
Isabella: Braveheart of France
Failed to add items
Add to Cart failed.
Add to Wish List failed.
Remove from wishlist failed.
Adding to library failed
Follow podcast failed
Unfollow podcast failed
$0.99/mo for the first 3 months

Buy for $19.95
No default payment method selected.
We are sorry. We are not allowed to sell this product with the selected payment method
-
Narrated by:
-
Anne Johnstonbrown
-
By:
-
Colin Falconer
About this listen
She was taught to obey. Now she has learned to rebel.
12-year-old Isabella, a French princess marries the King of England - only to discover he has a terrible secret. Ten long years later she is in utter despair - does she submit to a lifetime of solitude and a spiritual death - or seize her destiny and take the throne of England for herself?
Isabella is just twelve years old when she marries Edward II of England. For the young princess it is love at first sight - but Edward has a terrible secret that threatens to tear their marriage - and England apart.
Who is Piers Gaveston - and why is his presence in the king’s court about to plunge England into civil war?
The young queen believes in the love songs of the troubadours and her own exalted destiny - but she finds reality very different. As she grows to a woman in the deadly maelstrom of Edward’s court, she must decide between her husband, her children, even her life - and one breath-taking gamble that will change the course of history.
This is the story of Isabella, the only woman ever to invade England - and win.
In the tradition of Philippa Gregory and Elizabeth Chadwick, Isabella is thoroughly researched and fast paced, the little known story of the one invasion the English never talk about.
©2013 Colin Falconer (P)2014 Colin FalconerListeners also enjoyed...
-
Silk Road
- By: Colin Falconer
- Narrated by: Emily Woo Zeller
- Length: 14 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Holy Land, 1260. Josseran Sarrazini is chosen to escort the Pope's emissary on an embassy to the all-conquering Mongol horde in an effort to save all Christendom from destruction. But although he serves as a Templar warrior, Josseran is not all that he appears to be. Now they have to spend nine months in each other's company on the most dangerous and most inhospitable journey on the earth - across the legendary deserts of Persia, through the horrific black hurricanes of the Taklimakan, along the entire spider's web of the Silk Road to Khubilai Khan's legendary capital at Xanadu.
-
-
Could be better
- By Gary on 02-11-20
By: Colin Falconer
-
Lucifer Falls
- DI Charlie George, Book 1
- By: Colin Falconer
- Narrated by: Matt Bates
- Length: 9 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When a priest is found crucified in a derelict North London chapel, it makes a dramatic change for DI Charlie George and his squad at Essex Road. The brutal murder could not be further from their routine of domestic violence and stabbings on the estates. And that's only the beginning.... On Christmas Eve, a police officer goes missing and his colleagues can't help but anticipate the worst. It turns out they're right to when eventually the body is found and they discover he's been stoned to death.
-
-
A British police procedural set in London
- By Mark on 07-24-19
By: Colin Falconer
-
The Unkillable Kitty O'Kane
- A Novel
- By: Colin Falconer
- Narrated by: Alana Kerr Collins
- Length: 9 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When fiery and idealistic Kitty O'Kane escapes the crushing poverty of Dublin's tenements, she's determined that no one should ever suffer like she did. As she sets out to save the world, she finds herself at the forefront of events that shaped the early twentieth century. While working as a maid, she survives the sinking of the Titanic. As a suffragette in New York's Greenwich Village, she's jailed for breaking storefront windows. And traveling war-torn Europe as a journalist, she's at the Winter Palace when it's stormed by the Bolsheviks.
-
-
Predictable
- By S. Arganek on 05-09-18
By: Colin Falconer
-
Katherine of Aragon, the True Queen
- A Novel
- By: Alison Weir
- Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor
- Length: 22 hrs and 31 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A princess of Spain, Catalina is only 16 years old when she sets foot on the shores of England. The youngest daughter of the powerful monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella, Catalina is a coveted prize for a royal marriage - and Arthur, Prince of Wales and heir to the English throne, has won her hand. But tragedy strikes, and Catalina, now Princess Katherine, is betrothed to the future Henry VIII.
