Anne and Louis, Rulers and Lovers, Book three in a collection by Rosza Gaston.  Spunky, little Anne of Brittany (and she was very small) provides a bright character.  During two eras in France, this lively woman was Queen of France twice and always the Duchess of Brittany.

Two Royal Matches

Rosza Gaston, author has three books in this series. The first, Anne and Charles, Passion and Politics in Late Medieval France covers Anne’s rise to ruler in Brittany, following her father’s death. Her first marriage agreement with Charles VIII of France, made her Queen of France. But she kept her hold on her inheritance, Brittany. The second, Anne and Louis, Passion and Politics in Early Renaissance France , features the love match along with their hopes for France. It is more romantic than this third book, Anne and Louis, Rulers and Lovers in Early Renaissance France.

The titles for books two and three, featuring Anne of Brittany and Louis XII, reveal much about their wonderful and rare relationship. These two people who were recognized early on as of political plans as a pair!  Anne and Louis, Passion and Politics brings first Passion and Politics featuring their romance. Book three, Anne and Louis, Rulers and Lovers, shows more maturity in place from the beginning. As Rulers and Lovers, their ideals for France’s place in the world come to the front line. Rulers and Lovers is a little darker as conflict blooms between them. Their disagreements regarding the future of Brittany burst open more than once.

My Favorite for March Book of the Month

Anne and Louis, Rulers and Lovers, Book 3, is my favorite. The handsome pair are shown from different points of view. I’m glad I read the others first because these different points of view were more clear. I might have been seriously prejudiced if I had read the series in a different order. However, I declare the me ‘keepers all three!’