A modern day scholar revisits the turbulent epic of the Norman invasion of England as she reads the diary of the aunt of William the Conqueror. Professor Cartwright develops an affinity for the eleventh century Eleanore, recognizing the similar choices they make, which will ultimately affect their lives. MOTIVE'S MIRROR provides an interesting juxtaposition between an historical event and a modern day plot, which occurs on a college campus. It provides the reader with a rare insight into the past, as told by a medieval woman. Her perspective on events leading up to the invasion of 1066 is discussed in the contemporary setting of a university classroom. The Norman noblewoman, Eleanore was a real person, however few details are available about her life. As a result, the diary is a fictional journal, although all of the historic events described are the product of well-documented research by the author.