Howard Genealogy Blog

Lawhead’s research of the “Robin Hood” tales led him to believe they originated in Wales, in the vast forests known as the March; and the story he weaves from his research is full of period imagery, language and old tales.

This excellent, can’t put down novel introduces us to Bran ap Brychan, who loses his father and his heritage when the Ffreinc, having already defeated England, decide to make Wales a part of their empire as well. This is the first of the King Raven Trilogy and follows Bran as he struggles to regain his kingdom.
Check out this book at Karen’s Store.

I have been reading several books on historical fiction recently, trying to pick up as much social history and language for the time period as I can. I have not read much about Catherine de Medici, so I cannot tell how accurate the writing is, but I was fascinated by this portrayal of her: her secret viewing spots, her spies, her relationships with her children, the Guises and their niece and her daughter-in-law, Mary Queen of France (later Mary Queen of Scots).

They are seen through the eyes of a seamstress who, with her sister and grandmother, are famous for their silk. They have come to the castle to work on gowns for one of Catherine’s daughters. It is a “lite” tale of intrigue and romance with interesting historical aspects. Check this book out at Karen’s Store.