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Time and Chance (Henry II & Eleanor of Aquitaine, #2)

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Time and Chance (Henry II & Eleanor of Aquitaine #2)

by Sharon Kay Penman (Goodreads Author)

4.24 of 5 stars 4.24 · rating details · 3,170 ratings · 177 reviews

In When Christ and His Saints Slept, acclaimed historical novelist Sharon Kay Penman portrayed all the deceit, danger, and drama of Henry II’s ascension to the throne. Now, in Time and Chance, she continues the ever-more-captivating tale.

It was medieval England’s immortal marriage—Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry II, bound by passion and ambition, certain to leave a legacy...more

Paperback, 544 pages

Published February 4th 2003 by Ballantine Books (first published 2002)

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Apr 30, 2013 StoryTellerShannon rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, owned, need-reviewing, books-reviewed

TIME AND CHANCE picks up where WHEN CHRIST AND HIS SAINTS SLEPT off. In the second novel, we follow Henry II who was but a boy as his mother, Maude, fought for the throne. In the end, Maude and her opponent tired each other out for almost twenty years, agreeing to leave the throne to her son. Henry's rise looked promising as he had a distinguished battle record and married the beautiful and clever Eleanor of Aquitaine, making him the wealthiest man in Europe.
But, Henry's future rule proved to no...more

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Apr 20, 2010 Joyce Lagow rated it 5 of 5 stars

The second novel in her trilogy about Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine, Time and Chance covers the period of the middle years of Henry� s reign, up to and including the notorious murder of Thomas Beckett, Archbishop of Canterbury. That, along with the deteriorating marriage to Eleanor are the twin foci of the book; given the tumultuous events of Henry� s reign, who, as well as being the ruler of England, controlled more land in France the King of France (although Henry was nominally a vassal of...more The second novel in her trilogy about Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine, Time and Chance covers the period of the middle years of Henry� s reign, up to and including the notorious murder of Thomas Beckett, Archbishop of Canterbury. That, along with the deteriorating marriage to Eleanor are the twin foci of the book; given the tumultuous events of Henry� s reign, who, as well as being the ruler of England, controlled more land in France the King of France (although Henry was nominally a vassal of the French king), there is plenty of drama to fill the pages of this superbly told and equally well-written book.[return][return]Penman� s first in the series, When Christ and His Saints Slept, covered the period of the English Civil War between Maude, Henry� s mother, and Stephen, who seized the English after Henry I death, even though Henry had exacted an oath from his barons to honor his choice of Maude as heir. In that book, Penman does an outstanding job of presenting both sides of that bitter, 19 year war that devastated England.[return][return]She does an equally brilliant job in presenting both sides of the increasingly acrimonious and finally lethal conflict between Henry and Beckett over the respective boundaries of power of Church and State. The long view of history is on Henry� s side. BUT, in the context of the 12th century, as Penman so deftly shows, not only was that not clear but there was also a powerful argument on Beckett� s side. Two different men--less stubborn, less proud--might have been able to settle the differences; there were certainly countless attempts to do so, especially efforts by the then-pope. But Penman makes clear that both men were at fault for their inability to yield. The controversy which ended in the murder of Becket was one of the most dramatic events of the Middle Ages; it was recorded in detail. Equally so with Beckett� s murder; there were five eyewitnesses, who wrote detailed accounts. So Penman has plenty of rich material to work with, and she does an outstanding job.[return][return]Just as fascinating is her rendition of the marriage between Henry and Eleanor, the probable causes for their increasing estrangement, which no doubt will culminate in her third and final book on Henry and Eleanor. But Penman does a masterful job in her presentation of the couple, again showing both sides of the troubles between them. It� s nearly impossible, however, not to side with Eleanor, arguably the most powerful and fascinating woman of the Middle Ages.[return][return]Stashed in between the two central dramas are wars with the Welsh and various rebellious barons of Henry� s domains, and the tension between Henry and Louis VII, the St.Louis of French history, with whom Henry had to walk a fine line as he struggled both to keep his lands on the continent and expand his power whenever the opportunity arose.[return][return]In Penman� s hands, all the characters come alive. Henry, Eleanor, and especially Beckett reveal themselves both in words and actions to be complex characters. Penman is particularly good at dialogue. Most of her main cast are historical figures; carried over from her first book is the fictional character of Ranulf, supposedly one of Henry I� s many illegitimate children (as Penman puts it, Henry had at least 20, so why not use one of them), and therefore uncle to Henry II. Ranulf serves beautifully, as he did in the first book, as an window on the Welsh at this time, important actors during Henry� s reign.[return][return]I particularly liked the structure of the book, which she used in When Christ and his Saints Slept. Segmented into slices of time set in particular locales, the structure is very effective, allowing for abrupt changes in time and place without disrupting the narrative in the slightest. There is also a nice sketch of England and France, showing the locations of major cities, towns, and castles, especially those that play an important part in the story. The book opens in July, 1156 at Chinon Castle in France and ends in Wales in 1171, with much unresolved, waiting the final chapter in The Devil� s Brood.[return][return]There is no finer historical fiction that I know of. Highly recommended.(less)

