A handful of historical authors brave the wilds of unusual settings, times, and characters to create distinctive, exciting novels just outside of the mainstream. Join us as we chronicle the trials and rewards of our quest - from research and writing to publication and establishing lasting careers.
Contact Carrie to provide your mailing address. The book must be claimed by next Sunday or another winner will be drawn. Please stop back later to let us know what you thought! Congratulations!
This week on Unusual Historicals we're welcoming back contributor Margaret Mallory as she celebrates the release of KNIGHT OF PASSION, the third of her "All the King's Men" trilogy from Grand Central. Here's the blurb:
Can This Passionate Knight...
Renowned beauty Lady Linnet is torn between two desires: revenge on those who destroyed her family or marriage to her childhood sweetheart Sir James Rayburn. One fateful night, she makes a misguided choice: she sacrifices Jamie's love for a chance at vengeance.
Trust A Beauty with a Past?
Jamie Rayburn returns to England in search of a virtuous wife--only to find the lovely Linnet as bewitching as ever. Their reckless affair ignites anew, even hotter than before, although Jamie vows to never again trust her with his heart. Just as Linnet begins to make amends, she's tempted by one last opportunity to settle old scores. But a final retribution could cost her Jamie's love--this time forever.
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★ ★ ★ ★ ½ TOP PICK! "Mallory raises the genre to new levels." ~ RT Book Reviews
"[A]n amazing story...filled with sexual tension and hot romance, as well as adventure with a fascinating historical background." ~ Romance Reviews Today
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Can you tell us a bit about the historical backdrop for your new release, KNIGHT OF PASSION?
KNIGHT OF PASSION is the third book in my medieval trilogy, "All the King's Men." The "King" in the series title is Henry V. The first book, KNIGHT OF DESIRE, takes place during the last Great Welsh Rebellion, when Henry V is still Prince Harry. In the second book, KNIGHT OF PLEASURE, he is in his glory days as King Henry V and "re-conquering" Normandy.
Alas, the great king is dead in this third book, KNIGHT OF PASSION. The royal family is squabbling over control of the kingdom, and--oh my--the young widowed queen is having an affair with her lowly Clerk of the Wardrobe!
Sir James Rayburn is a warrior and an honorable knight. Poor man. First, I give him a heroine who won't let him do the right thing by her. And then, I throw him into the middle of palace intrigue and royal infighting, when he'd prefer a good clean battle.
Five years after Linnet lacerated Jamie's heart and pride, he's come home to England set on finding a quiet, biddable wife who won't cause trouble--or stir his passions too much. Left to his own devices, Jamie is headed for a safe, tedious life.
Linnet is a rule-breaker. She was raised in the merchant class by an indulgent grandfather--with no mother to tell her all the things she shouldn't do. For the last five years, she has devoted herself to seeking vengeance against the men who destroyed her beloved grandfather and turned her and her brother out to fend for themselves. Losing Jamie along the way is her one regret.
When she meets Jamie again in London, she is on the final--and most dangerous--leg of her quest for justice. If Jamie gives her a second chance, which will she choose this time--love or vengeance?
Do you have a favorite scene?
I don't have a favorite scene, but I love the Prologue because it shows Jamie before he is hardened, when he is young and wears his heart on his sleeve. There is also a scene I like a lot at the end of chapter one when Jamie is on his knees before the Queen and Linnet comes in. In it, Jamie feels like Humphrey Bogart did in Casa Blanca when Bogart says, "Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she had to walk into mine."
What's next?
I'm off to the Highlands! I'm writing a 4-book Scottish series that takes place on the Isle of Skye in 1513. After hearing of a disastrous Scottish loss to Henry VIII's forces, four young Highlanders return from France to help their clan through the perilous times ahead. The four are willing to give their lives for their clan, but taking wives to further their clan's interests is another matter altogether...
Thanks for telling us about your new release, KNIGHT OF PASSION!
I'd love to respond to comments! I will give an autographed copy of KNIGHT OF PASSION to one of the commenters. And for an audio interview where I discuss "All the King's Men," right click here to download the MP3!
