Can't Wait Wednesday: The Royal Hammer by David Field (The Wars of the Roses Saga Book One)

 

For this week's Can't Wait Wednesday hosted by Tressa at the book blog, Wishful Endings, I'm featuring, The Royal Hammer, by David Field. He has become a favorite author of mine over the last few years, writing about time periods I love. There are so few good, accurate historical fiction books on the three Edwards (Kings I,II, and III) and he has taken them on in this new saga of the Wars of the Roses. This series picks up where he last left off with the defeat of Simon de Montfort. 

I know it seems strange to start here for the Wars because most of us think of the 1400's but I am so glad he is because the background gaps and reasons for the wars start way before Edward IV and Richard III come on the scene. All of his books stay true to history and have entertaining fictional as well as historical characters. I cannot wait for this one!

Historical Fiction

June 5, 2026

Book description courtesy of Goodreads

As royal power changes, so do the fortunes of those who serve it…

England, 1265

The attempt by Simon de Montfort to force Henry III to abide by the Magna Carta has been put down, and those who rode in his train are scattered to the wind. Some, like William of Kenilworth, feel the need to assume a new identity, and as ‘William Bywater’ he finds himself in the service of the warlike Prince Edward. William’s proven loyalty and courage result in him regaining his long-lost family estate of Flint, and he is engaged to form the ‘King’s Escort’, an elite group of men-at-arms who guard the king. 

But a cloud gathers on the horizon when a young and impressionable prince falls under the spell of Piers Gaveston, whose influence will prove to be toxic as the throne passes from father to son. And as always, the fortunes of those who serve the Crown are destined to balance on a knife-edge. Will William find himself on the ruling side of history? Can he maintain the favor of the king? Or will fortune fail him once again…

Stephen and Matilda's Civil War: Cousins of Anarchy by Matthew Lewis

 

Publication Date:

January 19, 2020

Genre: 

History, Medieval History

Length:  

256 pages

Series:

No

Book description courtesy of Goodreads

The Anarchy was the first civil war in post Conquest England, enduring throughout the reign of King Stephen between 1135 and 1154. It ultimately brought about the end of the Norman dynasty and the birth of the mighty Plantagenet kings. When Henry I died having lost his only legitimate son in a shipwreck, he required all of his barons to swear to recognize his daughter Matilda, widow of the Holy Roman Emperor, as his heir and remarried her to Geoffrey, Count of Anjou. When she was slow to move to England on her father's death, Henry's favorite nephew, Stephen of Blois, rushed to have himself crowned, much as Henry himself had done on the death of his brother William Rufus.

Supported by his brother Henry, Bishop of Winchester, Stephen made a promising start, but Matilda would not give up her birthright and tried to hold the English barons to their oaths. The result was more than a decade of civil war that saw England split apart. Empress Matilda is often remembered as aloof and high-handed, Stephen as ineffective and indecisive. By following both sides of the dispute and seeking to understand their actions and motivations, Matthew Lewis aims to reach a more rounded understanding of this crucial period of English history and asks to what extent there really was anarchy.

My Thoughts

Matthew Lewis is a great historian and podcaster who makes history accessible to people who know little about a subject. He also is a great researcher who adds things into his books and shows that those who already know a lot about the subject will still be entertained and informed. This is the best kind of history writing. This book did not disappoint. I love his podcast, Gone Medieval and his books are great to read further about topics he features on the show.  In this book, Lewis explains the origins and progress of the Anarchy period and switches back and forth between the two points of view of each of the leaders involved, King Stephen and Empress Matilda.

Drawing from original sources and adding his own thoughts to the narrative, the author tries to explain, from the beginning, the motivations and players behind the struggle of who would rule England in the mid 1100's. Specifically, after the death of Henry I in 1135. Each chapter focuses on the political power plays, battles, and personal relationships that shaped Stephen and Matilda's reasons for believing they were the rightful owner of the crown. It reads more straight history than historical fiction so if you are looking for entertainment or a lot of personal touches this might not be what you are used to. But for anyone who likes this subject, it is a great read because it makes you consider who you'd support and then question that choice again and again, depending on whose ideas are being presented.

