DEVIL’S BROOD BOOK GIVEAWAY

Penman

 

 

DEVIL’S BROOD BOOK GIVEAWAY

     

      As I mentioned earlier, I am going to do a book giveaway for Devil’s Brood this month and next, to pave the way for Lionheart.  The rules are simple; anyone who posts a comment to this blog is eligible for the drawing.  I will, of course, post it on Facebook, too, but you will have to make your comments on the blog itself so that I can keep track of the participants.  I’ve used this system in the past for book giveaways and it seems to work well.  The winner can choose either the American or the British edition, both in hardback.   And I will probably do a book giveaway for Lionheart after my book tour in October.     I know the Goodreads website has already had at least one drawing for Lionheart; I assume it is an ARC (advance reading copy, which is the uncorrected ms in bound form, the one that gets sent out for reviewers, etc.)  Lionheart picks up where Devil’s Brood ended, with all of the major characters except Henry, the Countess Maud of Chester, and Henry and Eleanor’s daughter Tilda, the Duchess of Saxony, as they had the misfortune to die in the summer of 1189.  I missed Henry very much, for he’d been hanging around the house since the early 1990’s, and Maud was great fun to write about, too, a scene stealer par excellence who took a relatively minor role and parlayed it into numerous appearances in three books. 

      Dog update—Milo is out of the kill shelter, thanks to Joan, and is being treated for heartworm.  He is a sad boy, half-starved for he was clearly on his own for a long time, and he is understandably very subdued and nervous. Joan has renamed him Oliver, since she says he seems like such a vulnerable little orphan, and she has found a foster home for him while he undergoes treatment for heartworm; he has to be kept quiet for six weeks.  But given half a chance, dogs like Milo/Oliver can blossom, and if the vet can heal him, I don’t see why he can’t respond the way Shadow and Tristan did.   The puppy, named Pebbles, is luckier, for she was adopted. 

       I’ll close with a Lady of the English comment.   Maude and Geoffrey have turned their marriage into a battle zone, and while it must have been hellish for them, Elizabeth Chadwick makes it all seem so vivid and real that the readers feel as if they are the proverbial flies on the wall as the unhappy duo go at it.    Maude’s father, he of the ice in his veins, a.k.a Henri I, is still alive, not having had that ill-advised encounter with a lamprey pie.  Eels did in Stephen’s loathsome son Eustace, too; after that, you’d think they’d have kept them off the royal menu.   (It is my understanding that lampreys and eels are very similar.)  And I believe the lamprey pie story did not surface until some years after Henry’s death.  But it is always problematic when we try to determine the actual cause of death for a medieval figure, unless they were unlucky enough to be shot with a crossbow, (Richard) were trampled in a tournament (Geoffrey) died in childbirth (Ellen de Montfort) or their fatal illness was described in such lurid detail by chroniclers that it is easy to make a diagnosis (The young king, Hal in my novels, who died of what they called the bloody flux and we call dysentery.)  

     Lastly, I have not abandoned the Eleanor of Aquitaine tour, plan to resume blogging about it, but I’ve had to give it a lower priority for now.  I still have to do entries about Fontervrault, Chinon, Angers, and Chartres.   And for those who may not have heard, it looks as if Elizabeth Chadwick will be doing a William Marshal tour next year for Academic Travel.  So what could be better than to close with a marvelous quote from The Scarlet Lion, Elizabeth’s second book about the Marshal, in which he says to King John, “Until the day she died, I carried a torch for your mother, but it never once lit my way to her bed.”

 

August 10, 2011

240 thoughts on “DEVIL’S BROOD BOOK GIVEAWAY”

  3. Am in the midst of Devil’s Brood right now, so am looking forward to Lionheart! Will be perfect timing for me! Also just ordered my first Chadwick novel, but I am also dying to read George R.R. Martin. What to do, what to do? Friendly hug to you, Sharon. Thanks for all your hard work!

  4. Oh I just love a good, juicy historical fiction series! I would love to read Devil’s Brook and get prepared for Lionheart!

  6. Well, I already have a hardcover of ‘The Devil’s Brood’, but I can always give a second to Jamie. It’s so good to hear that Milo/Oliver and Pebbles are getting their second chances at a new life, they certainly deserve it, and the Westie Brigade have been cheering them on every step of the way. Looks like ‘Lady Of The English’ has to go from third or fourth on my priority list right up to the top spot!

  7. Hi Sharon,
    How wonderful to have a chance for a copy of one of my favorite books of yours! Looking forward to Lionheart – can hardly wait for the story of continuation of the House of Plantagenet, as only you can write!
    DKB

  9. Looking forward to Lionheart after hearing you read excerpts. I will miss Tilda especially myself; I have a real fascination with Eleanor’s daughters.

  10. Sharon, as I’ve already said before I love your books and the friendships I’ve gained through them. I can’t wait for Lionheart and we, of the Aussie fan club, are working towards getting you out here for a tour.

  11. I notice you did not mention the absence or inclusion of Ranulf fitzRoy. I grew attached to him and by extension Rhiannon, Bleddyn & Morgan.

  12. I, too am looking forward to the release of Lionheart. I have a copy of Devil’s Brood so though I love to win, I hope not to win this time. I was wondering if your tours extend as far west as Northern CA? Hope so.

  13. Devil’s Brood, as well as EVERYTHING else I have read by Sharon Kay Penman, was a wonderful read. Sometimes the books are a little slow to get started because of such detailed, in depth character development and history, but it is very much appreciated once the tales really get started. I love it when an author can captivate my imagination so much that I feel like I am a part of the story. It takes a talented writer to do that, and she has accomplished that feat EVERY time I open one of her books, no matter what part of the story I am reading.
    Thank you for sharing your thoughts and research, and letting the readers be part of the masterpieces that you have created. I look forward to reading every piece you have written and sharing it with others.

  14. I am *so* looking forward to reading Lionheart! 😀 *bounces*
    And thank you for all you do in helping find homes for sweethearts like Oliver, Pebbles, & so many others. I know you’re a very modest lady & don’t want to take any credit, but your blog/Facebook have been instrumental in finding forever homes for animals in peril.

  15. I’ve just ordered Devil’s Brood on inter-library loan, looking forward to reading that and then ‘Lionheart.’ Just a heads-up on the anniversary front – Aug 17 is the anniversary of the sudden and fortuitous death of Stephen’s son Eustace.

  17. I’m going to have to re-read The Devils Brood as I have only read it once. Love all of your books but I think my favorite is The Sunne In Splendor.

  18. Would love to have my own copy of Devil’s Brood, especially if Sharon autographs it !?! I have of course already read it, library copy, but would love to refresh the whole story in my mind prior to Lionheart.
    And speaking of Lionheart, how about a U.S. tour, to include South Florida?
    Regards from Denise

  19. I’m waiting for the Lionheart giveaway since I already have all of your other books, including Justin’s! I am excited to read it and have it pre-ordered on Amazon!

  20. I have read(and reread) all of the Sharon Penman books. I can’t wait for Lionheart, its been on pre-order for a couple of months now. I would love to replace my battered, well read copy of Devil’s Brood with a new one!

  23. HI Sharon – I must echo Mary Beths wishes and hope you will be coming to the Boston area during your book tour. But if not, we will travel. It will be a pleasure to finally meet you and, with “Lionheart” in hand, to delve back into the Angevin mystique and adventure that has become such a part of my life since I first read “When Christ and His Saints Slept”.

  24. I can’t wait until “Lionheart” comes out! It shall be an early birthday present for me. Every time a you have a new book come out it is like Christmas 🙂
    ~ Andy

  26. I have read all your books (library copies) and have started my own collection now. I will also have to re-read Devil’s brood before Lionheart comes out! Can’t wait

  27. I just ordered Lionheart from Amazon…………..can’t wait. I also must re-read Devil’s Brood as it’s been a few years. ALthough my all time faorite is Here Be Dragons…………love those Welshmen!!

  30. Devil’s Brood is one of my favorites of your books! I love reading about the Plantagenets. Their story is definitely one of those that the truth is stranger than fiction. If you made this stuff up no one would believe a family could be that nasty to each other! I’m looking forward to Lionhart as well.

  31. Love you Quote from Marshall to John. But most of all ,Thank you for all your great books.

  33. I second the “come to Boston!” sentiment! I can’t wait to read Lionheart.
    I also got my mom addicted to Sunne in Splendour, so you have two lovers in this family!

