Category: historical fiction

Today, I’m delighted to be reviewing Raven Lord by JC Duncan #blogtour #historicalfiction #HaraldHardrada

Here’s the blurb

Mercenary. Exile. Warlord.

At the edge of the world, the clouds of war are gathering…

1034AD

Cast out from the Kyivan Rus, Harald Sigurdsson’s quest for fame and fortune takes him to the far reaches of Europe; the lands of the Eastern Roman empire.

The empire is dying the slow death of decay and corruption. In desperation to fend off a myriad of foes, the emperor turns to the legendary Varangian guard for salvation. These deadly warriors from the far north, famed for their fearsome steel and battle skill, have become the empire’s greatest protectors.

From the golden gate of Constantinople to the holy waters of the river Jordan, Harald will march with the emperor’s finest. Joining their ranks promises him all the gold and glory he can desire, if only he can survive the desperate battles, the hostile land, and the ruthless ambition of a vengeful queen.

Purchase Link

https://mybook.to/ravenlordsocial

My Review

Raven Lord is book two in JC Duncan’s epic retelling of Harald Hardrada’s life. I have read book 1.

Harald has found his way to Constantinople with his band of brothers. Now he must learn the ways of politics, elevated to a whole new art in the Eastern Roman Empire, where the new emperor, Michael, and his wife, Zoe, the empress, are a far cry from allies working together to protect their vast empire. And Harald, a man more at home with a blade to hand, must discover how he and his men can not only survive but thrive in this new environment.

Raven Lord is a thrilling tale that takes readers from Constantinople to Edessa and then Jerusalem in the 1030s. It is narrated by Harald’s trusty friend, Eric, who regales his audience with tales of daring deeds as well as his own failures and faults. As Harald’s friend, Eric is often marginalised in the story of Harald’s life, but in recounting the story to a new audience, he achieves something different. I very much enjoyed this minor but important element of the story. I think we can all see where Eric’s leaning! 

Harald, still as arrogant and hard-hearted as in book 1, is also shown to be a man with a weakness for a certain woman, and this facet of the story is also very well crafted. For all his battle prowess and willingness to speak his mind and to hell with the consequences, he still has his foibles.

A fabulously entertaining and well-paced tale. A real delight. It is sure to appeal to fans of the genre.

Check out my review for book 1, Warrior Prince.

Meet the author

James has a 5 book historical fiction series ‘The Last Viking’ about the extraordinary life of Harald Hardrada being published with Boldwood books starting with ‘Warrior Prince’. When he isn’t writing or doing his full-time engineering job, James is happiest being an amateur bladesmith, forging knives in the shed he built in his garden.

Connect with JC Duncan

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JCDuncanAuthor

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JCDuncanauthor

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/j.c.duncan/?hl=enn   

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/j-c-duncan

Today I’m delighted to be taking part in the blog tour for new historical mystery, Murder in Moscow by Kelly Oliver #blogtour #BoldwoodBooks

Here’s the blurb:

Journey into the heart of 20th Century Russia in this fun and funny historical mystery, perfect for fans of Verity Bright and Helena Dixon.

1918 Moscow

Will following her heart mean losing her head? It could mean losing her job.

Fiona Figg trails her nemesis Fredrick Fredricks to Moscow. But when she arrives at the grand Metropol Hotel, the bounder has vanished.

After Fiona doesn’t show up for work at the War Office, Kitty Lane raises a red flag and tracks her to Russia. Seeking haven at the British Embassy, Kitty and Fiona become embroiled in a plot to overthrow the Bolshevik government.

But the plot turns deadly when Fiona goes undercover as a governess in the household of Iron Viktor, the Bolsheviks’ Head of Secret Police. And when Viktor turns up dead in his study, Fiona finds herself wanted for murder and on the lam.

Can Fiona and Kitty find the real killer and escape the Kremlin before it’s too late? Or will this dangerous game of Russian roulette be their last?

