The Falcon’s Eyes

Now available

Willful and outspoken, sixteen-year-old Isabelle yearns to escape her stifling life in provincial twelfth century France. The bane of her mother’s existence, she admires the notorious queen most in her circle abhor: Eleanor of Aquitaine. Isabelle’s arranged marriage to Gerard—a rich, charismatic lord obsessed with falcons—seems, at first, to fulfill her longing for adventure. But as Gerard’s controlling nature, and his consuming desire for a male heir, become more apparent, Isabelle, in the spirit of her royal heroine, makes bold, often perilous, decisions which will forever affect her fate.

“Stanfill’s book is a celebration of Isabelle’s relationships not just with the queen but with a host of other women.”
—New York Times Book Review

“The enriching dialogue between brave Isabelle and wise Eleanor consistently intrigues, as does the bewitching blend of tainted nobility, secretive domestics, and palace plots. This is a crackling historical.”
—PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, STARRED REVIEW

“The Falcon’s Eyes is an engrossing historical novel detailing the life of Eleanor of Aquitaine.”
—Oprah Daily

“The story sustains interest throughout the turning of so many pages due to the practically perfect storytelling of Francesca Stanfill.”
—NY Journal of Books

“The Falcon’s Eyes is a richly woven, deeply satisfying work of medieval fiction.”
—Napa Valley Register

“This book is a treasure trove. To use an old expression, it brings history to life.”
—San Francisco Book Review

“…a novel of epic proportions that succeeds in being both intimate and vast. History is Stanfill’s canvas, humanity her inspiration.”
—AUTHOR AMANDA FOREMAN

“…a dazzling adventure, with riveting twists and turns and a surprising yet deeply satisfying conclusion.”
—AUTHOR SALLY BEDELL SMITH

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About Francesca

Francesca Stanfill was born in Oxford, England, and grew up in New York City and Los Angeles. She is a graduate of Yale University, where her studies included the History of Art and medieval history. Her articles have appeared in many publications, including The New York Times Magazine, Vogue, and Vanity Fair. Her lifelong fascination with the twelfth century and its legendary queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine, propelled her to write The Falcon’s Eyes. This is her third novel. She lives in New York.

Francesca’s Earlier Books

“A big book, a big story and unashamedly romantic—with bite.”
—Woman’s World on Shadows and Light

“A, splendidly unabashed, postmodern updating of the genre… An intelligent great read.”
—Kirkus Reviews on Wakefield Hall

“A remarkable insight into the hurts of relationships, of love—of betrayal.”
—Manchester Evening News on Shadows and Light

“You fall under the story’s old-fashioned spell… Ms. Stanfill’s novel seduces the reader.”
—New York Times on Wakefield Hall

“A book that deserves to be read.”
—Belfast News Letter on Shadows and Light

“An elegant tale of escapism and mystery…”
—Los Angeles Times on Wakefield Hall