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You heard the nice lady! Leave a comment or question for Margaret for your chance to win a signed copy of KNIGHT OF PASSION. I'll draw the winner at random on Sunday in one week. Void where prohibited. Best of luck!
This week on Excerpt Thursday we're welcoming back contributor Margaret Mallory as she celebrates the release of KNIGHT OF PASSION, the third of her "All the King's Men" trilogy from Grand Central. Join us Sunday when Margaret will be here to answer questions and give away a signed copy. Here's the blurb:
Can This Passionate Knight...
Renowned beauty Lady Linnet is torn between two desires: revenge on those who destroyed her family or marriage to her childhood sweetheart Sir James Rayburn. One fateful night, she makes a misguided choice: she sacrifices Jamie's love for a chance at vengeance.
Trust A Beauty with a Past?
Jamie Rayburn returns to England in search of a virtuous wife--only to find the lovely Linnet as bewitching as ever. Their reckless affair ignites anew, even hotter than before, although Jamie vows to never again trust her with his heart. Just as Linnet begins to make amends, she's tempted by one last opportunity to settle old scores. But a final retribution could cost her Jamie's love--this time forever.
***
"As in the previous book in her 'All the King's Men' series, Mallory brings history to life, creating dramatic and gut-wrenching stories. Her characters are incredibly alive and readers will feel and believe their sensual and passionate adventures. Mallory raises the genre to new levels." 4 1/2 Stars, Top Pick! ~ RT Book Reviews
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Set Up: Five years ago in Paris, Jamie and Linnet were young lovers. The affair did not end well...
The stench of the Thames made Sir James Rayburn's eyes water as he rode through the angry crowd. Men glared at him but moved out of the way of his warhorse. As he pushed through them, his thoughts returned to the evening before.
Over supper, the other guests pressed Jamie for news of the fighting in France. As he warmed to his tale, the ladies leaned forward, hands pressed to their creamy bosoms.
He liked to tell stories. Just when he had begun to enjoy himself, Linnet's words came back to him. What you need, Jamie Rayburn, is a dull English wife who will be content to spend her evenings listening to you recite tiresome tales of your victories.
After all these years, Linnet's ridicule still rankled. Damn the woman. Five years since he'd seen her, and she could still ruin his evening.
Calling him boring was the least of Linnet's crimes against him. It embarrassed him to recall how he had worn his heart on his sleeve back then. While he professed eternal love and adoration, Linnet used him without a shred of guilt or regret.
Someone should have told him that men value a woman's virginity far more than women do themselves. He had mistaken the gift of hers as a gift of her heart--and a pledge of marriage. Never again would he let a woman humiliate him like that.
Thinking of her now put him in a foul mood. "We've seen enough," Jamie said, patting Thunder after the horse snapped at a fool who got too close. As Jamie turned his horse to return to the bishop's palace, someone grabbed hold of his boot.
"Please, sir, help me!"
The old fellow's eye was purple with a fresh bruise. From his clothing, Jamie guessed he was not a part of the rabble, but a servant of some noble household.
Jamie leaned down. "What can I do for you?"
"The crowd separated me from my mistress," the man said, his voice high and tremulous.
Sweet Lamb of God, a lady was alone in this mob?
"Where? Where is she?"
The old man pointed toward a gap created by the drawbridge, and Jamie had a clear view of a lady in a bright blue and yellow gown sitting astride a white palfrey. She stuck out from the horde around her like a peacock atop a dunghill.
"Out of my way!" Jamie shouted, waving his whip from side to side above the heads of the crowd. He was still twenty yards from the lady when he heard her scream. Hands were grabbing at her, attempting to pull her off the horse. Someone caught hold of her headdress. Despite the noise on the bridge, Jamie heard the gasps of the men around her as a cascade of white-gold hair fell over her shoulders to her hips.
The air went out of him. There was only one woman in Christendom with hair like that. Linnet. And she was in grave danger.
