Joanna: The Roselynde Chronicles

Do not let the cheesy 70's cover fool you; this is solid historical fiction and not a mindless bodice ripping romance. Joanna is the daughter of Alinor of Roselynde and heiress to her mother's great landholdings. Her mother and step-father, Ian de Vipont want to betroth Joanna to Geoffrey Fitzwilliam who is the illegitimate son of King John's half brother William Salisbury. As Joanna and Geoffrey are called to court, they are caught up in the prevalent intrigues and corruption of John's court. King John's wife Isabella hates Geoffrey and his father and schemes to have Joanna seduced at court to cause embarrassment to Geoffrey. Joanna and Geoffrey are afraid to admit their feelings for each other, even as the attraction burns between them. They have many ups and downs and misunderstandings and separations as John battles the Welsh, infuriates his barons into rebellion, his attempts to recapture Normandy to the signing of the Magna Carta. As I said previously, this is not a light fluffy romance; a large part of the book is taken up meticulously recounting the history of John and his court, and may be a dry reading for some. However, if you are a fan of historical fiction, particularly Medieval, with a good romance thrown into the package this is worth your while if you can get your hands on a copy. The prices for this used paperback are a bit steep, but I shopped around and found one quite a bit less than listed here.

Richly detailed, a story as beautifully illuminated as a medieval chronical, characters that fascinate me, and occasionally astound me, a wonderful love story, and great sex. I no longer read this tale, I live it. I'm back for another copy that still has all the pages glued in. Third in the Roselynde Chronicles, this is an incredible meaty story set in England in the days of John Lackland. I really wish I could know these women...I really, really wish I knew these men...{though not King John}. Thanks to the author in measure full rich and overflowing. Buy several copies of this book if you plan to live awhile.

Roberta Gellis more than any other author I know of continues to give us a story rich in historical detail. This book brings to live the characters we are already familiar with in the two previous books, with an insiders look at the politics, and court intrege of King Johns reign. Both Joanna and Geoffrey bring alive the responsibilities and tensions of the era.

"Joanna" is the 3rd book in the "Roselynde Chronicles" and while it may not be as riveting as the first 2, it is an excellent read nonetheless. During this part, we see Joanna trying to protect herself from the hurt inherent in any true relationship and Geoffrey, her intended, unsure of how best to break through. We become more familiar with Geoffrey's history and family, and are entertained once more with the very captivating story of Alinor, who is all a woman should be and then some. We learn more of King John's treachery, and learn the some of the causes for the writing of the Magna Carta. A truly enjoyable read.

Roberta Gellis' Roselynde Chronicles are a MUST read..all of them, not just this book. Start at the beginning with Roselynde. I don't usually do series books but these were the best I've read in a long time.