Purchase Link

https://mybook.to/murdermoscowsocial

My Review

Murder in Moscow is the latest instalment in the Fiona Figg and Kitty Lane cosy historical mystery series.

We’ve been to Egypt, Italy, the UK and now we’re off to 1918 Moscow. What could possibly go wrong?

Everything, or so it seems. Kitty, following Frederick Fredericks to Moscow, find herself marooned in an freezing cold Moscow in March, and that’s just the beginning of her problems, as she faces arrest and all sorts of other problems in this fun addition to the series.

What I loved about this new book is that Kitty gets her own part in it. So far, (I think), the narratives have been from Fiona’s point of view. In Murder in Moscow, Kitty gets to have her say and we learn some intriguing information about her. And, as Kitty can speak Russian a whole lot better than Fiona, Fiona really needs her help.

With the Bolsheviks, the Cheka, and the terrible problems facing the Russian royal family, Moscow is rife with conspiracy. As ever, Fiona walks right into it, and not even her disguises can necessarily help her.

This is, as I said, a fun addition to the series, which is going from strength to strength. Fiona is a single-minded woman, hell bent on making a name for herself, and her overconfidence means she gets into some very tricky situations. Her ability to get out of these situations is one of the appealing qualities of the series, told with a pinch of humour.

Check out my review for books 1, 2, 3 and 4 in the Fiona Figg and Kitty Lane Mystery books Chaos at Carnegie Hall, Covert in Cairo, Mayhem in the Mountains and Arsenic at Ascot.

Meet the Author

Kelly Oliver is the author of three award-winning bestselling mystery series and dozens of nonfiction books.

Connect with Kelly

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kellyoliverauthor  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kellyoliverbook  

Bookbub profile: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/kelly-oliver

Newsletter Sign Up: https://bit.ly/KellyOlivernews

I’m delighted to welcome back David Fitz-Gerald and his new book, Stay with the Wagons, to the blog #HistoricalFiction #WesternAdventure #AmericanWest #Pioneers #BlogTour

I’m delighted to welcome back David Fitz-Gerald and his new book, Stay with the Wagons: A Pioneer Western Adventure, Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail, to the blog with a series trailer.

Series Trailer

Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail Series Trailer

Here’s the blurb

Venture deep into the uncharted wilderness and crest the continental divide.

Stay with the Wagons is the enthralling third chapter in the Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail series. Dorcas Moon has discarded her mourning dress and yearns for freedom and independence amidst the vast frontier. But a perilous world and a commanding wagon master keep her tethered. Ultimately, it’s a brutal bout of fever and ague that confine her to camp.

Relentless disasters and beguiling challenges unfold in this installment. A young man is crushed beneath a wagon wheel. Dorcas’ son breaks an arm, a grizzly bear attacks the wagon train, and the looming threat of attacking outlaws whips the emigrants into a worried frenzy. How many must perish before they reach the end of the trail?

As chaos reigns, her troubled daughter, Rose, disappears once again, leading Dorcas on a perilous quest. Tracking Rose to a sacred site, they encounter a blind seer and a legendary leader, Chief Washakie. Rose’s enchantment with Native American adornments sparks Dorcas’ concern about an unexpected suitor and raises worries about Rose’s age.

Stay with the Wagons is bursting with action, adventure, and survival. It is a story of resilience and empowerment on the Oregon Trail. Claim your copy now and re-immerse yourself in a tale of high-stakes survival, unexpected alliances, and the indomitable spirit of Dorcas Moon.

Buy Link

Universal Link:

This title/series is available to read on#KindleUnlimited

Meet the Author

David Fitz-Gerald writes westerns and historical fiction. He is the author of twelve books, including the brand-new series, Ghosts Along the Oregon Trail set in 1850. Dave is a multiple Laramie Award, first place, best in category winner; a Blue Ribbon Chanticleerian; a member of Western Writers of America; and a member of the Historical Novel Society.

