Will I Be Stronger

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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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Will I Be Stronger

King Edwin decides to talk to his Christian queen about whether converting to Christianity will help him in the battle he is about to launch. Queen Ethelberga must have felt a certain satisfaction that he asked her opinion, but she is careful not to interfere in men's matters. Surely he should be speaking to Woden's priest or the Christian priest. But Edwin wants the Queen's opinion. Her interests rise and fall with the king's success or failure. The priests have other loyalties.

Book Excerpt

Saxon Heroines

“How do you fare, wife?” he asks. “And the child—is she bonny?”

“She is strong, my lord, as am I.”

“That is well.” He draws on his ale. “When I return from battle, we’ll make a prince. Would you like that?”

“What queen does not desire a prince, my lord?”

The king drinks more ale and finally tells me why he’s here. “Your priest says my survival and yours are due to his god—not Woden. Do you agree?”

“Woden has no interest in women, so God may have saved my life. But as to yours, am I the person to ask? Coifi or Bishop Paulinus know more about gods than I.”

The king grunts and drinks again. “What do you think, wife? If I choose to be baptized, will I be stronger? Will I have more allies?”
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