Pathway to Power — Jan Foxall

The wealthy Earl Godwine of Wessex, surrounded by his large family, has been a favourite of the dying king of England for many years and he will strive to achieve the same position with any successor to the English crown. However, ultimately this is not enough; he wants to touch the heights of power and to elevate his family to unprecedented levels. His dutiful son Harold grows up expecting to marry where his parents direct but then he meets a young woman with whom he falls in love.

Meanwhile, the duchy of Normandy groans under repeated rebellions and the new duke faces danger on a daily basis. It is going to be difficult for him even to survive childhood. However, this boy has a burning ambition to do justice to his father's trust. He needs help and a lot of luck; help is in short supply but will his luck see him through?

This historical novel is the first in the series 'Crown in Conflict' telling the story of the ruling houses of England and Normandy in the middle years of the eleventh century .