It Is Done

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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

It Is Done

Ethelberga, once a queen - now an abbess, tells her daughter she must marry the king of Northumbria. Enfleda fights her fate, but no one will let her avoid it. Enfleda's mother wants her daughter to be a queen. Inner eyes, royal status is the only position worth having. The position comes with sufficient food and shelter. It comes with status. It is the best occupation available to Enfleda, but it isn't the one she wants. Don't worry, the old dowager queen advises. Your husband will die in battle and then . . .

Book Excerpt

Saxon Heroines

Enfleda covers her ears with her hands and shakes her head, as though she can escape reality by retreating into her mind.

I edge closer to her and grasp her shoulders. “Enfleda, stop it,” I say gently. I pull her hands off her ears. “The arrangements have already been made. You’re to marry King Oswy next summer.”

“I don’t want to marry a king!”

“I didn’t want to be an abbess, but here I am. It’s a good life, one you will have after you serve as Queen of Northumbria.”

“What makes you think I’ll outlive the king?”

“I’m sure he’ll be killed in some battle, like your father was. Now stop this nonsense and accept your fate.” I kiss my daughter’s forehead. “It is done.”
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