The Joys of My Life (Hawkenlye) [Hardcover]

Alys Clare (Author)

Book Description

Series: Hawkenlye | Publication Date: January 1, 2009

The new novel in the Hawkenlye series - May 1199. Abbess Helewise has been summoned by Queen Eleanor to discuss the building of a chapel at Hawkenlye Abbey. Meanwhile, Sir Josse dAcquin is on the trail of a group of mysterious knights rumoured to be devil worshippers. As Helewise heads for home, Josse follows his quarry to Chartres, where he meets the last person he expects: Joanna. And she has grave problems of her own . . .

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

*Starred Review* Clare’s latest offering in her Hawkenlye series is an enthralling blend of medieval mystery, historical fiction, fantasy, romance, and adventure that will appeal to a wide range of fans. Following the tragic and untimely death of King Richard in 1199, his mother, Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine, summons Abbess Helewise of Hawkenlye and Sir Josse d’Acquin to France. Eleanor wishes to build a commemorative chapel on the grounds of Hawkenlye and asks the abbess to oversee its construction. But the task she sets for Sir Josse is much more difficult. The queen has heard reports that her now-dead son was involved with the Knights of Arcturus, a group of evil men who carry out unspeakable deeds. She naturally hopes her son, the king, is innocent, and she commands Sir Josse to discover the truth. His task will be dangerous—the Knights are some of the wealthiest, most influential men in France, and one misstep by Josse could be disastrous. Meanwhile, Josse’s lover, Joanna, is caught up in her own dangerous mission. This is a skilfully plotted, delightfully written genre-bender with appealing characters, bold adventure, and dark intrigue. Top-notch! --Emily Melton

About the Author

Alys Clare divides her time between Tonbridge, England-in the area where "Tavern in the Morning" is set--and her ancient stone cottage in Brittany. The author of two previous Hawkenlye mysteries, "Fortune Like the Moon" and "Ashes of the Elements," she has also studied archaeology at the University of Kent at Canterbury. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 224 pages
• Publisher: Severn House Publishers; World ed. edition (January 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0727866958
• ISBN-13: 978-0727866950
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 5.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.9 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,034,492 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars last in a series, May 24, 2009

By 

Nancy johns Mohlere "Nancy J. Mohlere" (Huntsville, AL) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Joys of My Life (Hawkenlye) (Hardcover)

I have enjoyed all of Alys Clare's novels on Abbess Helewise and Sir Josse. They are believable for the period and well written. I was sorry to see this as the last of the series, but I hope to read more of Ms. Clare's novels on another era.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A lovely finish, September 3, 2009

By 

Catscradle (Virginia, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Joys of My Life (Hawkenlye) (Hardcover)

The Joys of My Life is the 12th and final book in the Hawkenlye series. Once again Clare does a fine job weaving her characters into historic events. Her final chapter provides a satisfying ending and a glimpse into the future. I look forward to reading her next historical series.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Last in the series, January 9, 2009

By 

Ralph E. Self - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Joys of My Life (Hawkenlye) (Hardcover)

This was the last book in this series. Author did an excellent job of tying the entire series together. I would strongly recommend Alys Clair's books.