This was a fascinating read, with well-drawn characters and sufficient descriptive details to make this reader long to visit regions of Spain. The story is well-told, and an unfamiliar one, of Queen Isabella of Spain, her youth, her reign, her holy war, and her dealings with Christopher Columbus. We see the title character in many roles: as a daughter, a woman, a ruler, a Christian and a Spaniard. Highly recommended for historical fiction fans. Note: This review was based upon an ARC edition.

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She was not meant to be queen of Castile. She knew her life was to be a wife and mother but as so often happened at that time she survived and became ruler of Castile The author believes that he understands the personality of this queen whose religious beliefs and love of her people so affected her reign. Yet she and her husband, Fernando, are known for the inquisition that they implemented. The author believes that Isabella was a victim herself of her time and the people who persecuted the Jewish population of her country.

The story of this ruler and her beloved husband follows the chaos that the country experienced. Years and years of war and conflict occupy their lives day after day and year after year. Somehow, however, this queen, the first female to rule her country for any length of time, endures and the country thrives with her death through two more rulers. Only one character in this novel is fictional All others actually lived during this period. It's a wonderful story that I enjoyed very much.

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