A Triple Knot - Emma Campion

Girls from the royal family knew that they were just pawns in the marriage market. Sold to the most important, strategic mainly buyer. Joan was to be no exception. A cousin of Edward III whose wife is so protective of his interests, he is constantly at war and hence seeks what is most advantageous for himself and his heirs.

The fact that Joan is very attracted to Holland who is just a Knight is not even taken into account by the King or his family and for that matter even her mother. Her mother seeks protection not just for Joan but for their assets and properties and she knows that going against the King is the last thing Joan should do.

Joan is a headstrong young lady and enters into a betrothal with her lover who then goes to war. Subsequently she is forced into a marriage with Will and despite her protests that she is in all effect married to another, the marriage goes through.  To add to the complications, we have Edward her cousin madly attracted to her and determined that she would get married to him against all odds (his family for one thing).

The story is more about Joan than anyone else. Despite being set in very turbulent times - the Plantagenet era was anything but smooth sailing and we have to add the terrible plague which fell upon the country decimating the population. 

Joan was determined, beautiful and got her own way despite upheavals that came her way. I enjoyed the book very much, admiring Joan for her perseverance in what was very difficult circumstances - incarceration in a castle amongst others.

I however thought the cover slightly over the top and not in keeping with the history of the era. Maybe I am alone in this but covers do attract the reading public.

The book was sent to me courtesy of Netgalley via Crown Publishing. Thank you.