It sticks to the basics, the men who pledged their loyalty to Matilda only to reverse course. Matilda's loyal brother Robert of Gloucester, who started off as Stephen's man but ended up fiercely loyal to his sister's cause. Lewis seems to play a bit more to the Stephen side but I think he is fair in presenting the strengths and weaknesses in both. 

While I didn't learn a lot of new things, mostly because I've read so much on this subject the last few years, I really did enjoy the switching chapter viewpoints. I also liked that the book isn't super long, the chapters aren't either, so someone who wants to get the basic facts down can do so while also getting a good picture of how "right" each one thought they were. It is a good starting place and in depth enough for history buffs too. 

 

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Queen's Sister by Carol McGrath

 

For this week's Can't Wait Wednesday hosted by Tressa at the book blog, Wishful Endings, I'm featuring, The Queen's Sister, by Carol McGrath. It appears to be a stand alone novel but I know this author for her popular trilogies about earlier queens. Anyone who loves historical fiction about the tudors will want to try this one. It tells the story of Elizabeth Seymour, a sister of Anne Boleyn and her attempt to distance herself from King Henry VIII's court to no avail. She is caught up in the events concerning the other sister, Jane and "dark plots and secrets" of the court. I'm sure it is exciting fiction and I always like authors who take more obscure people and bring them to life. 

Historical Fiction

June 4, 2026

Book description courtesy of Goodreads

A mother, a wife, a woman of substance...

At nineteen, Elizabeth Seymour is already a mother, has been recently widowed, and seen her Queen, Anne Boleyn, lose her life. Against the wishes of her father, she heads North, away from Wulf Hall and the court in London to Yorkshire, determined to establish a new beginning as a landowner and business woman. As her family in Wiltshire curry favour with King Henry, aided by Thomas Cromwell, Elizabeth makes Kexby Manor her home, finding loyalty among her people there.

Soon, news comes to Elizabeth of the King's desires for her sister, Jane and while her brother, Edward, encourages her own betrothal to Gregory Cromwell, son of Thomas. It is a happy second marriage for Elizabeth, but it brings unwanted involvement in the dark plots and secrecy of the court, while in the wider country, changes in religious practice threaten to alter the traditions and values of all she has known.

The Queen's Sister vividly imagines the story of the woman possibly portrayed in Hans Holbein's beautiful painting 'Portrait of a Lady,' and is a colourful, meticulously researched novel of Tudor life behind the scenes.

An Uncivil War by David Field (The Medieval Saga Book Three)

 

Publication Date:

June 17, 2022

Genre: 

Historical Fiction, Medieval Fiction

Length:  

271 pages

Series:

The Medieval Saga Series

Book description courtesy of Goodreads

England is at war – with itself!

England, 1120

When Henry I dies with no legitimate male heir, the nation is thrown into chaos.
The two rivals for the crown are Henry’s daughter Matilda and his nephew Stephen of Blois, both of whom are determined to emerge victorious.
A bitter struggle ensues which threatens to reduce England to a barren wasteland and many ordinary people find themselves torn apart from each other in the confusion of deciding which side to fight for.

One of those caught up in the fray is young soldier Richard Walsingham who is fighting alongside Stephen. But his sister Elinor is employed as a companion to Matilda.  As the family members come to terms with being on opposite sides of a treacherous dynastic conflict a new contender for the throne enters the picture. Which of the rivals will emerge triumphant? Can the nation be pieced back together again?

Or will more than lives be lost in this uncivil war…?

My Thoughts

Another great read from David Field....it covers The Anarchy period in England between Empress Matilda and the future King Stephen and although it didn't give me a whole lot of new information I hadn't read on this subject before, it did a great job of using fictional characters on each side of the conflict to both inform and entertain. I just love this series and now have only two left to finish. The next book covers King Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine and the book after that covers the reign of King Richard I, their son. I skipped these middle books awhile back because I already had so much knowledge of the time from reading the Sharon Penman books. But I think this year I'm going to finish them and then move on to his Tudor or Australia focused books. 

This story continues with the saga of the family from book one who are fictional characters, always placed into the drama and court royalty involved in the real history. I usually don't like this and prefer to stick to historical fiction with real people but I don't seem to mind in the Field books. He uses their story in a way that is readable and always sticks with what really happened. 

