The White Ship by Charles Spencer: This book fit neatly in with my obsession with the Plantagenets, which started a long time ago and fully bloomed during the pandemic. I am also following The British History Podcast, which had at the time of my reading this book arrived at William Rufus’ reign of England. William Rufus was the middle son of William the Conqueror and the older brother of Henry I. The White Ship carried the son and heir of Henry I. and when it sank the history of England changed. Henry I. only other legitimate child was Matilda, who married the Count of Anjou and her eldest son was Henry II. The sinking of the ship caused a succession crisis and a civil war in England, which ended only with Henry II. taking the throne. Absolutely fascinating story and the book reads like a novel.
For the King’s Favor by Elizabeth Chadwick: I loved the first three installments in the ‘William Marshal‘ series. Book four is about Roger Bigod and his family. I remember him slightly from the first couple of books, but cannot say he made much of an impression on me. His book was a surprise now, because I quite enjoyed his and Ida’s story. His wife had been the concubine of King Henry II. before marrying him. It made me wonder how voluntarily these girls came to be part of the royal household. As an orphan and ward of the king I guess the choice was limited. Interesting to read about this period from yet another perspective and can’t wait for book five.
Saving 6 by Chloe Walsh: ‘The Boys of Tommen’ series is slowly killing me. There is a bit of laughter, but mostly a lot of tears and despite my crying I cannot stop reading. The story of Johnny and Aoife is another heavy hitter. The abusive family Lynch is front and center again, this time from the point of view of Shannon’s older brother Joey. No matter that you think you know most of the story, it hits differently reading from his perspective. I am rooting for this boy and his Aoife.
Redeeming 6 by Chloe Walsh: Chloe Walsh did it, Redeeming 6 really killed me. It’s not a good look on me, crying like a demented when on the bus, the beach, or alone at a restaurant. People must have thought me totally disturbed. I loved the story of Joey and Aoife and I was more than happy to catch a glimpse of Johnny and Shannon (from the first two books), but I now need a book break. What these kids had to go through is really a lot to grasp. While I see myself as well balanced with no major issues, there’s only so much pain I can live through. And I do live through it, although it’s ‘only a book’. This is the gift of Chloe Walsh.
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