Margaret Mallory is thrilled that KNIGHT OF PLEASURE is a finalist in the historical category in the Booksellers' Best Award contest for romance books published in 2009. In addition, KNIGHT OF PASSION, the third book in her medieval series, "All the King's Men," is now available as an e-release.
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Lindsay Townsend has founded two new Yahoo groups that may appeal to you. The first is called Historical Romance Excerpts and Promos, which is for both writers and readers. Writers will be able to promo whenever they want and can add their photos covers and excerpts in the files. All sub-genres of historical romance most welcome. The second is Historical Fiction Excerpts, which is for writers and readers of all historical genres, including historical crime, adventure, war, fantasy, relationship novels, romance and so on.
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Join us Sunday when Lindsay Townsend will be here to chat about her latest medieval romance, A KNIGHT'S ENCHANTMENT. She'll also be giving away a signed copy to one lucky commenter! Be sure to join us then.
Stay with us through the coming weeks when we'll be featuring the best unusual historical authors! Margaret Mallory, Carrie Lofty, Laura Navarre, and Jack Woodville London will be our guests. Join us!
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Have a good weekend! Remember, you don't have to be an Unusual Historicals contributor to submit good news to the weekend announcements. If it has to do with unusual historicals, we'd love to shout it out to the world! Send announcements to Carrie. See you next week...
Were I a man, a duke, and next of blood, I would remove these tedious stumbling-blocks And smooth my way upon their headless necks...
Speech of Eleanor Cobham, Duchess of Gloucester From Shakespeare's HENRY VI (Part 2, Act 1, Scene 2)
When I was doing my research for KNIGHT OF PASSION, the third book in my "All the King's Men" medieval series, I came across Eleanor Cobham, a woman who married into the royal family and was accused of using witchcraft. It was so easy to falsely accuse a woman of witchcraft that I assumed this was a trumped up charge.
What surprised me is that Eleanor Cobham, Duchess of Gloucester, probably did it.
Eleanor was an ambitious woman--and not very nice.
The daughter of a mere knight, she became Gloucester's mistress while she was a lady-in-waiting to Gloucester's wife. There had been rumblings from the start of Gloucester's marriage that his wife still had a husband on the Continent. Since she was a great heiress, the rumors were ignored. When Gloucester, who was Henry V's youngest brother, wanted to get rid of his wife, however, the church conveniently invalidated his marriage.
Royal marriages were about power, inheritances, and alliances. It was no surprise, then, when Henry V made it clear he was not inclined to give his brother permission to make Eleanor his duchess. But when Henry V died unexpectedly, Gloucester married his mistress before Henry's body was brought home for burial.
Gloucester's nephew, a nine-month-old babe, became Henry VI. Some years later, after Gloucester's last remaining brother died, Gloucester became the young king's heir.
Eleanor could almost feel the crown on her head--and decided she better act before the now-teenage king took a wife and begat a new heir. It all came out when one of her co-conspirators turned informant. The allegation was that Eleanor was part of a witches' cabal, that included a woman known as The Witch of Eye, and at least three men of the church, including her confessor. This cabal allegedly employed sorcery in an attempt to predict the death of the king and to cut short his life.
While you may not believe their sorcery could harm the king, they did. Hence, their activity amounted to both heresy and treason.
Eleanor admitted to witchcraft, but she claimed she was only using it to try to get pregnant. She wisely denied the allegations of treason and was allowed, in effect, to plead guilty to a lesser offence. For her penance, she was made to walk London barefoot with a candle. Afterward, she was imprisoned for life on the Isle of Man--with servants, of course.
Eleanor's co-conspirators did not fare so well. Because this was The Witch of Eye's second offense, she was burned as a relapsed heretic. One of the churchman, a well-known Oxford scholar, was hung, drawn & quartered; another died in the Tower.
Gloucester laid low throughout the whole nasty business and let Eleanor face her accusers alone. (I like to think he made the plea for the servants.) Being royalty, he was conveniently "unmarried" a second time on the basis that Eleanor must have used sorcery on him from the beginning.