Mary, Queen of France by Jean Plaidy (Tudor Saga Book Nine)

 

Publication Date:

January 1, 1964

Genre: 

Historical Fiction

Length:  

305 pages

Series:

Tudor Saga/Tudor Princesses

Book description courtesy of Goodreads

Legendary historical novelist Jean Plaidy brings to life the story of Princess Mary Tudor, a celebrated beauty and born rebel who would defy the most powerful king in Europe--her older brother.

Princess Mary Rose is the youngest sister of Henry VIII, and one of the few people whom he adores unconditionally. Known throughout Europe for her charm and good looks, Mary is the golden child of the Tudor family and is granted her every wish.

Except when it comes to marriage. Henry VIII, locked in a political showdown with France, decides to offer up his pampered baby sister to secure peace between the two mighty kingdoms. Innocent, teenage Mary must become the wife of the elderly King Louis, a toothless, ailing man in his sixties. Horrified and furious, Mary has no choice but to sail for France. There she hones her political skills, bides her time, and remains secretly in love with Charles Brandon, the Duke of Suffolk. When King Louis dies after only two years of marriage, Mary is determined not to be sold into another unhappy union. She must act quickly; if she wants to be with the man she truly loves, she must defy the laws of church and state by marrying without her brother's permission. Together, Mary and Charles devise a scheme to outwit the most ruthless king in Europe and gain their hearts' desire, not knowing if it will lead to marital bliss or certain death.

My Thoughts

Anyone who reads my blog knows I'm a huge Jean Plaidy fan. She takes historical figures and stories and presents them in a straightforward, entertaining way that gets to the point while humanizing the subject. This story about Mary Tudor, (not Queen Mary Tudor) sister of Henry VIII is a great example of her including people that rarely get their own story told. It is a short book because Mary is overshadowed by others of that era but her story is fascinating in its own right and worth reading about.

I knew very little about Mary except that she was very beautiful, was much beloved by her older brother, King Henry VIII and that despite that she was forced into marriage with the very old King of France for political reasons. Her story was very compelling though due to the fact that she went against Henry to later marry her true love, Charles Brandon. Considering all we know about her brother that was a true act of bravery. 

I had forgotten she was also the grandmother of Lady Jane Grey, the tragic nine days queen and that she supported the Catherine of Aragon camp, disliking Anne Boleyn.

The book is very straightforward and no secret information you couldn't find online but Plaidy always finds a way to make it feel like a special, exciting novel. That is what I love....learning history in a personal way. If you want to learn about medieval royalty in a romantic, storylike way you will love this book. The one about her sister Margaret is similiar and another favorite of mine. It is called The Thistle and the Rose. 

Can't Wait Wednesday: Grave Merriment by Angela Ranson (Catrin Surovell Tudor Mysteries Book Four)

 

For this week's Can't Wait Wednesday hosted by Tressa at the book blog, Wishful Endings, I'm featuring, Grave Merriment by Angela Ranson. I featured the first book in the series in another post, Shades of Death. The books take place at the Elizabethan court and Lady Catrin is asked to investigate a brutal man trying to exhort money from the wealthy. It is set at Christmas time so it would be a good one to save for next year at this time.

Hope you have found something you can't wait for! Happy reading ya'll!

Historical Mystery/Renaissance Mystery

March 13, 2026

Book description courtesy of Goodreads

Christmas, 1561

Queen Elizabeth’s courtiers are decorating Whitehall Palace and preparing for twelve days of festive food, masques and revelry. But Lady Catrin Surovell, Countess of Ashbourne, cannot find her celebratory spirit. The queen has asked her to stop a brute who has forced the waifs of London to work for him. The boys are being beaten or killed if they don’t help him extort money from the wealthy. And it seems the brute may be someone at Court. 

But Catrin’s attempt to find him are disturbed by a mischief-maker who is taking every opportunity to ruin the Christmas festivities, leaving the queen in great distress. At each scene of chaos Catrin finds a perfume bottle, all with their own unique scent. Is the disruption linked to the brute at court? Or is someone else hell-bent on destroying the queen’s festivities? And can Catrin solve both mysteries before someone ends up in grave danger…? 

GRAVE MERRIMENT is the fourth book in the Catrin Surovell Tudor Mystery Series. It is an exciting historical thriller set at the court of Elizabeth I.

