Wine & Small Talk

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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

Wine & Small Talk

Dowager Queen Ethelberga approaches her brother King Eadbald with caution. First the pleasantries take place. The wine. The small talk. Ethelberga masks her fear and maintains her dignity. What fate will King Eadbald decree? Will he allow her to go to France with the princes? Will he keep them under house arrest, or barter them to her enemies. Family ties mean little in the greater political gain. Queen Ethelberga continues to hold her beaker filled with warm wine. I'm surprised she doesn't spill it.

Book Excerpt

Saxon Heroines

“Dear sister.” King Eadbald kisses my cheek and takes my hand. “Come near the fire. May I offer you wine while we have our discussions?”

I accept a beaker, holding its warmth in my hand.

My brother selects a sweetmeat and chews thoughtfully, before wiping his fingers on a linen cloth. “We’ve been so busy in this holy season, we’ve hardly kept up with events in Northumbria.”

“I know enough,” I say, after sipping my wine. “I know my husband’s enemies laid waste to our lands and butchered our people.”

The king shakes his head. “Such heathens,” he says. “Events will run their course; order will return.”
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