Ethelberga needs a prince.

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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

Ethelberga needs a prince.

Queen Ethelberga's husband visits her every night with one purpose in mind. He wants a prince. Ethelberga has the same goal. A prince will give her standing in the court. A prince may bring her the king's affection. The queen's entire future rests on her ability to produce a prince, an event she cannot control. There's no pressure on her husband. He has two sons from the first queen. Ethelberga, however, has no status until she produces a prince, or the promise of one.

Book Excerpt

Saxon Heroines

Every night, Edwin’s thanes escort him to my chamber and clap him on the back before returning to their own pursuits. My husband leaves his shield by the door and his sword an arm’s length away from the straw mattress. We share a beaker of ale by the fire before he takes me to bed. This evening will be different. I bow before him and lead him to the bench. He looks at me curiously. “You don’t seem ready for me,” he says.

“Come, Your Majesty, let us enjoy a drink together. I have something to tell you.”

Edwin turns to look at my face and raises his eyebrows. “Is something amiss?”
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