Courage

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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

Courage

When Abbess Elfleda was 6 years old, she confided to then Abbess Hildeburg that she would like to share the Gospel in the people's language like Cadmon did. Hildeburg said that was not her purpose. That God would send her to comfort a king. In hindsight Elfleda concluded it must when she promised to fulfill King Aldfrid's deathbed request. She spoke for Wilfrid in the synod, and he was reinstated. In turn, he supported Aldfrid's heir thus preventing civil war. Abbess Hildeburg could not tell Elfleda's future, only that she have the courage to face it. The women in "Saxon Heroines" were women of courage who influenced a warrior society. May you, dear readers, always have courage.

Book Excerpt

Saxon Heroines

“My child, you have a different purpose,” Abbess Hildeburg had replied. “Your destiny is to speak to kings. Your grandmother, Ethelberga, brought King Edwin into God’s kingdom. Your mother Enfleda’s example justified King Oswy’s plan to unify the Northumbrian church. There will come a time when God will send you to comfort a king.”

“When will I do that?”

Mother Abbess had kissed my forehead then. “I don’t know, child. But when the day comes, you will be ready.”
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