THE QUEEN'S PAWN by Christy English, 2010.

Well written first novel by this author. In 1169, Princess Alais of France is sent to England at age nine to be brought up in the court of Eleanor of Aquitaine until it is time for Alais' marriage to Richard, son of Eleanor and King Henry II. The innocent Alais is taken in by Eleanor, and they grow to love one another, and Alais falls for Richard as well. She knows that she is a pawn on the political chessboard, and that her marriage to Richard is to keep peace between England and France. The fact that Alais' father, King Louis VII, was once married to Queen Eleanor and divorced her, adds a spicy element. By 1172, Eleanor has taught Alais well, providing her with the skills necessary to play the power game as a woman in a man's world. Suddenly finding herself shockingly betrayed by both Richard and Eleanor, Alais is determined to chart her own future, involving the King and becoming a threat to the Queen herself. Their love for each other could be destroyed by dark secrets, lies, rivalry, political machinations, and revenge. I found this somewhat reminiscent of Goldman's The Lion in Winter in terms of language and politics and general personal loyalties and betrayals. The whole love/hate thing permeates the book.There is more of a romantic element present, but it didn't bother me. I thought the author captured her characters, most of whom were real people, very well, with all their various traits, emotions, and flaws. Set mainly in the castles of Windsor and Winchester, English provides ample historical details that add color to the story. Having the story told by Alais and Eleanor in alternating chapters was an interesting choice, as it enabled the reader to view some events from two different viewpoints, plus allowed the characters to develop more. It is always interesting to me to read a good story about an historical personage that not much has been written about. Recommended.