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Sep 02, 2012 Booknblues rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, medieval

Time and Chance, Love and Hate, Friends and Enemies, Lovers and Strangers any of these could well be the title for Sharon Kay Penman's second installment of the saga of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitane. Penman transports the reader to the years of 1156 to 1171. During this time we witness Henry's growth from a young daring king to a seasoned middle age king who is politically savvy.
As Henry grows he wrestles with issues of kingship and humanity. Henry journeys through Wales, England and France i...more Time and Chance, Love and Hate, Friends and Enemies, Lovers and Strangers any of these could well be the title for Sharon Kay Penman's second installment of the saga of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitane. Penman transports the reader to the years of 1156 to 1171. During this time we witness Henry's growth from a young daring king to a seasoned middle age king who is politically savvy.
As Henry grows he wrestles with issues of kingship and humanity. Henry journeys through Wales, England and France in an effort to keep peace and maintain unity throughout the kingdom. We learn how he balances the many interests of various people in his realm.

During this time of crucial political dealings Henry is also faced with changing relationships among friends and family. Thomas Becket is Henry's trusted friend and Chancellor who Henry trusts with many decisions and responsibilities. Because of the depth of their friendship Henry advocates that Becket become the Archbishop of Canterbury. This is the famous and classic tale of friendship's failure and the bitter seeds that follow. It has been made a legend and retold ever since.

As Henry changes and grows so does his love and caring for his wife Eleanor. Henry and Eleanor of Aquitane's love began as a sparkling flame. Penman invites the reader to observe the changes and stresses that transformed this fire. Penman is extremely adept in translating romances of old into modern feeling and understanding.

Penman skillfully introduces characters who the reader quickly begins to care about. In this book as with When Christ and his Saints Slept we continue to follow Henry's uncle Rhanulf and his blind wife Rhiannon. Rhanulf's story continues to interest as he attempts to balance his loyalty to his nephew and his loyalty to Wales his adopted home land.

If you have read When Christ and His Saints Slept you cannot pass by Time and Chance. Penman continues as one of the primary authors who have the ability to bring the middle ages to life. Reading her is like entering a time machine. (less)

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Aug 19, 2012 Mary rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: reviewed

I'm not sure how or why, but I feel like SKP has gone off the rails somewhat, because this book and its sequels The Devil's Brood and Lionheart do not live up to her earlier work. It seems to me like the books are becoming more a catalogue of events and losing their emphasis on drama and character development. There are battles galore but none of them even approach the action, excitement, and pathos of how she describes the battles of Barnet and Tewkesbury in The Sunne in Splendor, or the battle...more

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May 10, 2012 Sensitivemuse rated it 4 of 5 stars

It’s greatly recommended - no actually you SHOULD read When Christ and his Saints Slept. Not only does it give you the background, an introduction to some characters that are featured in this book, and a lot of history, Time and Chance is a continuation of previously mentioned novel.

There’s just something about Penman’s words that weaves the entire story into one very long epic movie like book. Everything is so well written, and descriptions are spot on and accurate. There are a lot of characte...more It’s greatly recommended - no actually you SHOULD read When Christ and his Saints Slept. Not only does it give you the background, an introduction to some characters that are featured in this book, and a lot of history, Time and Chance is a continuation of previously mentioned novel.

There’s just something about Penman’s words that weaves the entire story into one very long epic movie like book. Everything is so well written, and descriptions are spot on and accurate. There are a lot of characters, yet maybe around 3 or 4 will stand out to you and you’ll take a liking to them. All the characters are written, and have distinct personalities to make them easier to remember. Some from the previous novel are also mentioned (Ranulf for example, who is one of my favorites). You do find yourself attached to some characters - I was happy to see William Marshall! he quickly became a favorite of mine.

