If you consider that my work is writing historical novels, then I suppose my “pet at work” can be one of my characters, no? My real life pooch, Cody, a wirehaired pointing griffon sleeps much of the day at my side but these days, in my mind, I am often striding across the cliffs of 13th century Ulster, Ireland with a wolfhound named “Finn” trotting at my side.
 
I am writing Bound by Honor, the second in the Clan Donald Saga, many scenes for which are set in Dunseverick and Dunluce Castles in Ireland. Aine O’Cahan, the heroine has a wolfhound. At the time of my story, Ulster was controlled by the Anglo-Irish many of whom were aligned with the Irish chiefs, like The O’Neill, King of Tirowen (a larger area then than modern day Tyrone).
 
Finn, a wonderful companion for the often lonely Aine, was named by her Finnbhear, Lord of the Fairies. He is very like the dogs described in the Icelandic sagas, such as that of Burnt Njal in which Olaf, son of an Irish princess, offers his friend Gunnar a hound from Ireland:
 
“… it is part of his nature that he has man’s wit, and he will bay at every man whom he knows to be thy foe, but never at thy friends. He can see, too, in any man’s face whether he means thee well or ill, and he will lay down his life to be true to thee.”

Finn was a gift from Aine’s father, Cumee O’Cahan, who was Chief of the Name of O’Cahan, Lord of Ciannacht, and senior subking to the King of Tirowen, a friend of Richard de Burgh, the “Red Earl” of Ulster.
 
While Aine is very fond of the seabirds who nest on the cliffs near Dunseverick Castle, Finn is indifferent to them. Since Finn is always by Aine’s side, he keeps me company, too, as I live and breathe along with her in medieval Ireland!

Who doesn’t love a good pirate or privateer story? All that capturing, swashbuckling and romancing on the high seas—oh yes! Gets my blood boiling just thinking about it. Here’s my list of those I have rated 4 or 5 stars. Some do not have pirates as such, but may have a swashbuckling sea captain or a privateer. In almost every case, part of the story takes place on the high seas. ​See the list HERE.

Feeling the chill of winter? How about diving into Summer Warrior, the unforgettable story of Somerled, the Norse-Gael who forged the Kingdom of the Isles and won the heart of a Norse princess. It's Scotland before it was Scotland. See it here and read an excerpt.

Every now and then I love a good Viking Romance. Not fantasy, not paranormal, just straight up historical romance from the time of the raiding Northmen. The Viking Age was that part of the medieval period from the end of the 8th century to the middle of the 11th century, although there are Norsemen still around beyond that. It was an age of valiant and sometimes ruthless warriors and raiders.
 
There’s nothing like a Viking raid and a strapping tall warrior to get your blood boiling, right? Well, of course, it must be well done and we want a strong heroine to give the guy some grief. And a little history thrown in doesn’t hurt either. If you like ‘em, here’s a list of those I’ve rated 4 and 5 stars!

It’s that time of year when I share my favorite heroes and heroines from the novels I have rated 5-stars. Noble men who overcome tortured pasts, flaws and the odds against them to pursue love and heroines who persist against great obstacles to be with the man to whom they would give their heart—strong, intelligent women of character. Every one a worthy hero and heroine. The best are set deep in history. Here are my favorites, my Christmas gift to you! This just might be your next year’s reading list! See it here.

Not surprising, food was a major part of a medieval Christmas. The holiday came during a period after the crops had been harvested and there would be little to do on a farm. If animals were not to be kept over the winter, now would also be a good time for them to be slaughtered for their food. This could leave a bounty of food that would make Christmas the perfect time to hold a feast. See More.

Romances set in the Victorian era, generally from 1837 (the year Victoria became Queen) to 1901 (the year of her death) are the subject of this list. The common perception of the period is that the Victorians were “prudish, hypocritical, stuffy and narrow-minded”.  But these perceptions are not always accurate, particularly when the British characters were traveling and learning much about other cultures, as you will see in these romances. See it here.

It takes talent to write a great historical romance novel, but to write three in a row and make them all worthy reads is a challenge. Of course, I recognize this omits some wonderful single titles and some great series, but if you like to read trilogies, as I do, see my list of the ones I recommend here.

By 1158, Somerled’s dominion covered 25,000 square miles and more than 500 islands. North to south, his control extended 200 miles from the Isles of Lewis and Skye in the north to the Isle of Man in the south. His kingdom was unified by the broad roads of the sea and protected by his many castles of which there were fourteen in his time (errors in Internet sources notwithstanding). See the post HERE.

Rogue's Holiday has won the 2020 Kindle Book Award for best romance!

It's book 5 in the Agents of the Crown series of Regency Romances, the story of Robert Powell, the bad boy of the Powell family. Robbie's work as a spy saves the Cabinet ministers from a gruesome death and wins him accolades from George IV. As a reward, the king grants him a baronetcy and a much-deserved holiday at the Royal Pavilion in Brighton where Robbie thinks to indulge in brandy, cards, good horseflesh and women.
 
But when Muriel, Dowager Countess of Claremont, learns of Sir Robert’s intended destination, she begs a favor…to watch over an “errant child” who is the grandniece of her good friend living in the resort town. Little does Robbie know that Miss Chastity Reynolds is no child but a beautiful hoyden who is seemingly immune to his charms.
 
Chastity lives in the shadow of her mother and sisters, dark-haired beauties men admire. Her first Season was a failure but, as she will soon come into a family legacy, she has no need to wed. When she first encounters Sir Robert, she dubs him The Rogue, certain he indulges in a profligate lifestyle she wants no part in.

In Brighton, Robbie discovers he is being followed and senses the conspirators who had planned to murder the Cabinet have discovered his identity. Worse, they know the location of Chastity's residence.     

​See the book on Amazon and on Goodreads.    
             

Who among us ladies hasn’t dreamed of a knight in shining armor? A valiant hero living in a time when valor prevailed and a woman of character who loved him. (I did say we were dreaming, right?) These historical novels will take you there.
 
Since the medieval period in European history spanned the 5th century to the 15th century, all the stories on my list take place during that time and all have been rated 4, 4.5 or 5 stars. So, enjoy The Best Medieval Romances list.