Book Review: Heroines of the Medieval World, by Sharon Bennett Connolly

New on Amazon UK and Amazon US

What makes a woman a 'heroine'? Sharon Bennett Connolly's new book Heroines of the Medieval World is organised by theme, so it's perfect for 'dipping in' at a random page or section - and you can be fairly sure of learning something interesting.

As well as more obvious medieval heroines, such as Joan of Arc and Eleanor of Aquitaine, I was pleased to see women like Jacquline of Hainault finally having the attention they deserve. It also passes the test of inspiring you to find our more about the lives of some of the less well known women, (which I have already started doing.)

This book is also full of fascinating and sometimes gruesome details, such as how Matilda de Braose (whose heroic achievements include having sixteen children) was imprisoned in a dungeon by King John with her son and left to starve to death. 

Some of Sharon's themes were a surprise, like the section on captive heroines or the idea of medieval mistresses being heroic. (I'd recently been reading about HenryVIII's 'Bessie' Blount and fell into the trap of not considering events from her point of view.)

This brings me to my main problem with this entertaining and highly readable book. Sharon Connolly admits these amazing women represent just the 'tip of the iceberg' of those she could have chosen to write about. It should have the subtitle 'Part 1' as there are so many more heroines, particularly from the Tudor period, I'd like to see included. I'm looking forward to the sequel: 'More Heroines of the Medieval World.'

Tony Riches 

Disclosure: A review copy of this book was kindly provided by Amberley Publishing

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About the Author

Sharon Bennett Connolly was born in Yorkshire and studied at University in Northampton before working at Disneyland in Paris and Eurostar in London. She has been fascinated by history for over thirty years and has worked as a tour guide at historical sites, including Conisbrough Castle. Best known for her fascinating blog History ... the Interesting Bits she began focusing on medieval women and in 2016 her first non-fiction book, Heroines of the Medieval World was published by Amberley Publishing. Sharon is now writing her second non-fiction book, Silk and the Sword: The Women of the Norman Conquest, which will be published by Amberley in late 2018. Follow Sharon on Facebook and Twitter @Thehistorybits

Writing Conquest: The Drowned Court, by Tracey Warr

New on Amazon UK and Amazon US

1107. Henry I finally reigns over England, Normandy and Wales, but his rule is far from secure. He faces a series of treacherous assassination attempts, and rebellion in Normandy is scuppering his plans to secure a marriage for his son and heir. With the King torn between his kingdoms, and Nest settled with her Norman husband, can she evade Henry’s notice or will she fall under his control once more? As her brother Gruffudd garners support in an effort to reclaim his kingdom, Nest finds she cannot escape the pull of her Welsh heritage. While the dissent grows and a secret passion is revealed, the future of Nest and her Norman sons is placed in dire peril. In this sequel to Daughter of the Last King, Nest must decide to whom her heart and loyalty belongs.

I’m enjoying writing a trilogy where some of the characters carry forward across the books and it’s possible to explore their motivations and experiences over time. I approach writing all my novels by asking questions that I have, after researching the historical evidence.

A key question to ask for The Drowned Court was whether Nest’s colourful sexual career (mistress of the king, abducted by a Welsh prince, and a series of marriages to Norman and Flemish lords) could be explained by her being lascivious, as some commentators have suggested. Or is there another way to look at the events of her life? 

I wondered about how she coped with loyalties torn between a Norman husband and children, and the struggle of her brother Gruffudd ap Rhys to regain his kingdom from the invaders? I was also intrigued to think about why Amaury de Montfort was such a stubborn opponent to King Henry in Normandy. 

Was Amaury simply ambitious, pugnacious, or did he have a sense of entitlement from his own kinship to the Dukes of Normandy or the status of his sister, Bertrade, former queen of France? And what would it have been like to meet King Henry? 

He holds the record for the highest number of mistresses and illegitimate children of any English king and he forced his Norman lords to acknowledge his daughter as his heir, enabling her to be the first woman to claim the English throne in her own right.