-
-
Absolutely Wonderful!
- By DebaDeb on 08-23-16
By: Alison Weir
-
The King's Pleasure
- A Novel of Henry VIII
- By: Alison Weir
- Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor
- Length: 23 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The New York Times bestselling author of the Six Tudor Queens series explores the private side of the legendary king Henry VIII and his dramatic and violent reign in this extraordinary historical novel. Young Henry began his rule as a magnificent and chivalrous Renaissance prince who embodied every virtue. He had all the qualities to make a triumph of his rule, yet we remember only the violence. Henry famously broke with the Pope, founding the Church of England and launching a religious revolution that divided his kingdom. He beheaded two of his wives and cast aside two others.
-
-
Love this author
- By Amanda on 06-17-23
By: Alison Weir
-
The Eagle and the Dragon, a Novel of Rome and China
- By: Lewis F. McIntyre
- Narrated by: Harry Frost
- Length: 27 hrs and 25 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Senator Aulus Aemilius Galba is tapped to lead the first Roman mission to China, he anticipates an easy path to fame and fortune. Gaius Lucullus sees a bright military future, but his reluctant centurion Antonius Aristides would rather be somewhere else. Translators Marcia Lucia and her brother Marcus were taken from their village in China to serve the Han court, abused and despised, hiding a horrible secret.
-
-
Perfect Listen for a Road Trip
- By Christina Boyd on 06-15-21
-
Silk Road
- By: Colin Falconer
- Narrated by: Emily Woo Zeller
- Length: 14 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Holy Land, 1260. Josseran Sarrazini is chosen to escort the Pope's emissary on an embassy to the all-conquering Mongol horde in an effort to save all Christendom from destruction. But although he serves as a Templar warrior, Josseran is not all that he appears to be. Now they have to spend nine months in each other's company on the most dangerous and most inhospitable journey on the earth - across the legendary deserts of Persia, through the horrific black hurricanes of the Taklimakan, along the entire spider's web of the Silk Road to Khubilai Khan's legendary capital at Xanadu.
-
-
Could be better
- By Gary on 02-11-20
By: Colin Falconer
-
Lucifer Falls
- DI Charlie George, Book 1
- By: Colin Falconer
- Narrated by: Matt Bates
- Length: 9 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When a priest is found crucified in a derelict North London chapel, it makes a dramatic change for DI Charlie George and his squad at Essex Road. The brutal murder could not be further from their routine of domestic violence and stabbings on the estates. And that's only the beginning.... On Christmas Eve, a police officer goes missing and his colleagues can't help but anticipate the worst. It turns out they're right to when eventually the body is found and they discover he's been stoned to death.
-
-
A British police procedural set in London
- By Mark on 07-24-19
By: Colin Falconer
-
The Unkillable Kitty O'Kane
- A Novel
- By: Colin Falconer
- Narrated by: Alana Kerr Collins
- Length: 9 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When fiery and idealistic Kitty O'Kane escapes the crushing poverty of Dublin's tenements, she's determined that no one should ever suffer like she did. As she sets out to save the world, she finds herself at the forefront of events that shaped the early twentieth century. While working as a maid, she survives the sinking of the Titanic. As a suffragette in New York's Greenwich Village, she's jailed for breaking storefront windows. And traveling war-torn Europe as a journalist, she's at the Winter Palace when it's stormed by the Bolsheviks.
-
-
Predictable
- By S. Arganek on 05-09-18
By: Colin Falconer
-
Katherine of Aragon, the True Queen
- A Novel
- By: Alison Weir
- Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor
- Length: 22 hrs and 31 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A princess of Spain, Catalina is only 16 years old when she sets foot on the shores of England. The youngest daughter of the powerful monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella, Catalina is a coveted prize for a royal marriage - and Arthur, Prince of Wales and heir to the English throne, has won her hand. But tragedy strikes, and Catalina, now Princess Katherine, is betrothed to the future Henry VIII.
