1400 Years

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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

1400 Years

In this short excerpt, Hildeburg, Abbess of Heretu and Princess of Northumbria eagerly awaits her new charge, an infant called Elfleda. A woman, once childless, now has a daughter to care for. The child's mother, a queen, rejoices that the infant's fate is secure.The daughter will become an abbess, never subject to royal whims. That's the hope anyway. But in a warrior society, can any female be free? I can't help but wonder if much has changed in the past 1400 years.

Book Excerpt

Saxon Heroines

The wind never stops at Heretu, whether it blows white clouds across the sky or whips rain and fog into my face. Today, however, is a happy day filled with sun and celebration. God granted King Oswy his request and mine. Never again will Penda attack innocent people and steal their cattle. Oswy keeps his vow to God and sends his infant daughter to me.

I think of God granting Sarah the child Isaac in her old age. Now he grants me Elfleda.
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