The Marriage Prize

Don't you just love its cover? It's so much more romantic than the usual half naked couple you get from the paper back romance books. The story is just as beautiful. Virginia Henley is a master at mixing romance and history. At the beginning I was skipping the historical background, but very soon I was just as involved with the political power struggle as the relationship between Rodger and Rosamond.If you like this book, you would love A YEAR AND A DAY too. I think its cover is even more beautiful than this book's. But you may not fall in love with the hero Lynx as early as you might Rodger, for Rodger is such a lovely man!

At the tender age of twelve young Rosamond Marshal is betrothed to Sir Rodger de Leyburn, future royal steward and loyal comrade of the heir to the throne, Prince Edward Plantagenet. Rosamond has been left an orphan by the deaths of her parents, and the subsequent tragic death of her older brother Giles, at a jousting tournament. Alone in the world, Rosamond is taken as a ward under the guardianship of the powerful Warlord, Earl Simon de Montfort and his wife Princess Eleanor, sister to King Henry. The deMontfort's holding, Kenilworth supplies Rosamond with all of the security and comforts befitting a young heiress. Although Rosamond has no desire to wed, she agrees to the marriage in deference to the de Montforts who are trying to create stronger ties with young Prince Edward, in with the hopes that he will be able to influence his father the dissolute King Henry, to call Parliament, and stop favoring foreigners over his English subjects. As the years pass by, Rosamond grows into a stunning beauty with glorious golden hair. One glance at her, and Rodger de Leyburn is instantly attracted not only to Rosamond's beauty, but also her willful spirit. However, England is starting to come apart at the seams as the Barons loyal to Simon de Montfort, and those loyal to the crown prepare to face off in an inevitable civil war. Rosamond is torn between loyalty to her former guardians the de Montforts, and her husband,Rodger de Leyburn who is loyal to Prince Edward. In the ensuing conflict, secrets are revealed and trusts broken, as Rosamond and Rodger face a catastrophe that can either bind their love for eternity, or destroy it forever.Ms.Henley succesfully weaves a tender and passionate love story into the folds of a bloody civil war. She demonstrates her knowledge of history with great skill, and gives all of her characters both historical and fictional, a distinctive flair and unique presence. Bringing her Plantagenet trilogy to a close, this book certainly sums up the lives of the characters in all three books. In all a wonderful end to a fascinating lesson in medieval history, and the challenges facing women in Plantagenet England.

This is the third book to the Plantagenet trilogy that started with THE FALCON AND THE FLOWER-book was centered around King John Plantagenet, the second book is called DRAGON AND THE JEWEL-wich is about King Henry III, King John's son. This book, THE MARRIAGE PRIZE, is about King Edward's rise to power. It is a true "fairy tale" in every sense. Rosamond Marshal is the royal ward of Simon and Eleanor de Montfort,(the main characters from THE DRAGON AND THE JEWEL). She is betrothed to Sir Rodger de Leyburn when she's 12, but when she turns 17 and Sir Rodger comes to collect his bride, she refuses to wed him. Eventually he shows her to love, and he falls madly in love with her. But England is about to erupt in civil war with none other than her protector since she was a child, Simon de Montfort and King Henry III. Sir Rodger is Prince Edward's steward, when war is right on the horizon, Rosamond and Rodger's love is in danger. What side will Rosamond take? Can thier love survive? This is a heartwrenching story of survival and sacrifice. Virginia Henley is true to her history. We get to see two sides of this story from two books. The second of the trilogy, Simon's side and then this, the third, the King's side. She also brings back the character Rikard de Burgh from the 1st book. This is a piece of history not to be missed. Henley is a wonderful and senual storyteller, she brings these people to life. None should miss any of these books. They are all keepers. =)

Rosamond Marshal had been betrothed to Sir Rodger de Leyburnsince she was twelve years old and he, fourteen. And since the age oftwelve, Rosamond had been plagued with hellish nightmares of someone charging down on her on a big black horse. Rosamond Marshal was very independent and knew exactly what she wanted. And what she didn't want. And what she didn't want was Sir Rodger de Leyburn. The King figured that now that she was seventeen and Sir Rodger had just returned from acquitting himself admirably on the battlefield, it was high time their betrothal was consummated. When Sir Rodger arrived at Kenilworth Castle to claim his bride, he instantly knew that he had his hands full. Not only would the woman not marry him, she wouldn't even talk to him! It would take a lot of patience to break through that ice wall she had put around herself. But break through it he would. She was his, and Sir Rodger had every intention of claiming his rights! This latest Virginia Henley saga of medieval England is a sexy history lesson of England's struggle over her throne. The battle between the royal Plantagenet family and the wealthy Simon de Montfort over control of England has been told in many different manners. But never has it been told with so much humor, insight and sexy plots as Ms. Henley's version. A definite five stars!

In 1253 England, adolescent Rosamond Marshal learns that her older brother died in a jousting accident. Three days later, strongly encouraged by her guardians Simon and Eleanor de Montfort, the shocked twelve-year-old heiress numbly agrees to one day marry Rodger de Leyburn.Five years later, Rodger arrives to marry his betrothed, but Rosamond prefers another knight. Still, she sees another facet to Rodger that leads her into marrying him. As they begin to fall in love, war explodes between King Henry and Simon. Rodger is loyal to the King's son while Rosamond is devoted to her former guardian, leaving their struggling relationship shaky and a probable victim of the war.Virginia Henley is renowned for her sensual historical romances that stir the blood of the reader. Her latest tale, THE MARRIAGE PRIZE, is a powerful conclusion to the author's wonderful Plantaganet trilogy (see THE FALCON AND THE FLOWER and THE DRAGON AND THE JEWEL). The story line is fast-paced and filled with action. The historical references show once again Ms. Henley's love of history as the tidbits and real persona enhance the plot with important roles. Though Rosamond seems more like the lead character in The Taming of the Shrew, she and Rodger provide a point and counterpoint reference that mirror the feelings of the divided country that Ms. Henley gracefully explores in this enjoyable medieval romance.Harriet Klausner