  34. As I already own all your books (signed copies of Saints and Time and Chance) – this is more of a question than an entry:
    Will your book tour for Lionheart take you back to Books & Co. in Dayton, OH? I know that was always one of your favorite stops…..if so, I’ll be taking the day off work and making the 5 hour drive to meet you once again!
    Kelly

  35. Best writer of medieval historical fiction IMHO. Have spread the word about Sharon to everyone/anyone I know .. she knows what pleasure in reading is all about !!!

  36. Read all your novels twice. First time out of chronological order then in sequence. Loved them. Now I am going to find the mysteries and re-read them. I wish you well with Lionheart!

  37. I am new to your novels Sharon, but so far what I have read I love. I was introduced to your work by a friend and have been following your blog since. I would love to have a chance to read more of your books.
    On another note I have enjoyed our conversations about GRRM and other authors!

  38. I have read all of your books at least 5 times…. I can’t wait until Lionheart..I have lent out so many of her books that I have to keep buying them.. I think I am going to add all to my kindel so I will have forever.

  40. Can’t wait to read Lionheart. Loved all your books, but Sunne is my favorite. Loved HBD a lot, too, as it was the only one that didn’t leave me in tears at the end.

  44. So looking forward to Lionheart (my best friend already told me she pre-ordered it for my birthday), and hope to win a copy of Devil’s Brood too! 🙂

  45. Cannot WAIT for Lionheart! I have loved everything you’ve written. Every time I read one of your books all I talk about is going to the places that you write about. When I told my husband about Lionheart he said, “oh great, a whole new list of places to go!” 🙂

  46. Don’t enter me Sharon – already have Devil’s Brood, but I wanted to say that I am just about to Tweet your blog on Twitter so folk can come and have a read and enter if they want.
    Everyone – I have just finished reading an ARC of Lionheart and it is FABULOUS! Lots of things that would make quote moments if it wouldn’t be jumping the gun! It’s all great, but there is one character in it who is an absolute tour de force…
    Lampreys: You know, I have a very strong suspicion that I can’t prove, that Henry I was done away with. Someone timed it right…

  47. Just reading a the book called ‘The Reckoning’ its actually the first (full) book that I have ever read. I am really enjoying it and look forward to reading some more of your books in the future.
    Thank you for your time and effort.

  48. I have been reading your books since Sunne in Splendour came out in 1982. I was in graduate school (medieval studies) at the time; every since I am like a kid in a candy shop when your new books come out. I blush to admit that I have fallen behind–I have not yet read Devil’s Brood. I hope you can forgive a fan of long standing!

  51. My goodness Sharon, what an overwhelming response this blog has generated already!
    As you know, I’m currently reading Devil’s Brood, but I’d like to be entered into the competition anyway, as your books are always so good that I’d love to make a gift of a copy to my father… particularly if, as someone else suggested, it is an autographed copy? I’m currently writing my review for Time and Chance, having re-read that, though am not making too much headway thus far.
    Speaking of dates, I just wondered to myself… does Ranulf have a birthday, and a date of birth? I know he’s fictional of course, but in the books he’s mentioned as being certain ages in certain dated chapters and so forth, so I was thinking you must have had an idea for his year of birth, if not given him a birthday. 🙂 I thought it might be rather nice to know… especially as I may very soon be making a pilgrimage to Trefriw in Wales! 🙂

  52. For someone who loves your work – I am ashamed to say I’ve only read “Here Be Dragons” I think I’m waiting for a time to start and read on and on….
    And since my first viewing of Lion In Winter I’ve been fascinated by that ‘family’ so I should begin the series soon.

  53. Can’t wait to see your book tour schedule Sharon! May have to run over to Houston to visit my family! And stop tantalizing me with these tidbits of Elizabeth’s new book :)!

  54. I’m not pre-ordering Lionheart as I so want to buy it in the States when we come over in November. My little treat to me on my holidays :o)
    Beth – its a bit soggy in Trefriw today – done nothing but rain in NWales all day – you know one of those grey damp days, where you can’t see 100m in front for rain and mist, perfect for ambushing the English !!!

  55. Recently completed DEVIL’S BROOD ,and am anxiously awaiting LIONHEART. Trying to fill my time with other books but none give me the reading pleasure that all of yours do.

  57. I am glad that Oliver got out of the shelter. I feel sure he will bounce back with love and some medical care.

  58. we would love to win so we can add it to our family. thanks for the chance
    grams of 20

  59. we would love to win so we can add it to our famil library . thanks for the chance
    grams of 20

  60. I can’t wait for your new book! I have laughed, cried, and named my kids after your characters as I’ve read your books since I discovered them a few years ago. I’m doubting my husband will ever let me have a Lleywelyn, but he’s still my favorite (well both of them I guess!) Thanks for the giveaway and I for the wonderful books!

  61. I’m so looking forward to reading Lionheart. And I hope that the tour brings you to NC this time!

  62. Even though I have already read Devil’s Brood I am a greedy you know what and would want a signed copy of it too. What can I say, some people just never get enough. I’m just one of those crazy fans who loves everthing Sharon Kay Penman. You’ll have to bear with me. God is not finished with me yet, still a work in progress.

  63. Even though I have already read Devil’s Brood I am a greedy you know what and would want a signed copy of it too. What can I say, some people just never get enough. I’m just one of those crazy fans who loves everthing Sharon Kay Penman. You’ll have to bear with me. God is not finished with me yet, still a work in progress.

  64. So excited for Lionheart! When my husband proposed he took me to all my favorite places first, including The Poisoned Pen. While we were there he wanted to buy a signed copy of The Devil’s Brood (knowing you are my favorite author) but I argued that it was too expensive so…. he didn’t. Now I kick myself because that would have made an AMAZING day even better! 🙂

  66. Sharon, I am so glad you let us know that Pebbles and Milo are in good hands. I was so sad every day when I looked at my well cared for Chihuahua. I would be overwhelmed to win your book (I hardly ever win anything!) as I am making a “Leave these on the bookshelf” collection for my children and yours are there. I can’t wait for Lionheart. Thanks again, for your wonderful contribution to literature.

  67. Already have Devil’s Brood in my library, but have lots of friends who don’t. Thanks for the giveaway Sharon, and god speed on your tour.

  68. Hi Sharon, so nice of you to do a contest. I can’t wait to have my official published copy of Lionheart! Take care and have a great birthday!!!!

  69. Hi Sharon – I would love to have a copy of Devils Brood. I have been reading your books since 1987 when I fell in love with Richard 3 in the Sunne in Splendour. This one passed me by though – I think it is the only one I don’t own.

  70. I have read Devil’s Brood, and have enjoyed several of your books, Sharon. My first oneread was When Christ and His Saints Slept. I am eagerly looking forward to reading Lionheart!!

  72. Wasn’t lamprey one of those dishes you were allowed to eat even on the most strict days of fasting in lent?

  74. After reading and rereading Sharon’s novels, it is always hard to finish the last pages in each one. Even harder is trying to decide which one to reread next! I think it’s time to start with the Angevin trilogy again in preparation for Lionheart! Thanks, Sharon, for your impeccable research and detail, and the heart you put into each character. You’ve opened my eyes to a period in history that I had previously skimmed, but now relish!

  75. Looking forward to Lionheart to make the summer holidays in January better, for the reading will be uninterrupted by work, and the immersion in the medieval time.
    Looking forward to the rest of the Eleanor tour, and hope I will have the chance to get to the William tour, but not sure about that yet.
    My Milo find a home and be healed. Cheers to Tristan whose love and devotion I hope helps you to be able to write and read.

  76. Would absolutely LOVE to win a copy of The Devil’s Brood! And can’t wait for Lionheart to be released, I hope that you will swing through North Texas on a book tour someday!
    I also hope that there will be another Eleanor tour in a few years because I would love to get a chance to go on it!

  78. I’m looking forward to diggng into While Christ and His Saints Slept this week, hope to get the series read by Lionheart’s release. It’s my reward for surviving another crazy semester.
    Blessings to all the volunteers and dog rescuers who give so much to help innocents in need.

  80. I’m behind on my reading and looking to add to the stack, with yours on top!
    Congrats to Milo aka Oliver. Best of the best!

  81. Silly me. Never thought about the possibility of it being a signed copy. I’d LOVE to win!

  82. I have been looking forward to this book for a long time. I am particularly interested in the crusades and hope that you one day write in depth about Eleanor’s experiences as well. I can’t read the new book! I’m sure I will learn so much about the Crusades that I didn’t know before. That’s what I love about your stories. I learn so much due to all of the research you put into them.