It was interesting to see the friendship between Thomas Becket and King Henry. It just deteriorated as you progress through the book (sometimes you feel like they’re bickering like children and you want to send them to their respective corners) it was interesting to see what happened that led up to Thomas getting killed.

What was also interesting was when Rosamund enters the picture. Now, I’m all Team Eleanor when it comes to this issue (in fact, if I was Eleanor things would have ended up bloody if I were standing face to face with someone like Rosamund). I didn’t really like her, not just because she ended up breaking the band but because she just seemed like an empty headed bimbo with no purpose whatsoever except to make Henry happy (I’m sure he liked it that way too). I really did sympathize with Eleanor in this book. Not only was she extremely strong in so many ways (seriously Henry? making her pop out child after child and having Rosamund on the side? wow. Talk about having the cake and eating it whole) and I loved reading about her. She’s a fascinating character, especially for being a woman during that particular time period.

This was a great book to read. A lot of information to swallow, a lot of rich fantastic characters that make the plot interesting and run smoothly. A must read for historical fiction fans, and fans of Sharon Kay Penman. Those curious would be better off with When Christ and his Saints Slept (where everything begins). (less)

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Jan 29, 2012 Ryan Groesbeck rated it 4 of 5 stars

Several months after the first one in the series, I finished this one. I picked it up right after I finished the first one, got about 50-100 pages in, and then put it down for a long stretch. It had a slow start, but I'm glad I picked it back up because that was right about where it got good.

This book again covers about 18 years -- 1153 - 1171 or thereabouts, which is an interesting stopping point because it means that the major rebellion of Henry's sons looks like it's going to be set up to be...more Several months after the first one in the series, I finished this one. I picked it up right after I finished the first one, got about 50-100 pages in, and then put it down for a long stretch. It had a slow start, but I'm glad I picked it back up because that was right about where it got good.

This book again covers about 18 years -- 1153 - 1171 or thereabouts, which is an interesting stopping point because it means that the major rebellion of Henry's sons looks like it's going to be set up to be almost right at the beginning of the next book, rather than the climax of this book as seems like would have made slightly more sense.

As per her last book, this one shines in its deft characterizations, even of secondary characters, in a way that you frequently don't even realize is happening. The casual and abrupt murder of one of these characters towards the end of the book left me openmouthed with shock, and I wasn't even aware until then that I particularly cared what happened to that person. Her characterization of Thomas Becket is also particularly good, especially in the intriguing (and I think justified) choice to define him through the viewpoints of other people rather than giving him any POV time. We are forced to guess at what he's thinking and why he does the things he does, which is historically a great mystery also -- why DID Becket suddenly become a religious zealot after being named the Archbishop of Canterbury, an abrupt turnaround from his previous personality? History never says, and neither does this book, although one of Ranulf's Welsh friends probably hits close to the truth in labelling Becket a chameleon, adapting to whatever environment he's in. The vicious, brutal murder of Becket towards the end of the book was extremely well done -- it was both gruesome, horrifying, and left me shaking my head. Was Becket really actively seeking death/martyrdom as some of his confidants seemed to think?

The relationship between Henry and Becket is well done; the relationship between Henry and Eleanor I think was not so much. We're introduced to Henry's great affair with Rosamund Clifford, and that's fine, but Eleanor's abrupt descent into anti-Henry intriguer towards the end of the book is kind of unbelievable. We're allowed to see into Eleanor's head a little more than Becket's, but that doesn't help very much.

I thought the book also might have been better served to give more light to Henry's faults, which have a tendency to get glossed in order to make him a better protagonist. He was a notorious oathbreaker, slippery as an eel, but his violations of the various cobbled-together settlements with Becket are very quickly skimmed over in order to make Becket look like the prime violator, though they were both equally guilty.

Penman does about as good as I suspect anyone can with the confusing Welsh history of this time period, with various rulers interrelated, remarried, with large broods of children, but other than two or three main people I was left frequently lost about who was who. Those two or three managed to hold the major part of that plot together though, so that's a fairly minor quibble.