Can't Wait Wednesday: Queens at War: England's Medieval Queens by Alison Weir (Book Four)

 

For this week's Can't Wait Wednesday hosted by Tressa at the book blog, Wishful Endings, I'm featuring, Queens at War: England's Medieval Queens, by Alison Weir. I have read the first two books in this series. Weir is a superb historian and storyteller. This book features the queens from the 1400's who found themselves caught up in the Hundred Years War and the Wars of the Roses. This includes Joan of Navarre, Katherine of Valois, Margaret of Anjou, Elizabeth Woodville, and Anne Neville. I can’t wait to read it. 

Hope you have found something you can't wait for! Happy reading ya'll!

History/Medieval History

December 2, 2025

Book description courtesy of GoodReads

Triumph and tragedy, love and loss, murder and malice in the lives of five fifteenth-century queens. The fifteenth century was a turbulent the Hundred Years War between England and France, and the Wars of the Roses dominated the lives of people both inside and out of the royal courts.

Joan of Navarre, Katherine of Valois, Margaret of Anjou, Elizabeth Wydeville and Anne Neville were the queens who stood by England's sovereigns, caught up in wars that changed the course of their lives, and the course of history. They were also formidable women who defied the limitations of their times, often living out the brutal consequences of their determination.

Alison Weir uncovers their stories in this final volume of her ground-breaking series on the queens of medieval England. Queens at War is a stunning culmination of research by a historian at the full extent of her powers and gripping account of five women on the throne.

The Formidable Women Who Shaped Medieval Europe: Power and Patronage at the Burgundian Court by Susan Abernethey

 

Publication Date:

December 30, 2025

Genre:  

History/Medieval History

Length:   

 224 pages

Series: No

Book description courtesy of Goodreads

The formation of the Burgundian Empire by the four Valois Dukes of Burgundy would not have happened without the formidable royal and aristocratic women in their lives. These women, the wives, daughters, nieces, granddaughters and great-granddaughters, were vigorously engaged in the administration of the Burgundian empire, acting as governors and regents, making appointments, securing and making strategic marriages, raising taxes, negotiating treaties, engaging in cultural, religious and political patronage, giving birth to heirs and aiding in the military endeavours of their husbands. The history of these women involves numerous countries in Europe, including England, Scotland, France, Brittany, the Low Countries, Italy, Spain, the Holy Roman Empire, and many others.

Some of these women lived in luxurious comfort, and others were bullied and badgered into turning over some or all of their patrimony, allowing these all-powerful men to build an influential and powerful new state comprised of a numerous and varied collection of territories in Western Europe that existed from the late fourteenth century until the early sixteenth century.

We will meet women who were the daughters of kings, emperors, dukes and counts and even a queen regnant and a saint. The Valois dukes fully entrusted their wives with ruling in their stead while away fighting military and political wars. They used a deliberate policy of making marriages for their daughters and other female relatives into the many houses of Europe for political and territorial gains. In the end, the last Valois duke, Charles the Bold, put in motion a marriage for his daughter Mary, which would eventually bring about the end of the mighty Burgundian state, allowing it to be ruled by the House of Habsburg and absorbed into the Holy Roman Empire.

My Thoughts:

This was an ARC I was lucky to receive and has yet to be published. Focusing on first the history of the Burgundian Empire, the author establishes great background information to help the reader understand the formation of the country up to the reign of Charles the Bold. This wasn't the most interesting part for me but it did give me facts about Burgundy I'd never have found otherwise. Then she shifts her focus to the women who were either influential or reigned. This picks up in an era I'm more familiar with but wanted to know much more about. People like Margaret of England and Isabeau of Bavaria. She is especially fascinating as the wife of Charles the Mad King and mother of Henry V's wife, Catherine of Valois.

Can't Wait Wednesday: The Formidable Women Who Shaped Medieval Europe: Power and Patronage at the Burgundian Court by Susan Abernethy

 

For this week's Can't Wait Wednesday hosted by Tressa at the book blog, Wishful Endings, I'm featuring, The Formidable Women Who Shaped Medieval Europe: Power and Patronage at the Burgundian Court, by Susan Abernethy. This book is all about the Burgundian women of Europe who shaped politics through their connections with the rulers of the Valois dynasty in Burgundy. 