  83. I am a new reader of your books and I am definitely hooked. I am reading the last pages of ‘The Reckoning’. Powerful and compelling stories. You bring history to life.

  84. Sharon, thank you so much for the opportunity to try and win a copy of Devil’s Brood. I read all your books by borrowing them from my local library, and have been gradually adding them to my Kindle. Hope to have this one in hardcover! Looking forward to Lionheart.

  85. Sharon, I loved Devil’s Brood and cannot wait for Lionheart to arrive! When I finished Devil’s Brood, I closed the book just wishing I had not read it so fast and that I still had many chapters to go! I did not want to close the book and say goodbye to all the people I had fallen in love reading about. I think I look forward most of all to continuing with Eleanor, she has definitely become my favourite!! I would indeed love a hard copy of Devil’s Brood on my shelf to add to the collection!!

  86. Who wouldn’t jump at the chance to win a copy of “Devil’s Brood” (or any of your books) ? Thanks so much for the opportunity and your generosity. Looking forward to Lionheart but sad to see that Maud wont be with us – she was one of my favourite characters. Good news about Oliver and Pebbles; I hope they find happiness in their new homes.

  87. I cannot wait for Lionheart, your books are the only ones I insist on having in hardbound the day they hit the shelves!! Last winter I re-read all the books to prepare for the next installment.

  88. Sharon,
    Thank for the opportunity! I am still in the process of re-reading the series and am taking my time as to finish Devil’s Brood right when Lionheart is released.
    Am waiting for the day when Echo will need a ride through the Southern states. 🙂 Would love to give a furry soul a ride to a new home!
    As always, thank you for taking the time to care about your readers. It is truly awesome to be able to speak with you.

  89. I love reading all your notes Sharon. At present I am reading “The Reckoning” and really enjoying it. Housework has been suffering because I can’t put your books down once I start. “Here Be Dragons” is my favourite so far. I look forward to meeting you some time in the future.

  90. I found “When Christ and His Saints Slept” many years ago in a library bookstore. I picked it up for the cover but could not put it down because of your amazing ability to tell a story. I have been a fan every since. The Welsh trilogy is my favorite! I can’t wait for Lionheart. I have already pre-ordered!

  91. I cannot wait to read “Lionheart!” I have so enjoyed your books on Henry, Eleanor and their most interesting offspring. My favorite book, like so many others, is “Here Be Dragons” and the other two in your Welsh trilogy. Long may we all remember the native Princes of Wales! (I hope one day you might have the opportunity to lead an exciting trip through Wales like the one you just did for Eleanor.)

  93. I can’t wait. Of course my wife and I will be trying to figure out who gets to read “Lionheart” first.

  94. Counting the days to Lionheart! It would be amazing to combine Elizabeth’s tour with some of the sites from your books.

  95. Just finished Saints and as soon as I catch up on all the things I ignored while totally engrossed in the book, I will start Time and Chance (and start ignoring again!). How wonderful it would be to have a copy of Devils Brood waiting!

  97. I have long since passed my copy of Devil’s Brood to my daughters and my daughters, in turn, have passed it around among co-workers, especially the nurses at our local hospital of whom my eldest daughter, Margaret Elizabeth, is one.
    As one can imagine, our copy is quite a battered, but honored, one because I believe that is the highest compliment a great story can receive…being held by many hands and read by many hearts.

  98. My Lord, what a response.
    In any case, today, Mary of York, the second daughter of Edward IV and Elizabeth Woodville was born. She died young (14), but in 1817 “The coffin of Mary was opened, the beautiful girl of fifteen who had died a year before her father; a shock of her pale gold hair had insinuated itself through the chinks of the coffin; the eyes were pale blue and open, but turned to dust however soon after the admission of air”.

  101. It’s a great quote from Elizabeth Chadwick’s book that you end the blog with Sharon. And it is interesting that when I read that comment, it was your Eleanor that came to mind!

  102. Like others I’m looking forward to Lionheart; and also like others I have a copy of Devil’s Brood on the keeper shelf. But my granddaughter who now has her own place is trying to build her collection of Penman books. Glad to get the update on the dogs, and I loved your ending quote.

  103. I can’t wait til Lionheart makes his appearance! Will also add EC’s new book as well to my “must read” list.
    I’m also so glade to hear the good news about Milo and Pebbles, they are very fortunate – blessings to Joan for her work. We live the next county over from where Milo was staying and our county’s animal services Dept. euthanized over 100 dogs and 400 cats in just one month. That is heartbreaking to me – where Milo was staying is a larger facility so their numbers are probably much larger. Will keep positive wishes that Milo finds his forever home soon.
    Thank you Sharon for your fantastic books, great blog and work to help animals like Milo in need of a few more friends to look after them.

  104. My “Devil’s Brood” has been shared with many and is still away on its own personal campaign to enlighten all England regarding the merits of your inimitable style Sharon! I miss it very much and to own it in hardback would make it worth suffering its absence……..
    Can’t wait for Lionheart!

  105. Sharon, you are a remarkable person – clearly one with enormous ability to keep lots of balls in the air. Taking the time to share thoughts and concerns with your ‘public’ is greatly appreciated. And being a dog lover is extra icing on the cake – as I am one, as well.
    I have loved the mysteries featuring “the queen’s man” but am eager to dip into your other works.

  106. I’m looking foreword to “Lionheart” even more than for “Time and Chance!” Currently planning/hoping to visit more sites on the Continent next fall. Cheers

  107. Like Others, I already have two copies of ‘Devil’s Brood’ and so don’t need another, but just wanted to comment that the greatest History of England ‘1066 and all that’, described Henry I as dying of a ‘Surfeit of Lampreys’, and so fell in love for this term that they applied it to many other famous deaths.
    I am sure Lionheart will be Great History brought to full Life.

  108. Like Others, I already have two copies of ‘Devil’s Brood’ and so don’t need another, but just wanted to comment that the greatest History of England ‘1066 and all that’, described Henry I as dying of a ‘Surfeit of Lampreys’, and so fell in love for this term that they applied it to many other famous deaths.
    I am sure Lionheart will be Great History brought to full Life.

  112. So looking forward to Lionheart !!! I will have to make sure I am able to shut myself away and enjoy a good uninterrupted read!! So thankful for all your books as I read and reread them!!

  114. Here in Sanibel Island taking my yearly “relax & reconnect-with-the-fam” vacation. Nothing better than checking my favorite blogs from my IPad while the Gulf of Mexico soothes my soul! I’m excited to read Lionheart when it comes out and will re-read my favorite of your books, Sunne, to prepare. Btw, I purchased Easter-Smith’s book about Cecily Neville; if anyone has already read it–how was it? Love your updates on the pups, Sharon. Being a dog-lover and having rescued 2 wonderful dogs that went on to be blessings in our home, I love reading about successful rescues.

  115. I am so glad to hear the good news about Oliver (Milo). Our rescue group has had many heart worm positive dogs (60+ in 3 years) and all but one have gone on to live happy lives. I wish these blessings, as well as finding his forever home, for Oliver.
    Our latest rescue dog was a stray found on the streets of Georgia, who basically had to learn how to be a dog. Didn’t know what a toy was or how to play with other dogs, the basic things. We have had him for about 4 months and now he plays with our other dog and loves squeaky toys. We are still working on socializing him to get over his understandable nervousness around people. It takes awhile for them to learn to re-trust humans after knowing mistreatment, so we know to be patient. What matters now is he trusts and is attached to both my husband and myself, our other dog and the feline siblings. It takes much more than 4 months to overcome a year and a half of being alone and mistreated on the streets.
    “Devil’s Brood” is the only book, excepting “Lion Heart”, that I do not have of yours, so a perfect fit.

  116. Am reading When Christ and His Saints Slept right now … so Devil’s Brood will be next, though I’ll have to pick up a copy. Somehow I don’t have one … I’m thrilled to hear about Lionheart coming out later this year – perfect timing for my reading plans.
    I’m so happy to read about the rescued Milo/Oliver having escaped the kill shelter. I do hope he gets well and has a chance to learn to enjoy life with a loving family. Our dog is also a rescue that had been abandoned to survive – or not – on her own in the woods. She barely made it, and it took a long time for her to learn she no longer needed to fear walking into the woods with us.

  117. Devil’s Brood was hands down my favorite of your books so far. I am eagerly anticipating Lion Heart…a gift to all of us Anglophiles!