In particular, I had to make a decision about how to portray Nest’s kidnap by the Welsh prince, Owain ap Cadwgan. Was she a willing hostage (as some Welsh historians would like to believe) or was she raped? And what was the impact of this event on her marriage to the Norman, Gerald FitzWalter? Most of the action surrounding Nest takes place at the castles of Pembroke, Carew and Cilgerran, and she also spends some time in Dublin in this novel.

King Henry’s control of Normandy was ably supported by his sister, Countess Adela of Blois, and her network of spies. The nun, Benedicta, who played a small role in the first book, becomes a central character in The Drowned Court. What would it have been like to be a spy in the pay of the Countess of Blois at the great abbey of Fontevraud, which was ruled by women, and housed many illustrious, repudiated wives, including Bertrade de Montfort?

Tracey Warr

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About the Author

Tracey Warr was born in London, lived for several years in Pembrokeshire, Wales and currently divides her time between the UK and France. She studied English Literature at Oxford University and holds a PhD in Art History. She worked as an art curator and university lecturer in art history and theory before starting to write fiction. She undertook an MA in Creative Writing at University of Wales Trinity St Davids in Carmarthen. Her first historical novel Almodis (Impress, 2011) was set in early medieval France and Spain. It was shortlisted for the Impress Prize, presented in the Rome Film Festival Book Initiative and won a Santander Research Award. Her second novel The Viking Hostage (Impress, 2014) topped the Amazon Australia Kindle bestseller lists. She was awarded a Literature Wales Writer’s Bursary for work on her Conquest trilogy about Princess Nest and King Henry I. She also received
an Author’s Foundation Award from the
Society of Authors for a biography she is working on about three French noblewomen, three sisters, who held power in 11th century Toulouse, Carcassonne, Barcelona and the Pyrenees. Tracey reviews books for Historical Novels Review and Times Higher Education. She is a tutor for residential writing courses in France with A Chapter Away (www.achapteraway.com). Find our more at: http://traceywarrwriting.com and find Tracey on Facebook and Twitter @TraceyWarr1

Elizabeth's Rival: The Tumultuous Tale of Lettice Knollys, Countess of Leicester by Nicola Tallis

Pre-Order on Amazon UK and Amazon US

The first biography of Lettice Knollys, one of the most prominent women of the Elizabethan era

Cousin to Elizabeth I - and very likely also Henry VIII's illegitimate granddaughter - Lettice Knollys had a life of dizzying highs and pitiful lows. Darling of the court, entangled in a love triangle with Robert Dudley and Elizabeth I, banished from court, plagued by scandals of affairs and murder, embroiled in treason, Lettice would go on to lose a husband and beloved son to the executioner's axe. 

Living to the astonishing age of ninety-one, Lettice's tale gives us a remarkable, personal lens on to the grand sweep of the Tudor Age, with those closest to her often at the heart of the events that defined it.

In the first ever biography of this extraordinary woman, Nicola Tallis's dramatic narrative takes us through those events, including the religious turmoil, plots and intrigues of Mary, Queen of Scots, attempted coups, and bloody Irish conflicts, among others. Surviving well into the reign of Charles I, Lettice truly was the last of the great Elizabethans.

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About the Author

British Historian Nicola Tallis graduated from Bath Spa University with a first class BA Hons. degree in History in 2011, and from Royal Holloway College, University of London in 2013 with an MA in Public History. Since 2013 she has been studying for her PhD at the University of Winchester, where she teaches History. Nicola also worked as a historical researcher, most notably for Sir Ranulph Fiennes whilst he was working on his 2014 book, Agincourt: My Family, the Battle and the Fight for France. and is the resident historian for Alison Weir Tours. Find out more at Nicola's website http://nicolatallis.com/ and find her on Facebook and Twitter @MissNicolaTal

Book Review: Wolf's Head (The Forest Lord Book 1) by Steven A. McKay

Available on Amazon UK and Amazon US

After viciously assaulting a corrupt but powerful clergyman Robin Hood flees the only home he has ever known in Wakefield, Yorkshire. Becoming a member of a notorious band of outlaws, Hood and his new companions – including John Little and Will Scaflock – hide out in the great forests of Barnsdale, fighting for their very existence as the law hunts them down like animals. When they are betrayed, and their harsh lives become even more unbearable, the band of friends

 seeks bloody vengeance.

