The Italian Garden by Charlotte Betts

I have long enjoyed reading Charlotte Betts’ novels. They are all beautifully written and quite magical historical stories, deftly plotted and peopled with heroines you’ll love. Once you start reading one, you will not want to put the book down. Her latest book, published yesterday is, of course,  no exception. The Italian Garden is simply exquisite. It tells the story … Read More

Falconry and The Stolen Crown

Medieval aristocrats generally enjoyed hunting. They hunted using birds such as falcons to bring down prey as well as following the hounds to chase deer and boar. Tapestries and illustrations in medieval manuscript work testify to all of this. Also, in my own novels I include scenes with both kinds of hunt. For example, King Harold II is usually depicted … Read More