I had great fun with Eleanor Cobham and the Duke of Gloucester, who both appear as secondary characters in my new book, KNIGHT OF PASSION. I'd love to hear your comments or answer questions.
I love the exchange at the end of Shakespeare's Henry V between the English king and Katherine de Valois, the French princess he is about to wed. To be truthful, it is the movie I remember, in which the charming Emma Thomson, who plays the French princess, is enthralled with King Henry, played by her then-husband, Kenneth Branagh. Watching the pair exchange witty remarks and a kiss, I assumed King Henry became the love of Katherine's life.
But he did not.
Wedding of Henry V and Katherine de Valois
At the time of their marriage, King Henry's army was rolling across Normandy and France with great success. He claimed the throne of France and engineered the marriage as a more peaceful way to achieve his ends. By all accounts, however, the king was quite taken with his lovely princess.
Very likely, the princess was in awe of the mesmerizing, conquering hero, who was fifteen years her senior. (And really, who doesn't like Kenneth Branagh?)
Kenneth Branagh as Henry V
King Henry devoted himself 24/7 to ruling one kingdom and conquering another. Perhaps that made him a less-than-attentive husband. In any case, he died only two years after their marriage, when Katherine was not yet twenty-one. Doubtless the princess--now queen--held her husband in great esteem and affection.
But the man who won Katherine body and soul, the man for whom she risked everything, was...her Clerk of the Wardrobe.
Owen Tudor was the son of a Welsh rebel. He had served as one of King Henry's "squires of the body," before joining the widowed queen's household. The story is that Owen came to the queen's "attention" when she spied him bathing naked.
Thus began the mad love affair between the widow of the revered King Henry and her Clerk of the Wardrobe. I say mad, because the two risked a charge of treason.
The men ruling England in the name of Katherine's son expected the queen to be content to sleep with her memories of the great Henry. They realized their error when she reportedly had a flirtation with one of the Beauforts. (Remember the Beauforts? And the Lancasters?) Katherine's brother-in-law, the Duke of Gloucester, was so concerned that a step-father could wield too much influence--which is to say, more influence than Gloucester--over the young king that he persuaded Parliament to prohibit Katherine from marrying without permission. And permission would not be granted.
Despite the risks, the queen and Owen began their affair, most likely at Windsor Castle. Being together was a dangerous decision. The queen was a foreigner with few friends. Many suspected her of secretly supporting her brother's claim to the French crown over her son's.
Queen Katherine
I wish I could find a picture of Owen, because he must have been a handsome devil. Likely he wasn't wealthy enough to have a portrait painted before he became the queen's lover. Afterward, the couple did their best to keep a low profile.
It is generally believed that the couple married in secret, and they did have four or five children. They lived in the country, away from the limelight, for several years with their growing family. It's not clear whether the men in power did not know the two were living as man and wife or whether they simply chose to ignore it.
Queen Katherine and Owen Tudor's love story is a bittersweet one. Their quiet life came to an end in 1436 when Owen was imprisoned on a charge of treason, probably at the instigation of Gloucester. Upon Owen's arrest, the queen "retired" to Bermodsey Abbey, where she died after giving birth to their fourth or fifth child.
After her death, the fifteen-year-old king ordered Owen released and elevated his half-brothers, Edmund and Jasper Tudor, to earls. Not bad, for the grandsons of a Welsh rebel.
When Edmund Tudor was twenty-four, the king facilitated his marriage to Margaret Beaufort (yes, another Beaufort), a wealthy heiress. Margaret was twelve at the time. Edmund died before Margaret gave birth, at age thirteen, to their son Henry. It was this child, Owen and Katherine's grandson, who would later usurp the throne and begin the Tudor dynasty.
Margaret Beaufort, mother of Henry VII
Henry VII
Katherine de Valois and Owen Tudor are secondary characters in my third novel, KNIGHT OF PASSION (June 2010).
