Time and Chance

Once again Sharon Kay Penman doesnt disappoint!! I could not put this book down! I read it in 1.5 days and found myself once again drawn into the story line. You can almost feel as though you are racing down the lane with the army as they scrambled for battle, or with the queen in her apartments as she railed against what her husband had done, once again rejecting her advice and following his own thoughts. More often than not, Henry found himself at odds with those on his council, but he had learned from his parents marriage that the fewer who knew what was going on, the better.

Henry and Thomas Becket are the main characters in this story, and one that goes from close friendship to one of hatred between the two men. Becket upon his promotion to Archbishop of Canterbury suddenly seems to thwart the King in everything, where as before he was only to happy to help the King carry out his orders. As the tension grows between the two men, Becket flees England looking for asylum in France and for help from the pope himself. Henry at this time also becomes involved with a young woman, Rosamund Clifford, and when the queen finds out sparks are sure to fly!

This book kept me on the edge of my chair the entire way though! I couldnt wait to find out what happened next, and am now looking forward to reading the third book in the trilogy, the Devils Brood.

Nothing from Sharon Kay Penman is ever disappointing, and I would recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in Medieval history.