Alpine landscapes and flashy horses always catch Dave’s eye and turn his head. He is also an Adirondack 46-er, which means that he has hiked to the summit of the range’s highest peaks. As a mountaineer, he’s happiest at an elevation of over four thousand feet above sea level.

Dave is a lifelong fan of western fiction, landscapes, movies, and music. It should be no surprise that Dave delights in placing memorable characters on treacherous trails, mountain tops, and on the backs of wild horses.

Connect with the Author

Website: BookBub: Linktree:

Follow the Stay With the Wagons blog tour with The Coffee Pot Book Club

I’m delighted to be reviewing My Fair Lord by Elisabeth Hobbes #histfic

Here’s the blurb

A Gilded Age Retelling of My Fair Lady

Arriving into English society from the drawing rooms of New York, Miss Florence Wakechild desires nothing less than the marriage her father is so desperately seeking for her. Clayton Wakechild desires nothing more than finding a suitable husband for his daughter – a husband of noble birth and title no less. No ‘new money’ here.

Frustrated with her father’s obsession with the British aristocracy, Florence comes up with a plan. If she can train an ordinary working man to behave like a viscount and fool her father, she can prove to him a title is meaningless.

It’s a straightforward plan, but the man Florence chooses is Ned Blake, a man who will open her eyes in a way she couldn’t have imagined. As Ned’s hands gently guide her across the ballroom floor, the last thing Florence expects to feel is something… real.

With his past catching up with him, Ned seizes the opportunity to lie low, if only briefly, but will the secrets he’s keeping destroy the chance of happiness he’d never imagined?

Purchase Link

https://mybook.to/MyFairLord

My Review

My Fair Lord is an engaging romance set, in the later 19th century.

Our two main characters meet in the first sentence, and their tale then takes us from Liverpool to New York. Elizabeth Wakechild is an outspoken young, wealthy American woman, determined against marrying a British titled lord with no money. Ned is somewhat of a mystery – a man who can move in quite exulted company but is also not out of place in a dockyard pub. Elizabeth’s desire to show her father’s determination that she marry into a title is based on little more than conceit, bringing them together. With the aid of Ned, Elizabeth intends to show her father that a man can be taught about manners and societal norms without having been born to them and sets about teaching him with forthright determination.

Both hot-headed, and with agendas of their own, the two but heads, but also remain determined to fulfil their respective bargains, no matter what, and even if it means travelling to New York. The narrative is split between the pair and moves at quite a brisk pace.

Ned and Elizabeth are both fun characters. Elizabeth is educated in the correct forms of address for every member of British society; Ned isn’t, or at least, he pretends not to be. They fall in love with one another, which accounts for why they refuse to part ways, even if it might be better for them to do so, even though, as it stands, they could never be together.

I enjoyed the story. Elizabeth is perhaps the more-rounded character. Her secrets are freely shared with the reader, whereas Ned’s aren’t. This does allow for the ending to be quite unexpected.

This is sure to appeal to fans of historical romance of all time periods.

Meet the author

Elisabeth writes romantic Historical fiction as Elisabeth Hobbes and Historical folklore/fantasy romance as Elisabeth J. Hobbes.

She teaches Primary school but would love to write full time because unlike five-year-olds her characters generally do what she tells them. She spends most of her spare time reading and is a pro at cooking one-handed while holding a book.

Elisabeth hails from York but lives in Cheshire because the car broke down there in 1999 and she never left. Elisabeth has two almost grown kids, two cats, two dogs and a husband. The whole family are on the autistic spectrum and that probably includes the pets! She dreams of having a tidy house one day.