I’d been intrigued by the success of Steven A. McKay’s Forest Lord series so decided it was time to take a look. The ‘Forest Lord’ in question is Robin Hood, and the story has been told countless times since medieval ballads. I was amazed to see the list of TV and film versions has more than I can be bothered to count, and ranges from a Disney cartoon version to a squeaky-clean Kevin Costner in ‘Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves’ and a more earthy Russell Crowe as ‘Robin Longstride’ (complete with Australian accent.)

I’m pleased to say Steven McKay’s series is a masterclass of how to breathe new life into well explored stories. He handles the multiple characters with the skill of a forest archer, picking his moment to surprise the reader. I liked the historical references to the Lancastrian revolt that provide a backdrop to the narrative and found his reading style engaging.

There must be something we can all identify with in the story of Robin Hood, a universal battle for fair treatment in the face of overwhelming odds. Steven A. McKay doesn’t flinch from the darker side of the tale and this is a series I’m happy to recommend. 

Tony Riches

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About the Author

Steven A. McKay was born in Scotland in 1977. His first book, Wolf's Head, came out in 2013 and was an Amazon UK top 20 bestseller. Blood of the Wolf is the fourth and final book in the Forest Lord series. Steven is currently researching and writing a brand new tale - tentatively titled "The Druid" set in post-Roman Britain. He plays lead guitar and sings in a heavy metal band when they can find the time to meet up. Find out more at his website
https://stevenamckay.com/ and find him on Twitter @SA_McKay. 

Blog Tour and Giveaway: Pleasing Mr. Pepys, by Deborah Swift

Available on Amazon UK and Amazon US

London 1667. Set in a London rising from the ruins of the Great Fire, Pleasing Mr Pepys is a vivid re-imagining of the events in Samuel Pepys's Diary. Desperate to escape her domineering aunt, Deb Willet thinks the post of companion to well-respected Elisabeth Pepys is the answer to her prayers. 

But Samuel Pepys's house is not as safe as it seems. An intelligent girl in Deb's position has access to his government papers, and soon she becomes a target of flamboyant actress Abigail Williams, a spy for England's enemies, the Dutch. Abigail is getting old and needs a younger accomplice. 

She blackmails Deb into stealing Pepys's documents. Soon, the respectable life Deb longs for slides out of her grasp. Mr Pepys's obsessive lust for his new maid increases precisely as Abigail and her sinister Dutch spymaster become more demanding. 

When Deb falls for handsome Jem Wells, a curate-in-training, she thinks things cannot possibly get worse. Until ñ not content with a few stolen papers ñ the Dutch want Mr Pepys's Diary.

"Swift brought Deborah Willet, the Pepyses, and the London of the 1660s to life in an exciting and sometimes touching way...I didn't want to put it down, and found myself thinking about the story when I went about my day." - Andrea Zuvich, Author of His Last Mistress

"Deb Willet, Elizabeth Pepys's maid and the object of Samuel Pepys's attentions, is finally given centre-stage after 350 years, and her tale was worth waiting for. This is exceptional story-telling." - L. C. Tyler

"Laced with emotional intensity and drama, Pleasing Mr Pepys... (has) an intricate plot that features red herrings, unexpected twists, and surprises that will take readers on a very delightful ride." - Arya Fomonyuy, Readers' Favorite

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About the Author

Deborah Swift lives in North Lancashire on the edge of the Lake District and worked as a set and costume designer for theatre and TV. After gaining an MA in Creative Writing in 2007 Deborah now teach classes and courses in writing and provides editorial advice to writers and authors. Find out more at Deborah's website www.deborahswift.com and follow her on Facebook and Twitter @swiftstory.