Overall, I would say this book was slightly better than the previous entrant in the series -- although it covers about the same amount of time, it feels much tighter, like it could have all happened in the space of five years instead of twenty. (less)

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Jun 24, 2011 Karen Brooks rated it 5 of 5 stars

The work of Sharon Kay Penman has long been recommended to me and I finally had the opportunity to read one of her books. At first I was concerned that starting in the middle of a trilogy would be difficult, but partly because the novels are based on history - that of the tempestuous and world-changing relationship of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitane - and the fact that they are sublimely written, this was no task. On the contrary, immersing my self in this fiery world, where religion, relations...more The work of Sharon Kay Penman has long been recommended to me and I finally had the opportunity to read one of her books. At first I was concerned that starting in the middle of a trilogy would be difficult, but partly because the novels are based on history - that of the tempestuous and world-changing relationship of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitane - and the fact that they are sublimely written, this was no task. On the contrary, immersing my self in this fiery world, where religion, relationships and geography were above all, political was both a pleasure and a marvellous history lesson.

Time and Chance explores the mid-years of Eleanor and Henry's marriage and the friendship turned enmity of Henry and Thomas Beckett. Drawing on actual historical documents and dialogues, Penman intersperses these with imagined conversations, one fully-fledged and created character, the half-Welsh, Half Norman, Ranulf, Henry's uncle, and against a backdrop of war, religion, and love, recreates the era in all its ugly glory. Her characterizations are rich and seductive, her use of language is exquisite (eg, describing someone's eyebrows 'as so thick, he seemed to be peering at the world through a hedge') and her world-building faultless. I lived and breathed with Eleanor, felt her triumph and pain, the agony of childbirth, her joy in her offspring, her desperate hurt when Henry's betrayal becomes known. We understand the emotional and physical distance she put between herself and her husband and, if you know the history, you also know the outcome - Penman provides a context - and, while it's created, it's also utterly plausible. Likewise, Henry's decisions as king, at once both monstrous and shattering, were also given a context and the reader is given access to the life of a powerful man upon whom the right to live or die, for his subjects, depends. The might of words and actions and their consequences are fully and faultlessly explored.

If only all history could be so impassioned and lively! In evoking a well-known period through its prominent and beloved characters, Penman has not only personalised but breathed life into the past and brought it into the present for us all to share. I can't wait to do some more time-travelling with her. (less)

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May 22, 2012 Lynn rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction

Time and Chance is the second book in what was to be a trilogy of the Angevins. I see there's a fourth book out now. Time and Chance concentrates on the reign of Henry II and his remarkable wife Eleanor of Aquitaine. Sharon Kay Penman's detailed research makes her novels a delight to read. She manages to paint a clear picture of a time long past populated by vivid characters.

Henry II was an intelligent and thoughtful ruler. He managed to outwit many enemies and earned the respect of his follower...more

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Apr 21, 2008 Lisa rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Nerds like me who are obsessed with medieval England & Wales

Hard to really review this one, as I had so little time to read that I spent like 3 months trying to get through it, while only reading about 10 minutes a day. So I never really got into the feel of it or got attached to the characters. They just didn't seem as real to me as in some of her other books and I'm not sure if it was my reading schedule or the way it was written....All together, not one of her better ones in my opinion.

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Oct 15, 2011 Ellen Ekstrom rated it 5 of 5 stars

The story of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine continues in this second book of a trilogy. Once again it is well-written, well-researched and paced as Henry assumes the throne of England and his marriage to Eleanor, a marriage that shocked 12th century Europe, begins to unravel.

Ranulf's story continues and becomes more interesting as he makes Wales his home and his loyalties are torn.

The well-known story of Becket, the Archbishop of Canterbury is told in an exceptional manner. Known for the Pete...more

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Jun 24, 2009 Christia rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Time and Chance is the second book in Sharon Kaye Penman’s Eleanor trilogy and deals primarily with Henry’s relationship with his wife, the famous Eleanor of Aquitaine, and the conflict between Henry II and his appointed Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket, over the authority of the church vs. the authority of the state. If high school teachers would include some passages from this book in their history lessons about the Constitutions of Clarendon, history class would be so much more interes...more Time and Chance is the second book in Sharon Kaye Penman’s Eleanor trilogy and deals primarily with Henry’s relationship with his wife, the famous Eleanor of Aquitaine, and the conflict between Henry II and his appointed Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket, over the authority of the church vs. the authority of the state. If high school teachers would include some passages from this book in their history lessons about the Constitutions of Clarendon, history class would be so much more interesting.

