Where to start?

[Amanda]

Just joined the group. I fell in love with Phillipa Gregory books...the other Boleyn girl. I would like to join the read through the eras, but honestly I think I would like something more about each ruler. Mostly British royalty I guess. Could you point me to a good book or site just so I can get my head wrapped around everything. Just a little overwhelmed. Thanks so much!!!

[Linda]

Alison Weir is very thorough yet readable. She is great for the Tudors. Susan Kay Penman is really good for the Plantagenets.

[Amanda]

Thanks so much...will check her out

[Amanda]

Them* check them out lol

[Alex]

Jean Plaidy has covered loads of different monarchs, I can recommend her as a starting point.

[~Brandy~]

One of my favorite tudor era books is The Last Boleyn by Karen Harper. The main character is Mary Boleyn and is told from her pov. I also was introduced to historical fiction through Philippa Gregory. Now I have branched off from british monarchy and have read about many interesting characters. Happy reading!!

[Lyn (Readinghearts), The mod of last resort/Mod #3]

I would also recommend Alison Weir, Sharon Kay Penman, C.W. Gortner, and Karen Harper.

Some good ones that are non British and help in other eras are:

The Memoirs Of Cleopatra by Margaret George
Lily of the Nile by Stephanie Dray
Mistress of Rome by Kate Quinn
The First Man in Rome by Colleen McCullough

[Amanda]

Thanks so much to all of you.

[Lyn (Readinghearts), The mod of last resort/Mod #3]

I hope you enjoy the challenge, Amanda. :)

[Amanda]

Thanks Lyn I'm excited!!!

[Robin]

I've started making lists of novels about each monarch but it's a constant work in progress. This is my English/British list so far: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1H...

Sorry if this overwhelms you more! But I thought a reference list for each monarch would be useful. So say you heard about William the Conqueror and wanted to read a novel on him - with this list you could refer to this list and pick from all known novels about him.

[Lyn (Readinghearts), The mod of last resort/Mod #3]

Robin wrote: "I've started making lists of novels about each monarch but it's a constant work in progress. This is my English/British list so far: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1H......"

Thanks for sharing, Robin. That is a great list and a great idea. :)

[Angie]

Robin, you are my new hero! Thank you for that list!

[Robin]

Lol you're welcome.

[Lyn (Readinghearts), The mod of last resort/Mod #3]

I know, Angie - We may have to make her group librarian, lol.

[Carol]

Robin, thanks for the wonderful list!

[Robin]

LOL, I'm glad other people find it useful, I made it for myself because I was tired of discovering a historical figure and wanting to read a novel on them but not knowing where to start. So when I was bored one day I started this and just occasionally kept adding to it. It's still a work in progress so if anyone has anything to add, just let me know!

[Jennifer, Group Founder/Mod #1]

Robin, you're awesome!! Thanks for making the list :D

[Tomi]

Robin wrote: "I've started making lists of novels about each monarch but it's a constant work in progress. This is my English/British list so far: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1H......"

Incredible job! Thanks so much for making this list! Wish I had had it when I was teaching...students were always asking for book references and I usually couldn't think of anything. You're a genius!

[Robin]

Robin wrote: "I've started making lists of novels about each monarch but it's a constant work in progress. This is my English/British list..."

Thanks for sharing this!

For your William the Conqueror list, may I recommend you try The Last Englishman - The Story of Hereward the Wake. One reviewer called it a "blend of myth and history", and I quite agree.

[Janice]

Robin wrote: "I've started making lists of novels about each monarch but it's a constant work in progress. This is my English/British list so far: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1H......"

Robin, this is an incredible resource! Thank you so much for compiling and sharing it!

For William the Conqueror, I would suggest adding
Gildenford and The Norman Pretender by Valerie Anand.

[Robin]

Thanks! I'm adding them now. I see Valerie Anand also has some on other monarchs too so I'm adding them as well.

[Janice]

She also has a third book in this series that I haven't read yet - The Disputed Crown

[Lyn (Readinghearts), The mod of last resort/Mod #3]

Robin wrote: "Thanks! I'm adding them now. I see Valerie Anand also has some on other monarchs too so I'm adding them as well."

I am loving this list, Robin. Again, thanks SO MUCH for sharing!