** Photos courtesy Wikipedia Commons or Photobucket.
In Medieval times, everyone who was anyone attended the king's Christmas Court. The Christmas festivities started later then--no Black Friday shopping--but they went full-bore through Twelfth Night, January 6th. The nobility and others lucky enough to be invited to Christmas Court feasted for days. And, since the water was bad, they drank wine by the gallon.
Christmas Court was a time to see and be seen, ask favors, and ingratiate yourself with the royals with a special gift. Perhaps a lion for the royal menagerie? Of course, it was important to dress to impress.
Woe to the nobleman who didn't get an invitation! And being a no-show was dangerous, particularly if your monarch was the sort to see plots everywhere. (Seriously, my hero in KNIGHT OF DESIRE had no choice but to leave his pregnant wife to make an appearance, even though he had just rescued her from the rebels.)
The royals provided lavish entertainment to make their guests merry, from acrobats, jugglers and mummers to dog fights and the occasional joust. Everyone enjoyed music. The sound of lutes, psalteries, and horns would float down from the gallery. Even the king or queen might take up the harp or sing a song. (You'd best clap loudly if they do.)
The king himself might appear in costume, so be careful what you say. It wasn't at Christmas, but at another celebration, Charles VI of France and a few friends masqueraded as hairy wild men in outfits made with frayed hemp and pitch. Such fun! The king's ambitious younger brother, however, "happened" to get too close with a torch and set the men afire. One lady sacrificed a spectacular gown to save the king by throwing her train over him, but several others died of their burns.
(Note the musicians in the gallery above the burning men.)
The royal kitchens worked overtime to prepare countless courses and elaborate presentations for the feasting. Peacock anyone?
In France, at least, the royals were expected to cook enough food to have mounds of leftovers to give away. After England's Henry V marched into Paris and celebrated the holidays at the Louvre, he was bad-mouthed for years for not giving the common people the leftovers.
Who can blame my young couple in KNIGHT OF PASSION for sneaking off to one of the guest's bedchambers at the Louvre Palace while everyone else is feasting, drinking, and politicking? I suspect they weren't the only lovers to take advantage of the opportunities for clandestine meetings during Christmas Court.
I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season! My advice is to sit at the high table where they serve the good wine and ale and avoid over-indulging in the peacock.
Contact Carrie to provide your mailing address. The book must be claimed by next Sunday or another winner will be drawn. Please stop back later to let us know what you thought! Congratulations!
We're happy to welcome back one of our regular contributors, Margaret Mallory, as she celebrates the release of KNIGHT OF PLEASURE, the second of her "All the King's Men" trilogy from Grand Central.
THE GREATEST PASSION...
Lady Isobel Hume is an expert swordswoman who knows how to choose her battles. When the king asks her to wed a French nobleman to form a political alliance, she agrees. But that's before the devilishly charming Sir Stephen Carleton captures her heart-and tempts her to betray her betrothed, her king, and her country.
...IS WORTH THE GREATEST PERIL
Sir Stephen Carleton enjoys his many female admirers--until he dedicates himself to winning the lovely Isobel. When a threat against the king leads Isobel into mortal danger, Stephen must prove that he is more than a knight of pleasure...and that love can conquer all.
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"★ ★ ★ ★ [A] riveting story, intertwining adventure and history...with a constantly increasing level of sensuality....[A] rare treat." ~ RT Book Reviews
"Margaret Mallory's passionate novel, KNIGHT OF PLEASURE, is an absolute delight for fans of historical romance." ~ Fresh Fiction
"You're not just reading a novel, you are stepping into the story...KNIGHT OF PLEASURE is amazing." ~ Gloria Gehres, The Romance Readers Connection
"Book two of Ms. Mallory's All the King's Men series is thrilling, romantic, and just plain good reading." ~ RomRevToday
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Tell us a little about the unusual setting of your new release.
KNIGHT OF PLEASURE is the second book in my medieval series, "All the King's Men." The first book in the series, KNIGHT OF DESIRE took place during the last Great Welsh Rebellion, when Henry V was still Prince Harry. This second story begins a dozen years later, in 1417, during Henry V's "re-conquest" of Normandy. Most of it takes place in Normandy. As with my first book, I incorporate real historical events and characters into the story. I love history, so that part is always great fun for me.
