I am not sure how many of you are aware that I have been an avid historical fiction reader since I was a teen. I think I 'cut my teeth' on authors like Jean Plaidy. Historical Fiction continues to be my preferred leisure reading of choice. The next question might readily be "why". "I learn from it of course" is my answer. I have never read a piece of historical fiction that has not spurred me on to wanting to read the 'real' history behind the work. I was a history minor in school and history is a constant fascination to me. I have always been most interested in Bristish History. Although an ancestor of mine was a signer of the Declaration of Independence, American history does not hold me in it's the threall in the same way that Bristish History does. I am proud of my Irish lineage but think that I must surely have been a Brit for many lives!
One of my favorite writers these days is
Vanora Bennett. She has a background in reportage. Her short bio includes "... spent several years working abroad, covering political,military and religious conflicts in unstable countries". I devoured Vanora's two previous books; "Portrait of an Unknown Woman" & "Figures In Silk". By an unheard of bit of wonderful luck, thanks to Ms. Bennet herself, I managed to get a first copy of her new book "Blood Royal". Would that I was in London though as I would have had a 2 for 1 entrance to Hampton Court with the purchase of the book. For a person who once enjoyed writing about unstable places in the world I think that Ms. Bennet hit historical "pay dirt" in writing about the period in British and French history that directly preceeded the famed Battle of Agincourt. Seldom has there been a more turbulent period in British history than when a mentally ill King Charles VI was on the French throne with his Bavarian born Queen Isabeau, who by all accounts, was a good regeant & a strong, thoughtful ruler in Charles' 'absence'. The malady that Charles suffered from left a large mark upon the history of that time. One of their daughters, Catherine of Valois, was married off to the British King, Henri V. This royal marriage gave birth to a future King of England, Henry VI who would never see his royal father. Shortly after marriage and the birth of his son, King Henry V died from an unknown illness contracted at the Siege of Meaux. This then leads into the love story part of this history. Catherine, now acting as Queen Mother during her son's infancy became another pawn. - She had to resist being married off to one or another Duke or Lord. Despite the close scrutiny under which she lived, Catherine entered into a love relationahip with Own ap Maredudd ap Tudor of Wales - who had been, for all accounts, a steward, under Henry V. Catherine's life, as portrayed both in the book and in true historical fact, appears to have been one of duty and honor. One cannot help but cheer for this unlikely alliance and for the bits of happiness and joy that Catherine must surely have found with her 'Welshman' - who was granted the rights of an Englishman in 1432. After Catherine's death Owen was imprisoned for an unknown reason and was released. Owen became an early death in the War of the Roses (1455-1487); advanced in years at this point he led the Lancastrian force into battle at the Battle of Mortimer's Cross - he was executed for his part in this siege.
"Blood Royal" is one of those books that I begin to savor half way through to prolong the book. I hate it when an enthralling book reaches the end - leaving waiting for the next book by this talented author to be published. Once you have read one of Vanora Bennett's books I am sure that you will want to read them all and that, once you have finished reading them all, you too will be waiting, near with bated breath, for her next release.
Well done Vanora Bennet! Wonderful, historically accurate, completely engaging work ! PLease hurry to finish your next book!
As many of you might have noticed by now - I am a total gadget gal. This is an addiction that I think I must blame my Father for as he was also a person that had to try all things new and different. My love for gardening has, in past years, been severely curtailed by both rocky soil and aching bones. The one vegetable that I missed the most though has always been tomatoes. My alter-ego/sister/friend, Lauren, decided that I needed to have a go at trying these Topsy Turvey tomoto planters. It could be a perfect solution since we have very few places at our house that get full sun for more than a few hours a day. This might really work! I may have to get another one for peppers. Squash?
Topsy Turvey provides you with a round sponge that fits in the bottom of the planter - it prevents soil - and the plant - from falling out. The sponge has a slit in it so that the plant stem is softly surrounded by the sponge. I am wondering if this might rot the stem - but I guess I will know soon if that's the case. The planter itself is made from stong, durable, re-inforced plastic - sort of like the stuff that large bags of birdseed are packaged in. There is a stiff plastic scalloped lid that fits over the top - holds the edges firmly in shape and provides a large hole that helps funnel water. I always hestitate to buy these "as seen on TV" things - but this thing might actually work. If it does I am going to be one, very happy, tomato eater! 
