This is an intriguing work of historical fiction that centers on the supposed love affair of Cardinal Richelieu and Anne of Austria, who was Queen of France and the sister of the King of Spain.

Married to Louis the XIII, who prefers the company of his young male companions, Anne is left to her own devices. Finally, Louis is forced to consummate the marriage, which results in Anne becoming pregnant, only to suffer a miscarriage. After this event, the King leaves Anne alone and treat as her as if she were his prisoner, rather than his wife. This results in Anne intriguing with the Kings mother, Marie de Medici, and the King's younger brother, Gaston D'Orleans, against both the King and Richelieu.

Cardinal Richelieu is depicted as a consummate statesman, the true power behind the throne. He knows himself to be a political figure, first and foremost, and a son of the Church, a distant second. He is consumed by his fight for power, as well as his secret passion for Anne. Yet, she will not succumb, as she detests Richelieu, blaming him for all that befalls her at her husband's hands and orders.

There comes a time, however, when Richelieu gains the upper hand in the battle of wills, and a passion is unleashed that would have the power to topple a dynasty were it known. Then, an event occurs that would change the stakes for which they are playing. It is now a matter of life or death for both Anne and Richelieu.

Seventeenth century France was a turbulent place and time, a hotbed in which rumors and intrigue abounded, providing a great deal of exciting events for the author to weave together into a story that is sure to keep the reader turning the pages. Those who like the historical fiction genre will enjoy this novel, as well as the author's interpretation of the events of the time. [Review by Amazon.com member "Lawyeraau"]