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When Christ and His Saints Slept
When Christ and His Saints Slept | Sharon Kay Penman
In this novel, Sharon Kay Penman brings to life a dark period in English history, painting a canvas rich in the textures and colors of the era. Here is the pain and suffering of the innocents, the conniving and duplicity of the barons; here is the terrible reality of lawlessness - the burning towns, ravaged countryside, weary people. But above all, here are two extraordinary adversaries: A woman whose courage outran her common sense, who found that her skirts bound her more tightly than any rope. And a man of inordinate charm, as valiant in battle as he was able in friendship - but a man whose life was based on a broken oath and a treacherous lie, tragic flaws that would destroy him. Beginning as friends, they ended in the bitterest enmity, their bloodiest wounds self-inflicted. And if Stephen lost the crown, Maude would never wear it. But in a final irony for both, Maude would indeed be the mother of kings, for it was her eldest, Henry, who would establish the Plantagenet dynasty and, with Eleanor of Aquitaine, electrify the medieval world.
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Caroline2
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I may have gone on a Penman book buying rampage! 😆 I need to read alllllll the books!!!!! 🤩

TrishB Oh how cool for you 👍🏻 3y
Caroline2 @TrishB Think I‘ll finish the Welsh trilogy first then I can‘t wait to get started on Richard III. 😀 3y
Deblovestoread You are in for a treat! 3y
See All 10 Comments
Ruthiella What would you recommend from her as a stand-alone? 🤔 3y
Caroline2 @Ruthiella I‘ve only read Here be Dragons and that was brilliant. Classic mediaeval historical fiction. It‘s part of a trilogy but works fine on its own. I‘ve heard really good things about the tagged book too. 👍 3y
Caroline2 @Kdgordon88 so exciting!! 👏 😃 3y
LeahBergen @Ruthiella The Sunne in Splendour is a wonderful stand-alone. 3y
LeahBergen Look at that lovely stack! 👏🏻👏🏻 3y
Ruthiella @LeahBergen @Caroline2 Thanks ladies! I‘ll add both titles to my TBR. 😃 3y
Caroline2 @LeahBergen Oh yes! I‘ve had that on my shelf for a few months now. So many books, so little time!!! 😬 3y
98 likes1 stack add10 comments
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TrishB
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LeahBergen Thanks! That was a good read. ❤️❤️ 3y
Leftcoastzen 😳😢 3y
Caroline2 🥺So sad but thanks for the link Trish. ❤️ 3y
See All 17 Comments
Cathythoughts Thanks Trish 👍🏻will have a look ..... 3y
MsMelissa Thank you for sharing. It‘s so sad to think we‘ll never have a new SKP book to look forward to 😢 3y
TrishB @Book_Fiend_Melissa apparently she left notes for a new De Quincy book, but I think it should just be left there. 3y
Caroline2 Defo time I caught up on her books. I have the Welsh trilogy and Sunne on my shelves plus the new book on order. 👍 3y
Caroline2 What‘s her De Quincy trilogy like?? 🤔 3y
TrishB @Caroline2 they are historical mysteries, so a much lighter read than the full on books. I would still recommend, but only if you like historical mysteries 😁 3y
Caroline2 Hmmm, not sure if I‘ve read a historical mystery to be honest? Oh I need to get her Plantagenet series too. 😯 I‘m finding it hard to get hold of her books, lots of them aren‘t on Amazon or Waterstones. 🙄 eBay will have to do but sometimes they are in such bad condition. 😔 3y
TrishB @Caroline2 they‘ve really gone expensive too! Cheaper to buy a kindle and book them on there I think! 3y
Deblovestoread Thanks for sharing, Trish. I still haven‘t read The Land Beyond the Sea and I will probably save it for awhile longer now. 3y
TrishB @Kdgordon88 it‘s lovely that you have one left ♥️ I‘m definitely going to start a reread, when I‘ve reconciled myself to no more Sharon books. 3y
Deblovestoread You probably don‘t remember this but when I was fairly new to Litsy I commented (not sure whose post it was) about how much I wanted to reread The Welsh Triolgy. You suggested I lead a buddy read which scared the pants off me. 😂 I would love to reread them with you and whoever else would be interested somewhere down the road. 3y
TrishB @Kdgordon88 it‘s a date 👍🏻 I‘m thinking the summer months because I‘m hoping I‘m over the shock and the world (generally) will be looking a nicer place ♥️ I remember my early days too if anyone suggested anything I would run a mile! At least we‘ll know we like them, which is a successful buddy read for me. 3y
Deblovestoread Summer would be perfect. Let‘s hope the world will be in a better place by then! 3y
67 likes17 comments
review
kwmg40
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Pickpick