  118. I really have been enjoying all your books. “The Sunne in Splendor” was my favorite — really loved your Richard III and I really enjoyed “Falls The Shadow” — It was great getting to know Simon de Montfort. Cannot wait to read “Lionheart”. Which it would hurry up and get here.
    Thanks for so many great reads, Sharon!!!

  119. I’ve just started reading your books and I’m stuck on them! Wonderful writing! I have much to catch up on, I’m currently working on When Christ and His Saints Slept. I’m also reading Chadwick’s Lady of the English, which is a total accident of time-ing! Can’t wait to keep reading more of your wonderful, pieces! Huzzah!

  121. Here is today’s Facebook Note.
    I would like to thank all of you who’ve wished me a happy birthday. I never expected such an outpouring of good will, feel like a rock star! It has been a lovely day so far andI got an early surprise present from a dear friend that guaranteed this would be a memorable birthday–an iPad! It is amazing, and so dangerously seductive that I had to hide it away until I finished my Ransom chapter; otherwise, I’d never have resisted the temptation to play with it instead of working at Richard’s encounter with pirates.
    Some of you may not have seen Joan’s update about Milo, the shepherd on death row in Florida. She saved him, as she’s saved so many other dogs and cats. When she first took him from the shelter, she said he seemed broken both in body and spirit. He has heartworm and was half-starved, his coat in appalling shape; the vet said he’d been on his own for a long time. He was subdued and scared and displayed not even a spark of interest in his new surroundings. He is now being treated for the hearworm; it is an expensive treatment but Echo is paying for it. And a friend of Joan’s has offered to foster him for the six weeks of treatment. She has four cats, but he is fine with them. Best of all, he has come back to life. Now that he feels safe and is being treated with kindness. he is developing some confidence, showing curiosity and happiness. I will put up a few photos to show you the new Milo, now renamed Oliver. Dogs have an innate need to be loved, and this may be the first time in his entire life when he’s felt loved. His plight really resonated with me, for his story could have been Shadow’s or Tristan’s, and he is so fortunate that Joan has given him a second chance. So many dogs never get that.
    A friend gave me the link to a remarkable website, a white wolf sanctuary in Tidewater, Oregon; she sponsors one of their wolves and has actually visited the sanctuary. Click on the link if only to see the spectacular photos of these magnificent creatures–who just happen to be dead ringers for my Tristan! http://www.whitewolfsanctuary.com/wolf-photos.php
    Again, thank you all for my birthday wishes. You certainly got my birthday off to a great start!
    PS Koby reminded me that yesterday Cleopatra committed suicide rather than be taken to Rome as Octavian’s prisoner.

  122. So pleased another book is coming. Your books have always been eagerly anticiapted by me and my friends, and a mad rush to read them and discuss the latest happenings always ensues. Never stop writing. Happy Birthday.

  123. Yay, another book soon! I always greatly enjoy your books. Happy birthday too! May you have many more happy years of writing!

  124. A very happy birthday to you!
    It is lovely to hear about Milo’s rescue.
    Our cat Merlin’s from a Spanish kill center.

  125. I’m just starting on Time and Chance now – looking forward to reading the whole series.

  127. Already have a copy of Devil’s Brood and don’t need another. Did find the giveaway as I was curious as to where it might be. You have so many places for me to check–You are a rock star.
    I do love listening to you talk about the Angevins and enjoy your sense of humor immensely.Hope your Lionheart book tour brings you to Colorado. Perhaps you could join me in Ouray. It will take your breath away.
    Your blogs about the shepherds bring tears to my eyes. They are so beautiful! I have to hold back or I would want to take them all. If Echo evers needs a driver out my way, I will help. Met a man today with a rescued Irish Setter and a old Dachsund whose belly dragged the ground. They are lucky ones but the man felt lucky too. He was walking the setter and carrying the little Dachshund who is not in shape. Thought of you.

  128. I love how yours and Elizabeth Chadwick’s work can bounce off each other and fill in gaps when one is writing and the other is newly published. I am eagerly anticipating Lionheart… as I will be trying not to devour it in a single sitting.
    And perhaps not something you want to be affiliated with in reality.. but when my father died very unexpectedly in 2008, I was reading Christs & His Saints. I will never forget it. I had to renew it a couple times from the library because I couldn’t focus obviously, but it was like my best friend during that horrific time of my life. And so it is you who started my actual passion for the medieval era. You are a special person!

  129. Sharon…glad you are having a great birthday although I think rain may be headed your way. I live just outside of Reading, PA and it is thundering and very black outside.
    I am so glad to hear about the dogs especially Milo/Oliver. I have a 1/2 black lab and I am always telling her how lucky she is! haha!
    I am very much looking forward to “Lionheart” and I will miss Henry also. He has been larger than life in the last 3 books.
    I also hope you make it back to PA for a book signing. I made it to the last one so am hoping for a return visit.
    Thanks again for your amazing writing and attention to detail.

  130. Sharon,
    Will your book tour for Lionheart be making a stop in Connecticut? I’ve been on “injured reserve” and have fallen behind.

  131. I am so glad you are doing this give away. I have wanted to read this book for some time. I know this period of History is interesting I just have to read more and find out who and why!
    Thanks for the chance to enter,
    Marilyn

  132. So looking forward to “Lionheart” and plan to reread “Devil’s Brood” shortly! Thanks for all the time you take to get it right — yours is not just “fluffy” fiction, but rather it provides real substance in a manner we all have come to love!
    Best Wishes,
    Brenda

  133. At my age and with my reading habits, I don’t know why I have only recently discovered your work. I am reading “When Christ and His Saints Slept” now, my fourth of your books (the Welsh trilogy hooked me deeply.) I can hardly wait to read all the rest of them.
    I do hope Milo/Oliver does well with treatment and recovery, rescued souls often make the best companions, don’t they?

  134. Pat, nothing makes writers happier than to find new readers! So you made my day. I think there were a few questions for me, and I will try to go back over the comments soon so I can respond. I usually keep the blog up at least a week so people will have time to enter the drawing. And yes, I really do think that rescued animals are grateful for the second chance. For many of them, it is the first time they have had a loving, safe home, and and on some level, subconscious or not, they seem to be comparing their old lives with their happy new ones. I know adoption isnot an option for everyone, but it works very well for me, and my last three shepherds were wonderful dogs who came scarily close to being put down.

  135. Here is today’s Facebook Note for my non-Facebook readers; I know there are still a few of you out there!
    I’ve been overwhelmed by all the birthday good wishes; it means a lot to me. You all must have been sending some very good vibes my way for I had one of my best birthdays in years and feel very pampered, with a birthday lunch, a birthday dinner on Monday and then a belated birthday barbecue next Sunday. I am still euphoric over my surprise birthday iPad, had a lovely day yesterday, received an unexpected royalty check (how’s that for perfect timing) and was surprised to see that I actually earned more from my e-books than my “real” books. Flowers from my publisher was icing on the cake. And I finally got my living room ceiling painted, which might not sound dramatic but has had me looking ceilingward with a smile all day. Tristan was a great help. He decided he should lie down and nap right in the middle of the painter’s drop cloth and managed to get a distinctive white smear on his big nose. Knowing Joan was able to save Oliver, aka Milo, was a nice birthday gift, too. Add to all this several birthday phone calls from friends in various parts of the globe and a birthday chorus sung from Texas, and life is good–especially since I’ve been able to start Ransom at long last and am about to write Richard’s famous encounter with pirates off the coast of Corfu. I don’t think that man could walk across the street without finding high drama of some sort.
    Again, thanks to all for the birthday good will and the wonderful compliments about my books.

  136. I’ve read some of Elizabeth Chadwick’s books following your recommendation and enjoyed her writing. Am pleased to try again, especially as Maud and Geoffrey are her muses. Those two are hilarious in a ‘Greek Tragedy’ sort of way. Just ordered the book. Look forward to ‘getting lost.’ Also hope to be lucky for D.B – although I have read it twice (the local library’s copy) 🙁

  137. I have been a big fan of yours for some months now, ever since I randomly found out about you somewhere on the internet. I love medieval historical fiction (I was an English major in college, my concentration being medieval literature), and I absolutely adore your work. I started with When Christ and His Saints Slept sometime late last year, and have been working my way through my library’s collection of your books. They have everything but Here Be Dragons (strangely enough) so I recently purchased it and like everything else of yours, I love it! I’m going to the library tomorrow to check out the other two books in the Welsh trilogy, since I’m almost finished Here Be Dragons and I know if I finish it and can’t go right into Falls the Shadow that it’ll drive me nuts!
    I saw on your amazon page that you live in New Jersey… so do I! I think it’s great that one of my favorite authors lives in the great Garden State.
    Regards,
    Mary Richmond

  138. Devil’s Brood is the only one of the trilogy I have not yet read but am looking forward to doing so. You are an amazing storyteller.