Connect with Elisabeth

Facebook  https://www.facebook.com/ElisabethHobbes/

Twitter https://twitter.com/ElisabethHobbes

Bookbub https://www.bookbub.com/profile/elisabeth-hobbes?follow=true

Amazon viewauthor.at/ElisabethHobbes

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/elisabethhobbes_author/

Bluesky https://bsky.app/profile/elisabethhobbes.bsky.social

I’m delighted to welcome Judith Arnopp and her new book, A Matter of Time, to the blog #HistoricalFiction #Tudor #HenryVIII #NewRelease #BlogTour #CoffeePotBookClub

I’m delighted to welcome Judith Arnopp and her new book, A Matter of Time: Henry VIII, the Dying of the Light (Book Three), to the blog with a snippet.

Snippet: November 1541 Henry prepares for mass

It is good to be home, and my spirits remain high. I jest with my gentlemen as my beard, greyer now than gold, is trimmed, my nails clipped. I select a doublet of black with silver thread embellishing the cuffs, the slashes across the sleeves and chest revealing a fine silk shirt beneath.

My looking glass reflects a king, a man in his prime, a wise and honest man. As my dress sword is arranged at my hip, I take the gloves Denny is offering and tuck them into my girdle.

“Where is my psalter?” I ask, and it is instantly produced. I tuck it beneath my arm and make my way to the chapel, wondering as I go if Katherine will make it to Mass so early.

My mind is not on prayer this morning. I am feeling spry enough to go for a ride. Brandon has returned to court this week, perhaps we can ride out together as we used to, if he is feeling up to it. I often forget that he too grows old.

The sound of the choir greets me, their voices ascending to the dizzy heights of the blue and gold ceiling. Immediately, I feel contrition that my mind had strayed to sport rather than giving thanks to God for another day. Before I enter and take my seat, I rearrange my face into a pious expression. But as I sit down, I notice a folded slip of paper. I pick it up, look about the chapel to discover the author of the note, but when no man meets my eye, I unfold the message and … the world around me crumbles.

Here’s the blurb

With youth now far behind him, King Henry VIII has only produced one infant son and two bastard daughters. More sons are essential to secure the Tudor line and with his third wife, Jane Seymour dead, Henry hunts for a suitable replacement.

After the break from Rome, trouble is brewing with France and Scotland. Thomas Cromwell arranges a diplomatic marriage with the sister of the Duke of Cleves but when it comes to women, Henry is fastidious, and the new bride does not please him. The increasingly unpredictable king sets his sights instead upon Katherine Howard and instructs Cromwell to free him from the match with Cleves.

Failure to rid the king of his unloved wife could cost Cromwell his head.

Henry, now ailing and ageing, is invigorated by his flighty new bride but despite the favours he heaps upon her, he cannot win Katherine’s heart. A little over a year later, broken by her infidelity, she becomes the second of his wives to die on the scaffold, leaving Henry friendless and alone.

But his stout heart will not surrender and leaving his sixth wife, Katheryn Parr, installed as regent over England, Henry embarks on a final war to win back territories lost to the French more than a century before. Hungry for glory, the king is determined that the name Henry VIII will shine brighter and longer than that of his hero, Henry V.

Told from the king’s perspective, A Matter of Time: Henry VIII: the Dying of the Light shines a torch into the heart and mind of England’s most tyrannical king.

Buy Links

Meet the Author

A lifelong history enthusiast and avid reader, Judith holds a BA in English/Creative writing and an MA in Medieval Studies. She lives on the coast of West Wales where she writes both fiction and non-fiction. She is best known for her novels set in the Medieval and Tudor period, focusing on the perspective of historical women but recently she has been writing from the perspective of Henry VIII himself.

Judith is also a founder member of a re-enactment group called The Fyne Companye of Cambria which is when she began to experiment with sewing historical garments. She now makes clothes and accessories both for the group and others. She is not a professionally trained sewer but through trial, error and determination has learned how to make authentic looking, if not strictly historically accurate clothing. Her non-fiction book, How to Dress like a Tudor was published by Pen and Sword in 2023.