Blog Tour Schedule

Thursday, September 28 Review at The Maiden's Court Guest Post at Books of All Kinds Friday, September 29 Guest Post at Let Them Read Books Spotlight at What Is That Book About Monday, October 2 Review at History From a Woman's Perspective Tuesday, October 3 Review at The Lit Bitch Feature at Myths, Legends, Books & Coffee Pots Wednesday, October 4 Feature at A Holland Reads Thursday, October 5 Review at CelticLady's Reviews Friday, October 6 Feature at Passages to the Past Monday, October 9 Review at 100 Pages a Day Tuesday, October 10 Review at Locks, Hooks and Books Wednesday, October 11 Review at Book Nerd Friday, October 13 Review at Poppy Coburn Monday, October 16 Review at Just One More Chapter Review at Encouraging Words from the Tea Queen Tuesday, October 17 Review at Laura's Interests Interview at Suzy Approved Books Wednesday, October 18 Review at Jo's Book Blog Thursday, October 19 Feature at T's Stuff Friday, October 20 Review at A Literary Vacation Guest Post at The Writing Desk

Giveaway

During the Blog Tour we will be giving away a signed copy of Pleasing Mr. Pepys to one lucky winner! To enter, please enter via the Gleam form below. Giveaway Rules ñ Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on October 20th. You must be 18 or older to enter. ñ Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY. ñ Only one entry per household. ñ All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion. ñ Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen. Pleasing Mr. Pepys

Historical Fiction Spotlight: The Last Lancastrian ~ A Story of Margaret Beaufort, by Samantha Wilcoxson

New on Amazon US and Amazon UK

Margaret Beaufort is remembered as a pious and formidable woman. Before she was the king's mother, she was a young wife who was desperate to secure her son's future. Take a peek into the life of Margaret Beaufort before she dreamed of a Tudor dynasty.

The Last Lancastrian is a prequel novella to the Plantagenet Embers trilogy, which begins with Plantagenet Princess Tudor Queen: The Story of Elizabeth of York.

About the Author

Samantha Wilcoxson is an American writer and history enthusiast. Her 2015 novel, Plantagenet Princess, Tudor Queen, features Elizabeth of York and was selected as an Editors’ Choice by the Historical Novel Society. 

Samantha lives on a small lake in Michigan with her husband, three children, two dogs, and two cats. This crew provides plenty of good times and writing inspiration. When she is not reading or writing, Samantha enjoys travelling and learning about new places. Find out more at her blog http://samanthawilcoxson.blogspot.com and follow her on Twitter @carpe_librum

Guest Post by K.M. Pohlkamp, Author of Apricots and Wolfsbane

New on Amazon UK and Amazon US

At the start of the 16th century in Tudor England, Lavinia Maud finds her instincts as an assassin tested by love and faith. She balances revenge with her struggle to develop a tasteless poison and avoid the wrath of her ruthless patron. With her ideals in conflict, Lavinia must decide which will satisfy her heart: love, faith, or murder—but the betrayals are just beginning.

Finding Writing Inspiration From History

Through thousands of years of human history, we’ve done some pretty crazy things. We’ve invented, discovered, survived and destroyed. We’ve cultivated a varied mélange of settings across the world, spanning a vast array of cultures and technological marvels.

If you’re looking for inspiration for your next manuscript, consider exploring the annals of our own story.History inspired my historical fiction thriller, Apricots and Wolfsbane, which follows the career of a female poison assassin in Tudor England. Last fall I read an article about “Forgotten Females of History” and learned the world’s first serial killer was a woman. The fact struck me and curious, I devoured everything I could find about Locusta, the poison master from Gaul.