I have been a long time fan (going on 20 years now) of Penman’s books. Quite honestly, it was her books that sparked my interest in British history and my love of anything Welsh, and I’ve been an avid fan of her series long before the days of my other favorite 2 series (Merrily Watkins and Harry Potter). The Eleanor series involves numerous characters who were larger than life in reality, so you can imagine how strong and charismatic they are in the books. Penman is known for her painstakingly accurate research, not just on the characters and plot, but also for scene locations (castles and estates), customs of the day including chivalry codes, clothing, and even common diets of the day. Her vivid descriptions of court life, particularly banquet scenes, really bring the stories to life, and thanks to her, I now know at least a little more about castle baileys.

For some reason, as much as I enjoy her books, it took a couple of tries to really get into this particular one, but once I was in, I was hooked. I was curious how she would present “Fair Rosamund” Clifford, Henry’s famous mistress, and the author showed her eye for detail and historical accuracy when describing the dramatic scene where Becket was murdered. Penman’s character studies of the British (and Welsh) royalty are almost as fascinating as the historical individuals themselves. Highly recommended for history buffs and those interesed in learning more about Eleanor of Aquitaine.
(less)

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Feb 13, 2013 Cindy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2013

This is another great book! While I knew the general events during this time period, I didn't know more specific events. Now I want to read Welsh history and more about the Aquitaine! I also want to learn more about William Marshal (I've visited a castle that he once owned). And this is why I read historical fiction - to help me find the gaps so I can learn more.

As I read this and learned more about the conflict between Henry II and Thomas Beckett, I thought that the Catholic Church really hasn'...more

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Apr 12, 2011 Christie added it

Happy to find another historic fiction writer with a sizable anthology. It's no Dorothy Dunette work of art, but it was engaging, entertaining, and kept me up late a few nights. Henry II is a historic figure I don't know much about, and I became really intrigued by the relationship between him and his wife, Eleanor of Aquitane. These people never stayed in one place for more than a month or so! Always going from territory to territory, putting down unruly lords, taking over lands, feuding with t...more

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Jan 15, 2013 Patricia rated it 5 of 5 stars

The events of this second novel in a planned trilogy (after When Christ and His Saints Slept) center on the years 1156-71, when England was ruled by Henry II. His queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine, an uncommon woman for her era, is as strong-willed and intelligent as her husband. For many years, they share a passionate marriage, which produces several children--two of whom, Richard and John, go on to become powerful monarchs in their own right. Conflict arises when Henry names Thomas Becket, his close...more

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Oct 05, 2012 Brittany rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historicalfiction

This book continues the story of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine that began in When Christ and His Saints Slept, only with more Eleanor, for which I was very grateful. She's a fantastically interesting character, and, whether you think she's actually a good person or not, she's wonderfully fun to read about. So far, she's Penman's best character and her relationship with Henry II (and reaction to Rosamund Clifford) was wonderfully well done.

For once in a trilogy, the middle book is the one th...more

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Aug 09, 2009 Kristen rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2009, drama, historical-fiction, medievalism

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. The second in the Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine trilogy, Time and Chance focuses largely on the feud between Henry and Thomas Becket. I am always delighted when events in Wales are also included, as I think I love Wales even more than England, for all I spent far more time in England.

I am rather confused by Becket's sudden about-face. He went from being one of Henry's closest friends to one of his bitterest enemies apparently overnight. I am glad, though, that I'm not the only one who is con...more The second in the Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine trilogy, Time and Chance focuses largely on the feud between Henry and Thomas Becket. I am always delighted when events in Wales are also included, as I think I love Wales even more than England, for all I spent far more time in England.

I am rather confused by Becket's sudden about-face. He went from being one of Henry's closest friends to one of his bitterest enemies apparently overnight. I am glad, though, that I'm not the only one who is confused. Even the people who knew them both seem to have been confused by the rift between them and didn't know what caused it conclusively.

Based on Penman's writing of Becket, I kind of felt like he was so stubborn because he was of low birth and so maybe he acted as he did to hold on to something that he was concerned would be taken away from him. In some ways, he reminded me of the poor beggar man in chapter ten who was the recipient of Becket's scarlet cloak. He wanted it and held on to it and was afraid someone would snatch it away, while at the same time not sure what he would actually do with it.

