Glittering Gifts

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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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Glittering Gifts

In the King's Hall, Paulinus presents King Edwin with gifts sent by the pope - a tunic shot with gold threads and a gold medallion. The gifts glitter in the firelight. Warriors cheer, lifting the king's stature among them. Paulinus entices King Edwin to turn toward the treasures of heaven. Edwin focuses on the wealth before him. Imagine Paulinus standing with hope in his eyes. Will these gifts convince Edwin to convert?

Book Excerpt

Saxon Heroines

Paulinus motions for a servant to lay the gifts at the king’s feet, and leans over to lift them up for my husband’s inspection. A second servant assists in opening the parcel, and the two hold up a tunic of Byzantine silk shot through with gold embroidery. Edwin stands to inspect it more closely. I can see it is finer than anything at my brother’s court.

Edwin puts the tunic on, admiring the sleeves. Light from the fire dances on the golden threads. Paulinus holds out a gold medallion that hangs to the middle of the king’s chest. Paulinus snaps his fingers, and the servants display a thick silken cloak. The warriors send up a mighty cheer. A king with so much wealth will have to share some of it with them.

“Your Majesty,” Paulinus says, “I hope these gifts demonstrate the love His Holiness has for you. And they are nothing compared to the message he sends. These are treasures for this world, but His Holiness invites you to build up even greater treasure in heaven.”

I don’t think the king is listening. He appears fascinated by the tunic with its intricate workmanship
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Sandra Wagner-Wright

Saxon Heroines

Synopsis

Author Biography

Author Insight

Book Excerpt

Saxon Heroines

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