  139. Hi Sharon
    I have had you as my all time favourite author ever since I read Sunne many years ago. I was so excited when I chatted to you via Skype a few weekends ago with the reat of the Aussie SKP fans. I am eagerly awaiting the release of Lionheart – “only” 50 days to go!!!

  140. Just finished Devil’s Brood, for the second time, and loved all these tragic characters more than I ever thought possible the first time around. I miss Henry too, and didn’t realize Maud and Tilda were going to die too; how sad. But I want Lionheart NOW, because I can’t imagine reading anything else next. But I guess I’ll have to, may try Gemini Sasson’s Isabeau because I liked (was it Alison Weir?)’s Queen Isabella and the Roger Mortimer story. Once again, thanks Sharon for all your good stuff!

  141. Also glad you’ve started Ransom; that’s got to be a good story too, and we’ll all be ready for that, no doubt, before you’re done with it. Keep plugging…..

  142. I have just heeard about you and your books from the Australian Elizabeth Chadwick fan group on Facebook. I’m looking forward to digging in to your novels 🙂
    Cathy x

  143. Here is today’s Facebook Note, The Wedding Night from Hell.
    On August 15, 1193 in Amiens, France, a young Danish princess named Ingeborg was wed to the French king, Philippe Capet. It was not always easy to be a highborn marriage pawn in the MA; two of Philippe’s own sisters, the sad Alys and her even more unfortunate sister, Agnes, wed as a child to the heir to the Byzantine throne, can testify to that. But Ingeborg was to suffer cruelly at the hands of her husband, for reasons that elude us even after eight centuries. She was eighteen and the chroniclers were unanimous in describing her beauty. Philippe’s own chronicler, Rigord, said she was “a very lovely girl endowed with wondrous beauty, graced by outstanding generosity and great honesty.” But the day after their wedding, Philippe repudiated her and tried to send her back to her brother, the Danish king. She refused to be returned like defective goods, and thus began a war of wills that would last twenty years. Philippe had a pliant group of French prelates annul the marriage in November of that year, but the Pope did not recognize it and Ingeborg continued to claim she was Philippe’s lawful wife and queen. To break her spirit, he treated her quite badly, isolating her from her attendants and providing so little for her upkeep that it was said she sometimes lacked enough blankets or food. He would cite various reasons for claiming their marriage was invalid over the years, but the most startling one was impotence caused by her sorcery. He insisted the marriage had never been consummated; she insisted it had. Sound familiar? He would eventually admit the marriage had been consummated, but claimed there’d been no insemination. Am I the only one to think of Bill Clinton’s response when asked if he’d ever smoked marijuana? (Yes, but I did not inhale.)
    I am thinking of doing an article about Ingeborg for the Medieval Chronicle, so I’ll go into more details there about this exceedingly odd and sad (for Ingeborg) marital war. Philippe was eventually compelled by the Pope to recognize her as his queen, but it was an empty gesture. At least now we know whom Henry VIII took as his role model. But Ingeborg was luckier than Catherine of Aragon, for she would outlive Philippe by fourteen years, and I am happy to report that Philippe’s son and grandson treated her very kindly. The son was the result of Philippe’s first marriage to Isabelle of Hainaut, whom he treated badly, too, attempting to set her aside for her “failure” to give him an heir when she was all of fourteen years old at the time. It is no wonder that when Philippe sought to wed a German heiress after his sham annulment from Ingeborg that the girl and her mother at once contrived for her to run away with the dashing young Duke of Saxony, who also happened to be Richard’s nephew. Anyone doubt that Philippe blamed Richard for that, too?

  144. I have a well-worn, much-loved paperback copy of The Devil’s Brood. I’ve read it before, but I plan to read it again before Lionheart comes out. I guess I don’t need a free copy of the book, but if I had one, I’d surely treasure it.

  145. Please throw my name in the hopper for the book drawing. I am very much looking forward to Lionheart and would love to read The Devil Brood. I just started Sunne in Spendour, which is how I found your blog.

  146. Please throw my name in the hat as well–I love all of your books and would love to have a copy of The Devil’s Brood. Thanks!

  147. As much as truly love reading every book you’ve written, I think I admire you more for your work with rescue dogs. I wish I had the space to do so. Please enter me in the giveaway.
    Thanks!

  149. Oooh, a book tour! Maybe you posted this already and I missed it, but would said book tour possibly bring you to AZ? Maybe to the Poisoned Pen? Because that would be awesome. 🙂

  150. I’d just like to thank previous poster Sheila, who has completely ruined my enjoyment of Devil’s Brood, which I am currently reading for the first time ever, my dropping two MASSIVE spoilers with no warning for spoilers whatsoever. Sharon’s wonderful books are one of my greatest pleasures, and I now feel utterly cheated of the joy of reading the story as it unfolds, as Sharon meant for me to find out about it. Instead these spoilers have been dropped on me like a bomb, and I had no idea they were coming. I can’t believe this – on Sharon’s own blog as well, this is beyond the pale. I came here to read Sharon’s regular Facebook notes, and instead I got this. And on this blog post too – it’s a giveaway for Devil’s Brood, so one has to expect that one of the possible reasons for entering might be that people have never read the book before might want to win a copy, so to drop two HUGE spoilers for that book here is totally inconsiderate and thoughtless.
    I call upon admin and Sharon to remove or amend that post. It’s too late to salvage my own enjoyment, but it may be possible to save other people’s reads of Devil’s Brood from being ruined by spoilers.

  151. Beth, those are actually not spoilers in the strict sense of the word, for neither Maud nor Tilda’s death occur in Devil’s Brood. They both died in the summer of 1189, but I didn’t mention it because none of my characters would have known about it by book’s end. I think I am probably the guilty party, rather than Sheila, for I’d earlier posted something about Maud, about how much I liked her character, citing her as an example of a character who gets the bit between his or her teeth and ends up with much more time on center stage. I am sure I probably mentioned that she would not be in Lionheart because of her death in 1189. And if my memory serves, we’ve discussed Tilda’s death here before, as I think I was asked about her death. It is always tricky to try to avoid spoilers, especially when we are dealing with people who actually lived. I recently asked my Facebook readers not to discuss the events of the Third Crusade in any detail as the pub date draws near for Lionheart, as I was sure many readers are not that familiar with all of the happenings and would prefer to read about them in the book, as you point out, too. Surprisingly, I got an argument from a few people, who insisted that they weren’t spoilers since anyone could google the events or people in question. I held firm, though, and was supported by a number of readers who said they did not want to know the particulars ahead of time. So far, so good, but we’ll have to see if everyone can resist the temptation as the pub. date draws closer. I am sorry you were disappointed by learning here of those deaths, but it really won’t affect your reading of Devil’s Brood since neither one died in the course of the book. I’m already a little concerned about Lionheart; once it comes out, I know people are going to want to discuss it, but I don’t want them to spoil it for readers who haven’t gotten the book yet. If anyone has ideas how to deal with this, I’d love to hear them!

  152. Saw your post on facebook and had to reply. It’s funny that I just finished “Time and Chance” this morning and pulled “Devil’s Brood” from the bookshelf for my next read. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve read all of your books over the years. We are looking forward to “Lionheart”. Any chance that you’ll be making it out to Seattle this time around? Would love to see you again. Your friends from Washington…

  153. Phew. It sounded like those events were going to greet me in the final 100 pages of Devil’s Brood, and… spoilers, for some of my favourite books in the world, I couldn’t believe my bad luck. I suppose if they don’t actually occur in the book, they’re not spoilers for Devil’s Brood as such, but… to some degree I’m still disappointed and I wish I hadn’t been told – because at the moment, I’m at a point in the book where Maud and Tilda are still very much alive, and I would have preferred to have found out about their deaths in Lionheart.
    In regards to Lionheart, this incident did make me think about how we might avoid spoilers for the upcoming release. And, I am with you, Sharon. I would like to see a Lionheart-spoiler ban on this blog, at least for a time. It’s just not fair on people who don’t want spoilers, and that can be so tricky. I’m an historian, as you know, and though Medieval isn’t my speciality I do take a great interest in it – yet I had no idea at all when Maud and Tilda died and I didn’t want to look it up or find out more until after it occurred in the books. And don’t forget – we poor British people don’t get Lionheart until much later than in the USA, so we won’t have it for months, and I for one don’t want Lionheart spoiled, months before I can even get my own hands on it.