Her novels include:

  • A Song of Sixpence: the story of Elizabeth of York
  • The Beaufort Chronicle : the life of Lady Margaret Beaufort (three book series)
  • A Matter of Conscience: Henry VIII, the Aragon Years (Book One of The Henrician Chronicle)
  • A Matter of Faith: Henry VIII, the Days of the Phoenix (Book Two of The Henrician chronicle)
  • A Matter of Time: Henry VIII, the Dying of the Light (Book Three, Coming soon)
  • The Kiss of the Concubine: a story of Anne Boleyn
  • The Winchester Goose: at the court of Henry VIII
  • Intractable Heart: the story of Katheryn Parr
  • Sisters of Arden: on the Pilgrimage of Grace
  • The Heretic Wind: the life of Mary Tudor, Queen of England
  • Peaceweaver
  • The Forest Dwellers
  • The Song of Heledd

Previously published under the pen name – J M Ruddock.

  • The Book of Thornhold
  • A Daughter of Warwick: the story of Anne Neville, Queen of Richard III

Connect with the Author

Website: Blog: Bluesky: BookBub:

Follow the A Matter of Time blog tour with The Coffee Pot Book Club

Happy release day to The Last Viking, but who can remember what happened in the previous books? Enter the HUGE competition to win copies of all eight books.

It’s been a while since we’ve been in the saddle with Coelwulf and his foul-mouthed fellow warriors. I’ve missed them, and I think others have as well. I thought it would be a good idea to offer a brief recap. I know I had to reread The Last Seven to make sure everything was as it should be.

So, readers, let us return to the year 875.

It seems a bit crazy, but somehow, the first seven books in the series take place in a period of no more than a year. but it’s been a pretty hectic year. For those who’ve not read the books, read on at your peril.

Our sweary-mouthed hero, Coelwulf, has been proclaimed king of Mercia, through the connivance of his aunt, Lady Cyneswith (who isn’t a historical individual, but she does appear in both the Coelwulf and the Icel books), and Bishop Wærferth of Worcester (who is historical). Why has he become king? Because King Burgred, long-term ruler of Mercia, has done a deal with the Viking raiders based at Repton. In order to live, he had to give up his right to rule. He’s now hiding away in Rome, with his wife, the sister of King Alfred.

Also, Coelwulf (although we don’t know all the details from the historical record) is descended from Coelwulf, the first of his name, who ruled in the 820s, and his brother, Coenwulf, who ruled from 796 to 821. Burgred either had no children, or his sons didn’t fancy ruling after his father left.

My character, Coelwulf, is no shrinking wall flower. Oh no. He might not want to be king, but he is determined to fight the enemy to keep hold of Mercia. And so we follow him, and his loyal warriors as they combat the enemy, first at Repton, then at Torksey, Gainsborough, on the borders with the Welsh, at Northampton and at Grantabridge. They don’t get much respite.

Alas, the end of book seven, somewhat jokingly called The Last Seven, when I started work on it, and a title which stuck, sees a terrible tragedy, and now, in The Last Viking, King Coelwulf must decide if that tragedy is to define him, or if he still plans to fight. (I think we can all guess what the answer might be.) I promise there will not be such a big gap between book 8 and book 9. Indeed, you can find book 9 available for preorder.

Check out some previous release day posts for earlier titles in the series

The Last Horse

The Last Enemy with Rudolf

The Last Enemy with Lady Cyneswith

The Last Sword

The Last Shield

The Last Seven

Enter the HUGE competition. Win an ebook copy of every book in the series, including the prequel short story collection (worldwide). If I can, I will also send signed bookplates. For those in the UK, I will offer a copy of every single paperback edition. (I know, it’s a bonkers prize). To take part, simply sign up for my newsletter (you will receive a free ebook short story collection).

All current subscribers will be entered automatically. The competition will run throughout March 2024. I will contact the winners on 1st April 2024. Good luck.