This is an excellent historical novel about the long struggle between King Stephen and Empress Matilda (Maude). Rich in detail, it gives a good sense of the brutal times in which it is set, and how the average people suffer as the nobility fight for power. I'm looking forward to reading more in the series!

#ShutdownReadathon @Squidget
#JoyousJanuary @Andrew65

TrishB Great read 👍🏻 3y
DieAReader 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻 3y
Andrew65 Love this book. Just heard from @TrishB that she died today. Such a sad loss! 😢 3y
kwmg40 @Andrew65 Oh, I am sad to hear that! I'd only just discovered her excellent writing, and I can imagine the sense of loss her long-time fans must feel. 3y
21 likes1 stack add4 comments
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TrishB
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#saints #thankfulthoughts
Going to try hard to find the thankful thoughts at the moment! But Litsy always helps ❤️

MsMelissa Is that a first edition? 😍 3y
Eggs Beautiful! 3y
TrishB @Book_Fiend_Melissa I think so 👍🏻 3y
LeahBergen Oh, I like this cover! 👍🏻 3y
TrishB @LeahBergen it is lovely ❤️ 3y
78 likes5 comments
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toofondofbooks
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This year Tantor Audio began releasing Sharon Kay Penman's older books which are my all time faves.
#bestbooks2020sofar

inthegreensandblues Thanks for the tip! I see it's on Scribd. 4y
16 likes1 comment
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Reecaspieces
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Pickpick

I finally finished this one...just in time. This is my only audible book this month. Check out my post here https://reecaspieces.com/2020/05/31/my-audible-reads-for-may-audible-audibleread...

TrishB An epic read 👍🏻 4y
Reecaspieces @TrishB and all her books are. Amazing 4y
TrishB Yep, big fan 😁 4y
See All 7 Comments
MsMelissa I loved this one! 4y
Reecaspieces @Book_Fiend_Melissa it is so good!! So well written!! 4y
Shaneyney Penman is one of my top authors! I love all her stuff 4y
Reecaspieces @Shaneyney ❤️❤️❤️ 4y
62 likes2 stack adds7 comments
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Rebesta
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Pickpick

I enjoyed learning about Stephen I‘s reign and Empress Matilda‘s quest for the crown. The book is well researched, and the characters bring this medieval period to life. There are a lot of characters which can be difficult to keep track of at times, and many of those characters have the same name, but she does try to differentiate, making it a bit easier. If you‘re interested in historical fiction about England, you‘ll enjoy this book.

TrishB OMG! That cover ❤️ what a gorgeous copy! 5y
Rebesta @TrishB - The picture makes it look like it‘s leather, but it‘s just a dust jacket. It‘s still pretty though. I also liked the ribbon bookmark built into the binding. I‘m a sucker for those ribbons and think all hardcovers should have them. 5y
TrishB It‘s still lovely 💕 I can recommend all her books if you haven‘t read any others. 5y
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Rebesta @TrishB - I just got a stack of her books from https://t.alibris.com/ and When Christ and His Saints slept was one of them. I just started Time and Chance. I‘m wondering when I should read Devil‘s Brood. I‘m trying to read them in historical order. Devil‘s Brood is about Geoffrey of Anjou and Matilda isn‘t it? 5y
TrishB Yes - in order - Time and Chance, Devil‘s Brood, Lionheart and A Kings Ransom. There‘s also the Welsh Trilogy and The Sunne in Splendour (that‘s a stand alone) 5y
Rebesta Thanks! I though that was what the order was. 5y
6 likes6 comments
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Yeah_I_Read
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For all my SKP pals, this came out on audio yesterday! I‘m Super excited to listen 😊❤️