Before you think this is boring and worth skipping (I would have too at one time), consider that these women were instrumental in and all around Europe in the 14th-16th Centuries and involved in politics that carried to the players in the Wars of the Roses, the Tudor dynasty and on. I would not ever have thought I'd be interested in what happened in Burgundy or France but over time have seen how the history there was the beginning of these other more well known stories of Edward IV and Henry Tudor. 

I'm sure to learn a lot from this very unique book. I have a really hard time finding anything about the time period from 1400's-1600's France and Burgundy. I'm excited to see what new things I can learn. Trying to get it on NetGalley as an ARC. Fingers crossed!

History/Medieval History

 October 31, 2025

Book description courtesy of NetGalley

The formation of the Burgundian Empire by the four Valois Dukes of Burgundy would not have happened without the formidable royal and aristocratic women in their lives. These women, the wives, daughters, nieces, granddaughters and great-granddaughters, were vigorously engaged in the administration of the Burgundian empire, acting as governors and regents, making appointments, securing and making strategic marriages, raising taxes, negotiating treaties, engaging in cultural, religious and political patronage, giving birth to heirs and aiding in the military endeavours of their husbands. The history of these women involves numerous countries in Europe, including England, Scotland, France, Brittany, the Low Countries, Italy, Spain, the Holy Roman Empire, and many others.

Some of these women lived in luxurious comfort, and others were bullied and badgered into turning over some or all of their patrimony, allowing these all-powerful men to build an influential and powerful new state comprised of a numerous and varied collection of territories in Western Europe that existed from the late fourteenth century until the early sixteenth century.

We will meet women who were the daughters of kings, emperors, dukes and counts and even a queen regnant and a saint. The Valois dukes fully entrusted their wives with ruling in their stead while away fighting military and political wars. They used a deliberate policy of making marriages for their daughters and other female relatives into the many houses of Europe for political and territorial gains. In the end, the last Valois duke, Charles the Bold, put in motion a marriage for his daughter Mary, which would eventually bring about the end of the mighty Burgundian state, allowing it to be ruled by the House of Habsburg and absorbed into the Holy Roman Empire.

Noteworthy News #10: The Glass King

 I am always raving about my favorite podcasts and this Noteworthy News is no different. I have enjoyed Dan Jones' podcast called This is History so much and looking forward to Season 8 which is starting soon. It will cover the reign of Henry V and he just published his latest book about him too. If you haven't read his books or listened to his podcast you are missing out big time!!

While waiting for Season 8, Jones is having a friend and author, Daniele Cybulskie take the reigns and her six episode series is called "The Glass King." It covers the reign of Charles VI of France also known as Charles the Mad due to his mental instability and what we now think was either bi polar disorder or schizophrenia. I have had a hard time finding books on French medieval history and shows that don't just focus on how France relates to England during that time period. So this was right up my alley and it is soooo good! She tells it in such a great narrative style and explains how his mental troubles contributed to civil war in France and how that affected Europe as a whole. You really get to know Charles and feel such sympathy for him. 

Those of you who have read In a Dark Wandering Wood  by Hella Haasse will really like it. I'm still working my way through that book about that time period and setting. In the podcast Cybulskie also brings to life Charles' spirited and smart wife, Isabeau of Bavaria and Charles' scheming brothers and uncles . The family almost reminds me of the Mafia, like an episode of The Sopranos, but French medieval style, lol.  It is like listening to a great historical movie. Even if you don't know anything about French history (like me, very green on this subject!) you will be fascinated by the story. 

And if you love English history, don't forget that Charles married his two daughters off to two Kings of England: Isabella to Richard II and Catherine to Henry the V. She is the mother of Henry VI, another king with mental troubles. It all ties together and makes for the most fascinating tale.

So if you need something to listen to on the way to work or wherever check out This is History: A Dynasty to Die For "The Glass King." Each episode is around 30-40 minutes, so not some huge time commitment like a full audio book. Happy listening ya'll!