Here’s the blurb:

Can one man win Mercia’s freedom from the Viking raiders?

Jarl Guthrum has been captured after the terrible events in Grantabridge. King Coelwulf knows exactly what he’d like to do to him, but those with calmer heads have other ideas.

Baptised and having taken the name of Æthelstan, Guthrum is Mercia’s prisoner, and in the wake of that, Mercia must rebuild.

But Jarl Guthrum is far from the only Viking raider who wishes to subdue Mercia. Coelwulf and his allies, grief-stricken, must still fight for her survival while those around demand their help in defeating the enemy.

Once more, the warriors of Mercia are obliged to do all they can to ensure the kingdom’s survival.

books2read.com/The-Last-Viking

( available in ebook, paperback and hardback)

Click this link to find out the title for book 9 and preorder the kindle version.

Happy release day to The Last Viking, continuing the tale of Coelwulf and his lethal warriors. Enter the HUGE competition to win copies of all eight books.

It’s been a while since we’ve been in the saddle with Coelwulf and his foul-mouthed fellow warriors. I’ve missed them (well, all apart from Icel -who I’ve been writing about in his younger days for The Eagle of Mercia Chronicles) and I hope you have as well.

The good news is that The Last Viking is released today, and I’m already busy at work on the ninth book in the series. And I’ll tell you a secret, Coelwulf finally meets King Alfred of Wessex in this one. So, while The Last Viking is released today, the next book is also on preorder for release in September 2024. (If I can, I will bring this forward but I’m not making the mistake of overcommitting with so many projects on the go.)

If you’ve not yet discovered this series, then those who’ve enjoyed others books I’ve written, should be warned that these books are violent and very foul-mouthed. The first six in the series can be read in Cleaner Versions. Hopefully, book 7 and 8 will also be available in the next few days:).

Throughout March, book 2 in the series will be a Kindle Monthly deal on Amazon UK, and the other books in the series will also be reduced.

I am also holding a HUGE competition. Win an ebook copy of every book in the series, including the prequel short story collection (worldwide). If I can, I will also send signed bookplates. For those in the UK, I will offer a copy of every single paperback edition. (I know, it’s a bonkers prize). To take part, simply sign up for my newsletter.

All current subscribers will be entered automatically. The competition will run throughout March 2024. I will contact the winners on 1st April 2024. Good luck.

Here’s the blurb:

Can one man win Mercia’s freedom from the Viking raiders?

Jarl Guthrum has been captured after the terrible events in Grantabridge. King Coelwulf knows exactly what he’d like to do to him, but those with calmer heads have other ideas.

Baptised and having taken the name of Æthelstan, Guthrum is Mercia’s prisoner, and in the wake of that, Mercia must rebuild.

But Jarl Guthrum is far from the only Viking raider who wishes to subdue Mercia. Coelwulf and his allies, grief-stricken, must still fight for her survival while those around demand their help in defeating the enemy.

Once more, the warriors of Mercia are obliged to do all they can to ensure the kingdom’s survival.

books2read.com/The-Last-Viking

( available in ebook, paperback and hardback)

Click this link to find out the title for book 9 and preorder the kindle version.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0CWYL6XPN

I’m delighted to be reviewing The Other Gwyn Girl by Nicola Cornick #blogtour #dualtimeline #historicalfiction

Here’s the blurb

1671 – London

The Civil War is over and Charles II, the ‘Merry Monarch’, is revelling in the throne of his murdered father and all the privileges and power that comes with it. Sharing the spoils is his favourite companion, the celebrated beauty, actress Nell Gwyn. Beloved of the English people, Nell has come a long way from selling oranges and a childhood in a brothel, but as her fortunes have turned, her sister Rose has taken a different path. Marriage to a feckless highwayman has left Rose in the grim Marshalsea prison and now she needs her sister’s mercy to help get her out. But Nell needs Rose too. A plot to steal the Crown Jewels has gone tragically wrong, and Nell’s future with her protector King is at risk. If Rose can’t solve the riddle of the jewels both Gwyn sisters will head straight to the Tower.

