This book is well researched and full of diverse medieval women. As a history lover I appreciate books where women are the main focus. She goes into great detail about these women's achievements and how they got where they were. Marriage was essential to their lives as well as producing heirs. Most don’t come into their own until they are widowed. They were vulnerable without male protection. They often needed external support to keep their power.  

Concubines are often known as mistresses and were able to have some power and becoming one often brought wealth and privilege. It seems like it could also be dangerous. The author goes into detail about several of them and their place in medieval society. 

Altogether I enjoyed learning about these women and their lives. My only criticism is how chaotic it got at times which did cause some confusion.