow Sea reach crisis point, Mathilda has to decide what she wants: heart or throne? How deep does her ambition run and what is she prepared to sacrifice to succeed? ...
