The other day, I published my tenth book. I’m starting to feel like one of those ladies back in medieval times who popped out a baby a year and probably worried how on earth she was to feed and clothe them, let alone love them all. Except, of course, that one always loves one’s babies, right?
Days of Sun and Glory is the second in my series The King’s Greatest Enemy. Once again, I get to muck about in the delightfully complicated political environment of 14th century England, rubbing shoulders with Edward II and Despenser (although I keep my distance from dear Hugh – don’t like him much) and, of course, Roger Mortimer. Him I like – or rather, I see him through the eyes of my protagonist, Adam de Guirande, who loves Roger, has loved him since that day when Roger saved twelve-year-old Adam from his abusive father.
“Complicated,” Kit de Guirande says when I ask her what she thinks of Roger. She frowns. “To love Roger Mortimer in this the year of our Lord 1323 is to ask for trouble.”
Tell me about it. Mortimer has just managed to escape from the Tower and has fled to France. In England, Edward II is cursing himself to hell and back for not having executed Mortimer while he had the chance. Despenser totally agrees, but wisely holds his tongue. Queen Isabella, Edward IIs wife, detests Despenser – and even more she detests being marginalised by the king’s favourite, which is why she’s rooting for Mortimer, albeit extremely discreetly. And then there’s Edward of Windsor, the young prince, since some months Adam’s new lord and master.
Adam loves his young lord. He agonises with Prince Edward as the boy is torn apart betwen his father and his mother – after all, Adam knows just how that feels, as torn between Mortimer and the prince. And then there’s Kit, whom he adores and desperately wants to keep safe, but how is he to do that in this political quagmire?
“All he has to do to keep me safe is to keep himself safe.” Kit fingers her veil. “If he dies…” She shudders. “If Despenser gets hold of him…”
Yeah. That would be bad. Very bad.
Well: in conclusion, Days of Sun and Glory is something of a medieval roller-coaster. People fight.People die. And in all this mess, all this upheaval, I just have to trust that Adam’s innate honour and loyalty will help him choose the right way forward. Sheesh! I keep my fingers crossed so hard they hurt…
So, what are you waiting for? Go and grab a copy of Days and Sun and Glory and leave the very complicated here and now for an equally complicated, if distant, 14th century.
And should you want to start at the beginning, why not pick up In the Shadow of the Storm as well!
And seeing as a new book is always cause for celebration, I am giving away two e-book copies of Days of Sun and Glory. Just leave a comment and let me know where you prefer to do your #summerreading 🙂 Giveaway closes July 21st.
UPDATE! The winners are Denise and Sharon! Congratulations!
sounds like a wonderful series Anna.
I prefer to do my summer reading in the gazebo on our deck but it has been too hot here lately do I have been doing most of my reading on the bus to and from work
I like the sound of a gazebo – and some heat!
We live up on a mountain and in the woods. We have a sunroom that I call my reading room. That’s my favorite spot to read.
Sounds like a wise choice 🙂
Not too much for that time period– but How and When did Edward II die?
Officially, he died in September 1327. Officially. Was he murdered? Did he die in his sleep? We don’t know…(which is why it is so much fun writing about the poor man)
I would love to do my summer reading in a shaded area by the beach overlooking the sea where I can hear the gentle crash of waves on the shore, smell the sea air and hear the cry of the seagulls in the distance. Then I will just relax and drift into the story I am currently without interruption. ?????
Sea and waves is nice and atmospheric. Me, I tend to spend my seaside visits in the water 🙂
We have a corner in our backyard that reminds us of the cottage, only without the black flies and without the endless repairs. In a word, perfect. 🙂
One can always do without black flies 🙂
I read everywhere! However, I do like to read curled up in bed or on my back porch.
Wise woman. Everywhere is a good option
I like to do my summer reading wherever I can..lol
I like to lol in the sun while reading.
Such a fascinating time period, such upheaval going on. My most favorite spot is tucked in my bed with my furbabies but I also enjoy laying next to our pool catching some sun & fresh air ?
Pool is nice, but don’t take the Kindle into the water with you 🙂
Summer reading used to be up a tree 🙂 These days, it’s more about sitting in the sun on my patio, with a glass of something cool at my elbow. Am looking forward to summer, so far I think we’ve had 2 days’ worth…
..or under one. And yes: the sun comes out and one must throw oneself outside 🙂
This sounds so exciting and I’m always on the look out for historical series to delve into. I love to read anywhere and at any chance I can get….there are no restrictions but my favourite place is in bed x
Always a safe bet – unless someone is lying beside you and grumbling about the light being on.
I love a holiday read, sometimes the only time I get. On the balcony overlooking the ocean, or by the pool, or anywhere really. Look forward to reading this book
So if you get it, you’ll read it wherever you happen to be. Sounds like my type of gal 🙂
I don’t think it matters where I would read it because my imagination would be whisked off to the Middle Ages after the first page….
That is such an excellent answer! MWAH!
I love Anna Belfrage’s writing so.much that even a to do list would be interesting!
Diana
Or depressing…
I love to read in my comfy chair under the shade of our huge trees next to the garden and by night on the couch listening to the breeze rustling the leaves of the trees. I didn’t think your next series could top Alex and Matthew’s story. But I was wrong. I loved “In the Shadow of the Storm”.
A comfy chair under the trees sounds nice. And I am very glad to hear you like Kit and Adam 🙂
congratulations! you rock
Thank you! And am I to take it you sit on a rock to read or don’t you want to have a chance in the giveaway?
Your books sounds amazing.
Thank you!
Sometimes in the garden listening to sounds of the countryside, othertimes in bed, the only problem with reading in bed if its a crackingly good book you forget the time and read till the wee (or not so wee) small hours in the morning. It sounds like yours would be one of those 🙂
I would hope so! That feeling when you get so swept away you just can’t put the book down…Ah!
Living near the beach, I like to take a picnic, a bottle of champers, gawjus husband (dogs stay home) sunbathe, eat, drink; an’ read from my Apple iPad #Kindle – great blog! Caz
My only problem with that is the sand getting all over the place 🙂 Thank you for stopping by!
Pebble Beach!
Sounds like a great book!
I like to read in my lounge, lying on the sofa with the French doors open onto the garden so I can hear the birds tweeting. Blissful ?
Yes, it sounds quite perfect 🙂