-
-
Absolutely Wonderful!
- By DebaDeb on 08-23-16
By: Alison Weir
-
The King's Pleasure
- A Novel of Henry VIII
- By: Alison Weir
- Narrated by: Rosalyn Landor
- Length: 23 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The New York Times bestselling author of the Six Tudor Queens series explores the private side of the legendary king Henry VIII and his dramatic and violent reign in this extraordinary historical novel. Young Henry began his rule as a magnificent and chivalrous Renaissance prince who embodied every virtue. He had all the qualities to make a triumph of his rule, yet we remember only the violence. Henry famously broke with the Pope, founding the Church of England and launching a religious revolution that divided his kingdom. He beheaded two of his wives and cast aside two others.
-
-
Love this author
- By Amanda on 06-17-23
By: Alison Weir
-
The Eagle and the Dragon, a Novel of Rome and China
- By: Lewis F. McIntyre
- Narrated by: Harry Frost
- Length: 27 hrs and 25 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When Senator Aulus Aemilius Galba is tapped to lead the first Roman mission to China, he anticipates an easy path to fame and fortune. Gaius Lucullus sees a bright military future, but his reluctant centurion Antonius Aristides would rather be somewhere else. Translators Marcia Lucia and her brother Marcus were taken from their village in China to serve the Han court, abused and despised, hiding a horrible secret.
-
-
Perfect Listen for a Road Trip
- By Christina Boyd on 06-15-21
-
The Summer Queen
- Eleanor of Aquitaine Trilogy, Book 1
- By: Elizabeth Chadwick
- Narrated by: Katie Scarfe
- Length: 18 hrs and 19 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Eleanor of Aquitaine's story is legendary. She is an icon who has fascinated readers for over 800 years. But the real Eleanor remains elusive - until now. Based on the most up-to-date research, best-selling novelist Elizabeth Chadwick brings Eleanor's magnificent story to life, as never before. Young, vibrant, privileged, Eleanor's future is golden as the heiress to wealthy Aquitaine. But when her beloved father dies suddenly in the summer of 1137, her childhood ends abruptly.
-
-
The Romance Runs Strong in This One
- By Sara on 10-04-14
-
The Secret Diary of Anne Boleyn
- By: Robin Maxwell
- Narrated by: Suzan Crowley
- Length: 13 hrs and 20 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Robin Maxwell’s debut novel introduces Anne Boleyn and her daughter, Elizabeth: one was queen for a thousand days, the other for more than 40 years. Both were passionate, headstrong women, loved and hated by Henry VIII. At the beginning of Elizabeth’s reign, her mother’s private diary is given to her by a mysterious lady. In reading it, the young ruler - herself embroiled in a dangerous love affair - discovers a great deal about her much maligned mother.
-
-
One of the Best Tudor Novels Availalbe
- By Bonnie-Ann on 03-02-13
By: Robin Maxwell
-
Anne Boleyn & Elizabeth I
- The Mother and Daughter Who Forever Changed British History
- By: Tracy Borman
- Narrated by: Tracy Borman
- Length: 8 hrs and 49 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Anne Boleyn may be best known for losing her head, but as Tudor expert Tracy Borman reveals in a book that recasts British history, her greatest legacy lies in the path-breaking reign of her daughter, Elizabeth.
-
-
Brimming with Inaccuracies
- By Marie A. on 06-20-23
By: Tracy Borman
-
The First Princess of Wales
- A Novel
- By: Karen Harper
- Narrated by: Bianca Amato
- Length: 22 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
At the height of the Middle Ages in the 14th century, King Edward III of England is determined to use any means necessary to expand his power and gain control of England's bitter rival, France. His own son, Edward, prince of Wales, is far from immune from his political plans. And when Joan of Kent, now free from exile, sees her chance for revenge, she takes it. A calculated plot to scandalize the royal family for revenge for her father's downfall and execution soon turns into the most surprising thing: love.