Even though he was stubborn and seemed to be too wrapped up in his own political agenda, I still liked Becket and am inspired to read more about him. I really don't know much about him anyway and find him to be a fascinating character.

I was a little disappointed that Eleanor wasn't actually in this one as much, but her presence was still felt strongly.

I like the acts with the Welsh. I know nothing about medieval Wales and so any glimpse I get into that world is a treat. I enjoy learning about the society and how it differs from the medieval English society I'm more familiar with. Ranulf remains one of my favorite fictional characters, and I sympathize with him more and more each time I encounter him. I can't really imagine being as torn in my loyalties as he is. I hope we get to see more of Rhiannon as well. I was dismayed when Hywel died. Intuitively I knew it was coming, but still, it was a sad part of the book. I hate Crystyn's sons and it makes me mad when bad people get what they want.

I can't wait to read Devil's Brood to see if the Wales elements are addressed some there, or if it focuses more on the plight of Henry and Eleanor's marriage. I hope there is Welsh intrigue involved. As much as I'm fascinated by Eleanor of Aquitaine, we all know what's going to happen. Who hasn't seen Lion in Winter, really? =) (less)

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Aug 13, 2009 Mandy Moody rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: english-royalty, historical-fiction

Time and Chance was not as good as it's prequel, When Christ and His Saints Slept. It's not supposed to be as good as it's sequel, Devils Brood (which I haven't read yet.) It definitely wasn't as good as the Here Be Dragons Trilogy.
But it's still a Penman. And it was still really good.
The story of Henry and Eleanor is one that's been told by half a dozen authors, but SKP manages to put her own stamp on it and make it even more intriguing. Her historical characters are accurate in their despcrip...more

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Mar 26, 2009 Paigersoccerfan rated it 4 of 5 stars

I finished this book yesterday and as usual, with anything I have read so far by Sharon K Penman, found it to be extremely well written and researched. I enjoyed it, and found my self looking up some of the historical figures on the computer, because I wanted to know more about them. I like that the author is so careful about trying to keep the actual places, people, and dates, historically accurate and that if she does change anything she lets the reader know in the "author's notes".
What struc...more

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Jan 14, 2010 Julie Achterhoff rated it 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed going back in time and reading about Eleanor of Aquitaine again. I previously read Devil's Brood, which came after this one, but I liked it anyway, even though it was out of order.
There is much action and suspense in this account of one of the greatest queen's ever known. There is also much about the relationship between King Henry and Thomas Beckett. It begins with Beckett's appointment to the Archbishop of Canterbury. It shows how the relationship between him and the king dete...more

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Apr 15, 2013 Karen rated it 4 of 5 stars

From just seeing the movie, "Becket," I hadn't realized how many years the Becket saga lasted. I really enjoyed this book! It was a different take on "Saint Thomas." It seems clear that Becket was crazy! Even in his own time, most of his contemporaries thought he'd run mad. The argument between Henry and Becket was over the misdeeds and crimes of clergy and church clerks. Becket insisted that only the church could "punish" its own wrong-doers (even murderers and rapists). Henry agreed to let the...more

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Jan 25, 2012 Jessica rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: plantangent-finished

I wavered back and forth between 3 and 4 stars for this book. An honest disclaimer..this book had been recommended to me again and again with glowing praise so the bar was very, very high and I'm not sure it could have lived up to a 5 star no matter what. Now on to the actual review..

This is a solid historical fiction book. And that's the best adjective I can come up with for the book. It was missing anything that really connected for me. The narrator of the book constantly changes which stops y...more

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Mar 24, 2011 Caroline rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is the second in Penman's Henry II/Eleanor of Aquitaine trilogy, and I have to say it's not quite as good as the first. Perhaps because by this book the battling and endless war over the crown is over, and it's more about political and emotional battles, with Thomas Becket and Henry's queen Eleanor. It's still good, but not quite as gripping. Henry's bafflement over Becket's behaviour is very well depicted, but you never really get a sense of Becket as a character, although I suspect that's...more

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Mar 30, 2010 Erin rated it 3 of 5 stars

This is the second in Sharon Kay Penman's Eleanor of Aquitane series. After reading When Christ and His Saints slept, I was a little worried that this book would be just as dense. I was pleased to find that while it was still on the dense side, it was much more readable than the first piece in the series. I felt this book concentrated more on the main characters and a central story line, which made it easier to follow. I'm sure I'll read book 3, and the forthcoming book 4 at some point, but I th...more

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May 25, 2009 Lauren rated it 4 of 5 stars

Book 2 in Sharon Kay Penman's Eleanor of Aquitaine trilogy, following When Christ and His Saints Slept. Book 1 left off with the young Harry and Eleanor, the sizzling royal couple who hoped to create an empire. In Book 2, King Stephen dies and Harry inherits the throne, becoming King Henry II. For those who have read Book 1, you may recall that Stephen was a wonderful husband and an incompetent king. Harry is the opposite - a generally good king but a distant husband.

