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The Handfasted Wife: The Daughters Of Hastings Trilogy - A Riveting Historical Experience

Branson Carter

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Are you a fan of historical fiction novels that transport you to a different era? If so, then you need to add "The Handfasted Wife: The Daughters Of Hastings Trilogy" to your reading list. This captivating trilogy will immerse you in the tumultuous times surrounding the Battle of Hastings and introduce you to strong female characters whose lives are intertwined with historical events. Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply looking for an engaging read, "The Handfasted Wife" will not disappoint.

An to the Trilogy

The Handfasted Wife forms the first installment of the trilogy, followed by The Swan-Daughter and The Betrothed Sister. These three novels by Carol McGrath are interconnected and provide a vivid portrayal of the remarkable women who lived during the Norman Conquest of England.

Historical Accuracy and Rich Descriptions

One of the standout aspects of this trilogy is the meticulous attention to historical accuracy. Carol McGrath's extensive research allows her to present an authentic picture of the era, from the everyday life of commoners to the grandeur of noble households. With beautifully descriptive prose, McGrath transports readers back in time, making them feel as if they are witnessing the events firsthand.

The Handfasted Wife: The Daughters of Hastings Trilogy

by Carol McGrath(Kindle Edition)

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	717 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	378 pages

The trilogy unfolds against the backdrop of the Battle of Hastings in 1066, exploring the lives of noblewomen, including Edith Swan-Neck, Gytha of Wessex, and the formidable Queen Matilda. Through these dynamic female characters, readers gain insight into the struggles and triumphs of women during a transformative period in history.

The Handfasted Wife: A Synopsis

The Handfasted Wife introduces readers to Edith Swan-Neck, the handfasted wife of Harold Godwinson, the last Anglo-Saxon king of England. Despite being portrayed in history as a mistress, McGrath paints an empowering picture of Edith as a fiercely loyal partner who supported Harold during his reign and stood by him until the bitter end. This novel offers a fresh perspective on a historical figure who has been largely overlooked.

The Swan-Daughter delves into the life of Aelfgifu, daughter of Harold and Edith. Set in a precarious time, Aelfgifu must navigate political alliances and unrest as the Norman invaders tighten their grip on England. Against this backdrop, she finds love and faces unanticipated challenges, adding layers of drama and intrigue to the story.

In The Betrothed Sister, readers are introduced to the historical figure of Queen Matilda of Flanders. With a strategic marriage arranged by her father, Count Baldwin V, Matilda becomes the wife of William the Conqueror. This novel delves into the complexities of her life and the political landscape she faced as a foreign queen in a land she was determined to make her own.

An Emotional Roller-Coaster

"The Handfasted Wife: The Daughters Of Hastings Trilogy" pulls at heartstrings and triggers a range of emotions as readers become invested in the lives of the characters. From the joy of love and the thrill of victory to the anguish of loss and long-standing rivalries, the emotional depth of the trilogy keeps readers hooked from start to finish.

Clickbait Title: Uncover the Untold Stories of Remarkable Women in the Daughters of Hastings Trilogy, Leaving Readers Spellbound!

Are you ready to embark on a riveting journey filled with love, political intrigue, and historical richness? The Daughters Of Hastings Trilogy by Carol McGrath is the perfect choice for history enthusiasts and avid readers alike. Prepare to be captivated by the lives of Edith Swan-Neck, Aelfgifu, and Queen Matilda as real historical events come alive on the pages. Don't miss out on this spellbinding experience that will leave you craving for more!

The Handfasted Wife: The Daughters of Hastings Trilogy

by Carol McGrath(Kindle Edition)

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	717 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	378 pages

'Moving, and vastly informative, a real page turner of a historical novel' FAY WELDON
The first instalment in Carol McGrath's captivating The Daughters of Hastingstrilogy!

'This novel is a marvellous mixture of historical fact and imagination... I would heartily recommend this delightful novel. I couldn't put it down' 5* Reader review

'This is a beautifully crafted book which has been meticulously researched' 5* Reader review

'Fiction and history are woven together almost seamlessly' 5* Reader review

'I found it an engaging book and I wanted to keep reading' 5* Reader review

'A real page turner thanks to great characterisation' 5* Reader review
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An adventure story of love, loss, survival and reconciliation . . .

The Handfasted Wife is the story of the Norman Conquest from the perspective of Edith (Elditha) Swanneck, Harold's common-law wife. She is set aside for a political marriage when Harold becomes king in 1066. Determined to protect her children's destinies and control her economic future, she is taken to William's camp when her estate is sacked on the eve of the Battle of Hastings. She later identifies Harold's body on the battlefield and her youngest son becomes a Norman hostage.

Elditha avoids an arranged marriage with a Breton knight by which her son might or might not be given into his care. She makes her own choice and sets out through strife-torn England to seek help from her sons in Dublin. However, events again overtake her.

Harold's mother, Gytha, holds up in her city of Exeter with other aristocratic women, including Elditha's eldest daughter. The girl is at risk, drawing Elditha back to Exeter and resistance. Initially supported by Exeter's burghers the women withstand William's siege. However, after three horrific weeks they negotiate exile and the removal of their treasure. Elditha takes sanctuary in a convent where eventually she is reunited with her hostage son.