"...dramatically gripping novel...A captivating account of the lives of extraordinary women in perilous times." —Kirkus
Seventh century Northumbria, the damp kingdom north of the River Humber, is a land dominated by ambitious kings and conflicting gods struggling for dominance.
Four royal women using their wits and charm guide the warring kingdoms into the new Christian age. Queen Ethelberga encourages Edwin of Northumbria to convert to Christianity. Abbess Hild becomes the most powerful female church leader in Northumbria and sponsors the great Synod of Whitby at her abbey. Princess Enfleda weds King Oswy of Northumbria and supports the young church. Her daughter, the Abbess Elfleda, brings together one united Church in Northumbria.
If you enjoy books by Jayne Castel, you will enjoy reading about these royal women in Northumbria
Sandra writes historical fiction. Her latest book, "Ambition, Arrogance & Pride" focuses on 18th century Salem MA. Sandra also blogs about history, travel, and other topics that catch her attention. For more information about Sandra, visit her website https://www.sandrawagnerwright.com
As Hildeburg watches the new queen come ashore, her emotions range from excitement to curiosity. Why didn't the new queen wait for her husband the king to help her out of the boat? Who is this man dressed in black? Why did the queen bring so many of her own people with her from Kent? Will she change the status of the Northumbrian ladies? Ethelberga, the new queen, also experiences excitement as she takes her elevated social position and meets her husband for the first time. Is Ethelberga nervous? Resentful?
Book Excerpt
Saxon Heroines
When the ships are well into the estuary, our men row out to meet them. The king’s thanes reach up to lift the queen’s ladies into the boats, but leave her escorts to climb down into the bobbing vessels. It takes three trips to bring the queen’s household ashore. The queen arrives last. King Edwin rushes to help her out of the vessel, but her own man, clad entirely in black, steps ashore first and gives her his hand. When the queen steps ashore, everyone but the king falls to one knee. She bows deeply to my uncle, and then stands silently with her handsfolded.
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