Book 1 of the multi-award-winning Historical Fiction series The Troubadours Quartet ‘Believable, page-turning and memorable.’ Lela Michael, S.P. Review 1150: Provence. On the run from abuse, Estela wakes in a ditch with only her lute, her amazing voice, and a dagger hidden in her underskirt. Her talent finds a patron in Aliénor of Aquitaine and more than a music tutor in the Queen’s finest … more than a music tutor in the Queen’s finest troubadour and Commander of the Guard, Dragonetz los Pros.
Weary of war, Dragonetz uses Jewish money and Moorish expertise to build that most modern of inventions, a papermill, arousing the wrath of the Church. Their enemies gather, ready to light the political and religious powder-keg of medieval Narbonne.
Set in the period following the Second Crusade, Jean Gill’s spellbinding romantic thrillers evoke medieval France with breathtaking accuracy. The characters leap off the page and include amazing women like Eleanor of Aquitaine and Ermengarda of Narbonne, who shaped history in battles and in bedchambers.
‘Historical Fiction at its best.’ Karen Charlton, the Detective Lavender Mysteries
Winner of the Global Ebooks Award for Best Historical Fiction
Finalist in the Wishing Shelf Awards and the Chaucer Awards
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Disclosure: I received this audio book free from the author with no expectation of a review, and I do not personally know the author. This is my honest review. Note – I make it a point to not outline plot points or anything that might give the story away.
I’m still new to audio books and this was only the 2nd I’ve listened to. I reviewed a clip …
A delightful romance!
Estella is not her real name but it’s the name she chose when she woke up in the ditch with a large dog snuggled against her back. Its the name she gave Queen Alienor when she joined the Queens company on their way to Narbonne as a musician and songster. The Queens knight, Dragonetz los Pros is also a Master Troubadour …
Great book
SONG AT DAWN: Jean Gill
It is 1150 in Provence. The times are complex and troubling, with rulers of small kingdoms vying for larger domains. A talented young singer, fleeing abuse in the company of her giant dog, is able to convince a knight to permit her to join his queen’s entourage. The knight is well known for his skills as a warrior, and …
I’m glad I finally found this author. She’s one of the best historical writers I’ve ever come across. Not only a fine control and development of her characters, but the details of the region she writes about; the incredible details of the historical period.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I wasn’t sure I was going to during the first chapter but once it found its pace it was a fascinating and involving read. Jean Gill has clearly done meticulous research. I know little about the period and place and enjoyed finding out – Gill is great on the musical aspects with lots of insights into instruments, …
Really liked this one. You could easily get into the characters and could not wait to read the ending. That was the sole problem, a too “bla” ending.
A Tale of Queens
In the time of the Crusades, religions tore the world apart. Not that constant warfare wasn’t the standard of the day, but now questions of faith had an additional fire to them as ecclesiastic and royal politics conspired and feuded, and Courtly Love inspired song, but was despised by clergy. This story somewhat follows the …
I enjoyed this book. I am always interested to read about the medieval period and have been to that area in France. Reading about the crusades and the presence of the Moors was very interesting.
An unusual blend of thrills and insight, this is historical fiction at its most complex, rich and absorbing. I read this book in two sittings and am already well into Bladesong, the second in the Troubador series.
The story takes place in 12th century France, following Estela, an abused woman with a voice and a passion. Her misfortune lands her in …
Well written, captivating epic.
Not an easy read however it kept me engaged. Fairly accurate historically. I kept looking events and people up while I was reading the novel. The main characters are unique…very 3 dimensional. One of the best books I have read in a long time. Can’t recommend it enough
This is the way I like to learn about history – through a romance novel of interesting characters that interact with historical figures during a time and place that I know little about. This book had me jumping to the internet to research people, places, and events from history to get the details and background for the events in the story. This is …
I recommend reading all four of the troubador series. Great historical series
Packed with true historical characters and geographical locations from the the 12th century. Educational and fun!
An amazing book! I couldn’t put it down!
I needed to do a little research on the history of this titles setting. I wan’t familiar with the history of Southern France in the 1100s!
i liked the musical and word interplay in a riveting story. Loved the characters and felt fully immersed in their world. Well written.
Brought a long ago era to life.
Great depiction of life in medieval times during the crusades. Historical fiction and very interesting characters,