A number of scenes take place in Caen Castle, which served as King Henry's headquarters in Normandy at this time. My hero, Sir Stephen Carleton, is in Caen with the English army when Lady Isobel Hume arrives from England to marry a French nobleman she has yet to meet.
This massive castle once belonged to Henry V's ancestor, William the Conqueror. Another ancestor, Richard the Lionheart, gathered his knights here before leaving on crusade.
Henry V claimed Normandy as the descendant of William the Conqueror, even though his line back to William was a bit…convoluted. Despite the fact that his father had usurped the throne, Henry V was confident in his divine right to rule England and Normandy. Later, he would add France to the list.
William the Conqueror, also known as "William the Bastard," built a men's and a women's abbey on either side of the town of Caen to absolve himself of the sin of marrying his cousin. I was surprised that this was considered a sin, but apparently it was nothing that couldn't be fixed by building a couple of magnificent abbeys. In the middle ages, the church was often pragmatic in dealing with the rich and powerful. Hence, William's sin was the church's gain.
My heroine's brother spends time with the monks at the men's monastery, the gorgeous Abbaye-aux-Hommes, above.
So tell us a little about your hero and heroine.
I have to say, I adore this hero, Sir Stephen Carleton. Stephen, who was the thirteen-year-old brother of the hero in my first book, proved to be such a charmer that I had to write a story for him when he grew up. Stephen is the sort of man I avoided like the plague back in my dating days—the fun, handsome guy who had too many women hanging off him. My sensible heroine will take one look and tell herself not to trust him further than she can throw him. But Stephen is always more than he seems. Beneath the good looks and charm, beats a true hero's heart.
Isobel is a serious young woman who has learned to put childish dreams aside. Her trust was shattered when the father she adored forced her to marry a disgusting elderly man in order to regain the family lands. When her husband dies, the lands she was promised are taken from her. Faced with only bad choices, she agrees to make a political marriage to a French nobleman at her king's behest.
The moment Stephen and Isobel meet, the attraction sizzles between them--and the King's plans for Isobel are in jeopardy. But trust doesn't come easy for Isobel. And putting her fate in the hands of a Knight of Pleasure does not seem a wise course at all.
Do you have a favorite scene?
I can't say which scene is my very favorite, but one of them is Stephen's opening scene. He's a disillusioned young man with tremendous potential who is headed down the wrong road fast. In this first scene, I show him waking up hung-over and not knowing where he is. When he turns to see who he is in bed with, he groans. Not her again. He's hit bottom, and he knows it.
What's next?
The third book in the series, KNIGHT OF PASSION, is scheduled for release in June. Except for the prologue, which takes place at the Louvre in Paris, this last book is set in England. The hero is Jamie Rayburn, who was a toddler in the first book and a teenager in the second. Other characters from the earlier books, including Stephen and Isobel, will make appearances in KNIGHT OF PASSION
I have plans for a new series after that, but I can't talk about it yet! Learn more about my books, events and contests, check out my website.
Thanks for telling us about your new release, KNIGHT OF PLEASURE!
I'd love to respond to comments! I will be in an airplane most of Monday, so please be patient with me that day. I will give an autographed copy of KNIGHT OF PLEASURE to one of the commenters.
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Thanks for stopping by, Margaret. All right, dear readers, leave a comment or question for Margaret and you'll be entered into a random drawing for an autographed copy. I'll draw the winner next Sunday. Void where prohibited. Good luck!
We have a winner for Margaret Mallorys's KNIGHT OF PASSION guest blog. A free copy of goes to:
KNIGHT OF PASSION is the third book in my medieval trilogy, "All the King's Men." The "King" in the series title is Henry V. The first book, KNIGHT OF DESIRE, takes place during the last Great Welsh Rebellion, when Henry V is still Prince Harry. In the second book, KNIGHT OF PLEASURE, he is in his glory days as King Henry V and "re-conquering" Normandy.