The novel, strongly rooted...more

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Jul 21, 2012 Alice rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-fiction, the-royal-challenge

This is the 2nd of the Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitane series. The first book is When Christ and his Saints Slept. At the start of this book Henry II has gained the throne of England. After years of civil war, it seems that a better age may be here at last. The King has a beautiful wife and a growing family. He has also the wise council of his Chancellor Thomas Beckett. We truly wish they could all live happily ever after.

The trouble starts when King Henry names Beckett as Archbishop of Canterb...more

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Jan 04, 2009 Jamie rated it 5 of 5 stars

The second book of a fabulous trilogy - (first being Christ and his Saints...) - takes us to the battle for the English throne between the Empress Maude and Stephen - the throne is finally taken by Henry II - Time and Chance is the life and love of Henry & Eleanor of Aquitaine - with a the scandal of Thomas a' Becket in the forefront as well......Outstanding account of English politics in the 12th century... Eleanor of Aquitaine is magnificent in her own right....
I love this trilogy...... Am...more

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Feb 23, 2012 Heather Pundt rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is the second of Penman's books I have read. This one continues the story of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine and tracks the volatile relationship between Henry and Thomas Beckett. If you enjoy historical fiction Penman really balances her research and the story well. There are some moments where you can tell she is trying to give the back story to those who may not know the history. I like her imaginative approach that brings historical figures to a life so that even a historian can step...more

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Mar 10, 2011 Carolyn rated it 5 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed the first book of this series, When Christ and His Angels Slept, but this one was even better. The dialogue between main characters was very believable, and the weaving of the story of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine was exceptionally well done. I understand the time period now much better than I ever did from reading or studying history. The misunderstandings between Henry and Thomas Becket are well explained, indicating that they were both in the wrong, and Becket's death wa...more

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Sep 09, 2009 Christy English rated it 5 of 5 stars

Like most of Sharon Kay Penman's work, this novel is one I come back to from time to time and enjoy again. I just read TIME AND CHANCE again over the holiday weekend, and as always, Sharon's work took me back to the past. I spend a lot of time with Eleanor and Henry in my own work, so it was wonderfully refreshing to see characters I love from her point of view. Her research is impeccable, and the stength of it, as well as her love for her characters comes through in her novels. If you haven't r...more

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Jan 24, 2011 Beccalarge rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This follows "When Christ and His Saints Slept", telling the story of King Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine. As usual, Penman does not disappoint, her writing is beautiful and she captures the time perfectly. I have read other stories written of this time period, but none can compare with the the amount of research Penman does. The story of Thomas Beckett, Owain the Great of Wales, not to mention the famous Eleanor of Aquitaine (one of my favorite female characters)....she captures them all in...more

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About Sharon Kay Penman

Penman received her bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Austin, she majored in history, and also received a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Rutgers University School of Law, and later worked as a tax lawyer. Penman suffered from an eighteen month bout with mononucleosis.

The Sunne in Splendour, a novel about Richard III of England is one of the most popular books on the Historical Nov...more

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When Christ and His Saints Slept (Henry II & Eleanor of Aquitaine, #1)

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Quotes from Time and Chance

“Autumn that year painted the countryside in vivid shades of scarlet, saffron and russet, and the days were clear and crisp under harvest skies.” — 6 people liked it

“Ranulf had spent much of his life watching those he loved wrestle with the seductive, lethal lure of kingship. It had proved the ruination of his cousin Stephen, a good man who had not made a good king. For his sister Maude, it had been an unrequited love affair, a passion she could neither capture nor renounce. For Hywel, it had been an illusion, a golden glow ever shimmering along the horizon. He believed that his nephew had come the closest to mastery of it, but at what cost?” — 2 people liked it

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Time and Chance (Henry II & Eleanor of Aquitaine #2)

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