Crouchback: The Welsh Guard Mysteries, Volume 1 by Sarah Woodbury

 

Publication Date:

November 14, 2019

Genre:  

Historical Fiction/Adventure

Length:   

331 pages 

Series: The Welsh Guard Mysteries

Book description courtesy of Goodreads

April 1284. As a newly widowed lady-in-waiting to the very pregnant Queen Eleanor of England, Catrin never expected to return to Wales again. She was definitely unprepared to be confronted with murder when she got there--or to find herself face-to-face with Rhys, the childhood friend she lost twenty years before. Rhys had never intended to return home either, but a lifetime of war has deposited him right back where he started--impoverished and owing service to Catrin's older brother.

With Wales having fallen irrevocably to England, and fearful of trusting anyone within the English court of King Edward, Catrin and Rhys join forces against the treachery and intrigue rife within the half-built Caernarfon Castle. And when the murderer strikes again, the task before them becomes increasingly clear: catch the killer, certainly, but also protect their people from a future that is becoming more dangerous and uncertain with every day that passes.
Crouchback is the first book in The Welsh Guard Mysteries.

My Thoughts

I've had this book in my Kindle for awhile and just forgot. I have so many mysteries it just got overlooked. But when I went back and read the description it sounded interesting and original, and I love all things with Wales as the setting. The characters also being placed during the reign of Edward ! made it especially appealing to me. I'm trying to learn more about this time period already.

The mystery is well veiled and is a good story. So is the history the author weaves into the book. I learned a lot about how the Welsh must have felt having been conquered and subdued by King Edward at this point. Rhys and Catrin being a part of both worlds was a good way to let the reader in on the authentic conflict going on at the time: bow to reality and practicality to stay alive and acknowledge England as the ruling force or fight back and end up in misery and fear but with your conscience intact concerning your loyalty to your homeland. This is the running theme throughout the story as the pair seek to find out who is killing and leaving mysterious signs of a possible cult on the bodies or somewhere nearby. I also learned the true meaning of "Crouchback." This is the symbol for someone who has been on Crusade.

The Thistle and the Rose by Jean Plaidy (The Tudor Princesses) Tudor Saga Book Eight

 

Publication Date:

January 1, 1963

Genre: Historical Fiction

Length:   320 pages 

Series: The Tudor Princesses; Tudor Saga Book Eight

Book description courtesy of Goodreads

From the pen of the legendary historical novelist Jean Plaidy comes the story of Princess Margaret Tudor, whose life of tragedy, bloodshed, and scandal would rival even that of her younger brother, Henry VIII.

Princess Margaret Tudor is the greatest prize when her father, Henry VII, negotiates the Treaty of Perpetual Peace with neighboring Scotland. The betrothal is meant to end decades of bloody border wars, but it becomes a love match: To Margaret’s surprise, she finds joy in her marriage to the dashing James IV of Scotland, a man sixteen years her senior. But the marriage, and the peace it brings to both nations, does not last. When King James is struck down by the armies of Henry VIII, Margaret—Princess of England, but Queen of Scotland—finds herself torn between loyalty to the land and family of her birth and to that of her baby son, now King of the Scots. She decides to remain in Scotland and carve out her own destiny, surviving a scandalous second marriage and battling with both her son and her brother to the very end. Like all the Tudors, Margaret’s life would be one of turmoil and controversy, but through her descendants, England and Scotland would unite as one nation, under one rule, and find peace.

My Thoughts:

Having read this years ago it isn't a new read for me but a re-read. I would like to read and review all of Jean Plaidy's books someday but that is quite a lofty goal. She was a prolific writer and greatly influenced my love of historical fiction. I was resistant to that genre until I discovered her books in my early 20's. This one about Margaret Tudor was one of my all time favorites. Although fairly short and straight forward it is nevertheless packed with history, depth of character, and accuracy. We get such great insight into Scottish politics and Margaret's transformation from young, naive girl to warrior queen, fighting for her family.

The summary above pretty much tells the jist of the story. I felt sorry for her in the beginning. She is so young, just thirteen when she marries James IV of Scotland and wants to please her parents, Henry VII and Elizabeth of York. She is overshadowed by the men in the family of course as they are the heirs to the English throne but as women always were, she is used to shore up an alliance with Scotland. She braves a new home, scheming in laws and fights to stay in the lives of her children. When James is killed in 1513 at the Battle of Flodden, she becomes regent for her son.  As she matures and comes into her own she becomes more hardened and disillusioned but resolute in her will to pave her own way as best she can as a woman in the 16th century. 