DGRachel Ooh, this might be a good way to reread this chunkster. Hmm...🤔🤔 5y
54 likes1 comment
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DGRachel
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*This goober makes me laugh every day. #Bailey #DogsofLitsy
*Plantagenet England - SKP is my favorite historical fiction author
*Dr. Pepper
*Read A Christmas Carol each December
*Warm drizzly rain. I HATE, HATE, HATE snow. Hate it.
#humpdaypost

dsfisher I love that smile! 6y
DGRachel @dsfisher She was not smiling this morning when I left for work. She‘s quite put out over the fact that I won‘t let her in my room while I‘m gone. 😂 6y
mabell Such a cutie! ❤️🐶 6y
LazyDays Cute! 6y
75 likes4 comments
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akc2ngel
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Another one of my favorites. It is heartbreaking the destruction these two factions were willing to wreak on the inhabitants of the country they wanted to rule.

Melissa_J This is one of my favourite books! 6y
toofondofbooks I love, love, LOVE Sharon Kay Penman. I've read everything she's written. Her Welsh Trilogy is amazing. 6y
16 likes2 comments
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DGRachel
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#maps from SKP's novels about the Plantagenets. #lyricalApril

Cinfhen Book sounds fascinating 😊 7y
Andrew65 @Cinfhen It is a great book. 7y
TrishB Fab 😀👍 7y
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DGRachel @andrew65 @TrishB I knew I could count on you two to help promote SKP. @Cinfhen You don't have to take my word for how wonderful Sharon Kay Penman is - there are other SKP fanatics here! 😍 7y
TrishB @Cinfhen @Andrew65 absolutely. Though there are no short SKP books 😂 7y
Andrew65 @TrishB @Cinfhen @DGRachel Most Definitely. All of her books have been 5 star reads and a ❤️. My favourites of all though so far would most probably be her Welsh Princes Trilogy. But it would be a close run thing choosing between any of her books. But they are big books. 7y
DGRachel @Andrew65 I wish Audible had them. I would love to listen to them to reread, but only the last two Plantagenet books are available and I abhor the narrator. 😢 7y
Andrew65 @DGRachel Yes, I am surprised they are all not on Audible, as I had also checked. They would be great for long journeys! Will have to check out the narrator. 7y
Cinfhen It's the page count that scares me @Andrew65 @DGRachel @TrishB 🙄🙄 (edited) 7y
74 likes1 stack add9 comments
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BeckaroniAndCheese
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Pickpick

Hallelujah, I finished this book! It was very good but holy #slowread. Just in time to dash to work, too. Happy Friday! 😁

TrishB Yay 😀 one of my fav books! 7y
BeckaroniAndCheese @TrishB Have you read the rest of the series? I'm intrigued by these people and want more now🤴👸🏻 7y
TrishB Have read all hers 😀 she's one of my fav authors 💟 I recommend them all! 7y
TrishB @DGRachel that's a great new hastag 😂 7y
13 likes5 comments
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BeckaroniAndCheese
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Back at it. Tonight I'm pairing my book with a drink because dental bills. Not my teeth but whoa.

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BeckaroniAndCheese
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200 more pages to go in this one. I can do it!!

TrishB You go 👍😀 7y
21 likes1 comment
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CateKeesling
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#catesbookstagramchallenge Day Twenty Five. Kings & Queens. Sharon Kay Penman wrote a great series of historical fiction novels about my favorite monarchs Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine. A fascinating period in history and a fascinating family dynamic!

Andrew65 I love her Welsh Princes Trilogy too. 7y
13 likes1 comment
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BeckaroniAndCheese
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It took a LOT longer than I planned to finish my work so I could kick back and get into this. I give myself 15 minutes before my eyelids start closing. I'm STILL really liking this but also super frustrated that I'm not done with it yet.

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BeckaroniAndCheese
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Caffeinated tea ✅ A crazy busy work day ahead ✅ plans to read just as soon as I get it all done ✅ Good morning all!

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BeckaroniAndCheese
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I am still really enjoying this book but it feels like I've been reading it For. Ev. Er. Work and life have been particularly busy and also, this one is 750 pages long. I'll be ready for some YA novels real soon to bump my speed back up.

