Spinning Tales

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Sandra Wagner-Wright

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Saxon Heroines

Literature & Fiction

synopsis

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.

bio

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

Spinning Tales

Ethelberga is now married to a man she just met. She is also Queen of Northumbria, a woman who doesn't have to obey anyone but her husband the king. Her entire life has been ruled by the ambitions of others, but not any more. Ethelberga asserts her independence from Paulinus. More than that, she asserts her position is now superior to his. One can only cheer her on.

Book Excerpt

Saxon Heroines

My husband and his men mount their horses and thunder ahead of us. I don’t expect to see him again until the celebrations begin. The scop begins a song, and Paulinus, with his small dark eyes and pronounced nose, turns to speak with me. I’ve had enough of his self-importance.

“My lady—”

I raise my hand. “Stop there, my lord bishop. I am now Queen of Northumbria. You may address me as Your Majesty, or Your Grace, but never again as your lady.”

Paulinus inhales sharply. “You forget yourself. I’m the one who made you queen.”

“Spin your tales for someone else. King Edwin needs the alliance with Kent, and my brother, King Eadbald, needs help against the Saxons. You merely facilitate my brother’s intentions.”

The priest disdainfully looks down his nose at me.
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