Anne and Louis: Rulers and Lovers

Ann and Louis: Rulers and Lovers is the third in Rozsa Gaston’s Anne of Brittany series. 

Opening in 1501, Ann and Louis must arrange their daughters’ future. Salic law prohibits a woman inheriting Louis XII’s crown. Louis is becoming increasingly conscious of the importance of his daughter, Claude’s, future marriage. So much so he begins making secret plans. However, no such law prohibits Claude from ruling Brittany - a priority of Anne’s. 

Gender and social politics frame much of this instalment. Our protagonists understand that they are navigating the territory that will have consequences. 

I know little of the period but never felt lost as Gaston deftly instructs the reader of the setting, characters and historical basis. With elegant, lucid prose it never overwhelms and the reader - she shows rather than tells. The characters are fully formed, and one can empathise with their situations.  I loved the craftsmanship and evident research Gaston does.

I had missed the second instalment, Passion and Politics in Early Renaissance France. For this reason,  I spent the last week reading both volumes. I was sad to finish. 

I both enjoyed and recommend the series. I've purchased all three for a friend for Christmas. It’s a real joy. I’m grateful to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this series.

This is the third book in the Anne of Brittany series and while I haven't read the other two i found it easy to follow this one  and recommend it

My first book on the history of the French monarchy and it left me wanting to know more!  Well written and easy to follow; couldn't put it down once I started reading.  
The only issue I had was that there were some paragraphs in several of the chapters that were not part of the story and could have been left out.  Other than that it was a great lesson in French history and I'm on to my next one to learn more!
Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC copy!

The Court is my favorite place to be! I'm sure I was born in the wrong era! Rozsa Gaston makes being in the Court of France so easy and intriguing. This is the third in a series, but each book can be a stand alone. Her books will appeal to Young Adult readers as well as old Royal watchers like myself. Highly recommended!
I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley. Thank you, Netgalley!
All opinions are my own.

History buffs will love this tale. Ms. Gaston has brought to life a period in history with great sympathy. Follow Anna as she tries to keep Brittany free from French rule while being married to Louis the king. What a spunky and smart ruler she was! This historical drama is rife with intrigue and castle politics. 

Add in Isabella and Ferdinand of Spain and you get a particularly spicy and turbulent dynamic. Ferdinand does not keep his word or treaties whenever he thinks he can get away with it. Marriage intrigue is also a pivotal part of inter-royalty life. 

Miscarriages plague Anne and the attempt to provide a male heir to the French throne is heartbreaking. Her daughter loves her step-father Louis but is betrothed at a very young age to a scoundrel. I was amazed at the way Anne tried to get her daughter to learn the fine art of manipulating men. Most men get no preparatory training in the art of manipulating the fairer sex!

Political intrigue throughout the kingdom is a never-ending struggle. It makes me wonder how anyone survived those turbulent times. Historically accurate fiction well written, easily envisioned, and engrossing. Book 3 of the series but can easily be read as an immersive standalone. My hat is off to Rozsa, she did an exemplary job on this book.

We received this digital download from the publisher through NetGalley and appreciated the opportunity to read and review. Totally recommended! 5/5 Stars CE Williams

Anne and Louis: Rulers and Lovers by Rosza Gatson~ Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this. I discovered this book quite by accident as I was searching for historical fiction and this certainly delivered. Incredible in-depth detail of what life at court was truly like and well researched. Anne twice crowned queen of France and Louis Xll had an ideal marriage for royals in which not only did they actually like each other but they were in fact passionately in love. Unfortunately though their marriage only has produced one child, a princess and many failed attempts at an heir. Their daughter Claude who is currently betrothed to Charles of Luxembourg is only two and unaware of what expectations will be required of her as she ages. Anne’s deepest wish is that she’ll be able to pass down her Birthright of Ruler in Brittany over to Claude and knows that only this marriage will allow her to do this. When the king becomes severely ill he realizes that he may never have a male heir from his own blood line and in a desperate attempt to achieve this he voids the marriage contract and outlines in his will that she is to marry his current heir Francis d’Angoulême. But what he really fears is just how angry his queen will be when she finds out and if she’ll honor his orders. 
Although I very much enjoyed the history and art I was a little put off by the writing style and almost felt as if there were gaps within the chapters. I also felt that Anne was entirely too shallow at times and naive, which may just be how the author portrayed her. Nevertheless I would definitely recommend for an history lover or anyone looking to learn more about French monarchs.

Having read the first two books in the Anne of Brittany series I was very happy to receive the third book from Netgalley in return for a review. I enjoyed this book as much if not more than the first book. The first two books covered Anne from her childhood through her her first marriage with Charles VIII of France and after his death her subsequent marriage to Louis XI. 
     This book opens with Anne and Louis awaiting the arrival of Philip of Flanders and Juana of Spain. Anne and Louis hope to betroth their daughter the Princess Claude to Philip and Juana's son Charles. The book also relates Louis' wars in Italy and Anne's heartbreaking attempts to try and provide France with an Heir.
     Although this is a work of historical fiction it is quite accurate and an excellent and enjoyable read. There is a bibliography if the reader wishes to reader more in depth about Anne of Brittany. There are also numerous illustrations scattered through this book which make this book even more interesting.

Thank you NetGalley for the digital ARC. I did sit on this book for a bit as i had many to read. I do regret that now. I really enjoyed this book. I am a lover of all things history and luckily i knew Louis' history from before Anne so I was able to follow right along.