Published: Feb. 09, 2012
Words: 70207 (approximate)
Language: English

Short description

One of the great love stories in the history of Europe, this story chronicles how a desperate English bride and an obstinate Portuguese king married for power and politics. They never imagined their marriage would transform into a great love affair, the remarkable legacy of which was the launch of the Age of Discovery. Based on real people and events, its heroine will thrill you.

Extended description

This is a glorious chronicle of how a problematic marriage between a desperate bride and an obstinate king slowly transformed into a great love affair, the remarkable legacy of which was the launch of the Age of Discovery. Philippa of Lancaster, older sister of Britain's King Henry IV, hungered for her own power and influence when she married King Joao I of Portugal, a stubborn former priest. Although he had been assisted by Philippa's father, John of Gaunt, in salvaging Portugal's future as an independent country, Joao initially refused to share the same castle as his bride or to have any dealings with her. Educated, diplomatic and determined, Philippa was not easily deterred: She first persuaded Joao's mistress to enter a convent for life. Then Philippa then took Joao's two illegitimate children under her wing and treated them as her own, while she organized day to day business in the kingdom as though Joao were beside her. Slowly, he began to visit her and as they came to... (Read more) This is a glorious chronicle of how a problematic marriage between a desperate bride and an obstinate king slowly transformed into a great love affair, the remarkable legacy of which was the launch of the Age of Discovery. Philippa of Lancaster, older sister of Britain's King Henry IV, hungered for her own power and influence when she married King Joao I of Portugal, a stubborn former priest. Although he had been assisted by Philippa's father, John of Gaunt, in salvaging Portugal's future as an independent country, Joao initially refused to share the same castle as his bride or to have any dealings with her. Educated, diplomatic and determined, Philippa was not easily deterred: She first persuaded Joao's mistress to enter a convent for life. Then Philippa then took Joao's two illegitimate children under her wing and treated them as her own, while she organized day to day business in the kingdom as though Joao were beside her. Slowly, he began to visit her and as they came to know more about each other, to their great surprise Philippa and Joao discovered they were a match made in heaven. Their awkward marriage of convenience blossomed into a wonderful lifelong love affair. They raised an extraordinary family and launched Portugal's ascent into its Golden Age.
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Tags

1300s, romance historical, age of discovery, kings and queens, longbows, john of gaunts daughter, english heroines, england and portugal, portugal and england, joao i of portugal

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Reviews

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Review by: Sitt Elhosn on May 09, 2012 :
The story that is described in the novel of the true relationship between Philippa and Joao is fictional, through reading the ending of the story we get to know some true facts of this pair. Yet it is a good try to imagine how it might have occurred. A divine intervention indeed, where nobody knew how the outcome will end, while another had a foresight of a new and strong alliance between 2 countries Britain and Portugal. The author was skilled to bring us her side of the story nearer, and for me it ended just fine. An arranged marriage is never easy, both partners have to work out the problems and the misunderstandings. Sometimes our first impressions are not always guiding us righteously but due to the given commitment, the involved have to do their best to make it a prosperous and when one reaches high a successful one. More or less it is always the woman who carry the greater burden but this only shows how strong they are in the end. Woman like Philippa, wife, listener, adviser, parent had and have until now a great impact on world's history. A blessing to all woman in the world who try to make the life of their beloved ones a better one.
(reviewed long after purchase)

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