  154. Hi – what a response, just reflects how popular the books are. Don’t enter me for the book draw, I already have two copies of this book (not sure what happened with THAT Amazon order!) but just wanted to put in a plug for coming to Canada on your Lionheart book tour ….. Edmonton would be a nice place to come!

  155. Colleen, I would dearly love to visit Canada, but the chances of my publisher sending me there are slim and none, sadly. Very few writers get to do out of country tours; Diana Gabaldon comes to mind as one, Lisa Scottolini as another. But such tours are as rare as unicorns.

  156. Thank you for your books Ms. Penman, they continue to be as amazing as Here Be Dragons, which sparked my interest in studying history. I am now working on my MA in Medieval Art History.

  157. Noticed that Lionheart is on our new book list and will enjoy reading it. I’ve enjoyed your historical tour as well as you’ve been describing it. Must be great to finally visit these places in person. And I, too, am an animal lover.

  158. Eagerly awaiting Lionheart and hoping that your publisher will send you into the midwest during your book tour. The Milwaukee area is beautiful in the fall!

  159. Sharon,
    I found your books in the library last summer. It was the first time I had read any of your work. From the begining of the first book I was hooked. I have since then read all of your books and have started over again. I love history and your books make the people real to me. I have Lionheart preordered and cannot wait to read it.

  160. Am. Really looking forward to lion heart and awaiting for the next par of the Eleanor tour so that I can plamy own trip to the Loire around it. Your books have givenme and countless others enormous pleasure – its the waiting for the next one which is the real problem!

  162. Here is today’s Facebook Note.
    Your note has been created.
    On this date, August 17, 1153 occurred one of those eerie juxtapositions that history can get away with but no novelist would dare to invent. King Stephen’s loathesome son Eustace choked do death on a dinner of eels, a death which all believed was God’s Judgment upon him for having plundered the abbey at Bury St Edmond’s just days before. On the very day that Eustace was dispatched to the Devil, Henry’s wife, Eleanor, was giving birth to their first child in Poitou–a son. Since she’d been wed to Louis for 15 years and produced only two daughters in that time and now gave Henry a son just 14 months into their marriage, you can be sure this birth attracted a lot of attention and must have been a source of intense satisfaction to Eleanor, who’d been slurred with the charge “barren queen.” It did not go unnoticed that Stephen’s son and heir should die at the same time that Henry’s heir was being born, and if any had doubted that the young Angevin’s star was on the ascentdency as Stephen’s waned, this August day banished those doubts. Eustace’s death broke Stephen’s spirits and he would soon agree to peace terms that would recognize Henry as his heir upon his death.
    Nan Hawthorne reminds us in her Today in Medieval History website that August 17th is also the birthday of Edward IV’s second son, the unfortunate boy known as Richard of York or one of The Princes in the Tower. Nan has amusingly cited books that discuss Richard III’s guilt. In the Innocent column, she lists my Sunne in Splendour and Joan Szechtman’s This Time; in the Probably Gulty column, she lists Susan Higginbotham’s The Stolen Crown; and in the Absolutely Guilty column, she mentions a play that has gotten a bit of attention over the years, Richard III by one William Shakespeare.
    Lastly, the first review of Lionheart came in and it is a good one (great sigh of relief.) I will post the link here later; it has no spoilers. In the interest of full disclosure, if it gets any bad reviews, they will never see the light of day on my Facebook page! I’ve been very lucky with my reviews over the years; I’ve only gotten one truly terrible review that was utterly negative, a review of Sunne in Splendour in which the reviewer concluded, “God has probably forgiven Richard III by now and in time He may even forgive the author.” Now I find that hilarious, but at the time….no.
    Enid, I used to come over to the UK every year, and while my publisher would not pay to bring me over, they would always set up book tours once I’d come over on my own. But I had to cut back my travels during the six years that my dad lived with me, and after he died, I was involved with the Angevins, so subsequent trips were to France, aside from a quick trip to Canterbury to refresh my memory for Henry’s famous penance scene. I don’t know if I can come over for Lionheart’s publication next year because I’ll be so bogged down in trying to finish A King’s Ransom, but I’d say the chances of a trip to the UK in 2013 are excellent.
    E

  163. Reading my US copy of Devils Brood now, gearing up for Lionheart — excited!! Would love a British copy! Thanks Sharon for bringing this period to life so well!

  164. Hurrah for the 2013 UK trip chances! Oh my, I will have to find some way of carrying all my copies of your books to bring in for signing, that could be tricky!!!
    You know, I don’t think I really want to read the first review of Lionheart. I’m going stir crazy with anticipation and the fact that it seems like everyone I know got an early copy but me, and I was really looking forwards to getting my review in early too, so I could get noticed and maybe next time for King’s Ransom get sent an early copy for that… Anyhow. Now I won’t even be able to get Lionheart till next year as I’m in the UK, I don’t really feel like reading the reviews, firstly because it’s too disheartening and secondly because I don’t want to be influenced or affected when I finally get to read it and write my own review of it.
    Oh, I should note that today I finished reading Devil’s Brood, and I am just about to sit down and write the review. My head is bursting with ideas just like it was for my Saints review, so I think it’s going to be a good one, and I’m hankering to get started writing it!

  165. Oh, by the way, something I noticed whilst reading Devil’s Brood, but so small I do not plan on mentioning it in my review. Keeping in mind that I’ve got a British copy of the book:
    1) The use of “grand-uncle” and “grand-aunt” instead of great-uncle and great-aunt. Admittedly, it’d be a whole lot more straightforward if the brother of a grandparent was a “grand-uncle” instead of a “great-uncle” because then it wouldn’t be as confusing when you realise that the brother of a great-grandparent is actually a “great-great-uncle”, he could just be a “great-grand-uncle”. But… you just don’t see “grand-uncle” or “grand-aunt” used in Britain. And it was a bit odd when Ranulf was referred to as Richard’s “grand-uncle” but Richard was still referred to as Ranulf’s “great-nephew”.
    2) The use of “focussed” instead of “focused”. I actually initially thought I’d found a typo when I first came across this but when I saw it repeated throughout I knew it was deliberate. I actually had to go and look up in several different dictionaries to discover that in certain parts of the world “focussed” is the preferred spelling. However Britain is not one of those places, despite one online website claiming that in the UK the “focussed” spelling is preferred – it isn’t. As a born and bred Brit, in my entire life I have never seen it spelt “focussed” in this country, it is always spelt “focused” in the UK, I have only ever seen it if someone has made a typo or spelling mistake, and in schools it is taught “focused”… and so everytime I came across it in Devil’s Brood I found it really jarring and it interrupted the flow of my reading. I really hope the British hardback and paperback copies of Lionheart don’t use the “focussed” spelling.

  166. Sharon
    I’m so excited for “Lionheart” to be released. It was about this time last year that I started “When Christ and and his Saints Slept”, and since then I have devoured each of your books in chronological order. I’m on “Sunne and Splendor” now. Every book is amazing! I plan on rereading all of them once I go back and catch “Lionheart”.
    Can’t wait for the release.

  168. I sometimes get confused as to the relationship of all the characters, but I have found a wonderful web site which provides the family tree of the Royal Family of England and now I can understand the connections which helps me understand the story so much better. I am in my 80’s and enjoy every page of these wonderful novels…. Don Coleman

  169. I have been waiting for so long for the continuation of the Plantagenet story. I have been rereading the Henry and Eleanor series to reacquaint myself with their world. Along with Colleen McCullough’s Caesar series, your books are the only fiction books that leave me feeling smarter for having read them. I only wish I had an ARC so the wait would be shorter. Still, something to look forward to, eagerly.

  171. Oh no! Blast, I didn’t want to know ahead of time that we never get to meet that person. I knew I shouldn’t have looked at the early review.

  172. So glad to hear that Milo/Oliver is out of the kill shelter, and that the puppy has been adopted. I’m a dog person, despite having a cat in the house, and their stories really tugged at the old heart-strings.