-
-
Dissapointing
- By Pamela on 09-18-20
By: Karen Harper
-
The Agincourt Bride
- By: Joanna Hickson
- Narrated by: Catherine Harvey
- Length: 16 hrs and 42 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When her own first child is tragically still-born, the young Mette is pressed into service as a wet-nurse at the court of the mad king, Charles VI of France. Her young charge is the princess, Catherine de Valois, caught up in the turbulence and chaos of life at court. Mette and the child forge a bond, one that transcends Mette’s lowly position. But as Catherine approaches womanhood, her unique position seals her fate as a pawn between two powerful dynasties.
-
-
Disappointing
- By Michelle on 02-16-13
By: Joanna Hickson
-
Shadow on the Crown
- A Novel
- By: Patricia Bracewell
- Narrated by: Katie Firth
- Length: 13 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
In 1002, 15-year-old Emma of Normandy crosses the Narrow Sea to wed the much older King Athelred of England, whom she meets for the first time at the church door. Thrust into an unfamiliar and treacherous court, with a husband who mistrusts her, stepsons who resent her, and a bewitching rival who covets her crown, Emma must defend herself against her enemies and secure her status as queen by bearing a son.
-
-
Trying to return.
- By Polish Princess on 08-26-15
-
Courtesan
- By: Diane Haeger
- Narrated by: Corrie James
- Length: 22 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The Court of François I is full of lust, intrigue, and bawdy bon temps—a different world from the quiet country life Diane de Poitiers led with her elderly husband. Now a widow, the elegant Diane is called back to Court, where the King's obvious interest marks her as an enemy to the King's favorite, Anne d'Heilly. The Court is soon electrified by rumors of their confrontations. As Anne calls on her most venomous tricks to drive Diane away, Diane finds an ally in the one member of Court with no allegiance to the King's mistress: his teenage second son, Henri.
-
-
Heart Breaking
- By Anonymous User on 11-29-23
By: Diane Haeger
-
The Rival Queens
- Catherine de' Medici, Her Daughter Marguerite de Valois, and the Betrayal That Ignited a Kingdom
- By: Nancy Goldstone
- Narrated by: Suzanne Toren
- Length: 16 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Catherine de' Medici was a ruthless pragmatist and powerbroker who dominated the throne for 30 years. Her youngest daughter, Marguerite, the glamorous "Queen Margot," was a passionate free spirit, the only adversary whom her mother could neither intimidate nor control.
-
-
Definitely not a dull bio!
- By Nella on 07-04-15
By: Nancy Goldstone
-
Chesapeake
- A Novel
- By: James A. Michener
- Narrated by: Larry McKeever
- Length: 50 hrs and 35 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The central scene of Michener's historical novel is that section of Maryland's Eastern shore, hardly more than 10 miles square. To this point come the founders of families that will dominate the story.
-
-
Soooo worth my time... and a rant at the end
- By Blue on 08-29-15
-
Mary Queen of Scotland and the Isles
- By: Margaret George
- Narrated by: Donada Peters
- Length: 42 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
An exhaustively researched novel weaves both historical fact and plausible fiction in bringing the story of Mary Queen of Scots to life.
-
-
Well written, well read
- By Robin on 12-01-09
By: Margaret George
-
The Husband's Secret
- By: Liane Moriarty
- Narrated by: Caroline Lee
- Length: 13 hrs and 44 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Imagine that your husband wrote you a letter, to be opened after his death. Imagine, too, that the letter contains his deepest, darkest secret - something with the potential to destroy not just the life you built together, but the lives of others as well. Imagine, then, that you stumble across that letter while your husband is still very much alive....
