Blog
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Giveaway – Coming May 2 – For King and Country
Print proofs have arrived!There are only a few events in life that are more awesome than seeing your book in print. I could rattle off a number and let you add a dozen of your own. But holding a copy of the book you have spent hours researching, writing, revising, editing, editing, editing, and proofing &…
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Helena P. Schrader and Defender of Jerusalem
I am delighted to have Helena P. Schrader on my blog today to talk about Defender of Jerusalem, Book II of her biographical series of novels about Balian d’Ibelin. Book I follows Balian from landless household knight to Baron of Ibelin, married to the Dowager Queen Maria Comnena. It is set against the increasing threat…
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Not the Sheriff of Nottingham… Meet Lincolnshire’s Sheriff: Gerard de Camville
I am guest posting today on English Historical Fiction Authors with John’s Man in Lincoln: Gerard de Camville. Gerard is a late 12th/early 13th century sheriff, who like many men, paid King Richard (the Lionheart) to get his appointment. Richard needs the money for his Crusade to the Holy Land. But does money buy loyalty? Enjoy…
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Third Crusade history – my guest post on English Historical Fiction Authors
In the year 1191, on the 7th day of September, a decisive battle was fought between Christian and Muslim armies. On this 824th anniversary, join me on English Historical Fiction Authors (EHFA) for “The Bloodiest Day of the Third Crusade: Richard I and Saladin at the Battle of Arsuf.“ Photo By Eloi Firmin Feron (1802-1876) (de:wiki)…
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Men of the Cross – Book Review & Giveaway
Reviewer Sharon Bennett Connolly offers an insightful look at Men of the Cross at The Review. What a wonderful way to start my day. “The long and winding journey of the Lionheart’s crusade…is skillfully re-told in such a way that you will feel the highs and lows – the joys and desperation – and the excitement of two…
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Research Gems: The Murder-Fine
I am continually surprised by the fascinating bits of information I uncover while doing research for my medieval fiction. For Book III of Battle Scars I have been reading (or re-reading) biographies of Richard I and John, and stumbled across this gem in England Without Richard, 1189-1199 by John T. Appleby: the “murder-fine.” This form of…
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Save Your Beloved, Conquer a Country, Get Married – a busy May 1191 for Richard I
After wintering in Messina, Sicily, the fleet of King Richard I finally sailed for the Holy Land in early April 1191 with more than 150 ships. De Hoveden writes, “a dreadful wind arose from the south and dispersed his fleet.” Richard initially landed in Crete not knowing the fate of all his ships, including a buss…