Present Day

Librarian and history enthusiast Jess Yates has hit rock bottom. With her ex behind bars for fraud, Jess needs to lay low – easier said than done with a celebrity sister. But Tavy has her uses. Her latest TV project involves renovating Fortune Hall, and she needs a house sitter while she’s jetting around the world. The opportunity is too good to miss, especially when Jess discovers that Fortune Hall has links to the infamous Nell Gwyn.

Slowly the house begins to reveal its mysteries, and secrets that have laid buried for centuries can no longer be ignored. Jess hears echoes from a tragic past and as she struggles to understand her sister, Jess feels ever closer to Rose Gwyn, the sister forgotten by history but who had the fate of her family in her hands.

Bestselling author Nicola Cornick is back with a captivating, gripping, unforgettable tale of treachery and treason, love and loyalty, perfect for fans of Barbara Erskine, Elena Collins and Christina Courtenay.

Purchase Link

https://mybook.to/gwyngirlsocial

My Review

The Other Gwyn Girl by Nicola Cornick is a dual-timeline novel taking place in the present day and the early 1670s, offering an account of the life of The Other Gwyn Girl, Rose, as opposed to Nell, mistress of Charles II, although Nell does have a role in the book.

Beginning with events in the 1670s, the historical element of the story is well woven and told in a 1st person POV, taking in the theatre, London, the king, and indeed, the theft of the crown jewels as well as the delight of the Marshelsea prison. I was firmly invested in Rose’s story and, as often with dual-timeline tales, felt a little resentful that the whole tale was not about Rose:)

That said, our modern timeline, told from a 3rd person POV, is still intriguing, encompassing the Bodleian Library, ancient letters, and a little bit of ‘otherworldlyness’. The parallels between the two narratives, both ‘the unfamous’ sisters, worked well.

The narrative is certainly engaging, and I whipped through the book in only a few sittings, quite desperate to find out what would happen to Rose in the historical timeline.

A really enjoyable tale, well pieced together, and thrilling.

(I would have loved some historical notes at the back – sorry, it’s the historian in me).

Meet the author

Nicola Cornick is a historian and author who works as a researcher and guide for the National Trust in one of the most beautiful 17th century houses in England. She writes dual time novels that illustrate her love of history, mystery and the supernatural, and focus on women from the footnotes of history. Her books have appeared in over twenty five languages, sold over half a million copies worldwide and been described as “perfect for Outlander fans.” Nicola also gives writing and history talks, works as a consultant for TV and radio, and is a trustee of the Wantage Literary Festival and the Friends of Lydiard Park.

Connect with the author

Facebook:  Twitter:  Instagram: 

Newsletter Sign Up:   Bookbub profile: 

It’s International Women’s Day 2024. Here’s to the women of the tenth century in Saxon England.

I’ve made it somewhat of a passion to study the royal women of the tenth century. What drew me to them was a realisation that while much focus has rested on the eleventh century women, most notably Queen Emma and Queen Edith, their position rests very much on growing developments throughout the tenth century. It also helps that there is a surprising concurrence of women in the tenth century, the early years of Queen Elfrida, England’s first acknowledged crowned queen, find the ‘old guard’ from previous reigns, mixing with the ‘new guard’ – a delightful mix – it must be thought – of those experienced women trying to teach the younger, less experienced women, how to make their way at the royal court, perhaps with some unease from all involved.

