Title: To Be Queen – A Novel of the Early Life of Eleanor of Aquitaine
Author: Christy English
Genre: Historical Fiction
Published: April 2011, NAL Trade
About: (from Goodreads synopsis) After her father’s sudden death, fifteen-year-old Eleanor is quickly crowned Duchess of Aquitaine and betrothed to King Louis VII. When her new husband cannot pronounce her given name, Alienor becomes Eleanor, Queen of France.
Although Louis is enamored of his bride, the newly crowned king is easily manipulated by the church and a God that Eleanor doesn’t believe in. Now, if she can find the strength to fight for what she wants, Eleanor may finally find the passion she has longed for, and the means to fulfill her legacy as Queen.
My take: When I was a kid I remember being blown away by Katharine Hepburn’s portrayal of Eleanor in The Lion in Winter. So when I was offered a copy of To Be Queen I jumped at the chance to read about the young Eleanor of Aquitaine. I’m so glad I did because I really enjoyed it.
To Be Queen is the story of Eleanor’s quest to be Queen of France and by doing so protecting herself and her people. It would also fulfill her promise to her father. Eleanor is a strong and logical woman – which makes the men of the Church dislike her very much. Her husband King Louis is her opposite. He was raised by priests and trusts whatever they tell him. That being so, he does love Eleanor and tries to be a good husband despite being a weak man.
Eleanor soon realizes that she can only trust herself and a few select people. That’s how she lives the next several years with Louis. Although she tries to be a good wife and Queen, it’s a life that disappoints Eleanor. She’s such a strong and vital woman but is now relegated to trying to produce a male heir and not much else. When that doesn’t happen she realizes she has to take matters into her own hands. She will be responsible for her future.
Christy English wrote a wonderful novel. I enjoyed learning about the first part of Eleanor’s life and I’ll definitely seek out more of Ms. English’s books to read in the future. She kept me turning the pages into the wee hours. I recommend To Be Queen to fans of historical fiction.
Source: From the author.
Bookfan 
I missed it when Christy English came here and I’ve regretted it ever since. I’ve heard both she and her event were wonderful. I have several friends who will probably love this book.
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I don’t know much about Eleanor, and haven’t ever read anything about her, so this book seems like it would be excellent and very entertaining for me. I am glad to hear that you liked it so much and that it was such a good read. I am going to be adding it to my list. Thanks for the great review!
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Eleanor is one of those strong women I love to read about. That said, I have yet to read a book about this particular queen. Off to add this to the WWBL. Thanks for the intro!!
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I read a book recently and liked it, she is so cool and I sure could read more books about her
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I don’t think I am familiar with Eleanor. It’s a shame that Eleanor life was disappointing for her. This does sound like an interesting read. Seeing it kept you up to the wee hours of the morning, I may have to look for it in my library.
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I love Hepburn so I just added that movie to my Netflix line up! this book sounds right up my alley…I want to read it 😀
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Whoa, reading into “the wee hours” is sure a good sign. Glad you enjoyed the book so much.
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I’ll be seeing this in the mail next week. I couldn’t wait to just put it on my WWBL, had to have it.
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I hope you like it as much as I did, Vickie!!
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You’ve piqued my interest in this one. Thanks.
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I was blown away by Hepburn too and would love to learn more about Eleanor. Great recommendation.
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I’m glad to hear you liked this one. I have it sitting on my nightstand and hope to read it soon!
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Dance a major happy dance when I read your review – I knew it would win you over like it did me. I can’t wait to read Eleanor and Henry’s story next. You should try her first book The Queen’s Pawn- that was my introduction to Christy English’s talent – it got me hook line and sinker 🙂
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I also really liked this one; I loved the “feel” of it mostly; I could feel her frustration and admired her for being so able to work within the confines of her society and deal with the consequences of her decisions.
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