Five years after Linnet lacerated Jamie's heart and pride, he's come home to England set on finding a quiet, biddable wife who won't cause trouble--or stir his passions too much. Left to his own devices, Jamie is headed for a safe, tedious life..jpg)
Thanks for telling us about your new release, KNIGHT OF PASSION!
Margaret Mallory is thrilled that KNIGHT OF PLEASURE is a finalist in the historical category in the Booksellers' Best Award contest for romance books published in 2009. In addition, KNIGHT OF PASSION, the third book in her medieval series, "All the King's Men," is now available as an e-release. 
Join us Sunday when Lindsay Townsend will be here to chat about her latest medieval romance, A KNIGHT'S ENCHANTMENT. She'll also be giving away a signed copy to one lucky commenter! Be sure to join us then. 
We'll also draw the winner of Isabelle Santiago's CINEMATIC ROYALTY guest appearance on Sunday. You still have time to leave a comment or question for your chance to win.
By Margaret Mallory
Royal marriages were about power, inheritances, and alliances. It was no surprise, then, when Henry V made it clear he was not inclined to give his brother permission to make Eleanor his duchess. But when Henry V died unexpectedly, Gloucester married his mistress before Henry's body was brought home for burial.
Eleanor admitted to witchcraft, but she claimed she was only using it to try to get pregnant. She wisely denied the allegations of treason and was allowed, in effect, to plead guilty to a lesser offence. For her penance, she was made to walk London barefoot with a candle. Afterward, she was imprisoned for life on the Isle of Man--with servants, of course.
Gloucester laid low throughout the whole nasty business and let Eleanor face her accusers alone. (I like to think he made the plea for the servants.) Being royalty, he was conveniently "unmarried" a second time on the basis that Eleanor must have used sorcery on him from the beginning.
Christmas Court was a time to see and be seen, ask favors, and ingratiate yourself with the royals with a special gift. Perhaps a lion for the royal menagerie? Of course, it was important to dress to impress.
The royals provided lavish entertainment to make their guests merry, from acrobats, jugglers and mummers to dog fights and the occasional joust. Everyone enjoyed music. The sound of lutes, psalteries, and horns would float down from the gallery. Even the king or queen might take up the harp or sing a song. (You'd best clap loudly if they do.)
(Note the musicians in the gallery above the burning men.)
In France, at least, the royals were expected to cook enough food to have mounds of leftovers to give away. After England's Henry V marched into Paris and celebrated the holidays at the Louvre, he was bad-mouthed for years for not giving the common people the leftovers.
I hope you and your family have a wonderful holiday season! My advice is to sit at the high table where they serve the good wine and ale and avoid over-indulging in the peacock.
KNIGHT OF PLEASURE is the second book in my medieval series, "All the King's Men." The first book in the series, KNIGHT OF DESIRE took place during the last Great Welsh Rebellion, when Henry V was still Prince Harry. This second story begins a dozen years later, in 1417, during Henry V's "re-conquest" of Normandy. Most of it takes place in Normandy. As with my first book, I incorporate real historical events and characters into the story. I love history, so that part is always great fun for me. 
This massive castle once belonged to Henry V's ancestor, William the Conqueror. Another ancestor, Richard the Lionheart, gathered his knights here before leaving on crusade.
My heroine's brother spends time with the monks at the men's monastery, the gorgeous Abbaye-aux-Hommes, above. 
The third book in the series, KNIGHT OF PASSION, is scheduled for release in June. Except for the prologue, which takes place at the Louvre in Paris, this last book is set in England. The hero is Jamie Rayburn, who was a toddler in the first book and a teenager in the second. Other characters from the earlier books, including Stephen and Isobel, will make appearances in KNIGHT OF PASSION
I'd love to respond to comments! I will be in an airplane most of Monday, so please be patient with me that day. I will give an autographed copy of KNIGHT OF PLEASURE to one of the commenters.