The Lost Queen by Carol McGrath (Paperback)

In 1191, Europe stands on the edge of turmoil as the Third Crusade pushes forward. King Richard the Lionheart leads his forces toward Jerusalem, while his mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine, and his intended bride, Princess Berengaria of Navarre, set out to meet him. Their journey takes them through unforgiving winter conditions, treacherous mountain passes, and a landscape shaped by shifting alliances.

Berengaria enters this world with a clear sense of duty yet soon learns the weight of the dangers surrounding her. Attacks from hired killers, encounters with pirates, and the force of violent storms threaten the mission at every step. A devastating shipwreck tests her resolve further, revealing a strength she must rely on to survive.

When Berengaria and Richard finally meet in Cyprus, their marriage seals a political bond, but it also places Berengaria at the heart of a campaign that demands loyalty and sacrifice. As they continue toward the Holy Land, she faces new trials while navigating life beside a king whose legacy grows with each passing day. England needs stability, and the pressure placed upon the royal couple becomes increasingly intense.

Through shifting fortunes and growing uncertainty, Berengaria confronts the realities of power, loyalty, and love. Her story offers a close look at a queen often overshadowed, bringing to light her courage, resilience, and determination in a world marked by conflict and ambition.