I’ve been having some success selling Sheriff and Priest (my first historical novel, telling the story of a real Saxon man who rose to a position of power in Norman England) in the US, but sales don’t often turn into reviews.
And reviews can definitely drive sales, as people feel comfortable about investing their money in a decent read. [Hint – PLEASE review anything you read. It doesn’t need to be long or deep; a sentence or two saying what you liked is fine.]
So I was very pleased to find this on Amazon.com today; thank you, Francophile 🙂
June 25, 2019
Format: Kindle EditionVerified Purchase
I’m very glad I came across this engrossing novel. The author’s archaeological searches led her to her main character, Wimer, who rose through the ranks to become a friend and confidant of Henry II.
Wimer is born to a humble Saxon family in 12th-century East Anglia – not an auspicious start in Norman-ruled England. England is in the throes of the eighteen-year Anarchy, when the succession to the throne was disputed between Henry I’s daughter, the Empress Matilda, and his nephew, Stephen of Blois. Eventually, Stephen recognised Matilda’s son, Henry, who became Henry II, as his heir.
Wimer’s fate is to become a tanner, but his mixture of intelligence, shrewdness and ambition enables him to rise above that. He has a choice between becoming a monk or the more worldly profession of chaplain. He chooses the latter, which sets him on a career that will see him involved in the politics of the realm, falling in love with Henry II’s ward and excommunicated three times. I won’t say more for fear of spoiling the story.
The author’s meticulous research shines through on every page and I was thoroughly immersed in Wimer’s England. It’s a page-turning read, and I was rooting for Wimer all the way, but the author also paints a very believable portrait of Henry II. Highly recommended.
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Tagged as Review, Wimer
Eclectic pleasures 