In AD 54, Empress Agrippina conspired with Locusta to murder her husband, Roman Emperor Claudius, with a batch of poisoned mushrooms in order to place Agrippina’s son, Nero, on the throne. While Locusta was subsequently imprisoned in AD 55, Nero sought to secure his rule by contracting Locusta to craft a poison to murder Claudius’s son. When the concoction failed initial tests, Nero flogged Locusta with his own hands. Her second attempt succeeded and Nero bestowed Locusta with pardons, lands, and lavish gifts. He also sent pupils to study with the poison master.

But in AD 68, the Roman Senate tired of Nero’s rogue practices and the Emperor took his own life with a dagger before facing punishment. The Senate’s attention then turned towards Locusta, and without protection from the Emperor, she was convicted with an execution sentence. Some accounts say she was raped to death by a giraffe and then torn apart by wild animals. While that tale tantalizes the imagination, it is more likely she was led through the city in chains and executed by human hands.

Not much else is known about Locusta, which incited my imagination. As a female engineer for my day job, I related to the challenge of going against traditional female stereotypes. I imagined the challenges she must have faced and wondered if Locusta’s gender ended up being an asset in a field where surprise would provide an advantage. That’s when a story began to weave in my mind.

Being inspired by history is distinctively different than providing a fictional telling of historic events. The plot of Apricots and Wolfsbane is inspired by Locusta’s life, but is not a replication. It is mixed with the product of my own imagination, and while those familiar with Locusta will recognize bits of her inspiration, they are still in for the unpredictable ride. This is the distinctive difference between writing an alternate history or pseudo-history, and using history as inspiration.

One of the ways I reinterpreted my inspiration was by changing the setting. I lifted the aspects of these Roman legends and placed them in my favorite time period, Tudor England. I gave my assassin, Lavinia, parts of my personality, pouring my own experiences and viewpoints into the narrative. The message I wanted readers to take away also affected how I told the story, and further separated Lavinia from her Roman idol.

Whether history has inspired an author’s novel, or they seek to more closely reinterpret, research is paramount if the novel’s setting remains period. It is the little details of a historical fiction piece that bring the world alive to the reader, that transport them back in time. And getting those details correct is time consuming and challenging.

Thankfully, as authors, we a have the world at our fingertips through the internet. [Insert the obvious rant about verifying the validity of your internet sources here.] While writing I predominantly use the internet in three ways (other than distraction and procrastination…)

1) Looking at a picture helps me describe my scenes. Searching for period paintings, art, and photographs on Google images can help place your imagination in the setting of your novel.

2) When researching, primary sources are always best. Google Scholar is a fantastic way to find trustworthy sources.

3) When all else fails, historic author groups on Facebook and internet sites are an invaluable source of assistance. I have a seen all sorts of detailed plot circumstances crowd-sourced researched this way - and have used that resource myself.

The voice of a historical fiction piece also brings the world to life. While most readers would not suffer through 350 pages of Olde English, finding a balance with our modern slang is critical. Anachronisms and contemporary words are jarring in a period piece and take the reader out of the setting. I write with a thesaurus open to quickly look up the word origin of uncertain words and then have other options readily available as required.

History can provide inspiration for an entire novel, or just a solution for a small road block. As authors, we draw inspiration from everything around us - just don’t forget to look back in time as well.

K.M. Pohlkamp

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About the Author

K.M. Pohlkamp is a blessed wife, proud mother of two young children, and an aerospace engineer who works in Mission Control. She operated guidance, navigation and control systems on the Space Shuttle and is currently involved in development of upcoming manned-space vehicles. A Cheesehead by birth, she now resides in Texas for her day job and writes to maintain her sanity. Her other hobbies include ballet and piano. Pohlkamp’s historical fiction thriller, Apricots and Wolfsbane, was published by Filles Vertes Publishing in October.

Find out more at the author's website https://kmpohlkamp.com/ and follow her on Facebook and Twitter @KMPohlkamp.