I liked the book but didn't love it like I have the majority of her books. I may be a bit biased as I am definitely not a fan of Joan of Arc. The book focuses on Katherine of Valois, Joan of Arc and Eleanor of Gloucester. Eleanor was my favorite character as I guess my evil side (lol) loves to see people crash and burn. The book is broken up into three sections, focusing one section on each of the three women. Took me longer to read than most of her books because I just had a hard time getting into it. This is the third to last book in her saga/series and I am sad to see it end. ( )

I feel the author should’ve written a separate book for Joan of Arc. The inclusion of her story here in the middle of the book feels utterly misplaced and it messes up the narrative flow. It doesn’t help that – after Part 1 – Part 2 starts by going back in time, repeating events that have already been documented.

But then repeating information is an annoying Plaidy’s trait. Once we reach Part 3, there’s repeated references of Henry VI harking back to when he saw Joan imprisoned, to mention just one recycled theme.

As with the previous books in the Plantagenet series, the author tries to cover the lives of too many people involved during the period covered. Because of her need to pack everything in, events are rushed over, which leads to lots of "telling" and a lack of "showing".

Eleanor Cobham, Duchess of Gloucester, is a fascinating historical person. Pity the author couldn’t have made more of Eleanor’s story.

Like most books by this author, this one had the potential of being much better. ( )

http://shelfandstuff.blogspot.com/2007/04/epitaph-for-three-women-by-jean-plaidy... ( )