Belaset's Daughter

England, 1264: as Simon de Montfort and his fellow Barons challenge Henry III's arrogant conviction of the divine right of kings to rule, the country moves inexorably towards civil war. In the little town of Lewes in Sussex, Judith, daughter of Belaset, seeks revenge for the massacre of her family and other Jews by de Montfort. As a trusted messenger between the King and his loyal followers, she is asked to act as go-between for King Henry and William Foville, Prior of St Pancras in Lewes. Judith seizes the opportunity to strike one last blow against de Montfort before her wedding to Aaron of London. 


The castle in Lewes overlooks the little town, as it has done since the Conqueror gave the land to William de Warenne. Jervis FitzHugh, squire to William's descendant John de Warenne, longs for adventure, and for the hand of Madeleine de Tourney. His longings are both fulfilled, but in a most unexpected way. 


Judith, Aaron, Jervis and Madeleine all become closely intertwined in a way that none of them could have foreseen. Far from a simple journey to France and back, Judith finds herself facing danger and deceit, as de Montfort's followers do all they can to prevent the message getting through. Help comes from the King's supporters, in England and in France, and from other more unexpected quarters. When the inevitable happens, and the Battle of Lewes is fought, Judith's work is done. 


BUT...could it have really happened? 


Yes, it could! Most of the characters in the book really existed, and the historical accuracy of the events of the time have been carefully researched and verified by the author. 


Belaset's Daughter is an Eppie Award finalist.