-
-
Soap Opera Digest
- By FanB14 on 02-06-14
By: Liane Moriarty
-
The Devil's Queen
- By: Jeanne Kalogridis
- Narrated by: Kate Reading
- Length: 18 hrs
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Catherine de Medici is one of the most maligned monarchs in history: blamed for the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre in which hundreds of innocents died. What motivated this Renaissance woman who was born of Florence's most powerful family, and one day came to rule France?
-
-
Very interesting twist on this infamous queen
- By Allison B on 01-26-10
What listeners say about Isabella: Braveheart of France
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Kindle Customer
- 04-13-16
A different take on the tale
So many times Isabella is portrayed as grasping and manipulative. The author finds a way to show that she only did what she had to do. The truth will never be known, but this does give the reader something to think about.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
4 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- JeffSHughes
- 05-04-20
Neither novel nor narrative
The flow of the story Is in between a historical narrative— and a novel.... but assumes the role of neither— making for a dull novel — (or a more interesting and rather embellished narrative.)
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- kaylady
- 04-13-16
interesting but slow in some parts
I enjoyed the book but at several points felt like it dragged. The story was well told but did not meet my expectations. under further consideration I am not sure if I would read it again.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- By Marlene Stewart
- 08-27-14
Love This Book
What made the experience of listening to Isabella: Braveheart of France the most enjoyable?
The voice was soothing and the accents were recognizable but understandable
What other book might you compare Isabella: Braveheart of France to and why?
This is my first Audible Book
What about Anne Johnstonbrown’s performance did you like?
She had an excellent read style. Very talented reader.
Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
ye at several occasions
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Kindle Customer
- 12-14-17
Love it
Awesome story line. Enjoyed listening to the story as it unfolds. Great and written well
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Hatchue
- 06-10-14
Nice historical fiction
What was one of the most memorable moments of Isabella: Braveheart of France?
I liked the part towards the end where Isabella makes the decision to accept the role of emissary to France and then takes advantage of it to take charge of her own life by going against the king.
Have you listened to any of Anne Johnstonbrown’s other performances before? How does this one compare?
I hadn't heard anything by Anne Johnstonbrown before but I liked her performance. She had a pleasant voice and put just the right amount of emotional emphasis into it.
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
Unless it's an exceptionally engaging story, I find it hard to listen for that long, haha. But it was a decent story and I probably could have done it if I didn't have other things I had to do.
Any additional comments?
I didn't care for the way that it was written all in the present tense, but that's more of a personal preference. I might have bought a different book if I had known this, though.
I don't know anything about the real Isabella of France that the book was based on, so I can't judge how true to life this story may or may not have been, but it was a believable story.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Noëlle505
- 01-28-20
Terrible narrator
The French accents were almost a mockery, and the men’s voices sound-
Ed very strange, sometimes croaky.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Lana Lee Plum
- 07-09-16
Child Bride married at 12 rises to save England.
Isabella was born daughter of a French King. She became the English Queen at the age of 12. This is the story of their marriage. Edward did not want to be king and had terrible choice in friends. The characters are live people from the past. Royalty life and loyalty is very complicated and much treachery existed. An interesting historical novel.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Krysia H. Alexander
- 05-21-16
Must read for historical fiction readers.
Enjoyable and fun to read and listen to, the intrigue kept you guessing good read.
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- no one really
- 07-17-16
Wonderful Escapism
I was hesitant about the book, as I had read that the author was misogynistic in his writing of women, but I am very glad that I went ahead with this work. The story is very well done, and the author thoughtful. He has your loyalties wavering throughout the book. The dialogue is also intriguing and I found myself laughing in some parts. The narrator was one of the best I've encountered; she did a fantastic job with the voices and accents. I'll be looking for her again in other books. Overall, It's a well written story, and I recommend it. Enjoy!
Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.
You voted on this review!
You reported this review!