"...dramatically gripping novel...A captivating account of the lives of extraordinary women in perilous times." —Kirkus
Seventh century Northumbria, the damp kingdom north of the River Humber, is a land dominated by ambitious kings and conflicting gods struggling for dominance.
Four royal women using their wits and charm guide the warring kingdoms into the new Christian age. Queen Ethelberga encourages Edwin of Northumbria to convert to Christianity. Abbess Hild becomes the most powerful female church leader in Northumbria and sponsors the great Synod of Whitby at her abbey. Princess Enfleda weds King Oswy of Northumbria and supports the young church. Her daughter, the Abbess Elfleda, brings together one united Church in Northumbria.
If you enjoy books by Jayne Castel, you will enjoy reading about these royal women in Northumbria
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
Elfleda, Abbess of Streoneshalh, goes to Lindisfarne for the funeral of her brother, King Egfrid. Why did he choose to lie here and not at the Streoneshalh? Even though Egfrid's death wasn't entirely unexpected, it's still a shock that changes life for everyone in Northumbria. Who will be the new king? Will they be taken over by Mercia? And, on a more personal level, why did Egfrid turn his back on his family to lie at Lindisfarne? Since Abbess Hildeburg died, everything seems in flux. Before she returns to Streoneshalh, Elfleda will demand answers from Cuthbert. Will he have any?
Book Excerpt
Saxon Heroines
Cuthbert makes the sign of the cross to conclude my brother’s last public appearance. I follow the bishops into the niche hastily carved into the side of the church. I don’t know why Egfrid chose to lie at Lindisfarne instead of our mausoleum at Streoneshalh. Is it in defiance of his father’s efforts to create a family shrine? Did he feel unworthy to lie with the men who built Northumbria? Only Godknows.
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