I really enjoyed this book and want to continue with the Stuart series by Plaidy. I want to read the book about her sister Mary as well.

I might add that it is really hard to find good books on both Margaret and Mary because they are so overlooked being the siblings of Henry VIII. So if you want to get a good grasp on what was going on at court during the time of all the Henry drama these are a good "side" to add to more knowledge of the time. Plaidy does a great job of showing the relationship between the girls and their domineering brother who clearly adored them but had to also contend with his place as heir to England. 

Can't Wait Wednesday: Grave of the Lawgiver by Peter Treymane (A Sister Fidelma Mystery, Book 36)

 

For this week's Can't Wait Wednesday hosted by Tressa at the book blog, Wishful Endings, I'm featuring, Grave of the Lawgiver, by Peter Treymane. I will be honest, I have never heard of this author, his books, and got this from my Kindle list titled, "upcoming releases for you." I read a lot of cozy mysteries and historical mysteries so that's understandable. This book is number 36th of the series so I'm shocked I've never run across it! The author's bio says he is a Celtic scholar who has written over 30 books on the Ancient Celts and the Irish. 

It is so unique. That is a main reason I'm featuring it. Set in the year 673 it features an Irish sleuth named Sister Fidelma of Cashel who runs into crimes like any good mystery character. In this book she travels to the Kingdom of East Angles to find someone has murdered the "lawgiver" and burned his house down. She is subsequently accused of the crime, as is her friend, Eadulf. They must find out answers to clear their name.

I really want to see if I like this series. Of course I doubt I'll start with Book 36 but wanted to feature it as it is a series that has been around and much loved for a long time it seems. Very much reminds me of the Cadfael Chronicles which I love and am reading faithfully in order. It is set in a time period I know nothing about so hopefully I will learn some history along the way. 

I hope you've found something you can't wait to read! Happy reading ya'll!

Medieval Historical Mysteries

 

July 17, 2025

Book description courtesy of Goodreads

The year is AD 673. Fidelma accompanies Eadulf to his hometown, Seaxmund's Ham in the Kingdom of the East Angles, to be greeted with the shocking news that Eadulf's uncle, Athelnoth, the lawgiver, has been murdered and his house burnt down. And Eadulf's younger sister is missing.

The locals accuse Fidelma and Eadulf of the crimes, and Fidelma's safety is threatened by the first council of the bishops and kings of the Angles and Saxons, who wish to expel all Hibernian missionaries and teachers from the kingdoms.

Against this opposition, Fidelma and Eadulf must unite to solve one of their most complex mysteries yet.

Can't Wait Wednesday: Call of the Cross: A Historical Novel of Scotland by J.R. Tomlin (William the Bold Book 2)

 

For this week's Can't Wait Wednesday hosted by Tressa at the book blog, Wishful Endings, I'm featuring, Call of the Cross, by J.R. Tomlin. I have only read the first book in her series about The Stewarts, A King Ensnared. It was written accurately from a historical perspective, although re-reading my review I remember it did drag a bit at times. I intended to continue with the series. Now I think I'd like to go back and start at the very beginning of her books chronologically to help me better understand Scottish history. Her books run from the late 1200's to the 1500's and cover Black Douglas, Robert the Bruce, and the Stewarts prior to Mary Queen of Scots. 

Set in 1267 Scotland this series tells the story of Sir William Douglas, who goes on Crusade. I love this time period and Crusader history. I'm sure starting with book one is best though and this is book two. If going in chronological order this series might be first in the timeline. I need to find out.

This is an overlooked time period, especially in Scotland, compared to say the Mary Queen of Scots era so I'm glad she loves Scottish history enough to research and write these. I hope you have found something you can't wait to read this week. Happy reading ya'll!

Medieval Historical Fiction

Scottish Historical Fiction

 July 23, 2025

Book description courtesy of Goodreads

Scotland, 1267: Sir William Douglas, hero of the Battle of Largs, rides to war again. When the Pope calls a crusade, as an honorable knight, he must answer the call. He leaves behind the conflicts of his homeland to fight for the Holy Cross. But once in the Levant, he must question if that is what he is truly fighting for.