Lady Elfrida, or Ælfthryth (I find it easier to name her as Elfrida) was the first of these women to catch my eye. Her story, which can be interpreted as a love story if you consult the ‘right’ sources, fascinated me. The wife of a king, mother of another king, and in time, grandmother, posthumously, to two more. But, it was her possible interactions with her husband’s paternal grandmother, the aging but long-lived Lady Eadgifu, and maternal grandmother, Lady Wynflæd, as well as probable unease with her second husband’s cast-off second wife, that really sparked my imagination. I could well imagine the conversations they might share, and the dismay they might feel around one another. Lady Elfrida replaced a wife who was not crowned as queen, and also replaced a grandmother who had never been crowned as queen but had long held a position of influence for over forty years at the Wessex court.

Equally, Elfrida’s husband had been surrounded by women from his earliest days. His mother had died, perhaps birthing him, but he had two grandmothers, a step-mother, a foster-mother and his (slightly) older brother’s wife, who would have been instrumental in his life, not to mention his first two wives. As such, it was the personal interactions of the women that called to me, and the tragedy and triumphs of their lives, and, I confess, an image of Dame Maggie Smith holding sway in Downton Abbey that drew me to the women of this period.

I’ve gone on to write fictionalised accounts of many of these women, and then, frustrated by the lack of a cohesive non-fiction account, I’ve also written a non-fiction guide detailing the scant information available for these women.

https://amzn.to/421prHt

https://books2read.com/TheRoyalWomenWhoMadeEngland

You can read more about the royal women on the blog.

The Tenth Century Royal Women

Meet Lady Eadgifu

Lady Æthelflæd

Lady Ælfwynn

The daughters of Edward the Elder

The religious daughters of Edward the Elder

Did England’s first crowned queen murder her stepson?

Posts

Today, I’m delighted to be reviewing Anne O’Brien’s new novel, A Court of Betrayal #bookreview #historicalfiction

Here’s the blurb

ALL’S FAIR IN LOVE AND WAR…

The Welsh Marches, 1301

Strong-willed heiress Johane de Geneville is married to Roger Mortimer, Earl of March, at just fifteen years old.

Soon Johane finds herself swept up in a world of treacherous court politics and dangerous secrets as her husband deposes Edward II and rules England alongside Queen Isabella. 

Yet when Roger is accused of treason, she is robbed of her freedom and must survive catastrophic events in her fight for justice – with her life, and her children’s, hanging in the balance…

Will she pay for her husband’s mistakes, or will she manage to escape from a terrible fate?

Purchase Link

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My Review

A Court of Betrayal sees Anne O’Brien returning to the early 14th century, finding for her readers a wonderful character, Johane de Geneville. We all know the story of Queen Isabella and her lover, Roger Mortimer, but what about the wife left behind in the Welsh Marches?

There is much of Johane and Roger’s life to cover before the tumultuous events that see Roger fleeing England for his life – 12 children for a start – and this period of Johane’s life is given full coverage by our fabulous author. Johane is fully formed. What I’ve always appreciated about Anne’s characters is that they are women of the time, with all the restrictions that bring with it. Yet, her female characters remain strong-willed and independent, doing what they can within societal norms. Sometimes we might not like Johane (the treatment of her sisters for one), but we are still very much invested in her, and her story. And this is her story. The children are, of course, mentioned, but we hear Johane’s thoughts and fears. Johane drives the narrative, even when she is held in captivity with little outside knowledge of events at the king’s court..

Through Johane’s eyes, we see her husband cast low at the pretensions of the Despenser’s, only to rise too high, too quickly, and we also hear of the many conspiracy theories surrounding his actions – particularly concerning what happened to Edward II. The symmetry between Roger’s actions and those of Edward II’s favourites is beautifully evoked, and the reader is left feeling that if a woman had been instrumental in all this chaos, she would have had much more sense than to upset everyone in the same way that Roger was previously disgruntled—a lovely touch.

I flew through this book in 2 days. Reading a new Anne O’Brien novel is an absolute treat. Just like Constance of York in a Tapestry of Treason, Johane will long live with the reader. 

A Court of Betrayal is a wonderful, evocative novel that will delight readers.

Check out my reviews for

A Tapestry of Treason

The Queen’s Rival

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