  173. I had no choice, Beth, as they never met in real life, despite Richard’s stubborn attempts to arrange a meeting. It is one of history’s missed opportunities, rather like Mary Queen of Scots and Elizabeth never meeting. But Saladin will get time on centre stage in my book about Balian d’Ibelin, and actually I found his brother al-Adil to be more interesting than the sultan.

  174. Ah yes, the… attempted arrangements… with al-Adil. I can’t wait to see how you’ve written that!
    By the way, I have just posted my review of Devil’s Brood! It’s here:
    http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/151547997
    I’m all caught up now, and ready to go when Lionheart comes out. I’ve decided if I can’t get it in the UK sooner than the 2012 release date I’m going to have a copy shipped from the USA – I just can’t stand that long a wait! Are you sure it’s out in 2012 in the UK, Sharon? On the Amazon UK website it says that the paperback will be out in the UK in March 2012 but that the hardback will be available in the UK from 4th October this year.

  175. Beth, Lionheart is not being published in hardback at all in the UK. The October 4th pub date refers to the American edition, which, of course, is not available for purchase by British readers. Macmillan is bringing the trade paperback edition out in March of 2012 and then a mass market paperback edition out at a later date. I can’t wait to read your review of Devil’s Brood; thanks for posting the link.

  176. Here is my book tour itinerary for Lionheart. I am very sorry that I couldn’t go to Boston, Atlanta, Denver, and the other cities promoted by my readers. Of course if I’d been allowed to go to all of the places I’d have liked to visit, I’d have been on the road for months. I hope that those of you who live near these cities will be able to come out. I love being able to meet my readers and thanks to interaction on my blog and Facebook, I feel as if I know so many of you already.
    Author Appearances for
    LIONHEART
    By Sharon Kay Penman
    TUESDAY, OCTOBER 4 – PHILADELPHIA
    Event: CHESTER COUNTY BOOKS
    975 Paoli Pike
    West Goshen Center
    West Chester, PA 19380
    610-696-1661 TEL
    http://www.ccbmc.com
    Time: 7:00 PM
    WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5 – CINCINNATI
    Event: JOSEPH-BETH BOOKSELLERS
    2692 Madison Road
    Rookwood Pavilion
    Cincinnati, OH 45208
    513-396-8960 TEL
    http://www.josephbeth.com/Landing.aspx
    Time: 7:00 PM
    THURSDAY, OCTOBER 6 – lansing, MI
    Event: SCHULER BOOKS & MUSIC
    1982 Grand River Ave
    Okemos, MI 48864
    517-349-8840 TEL
    http://www.schulerbooks.com/
    Time: 7:00 PM
    FRIDAY, OCTOBER 7 – ANN ARBOR, MI
    Event: NICOLA’S BOOKS
    2513 Jackson Rd.
    Westgate Shopping Center
    Ann Arbor, MI 48103734-662-0600 TEL
    http://www.nicolasbooks.com
    Time: 7:00 PM
    SATURDAY, OCTOBER 8 – HOUSTON
    Event: MURDER BY THE BOOK
    2342 Bissonnet St
    Houston, TX 77005
    713-524-8597 TEL
    http://www.murderbooks.com/
    Time: 4:30 PM
    SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9 – SCOTTSDALE, AZ
    Event: POISONED PEN
    4014 N Goldwater Blvd
    Ste 101
    Scottsdale, AZ 85251
    480-947-2974 TEL
    http://www.poisonedpen.com/products/hfiction/9780399157851/
    Event
    http://www.poisonedpen.com/event-calendar/penman-sharon-kay-with-diana-gabaldon/
    Time: 2:00 PM
    MONDAY, OCTOBER 10 – ST. LOUIS
    Event: LEFT BANK BOOKS
    at THE St. Louis County Library Headquarters
    1640 S. Lindbergh
    St. Louis, MO
    314-367-6731 TEL (Left Bank Books)
    http://www.left-bank.com
    Time: 7:00 PM
    SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15 – PRINCETON, NJ
    Event: BARNES & NOBLE
    3535 US Route 1
    Princeton, NJ 05840
    609-897-9250 TEL
    http://store-locator.barnesandnoble.com/store/2646
    Time: 3:00 PM

  177. Beth, that is such a wonderful, eloquent review of Devil’s Brood. Thank you! You are such a talented writer, can’t let yourself be discouraged–not with a gift like yours.

  178. My eight year old son is totally obsessed with Richard Lionheart so we are both awaiting your new book very eagerly. Loved all the others and looking forward to reading the next instalment.x

  179. I am so relieved that Milo/Oliver & the puppy have been saved! It is horrific that that shelter in Polk County ( & others who follow the same practice,)does not even ALLOW the adoption of German Shepherds, Dobermans, Rottweillers & pit bullls!To put down so many dogs (no matter how young, friendly & healthy they are,) based solely on prejudicial stereotypes, is an atrocity & should not be legal.It is certainly NOT humane!! It is just sickening. It’s bad enough that there are so many shelters with a “kill policy” that will put animals down because they’ve run out of space. Places like the one in Polk County – that destroy these breeds without allowing the public even the CHANCE to adopt them, are inevitably destroying many,many friendly, loving, good- tempered animals that would have made terrific pets for families & great companions for people who live alone. Thank you for doing what you can to spread the word about these at-risk animals. I also wanted to add that I’m really looking forward to the release date & book tour for “Lionheart”.

  180. Wahoo! I just snagged ticket #1 from Nicola’s Books in Ann Arbor for October 7th. Thank you so much for posting the information. My husband and I saw you the last time that you visited Ann Arbor, so when I texted him with the good news I saw on your blog this morning his response was “By all means, YES!”. He is a fan also, and is re-reading Here Be Dragons in anticipation of our upcoming visit to the UK (including Wales). Thank you for making history come alive through your books. Looking forward to seeing you.

  181. I am thinking of coming to see you, Sharon at the 15th October Barnes & Noble in Princeton. I have a long weekend that week and I am long overdue a holiday, so it might be possible for me to fly out to the USA on Thursday afternoon and come back on Monday, and see you on the Saturday. I will have to see, closer to the time.
    Also, I will soon be moving house… and I’m pleased to report that I may soon be talking to you from Trefriw from now on.

  183. That would be amazing, Beth. Not all bookstores require tickets, but some do, so it might be best to check with the bookstore. I think there is an e-mail address?

  184. Here is today’s Facebook Note, for my non-Facebook friends.
    On August 20, 1195, Alys Capet, half-sister to the French king, Philippe Capet, and betrothed for over twenty years to Richard Coeur de Lion, was married at long last. She had finally been returned to her brother and Philippe immediately wed her to the Count of Ponthieu. Was it a happy marriage? We don’t have a clue. It wasn’t an auspicious beginning, for he was a teenager and Alys would be thirty-five in October. We do know that she did give birth to a daughter, so at least she was not denied motherhood, as was Geoffrey and Constance of Brittany’s daughter, sometimes called the Pearl of Brittany, who was held captive for over forty years, first by her uncle John and then by John’s son. And her life was not as traumatic as her half-sister Agnes, who’d been sent to Constantinople at age eight to wed the son of the Byzaninte Emperor. Her young husband’s throne would be usurped by a cousin, who then murdered the boy, threw his body into the River Bosphorus, and forced Agnes, then age twelve, to marry him.
    But it is impossible not to feel pity for Alys, a princess who became a pawn and then a hostage, through no fault of her own. She was treated shabbily by the men in her life–Henry, who may or may not have been her lover, her indifferent betrothed, Richard, and her equally indifferent brother. As I’ve discussed before, whiile researching Devil’s Brood, I’d drawn the same conclusion as Henry’s primary biographer, Dr. W. Warren, that the rumors about Henry and Alys were probably not true. It was a lot easier for him, of course, being a historian. As a novelist, that was a much harder road for me to walk, for I was forced to give up so much high drama, soap opera scenes that would practically have written themselves…sigh. I still feel a sense of loss. Alys’s story is so sad that I’ve found myself hoping that the rumors of her involvment with Henry were indeed true, wanting her to have had a little happiness in her life. But of course even if she had been Henry’s mistress, it is unlikely they had the intimate relationship portrayed in The Lion in Winter. Rosamund Clifford must have been the most neglected royal concubine in history, given the way Henry raced around his domains, rarely spending more than a few nights in one place. And it would have been even worse for Alys, for there is no evidence that she accompanied him on his travels. We know absolutely nothing about her, by the way, other than a few dates. Her personality, her appearance, her aspirations, her nightmares–they all elude us. On the plus side, that means no novelist can get the facts wrong. On the minus side, it makes her seem even more like a ghost, always out of focus. It was not always a blessing to be a royal princess. Or a queen–as Philippe’s Ingeborg and any of Henry VIII’s wives can testify.

