Averting Disaster

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Sandra Wagner-Wright

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Saxon Heroines

Literature & Fiction

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Synopsis
Seventh century England is a hodgepodge of warring Anglo-Saxon states filled with shifting alliances and treacherous grabs for royal power. Kings rise and fall, depending on Woden's Luck. Northumbria, the damp kingdom north of the River Humber, is a state riven with rivalries and kings determined to expand at any cost. Women have no obvious role in a warrior society, but by using their wits, four women—two queens and two abbesses—make monumental changes. One woman marries a pagan king and successfully converts him to Christianity before he dies in battle. One becomes the most powerful abbess in Northumbria and holds the Great Synod at Whitby Abbey, which brings the kingdom back to the Roman Church. Another becomes queen and keeps political alliances strong despite different religious denominations. The fourth woman ushers in a new age by negotiating with kings and churchmen to establish one united church in the Northumbrian kingdom. Based on true events and people, this is the story of Northumbria through the eyes of the most important women of their time.

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Author Biography

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

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Author Insight

Averting Disaster

The new queen sails from Kent to meet her Northumbrian groom. Everyone from the king's court is going to greet the queen's arrival from the sea, and ten-year-old Hildegard is understandably excited. Has the new queen arrived? When will she come? Hildegard dances with anticipation, and doesn't think about potential danger from the drought men who don't know who she is. Fortunately disaster is averted. This time.

Book Excerpt

Saxon Heroines

When we arrive at the campsite, fresh venison is already roasting on spits. I jump off the wagon and run to the shore to see if the new queen is near, but I only see endless water. I ask one of the stewards if anyone has seen the queen’s boat.

He leers at me. “Why? Are you hoping to join her household?”

I take a step back. “You can’t speak to me that way. I’m Hildeburg, the king’s niece.”

“Then, for the safety of us all, go back to your mother. There are too many men about, drinking their weight in mead. They won’t stop to ask for an introduction.”

I drop my head, clutching my skirts. “But the queen … ?”
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