An heir to the throne, a gorgeous blonde lady-in-waiting, the king’s trusted advisor. When a father and son don’t understand each other, the son pays an outrageous price.   Love, jealousy, loyalty, and revenge roil the court of 14th century Portugal.   In this engrossing launch to the Queens of Portugal trilogy, Catherine Mathis gives a fresh take on the tale of Pedro and Inês, Portugal’s real-life Romeo and Juliet. Pedro’s father would not have been king if not for his trusted advisor, Gonçalves. Once king, he wants no part in neighboring Castile’s royal convulsions though his son, Pedro, befriends powerful Castilians.   The all-consuming drive of the king is to ensure his line rules Portugal for centuries to come. He needs legitimate, strong heirs. The Infante Pedro loves a woman not deemed worthy to wear the crown as queen. Between father and son is Gonçalves, the king’s powerful, unquestioned counselor who is mentor to the son. Both Gonçalves and Pedro seek the attention of Inês.   There is a horrific cost to winning the love of Inês. She will not release her grip on Pedro until he keeps the two sworn oaths he made to her. Can Pedro do the impossible to satisfy Inês?   Inês  is based on real people and events exploring a cultural touchstone of Portuguese history.  There is a lot of drama and intrigue, and the characters' emotions are beautifully captured in this engrossing tale. Catherine Mathis expertly explores the intrigue and political atmosphere of the period, revealing a court rife with treachery, ambition, and questionable people -- Readers' Favorite Inês is sweeping, tragic, and unforgettable. It’s the perfect read for anyone who wants their historical fiction with passion, politics, and just the right touch of the eerie. As the first volume of the trilogy, it sets the stage for more epic intrigue. -- Deviant Quill Reviews ― Deviant Quill Reviews Catherine Mathis takes a blazingly smart and deep dive into an era of history that still resonates today.   Mathis excels through an abundance of tense and evocative dialogue, balancing it with the right amount of lively banter. The result is a tour de force that is surefooted and rich in human emotion. -- Chanticleer Book Reviews The blend of history and personal motivations is finely wrought, bringing readers into the emotional and political milieu of characters who find their friendships and associations contribute either uncertainty or strength not just within Portugal, but its status and relationships with other nations.   Mathis creates a universally-accessible story of family communication issues, rejection, and love against all odds. These elements, combined with astute inspections of historical detail, make the plot thoroughly engrossing and deeply educational for all.  -- Midwest Book Reviews Ine^s by Catherine Mathis is an enthralling historical fiction novel that transports readers to the vibrant and tumultuous world of Portugal’s royal history. The themes in this story resonate deeply with the reader, exploring love, ambition, and the complexities of court life. Mathis masterfully weaves emotional depth into the narrative, creating a deeply engaging experience that leaves a lasting impression and invites readers on an unforgettable journey through the grandeur and intrigue of Portugal’s past.   -- Coffee Pot Book Club Editorials After experiencing a difficult Christmas without their only child, Catherine Mathis and her husband took a spontaneous trip to Portugal, where inspiration struck unexpectedly. In the historic Abbey of Alcobaça, she discovered the tombs of Pedro and Inês—often called Iberia’s Romeo and Juliet. This discovery sparked a fascination with medieval legends, leading her to explore further tales of the next generation, including the remarkable Queen Philippa, daughter of John of Gaunt. Born in Berlin as the eldest child of a spy and his secretary-turned-wife, Catherine grew up in the Washington, D.C. area. She earned a degree in history from Sewanee
The University of the South. Her extensive career in international banking provided opportunities to travel throughout Asia, the Middle East, and Europe. Now, she resides in Atlanta, where she writes full-time, close to her son and his family. Catherine is a dedicated member of the Historical Novel Society, the Atlanta Writers Club, and the Authors Guild. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, collecting folk art, reading, and exploring new destinations. For readers who appreciate rich historical narratives, Catherine’s books offer a captivating journey into the past. She also encourages readers to explore the extensive reviews available on the Historical Novel Society’s website, sorted by time period or author.