Papal Letters

BubbleStream

Sandra Wagner-Wright

a book bubble about

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

website
- Follow Unfollow
- share
Author Insight

Papal Letters

Bishop Paulinus follows Queen Ethelberga. He has a letter for her from the pope. She feigns nonchalance, and opens the letter. The queen expects praise for marrying a pagan king and moving to the northern wilderness. Instead the pope berates her. Why is King Edwin still a pagan? What has she been doing since she arrived in Northumbria? Ethelberga inwardly seethes while keeping a calm expression in front of her bishop. She thinks, "I've been busy trying to get pregnant." Or, "Why does the pope think a successful king would put aside the god he credits with his victories?" Ethelberga puts aside her churning thoughts. She has other issues to discuss.

Book Excerpt

Saxon Heroines

I keep my face neutral and hold out my hand, but I feel a flutter of anticipation. It’s not every day I receive a letter from the pope.

Pope Boniface encouraged my marriage as a means to convert my husband to Christianity. So far, I’ve failed. But what does he expect? It’s hardly been two months. Edwin claims to be Woden’s true descendant. His thanes come to him because he has luck in battle and plunder. Why would he toss that aside on the word of a woman and a skinny priest?
- Share
- Follow Unfollow
- Comment
  x
  Comment on this Bubble
  
  Your comment and a link to this bubble will also appear in your Facebook feed.
© 2024 Bublish and respective copyright holders bublish.com