TrishB It's a long book, but so worth it 😀 7y
22 likes1 comment
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BeckaroniAndCheese
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Tucked in all warm and cozy, waiting for the rain to begin.

TrishB With a great book 😀 7y
25 likes1 stack add1 comment
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BeckaroniAndCheese
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Current mood. If I can get through loads of work, I'll be free to read later. Off to it! 📈📊📤

Smrloomis Love this! 👏🏽 7y
22 likes1 comment
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leslieisreading
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I bought this book shortly after reading The Pillars of the Earth, as I wanted to read more about the Anarchy, when Empress Maude and her cousin Stephen fought for the throne of England (the conflict that kept getting in the way of the cathedral being built in Pillars). As often happens when I buy books, it has languished on my shelf for several years. Maybe this will be the year! Has anybody here read this one? #royals #readjanuary

DGRachel I love Sharon Kay Penman. Her work is phenomenal-well researched and engaging. I hope you enjoy it. 7y
TrishB @DGRachel what she said 😄😄 best historiical fiction writer ever! 7y
BeckaroniAndCheese I'm about 250 pages in so far and enjoying it. I getting the M names mixed up (Maude and Matilda) but this is my first foray into this time period and I'll get more comfortable with the figures in time. I would probably LOVE this book if I could spend more than 10 minutes at a time reading it 😝 7y
leslieisreading @DGRachel @TrishB @BeckaroniAndCheese okay you all are definitely making me want to bump this one up on my reading list. I do have a goal this year of actually reading some of the books that I've had sitting on my shelf forever! 7y
Andrew65 I loved this book and all her books. 7y
16 likes5 comments
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Texreader
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It was hard to find a #dnf but then I saw this one with my bookmark still stuck on page 14. This should be right up my alley, but the style or something stumped me. I haven't read anything else by this author. Should I try again someday? I'd really like to hear about it. #readjanuary

LeahBergen Hmm. I enjoy her books... maybe try 7y
Texreader @LeahBergen looks good. I'll try it! 7y
TrishB I love all her books 😀 @LeahBergen good choice! Stand alone too so may be better one to try. 7y
See All 7 Comments
Dragon I second the Sunne in Splendour 7y
DGRachel SKP is one of my favorite authors-definitely my favorite historical fiction writer. I started with her Welsh Princes trilogy, but The Sunne in Splendour is also phenomenal. 7y
Texreader @TrishB @dragon @DGRachel @LeahBergen I am so happy to hear I'm on the right track. So I'll try Sunne in Splendor first and go from there. Thanks everyone!! 7y
Andrew65 Sunny in Splendour was great and agree with The Welsh Princes Trilogy, loved those but also enjoyed When Christ and His Saints Slept, a 5 star book once you get into it. (edited) 7y
59 likes7 comments
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TylerJay90
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My first foray into Litsy with this book I got last Christmas. I really love the Medieval time period and I heard good things about this. Feeling hopeful about this!

Seansworth Get it, boo! 7y
BeckaroniAndCheese @TylerJay90 What did you think? Have you finished this one yet? 7y
Andrew65 Loved this. 7y
3 likes1 stack add3 comments
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TrishB
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DGRachel 😍😍😍😍 7y
LeahBergen I love your cover on WCAHSS 7y
TrishB @LeahBergen 😀😀 7y
80 likes3 stack adds3 comments
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DGRachel
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I have a thing for the Plantagenets, and no one does medieval historical fiction like Sharon Kay Penman - well researched, but not at all dry. #mapsinbooks #septphotochallenge #somethingforsept

LeahBergen I flip to the map lots when I read her books. Nice choice! 8y
DGRachel Thanks @LeahBergen! She's definitely one of my favorite authors. 8y
ScrappyMags Had this author on my tbr forever! 8y
Andrew65 Love all her books. 7y
50 likes1 stack add4 comments
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Lissa00
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For #recommendsday, I suggest anything by Sharon Kay Penman if you are a fan of historical fiction.

Autumn I am a HUGE Penman fan & this is my favorite. I had a book crush on Ranulf😊 8y
Andrew65 Totally agree about Sharon Penman. 7y
45 likes5 stack adds2 comments