  185. Hi Sharon,
    I love this era of history, I love the stories you write and the inspirational way you help and support fledgling writers like myself. I would love to be entered into the giveaway, please.

  186. I had the pleasure of reading When Christ and His Saints Slept and Time and Chance recently, and just took a break to re-read The Sunne in Splendour. Now, I am ooking forward to reading Devil’s Brood. I just purchased it for my Kindle (although it would still be nice to win a hard copy!)

  187. I fell in love with your books before I started genealogy research. When I discovered my Plantagenet ancestry you brought it all alive for me.

  188. I have a lovely hardcover of Devil’s Brood but if I won your give-away, I would gift it to my granddaughter. I have Lionheart preordered from Amazon and I’m sure I will love it and it’s follow-up just as much as I have loved all the rest of your books, that I have read. Sunne In Splendor is the only one I haven’t read, yet, and I definitely intend to read it too.

  189. If I win, I’ll give the copy I already have to someone who’ll get hooked and want to buy the rest of the books. Or I’ll trade it for a copy of Sunne in Splendour, to replace the trade paperback copy I have, which is falling apart. Parts of it are in single pages. Parts in single chapters. None are attached to the spine.

  190. Please enter me in the book give-away. I have just finished the Angevin series and I’m about half-way through Here be Dragons. I just love love love your writing and I can’t want to read Lionheart – I plan to pre-order it for my iPad. The friend who introduced me to your writing lives in PA so I’m thinking that I may be driving down to your book signing in West Chester from Connecticut and purchasing a copy for you to sign. Will books be available for purchase at your WC book signing?

  191. Absolutely, Linda. I will be doing a reading from Lionheart, then will take questions from the audience, and after that I’ll be signing books–obviously copies of Lionheart, but I’d be happy to sign my other books, too; book stores always have some of them available for sale, as well. And I am also happy to sign copies of my books that readers bring from home. Some bookstores limit the number of these books that customers can bring with them, others do not. If you want to bring books from home, I am quite willing to sign them all, too–oddly enough, a few writers won’t. But you might want to check with individual bookstores to make sure they don’t have a limitation on the number of such books. I hope to see you there, Linda. We always have a lively turnout and discussion at the Chester County bookshop.

  192. I am admitting up front, I’m jealous of everyone who will get to meet Sharon in October. Not coming close to central Florida, so I hope some of you tell of your experiences along with Sharon’s interpretations.

  193. Here is today’s Facebook Note, A Death to Mourn, a Birthday to Ignore.
    The traditional date given for the death of Geoffrey, Duke of Brittany, is August 19, 1186. But while I was researching Devil’s Brood, I came upon a French source that gave the date as August 21st. Since this was more than five years ago, I cannot remember the source, though, and my notes are not accessible. I do know it was convincing enough for me to use it in the novel! Geoffrey is, to me, the most interesting and intriguing of the Devil’s Brood, and it is impossible not to speculate how history might have been changed had he not been an aficionado of tournaments.
    August 21st is also the date in 1165 upon which Louis VII of France finally had the male heir he so desperately wanted, after three wives and three daughters. So great was his joy that he called his son Philippe Dieu-Donne, Philippe the God-given. But I cannot help wondering if his joy was diminished in the last months of his life, when he’d been in-capacitated by a stroke, and his God-given son had his Chancery seal taken away so he could not revoke any of Philippe’s acts. There is no doubt that Philippe was a successful king, greatly increasing the royal domains of the French Crown during his long reign, although he owed much of that success to a crossbowman’s aim on an April evening before the walls of Chalus. But he was not a warm, caring human being. He feuded with his own mother and his uncles, tried to disavow his first wife when she “failed” to give him an heir at age fourteen, and repudiated his second wife the day after their wedding, then treated her very cruelly when she balked at being sent back to Denmark like defective goods. In an age in which anti-Semitism was all too common, his was particularly virulent. He believed in the blood libel, expelled the Jews from his royal desmesne for some years, and in March of 1192, he had the Jews of Brie arrested and burned alive in a travesty of justice that was apparently an attempt to restore his standing with the Church and his subjects, damaged by his abandonment of the Third Crusade. I will leave it to others to argue whether Philippe was a “great king” or not. But his is not a birthday I’d care to celebrate.
    My friend Owen reminded me that on August 21st in 1153 died Bernard of Clairvaux, who would soon be canonized by the Catholic Church. I do not find him a particularly sympathetic figure, but fairness compels me to point out that he hastened to Germany upon learning that dreadful pogroms had broken out after the Second Crusade had been preached, and did what he could to stop the killing. He was no friend to the Angevins, famously declaring that from the Devil they came and to the Devil they’d go. But since they often joked about their notorious ancestress, the Demon Countess of Anjou, I doubt that they were much troubled by his disapproval.
    Time is running out to enter the Devil’s Brood Book Giveaway, as I will probably end it tomorrow and announce the winner as soon as I can. But I will be doing a second book giveaway in September prior to the publication of Lionheart.

  194. I LOVE your books Sharon! I have read them so many times I could use a new copy of Devil’s Brood. Cannot wait for Lionheart!

  195. To my favorite author: Thank you for the inspiration, I graduate with honors in History at the end of December. it is said if you can touch one life, you can change the world. You have touched millions, and I am one of those.

  196. Your note provoked me to ponder the question of Philippe, Sharon. I would not call him a “good” king, certainly. Upon reflection, I don’t think I would call him a “great” king – for me his faults are too many, and his successes as much down to luck as skill and his skill would need to be exceptional for me to cal him a “great” king. Then I hit upon the right word for Philippe. I think I would call him an “effective” king – what he did was not always laudable, nor always based solely in skill, but in certain of his undertakings he seems to have achieved his goals. An effective king does not have to be a great or good king.

  197. i hope this is the place where i can enter to win a signed copy of your book Sharon? Have been trying to navigate this page off and on for a month.hahha Soooo to get to the point. i would dearly love to own a signed copy . Thank you for many many wonderful hours of history coming alive, even the grief therapy i needed when my favorites left the scene. You are special! thank you vicki

  198. Hi, Sharon,
    Devil’s Brood was the first book of yours I read. I saw it when I passed by the “New and Featured” displays at our library and picked it up!! One of the best spur-of-the-moment things I ever did, second only to going on the Eleanor tour! Alas, however, that means that I don’t actually own the book and so must enter the contest!!! However, I do own most of the others, and pre-ordered Lionheart months ago!! I will enjoy hearing your voice again as I read certain passages – and how fun the book is coming out on my birthday! A great present!

  199. Today is a sad one for Yorkists, as Richard III died at Bosworth Field, unleashing the floodgates for a surfeit of fiction and films about those usurping Tudors.
    Vicki, you are now entered in the drawing. You were born on October 4th, Yvonne? You just missed Richard III’s birthday by two days!

  201. Just finish Devil’s Brood…would LOVE to have a copy in my library! Thanks for the giveaway!!

  202. Hey! So excited for Lionheart. Just starting when Christ and His Saints Slept. In a weird unplanned coincidence I finished Sunne in Splendour at midnight on August 22, only made me more upset at the historical injustice done to Richard III! I am entering the contest and maybe I will be able to see you on your book tour!

  203. I just finished The Sunne in Splendor and Here Be Dragons….loved them both and plan to read more. Winning a book would be great.

  204. Sharon, I am sorry, but the drawing was already over by the time you commented. I will be doing another one for Devil’s Brood in September, though. Thanks for letting me know you enjoyed Sunne and Dragons; you got my day off to a very nice start.

  205. Sharon I can’t wait to read your series of novels about the greatest Plantagenet of them all..Edward III The perfect King and his son The Black Prince.Notice how I volunteered you for all that work

  206. I am re-reading Here be Dragons, after having visited almost all of the Welsh castles in August. I suffer from hiraeth! Cannot wait to start on Lionheart and can’t wait to see you at the book signing!

  209. Disappointed the Richard tour doesn’t reach into New England. Going to do my best to get down to Princeton.

  211. When I read Eustace’s death I thought he had been poisoned. It seemed odd to choke to death on eels. Uck! His death solved so many problems for so many. I wonder if the observers were right.

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