"Writing is drifting into the lives of imaginary souls and letting them take you on a journey you then try to share with others. It is better than any other adventure because almost anything can be possible."
All About Me
I was born in Carmarthen, Wales to Welsh-speaking parents who spoke to each other in Welsh but to me in English. My understanding of Welsh is good but my spoken Welsh is very poor! I have had a fascination for Welsh history and particularly for the Middle Ages. As I young girl, long before Google, I would spend hours in libraries trying to find out about that time which has been little written about. After training as a teacher I worked for a while in Weston-Super-Mare before leaving to teach policemen in Papua New Guinea. My husband and I then moved to Australia where we brought up our family and as well as writing histories, I taught. We moved back to Papua New Guinea when the children were small on my return to Australia I set up my own business. For twenty years I read only business books but dreamed of writing a novel about Wales in the Middle Ages. Now I have written 'The Welsh Traitor's Daughter' which explores a fascinating time and characters who have been little written about.
My HP Books
It is 1109 and the Welsh warrior and firebrand, Owain ap Cadwgan abducts Princess Nest and her children from the castle she shares with her husband, Gerald of Windsor.
Henry, Norman king of England, furious since Nest is also his lover and mother of his son, begins a manhunt to find Owain and Nest. While Owain’s actions make him a figurehead for resistance to the Norman presence in Wales, not all Welsh nobles want to see him triumph: many have their own ambitions.
In Gwynedd, Gruffydd ap Cynan and his wife Angharad, risk everything to hide Owain and Nest despite the vindictive efforts of Gronwy ap Owain, Angharad's brother, who would like to see Gruffydd and Owain dead. Owain’s actions start a spark that leads to hostilities which could end in Gruffydd’s downfall at the hands of the Normans or his Welsh enemies. Can Gruffydd and his family survive the greatest army ever led against Wales?
This sequel to ‘‘The Welsh Traitor’s Daughter’’ is based on true events and characters. The story of ‘’The Welsh Warrior’s Inheritance’’ is one of forbidden love, jealousy, greed, ambition, betrayal, and courage against the odds. The Welsh are at their finest and their worst as life is lived on a knife edge. It is truly one of the most exciting times in Welsh history.
Book Excerpt
‘‘I heard them. They said Rhys had caught them together, Mother and Hywel.’ Gwenllian whispered.
‘Rhys?’
‘And Rhys had told Uncle Gronwy.’
‘Who is a liar,’ said Owain stoutly.
Owain looked at the two men with utter hatred. Suddenly, he scrambled onto the table, running down the length of it scattering platters and goblets as he went. He was so fast that the two men were astonished when he leapt at them. With all his strength, he raised his foot and kicked Hova in the face, breaking teeth and bloodying his nose. Hova reeled backwards, but the benches were so tightly packed that he slumped against the alarmed people so that his fall was broken. Almost simultaneously, Owain grabbed Gogan by his hair, banging his head against the wooden table. Gogan shuddered and was momentarily stunned, but Hova recovered himself, scrambling up onto the bench despite many arms reaching to pull him away from the young prince.
The confusion in the crowded space worked to Hova’s advantage as nobody could hold him, though they tore wildly at his tunic and legs. The music had stopped, and everyone turned in disbelief to witness the commotion.
‘Bastard!’ Hova’s voice was full of menace. He swept his knife forward, aiming for the boy’s heart, but Owain ducked smartly, and the blade caught him instead on the arm. Owain swung around, slamming his fist into Hova’s injured face. Hova staggered backwards, but at that moment of distraction, Gogan was fast. He pulled at Owain’s boot so the prince lost balance, falling hard, allowing a snarling Gogan to crouch over him, his knees pinning Owain’s shoulders down, one hand pressing down on his throat. Owain’s eyes widened. He tried to push himself up from underneath the robust and bulky adversary, but his vision was beginning to blur. He could not breathe. The prince struggled with one more colossal effort, pushing against Gogan’s arms as he saw the knife high and poised to sink into his neck. Death had come for him, and he had hardly lived.
Gruffydd saw what was happening, launching himself out of his chair, which tumbled behind him. He roared, and Cadwallon cried with shock. They both knew the distance was too far. They could not reach Owain in time. Angharad was clasping the table, white-knuckled, shouting her son’s name, and wailing in agony as she saw the knife.
Book Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars An enthralling historical saga with masterful storytelling.
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 23, 2024
I enjoyed the first book in this series in which the author’s love of Welsh history and traditions shone through. This sequel continues the fictional account of real events and people in the early 12th century, a portrayal of Welsh ire and bitterness towards the Normans who had taken their land. It surpasses the first book in terms of the quality of the writing, characterisation, and plot. A lengthy novel at over 500 pages, kudos to the author for making it a page turner.
The breadth and scope of the narrative is impressive, the story moving seamlessly from rural Welsh strongholds to the machinations of King Henry’s court, where slippery Bishop Richard has the monarch’s ear. Woven amongst the Welsh/Norman hostilities are family rivalries and feuds, with passionate love stories thrown into the mix to create a riveting story.
I eagerly await the third instalment of this great series.
Strongly recommend.
*****
5.0 out of 5 stars Lots of action, love interest and strong characters
Reviewed in Australia on February 20, 2024
The Welsh Warrior's Inheritance was well researched and takes the reader back to the twelfth century when Wales was in turmoil. From the kidnapping of Princess Nest right throuigh to the conflict with Norman England , the book is fast paced and the characters are believable. Love, hate, vengeance and war keep the reader gripped and there is enough detail for the reader to imagine being in that time and place. Well worth reading.
Book video ad
