A Triple Knot - by Emma Campion (Paperback)

About the Book

"The critically acclaimed author of The King's Mistress brings another fascinating woman from history to life in an enthralling story of political intrigue, personal tragedy, and illicit love. Joan of Kent, the renowned beauty and niece of King Edward III, seems blessed with a life of royal privilege until her father is executed for treason and she becomes a ward of the king, living amongst those who deem her the daughter of a traitor. Joan begins to understand the brutal constraints and dangers inherent in being of royal blood. There is one at court who loves her, but his love proves the greatest threat of all. As an impetuous teenager, she escapes into a clandestine marriage in a bid for freedom, then must hide it for nearly a decade, as her guardians marry her off to another man. After her first husband's death, Joan--now a mother of four--enters into another scandalous relationship, this time with the heir to the British throne, Prince Edward, hero of Crecy and Poitiers, who has loved her all along. But his devotion comes at a terrible price. Haunted by nightmares of her father's execution and the ruthlessness of her royal kin, Joan must reconcile her passion for the crown prince with the potentially tragic costs of a royal life"--

Book Synopsis

The critically acclaimed author of The King's Mistress brings another fascinating woman from history to life in an enthralling story of political intrigue, personal tragedy, and illicit love.

Joan of Kent, renowned beauty and cousin to King Edward III, is destined for a politically strategic marriage. As the king begins a long dynastic struggle to claim the crown of France, plunging England into the Hundred Years' War, he negotiates her betrothal to a potential ally and heir of a powerful lordship.

But Joan, haunted by nightmares of her father's execution at the hands of her treacherous royal kin, fears the king's selection and is not resigned to her fate. She secretly pledges herself to one of the king's own knights, one who has become a trusted friend and protector. Now she must defend her vow as the king--furious at Joan's defiance--prepares to marry her off to another man.

In A Triple Knot, Emma Campion brings Joan, the "Fair Maid of Kent" to glorious life, deftly weaving details of King Edward III's extravagant court into a rich and emotionally resonant tale of intrigue, love, and betrayal.

Review Quotes

"Her thorough grounding in medieval history is apparent in Campion's richly detailed 14th-century saga...Suspenseful, romantic, but surprisingly gritty, it doesn't take long to be drawn into this enthralling story of turmoil and conflict in the early stages of the Hundred Years' War...Campion's depictions of the people--complex, tricky, faithless and loyal--leap right off these pages and stick in your memory."
--Seattle Times

"A well-researched, beautifully written novel of the fourteenth century that will have readers of history entranced."
--Romance Reviews Today

"History lovers will enjoy this interesting look at an often forgotten time in England's history."
--Historical Novels Review

"Emma Campion brings medieval history to life. She describes the details of both royalty and the common man... We can picture the pageantry and majesty of the royal court. Lovers of historical fiction won't be disappointed."
--Fredericksburg Freelance Star

"A compelling romance... If you enjoy Medieval English history, a little love, a little intrigue and a lot of drama, then pick up this book... Campion is a skilled author and superb storyteller."
--Medievalists.net

"I have always loved history and A Triple Knot reminded me why. It's well written, with more than a touch of empathy for the strong-minded Fair Maid of Kent."
--Bookloons

"Campion has mixed a well-researched plot with vividly drawn characters in a story that will engross fans of English medieval history."
--Library Journal

"Emma Campion brings Plantagenet history to life in this 'You Are There' historical novel. A Triple Knot unties a fascinating puzzle from the past and pulls the reader into the loves and losses, tragedies and triumphs of a dynamic woman, Joan, the Fair Maid of Kent. An impressively researched and realistically rendered novel."
--Karen Harper, New York Times bestselling author of The First Princess of Wales

"A Triple Knot is a superbly written, evocative tale of Joan of Kent that captivated me from the first page and held me until the very end. With a deft eye for detail and a wonderfully authentic evocation of time and place, Campion has delivered what is certain to become a classic."
--Diane Haeger, author of The Secret Bride: In the Court of Henry VIII

"In this meticulously researched, richly detailed and empathetic novel, Emma Campion skillfully brings to life the enchanting Joan, Fair Maid of Kent and First Princess of Wales who was described by the chronicler Jean Froissart as 'the most beautiful woman in all the realm of England, and the most loving.' With a bigamous union bracketed by two secret marriages--one to the Black Prince--she makes fascinating reading for anyone interested in the glittering court of Edward III where intrigue and danger walk hand in hand with royalty and love."
--Sandra Worth, author of The King's Daughter: A Novel of the First Tudor Queen

"Emma Campion's portrayal of Joan of Kent is exquisite. A Triple Knot dazzled, packed with all the romance and intrigue of Plantagenet England. Vivid, well researched and beautifully written, Campion's Joan of Kent is a worthy heroine and one you will never forget."
--Ella March Chase, author of The Virgin Queen's Daughter and The Queen's Dwarf

"With grace, accuracy and authenticity, Emma Campion brings Joan of Kent and her world to vivid, captivating life in A Triple Knot. Campion's 14th century is as detailed, gorgeous and fascinating as a millefleur tapestry--her history is immaculate, her characters convincing, and Joan, who is sometimes glossed over in the history books as the Fair Maid of Kent and little more, is complex yet sympathetic as Campion clarifies all the questions that historians might raise about this enigmatic woman. This exciting, compelling historical novel immerses the reader until the very last sentence. I loved A Triple Knot and I look forward to more from Emma Campion!"
--Susan Fraser King, author of Lady Macbeth and Queen Hereafter

"A Triple Knot is the story of a steadfast love pitted against the cold, political maneuverings of 14th century Plantagenet royals. Set amid the hardships and uncertainties of the Hundred Years War, Emma Campion's portrayal of Joan of Kent and of the men who seek to claim her is masterful, sweeping us into a high medieval world that is both gracious and grim. Brilliantly imagined, this is a complex and ravishing blend of history, intrigue, scandal and romance."
--Patricia Bracewell, author of Shadow on the Crown

"Emma Campion's Joan of Kent is a remarkable creation. She springs off the page, completely alive, growing in stature and confidence as her young
years pass, steadfast in her love in spite of all adversities. Compassionate, loving, she moves with grace and splendor throughout. A Triple Knot is a brilliant, tender portrait of a passionate woman in dangerous times."
--Chris Nickson, author of the Richard Nottingham novels

About the Author

EMMA CAMPION is the author of The King's Mistress and did her graduate work in medieval and Anglo-Saxon literature. She lives in Seattle. Visit her at www.emmacampion.com.