Isabella and Ferdinand Series by Jean Plaidy

Castile for Isabella covers the early life of the most significant of all Spanish monarchs: Isabella of Castile. Isabella is seen as a young girl,within a few steps of the throne; first in the care of an ambitious but unbalanced mother; later in the licentious court of her half-brother HenryIV; and at length ascending the throne, Ferdinand beside her... moreCastile for Isabella covers the early life of the most significant of all Spanish monarchs: Isabella of Castile. Isabella is seen as a young girl,within a few steps of the throne; first in the care of an ambitious but unbalanced mother; later in the licentious court of her half-brother HenryIV; and at length ascending the throne, Ferdinand beside her. Meanwhile Henry IV, weak and in the hands of favourites, had married a frivolous and immoral Princess whose illicit love affair brought scandal and confusion to Castile with the birth of a child whose legitimacy was in doubt. These were momentous years in Spanish history, for here was a country in the grip of anarchy, with a royal house divided against itself. But Isabella, firm, serene and courageous, was dedicated to an idea; to bring law and order toan all-Christian Castile and to marry Ferdinand of Aragon. less

Married to Ferdinand after numerous fears and disappointments, Isabella triumphs over every danger, convinced of her own destiny. With the might of Portugal humbled, the court of the Sovereigns sees the rise of Torquemada and the establishment of the dreaded Inquisition. It also witnesses the coming of Columbus, who leaves the woman he loves to make a dream reality. Ambitious and unfaithful, Ferdinand longs to lead his troops against the Moorish strongholds... moreMarried to Ferdinand after numerous fears and disappointments, Isabella triumphs over every danger, convinced of her own destiny. With the might of Portugal humbled, the court of the Sovereigns sees the rise of Torquemada and the establishment of the dreaded Inquisition. It also witnesses the coming of Columbus, who leaves the woman he loves to make a dream reality. Ambitious and unfaithful, Ferdinand longs to lead his troops against the Moorish strongholds. Isabella knows that together they can mould a united Spain and a glorious future, provided that it is just the two of them who share it... less

With Spain now united, Ferdinand looked to his daughters to further his ambitions. All too often, Isabella found herself torn between his brilliant plans and her love for her children. During the last years of Isabella's reign it seemed there was a curse on the Royal House which struck at the children of the Sovereigns... moreWith Spain now united, Ferdinand looked to his daughters to further his ambitions. All too often, Isabella found herself torn between his brilliant plans and her love for her children. During the last years of Isabella's reign it seemed there was a curse on the Royal House which struck at the children of the Sovereigns. Tragedy followed tragedy - the infanta Isabella, a brokenhearted widow; Juana, driven to madness by her husband's philandering; and the sorrow of parting with young Catalina, destined to become Katharine of Aragon, wife to Henry VIII and Queen of England... less