Wings of Morning: 16th Century Scotland

Wings of Morning, by Kathleen Morgan, continues the “These Highland Hills” series set in 16th century Scotland. This story takes place a few years after the first book in the series, Child of the Mist, and introduces a love interest for Niall Campbell’s cousin, Iain Campbell.

17-year-old Regan Drummond has just wedded her boyhood friend, Roddy MacLaren. When he arrives at home drunk, she hides from him; before the night ends, he is shot dead after attempting to steal cattle from the Campbell clan. Soon afterwards, Regan loses her memory while in a storm, and finds herself in the care of the Campbells at Balloch Castle. Throughout the months without memory, and afterwards, Regan experiences love and kindness she has never before known, and builds new friendships with Iain, his mother, and extended family. But her conscience cannot rest until Roddy’s murderer is found and Roddy’s blood avenged; the circumstances point to Iain as one who may have killed Roddy.
Though the story begins with Iain at Balloch Castle, later we meet up with Anne and Niall, at Kilchurn, now happily wed and expecting their first child. It is nice to meet Anne again, as she now befriends the new heroine. Through Anne’s understanding and Iain’s patience and forgiveness, Regan struggles to put away her old, negative thoughts and ways behind her and look to the Lord, and His people, for strength and love.
The historical situation is the hey-day of the Scottish Highlanders, complete with the various clans and political factions. This story also introduces Queen Mary as a minor character and a close friend of Iain Campbell, and makes brief reference to political events then occurring in Mary’s court. Yet the focus is on the local Highlanders, especially Iain and Regan.
After the original conflict and story (Regan’s personal life) seems settled, Wings of Morning continues on a bit, expanding on the issue of Roddy’s murder. Just when the reader feels some closure, that the story is winding down, this new plot extends the story for a few more chapters and suspense. Overall, Wings of Morning is an entertaining story, a good read as its own novel, if not quite up to the superb quality of the previous book (Child of the Mist). The story is still quite good, though, and realistic. Unlike some historical fiction novels; the characters are not all completely trusting and open to the mysterious Regan; this is not a completely “sappy” story of naïve, perfect humans, and it is nice to see that depth of character development. As a sequel, Wings of Morning also showcases some very likeable characters, and further events in the lives of the Campbell family we have come to love from the first book.

Margaret's Print Shop: A Novel of the Anabaptist Reformation

Margaret’s Print Shop, by Elwood Yoder, tells the story of the 16th century Anabaptist Reformation in narrative form. Set in 1525 in Strasbourg, Germany (now part of France), the story’s main character is Margaret, who runs a print shop. It is the early days of Gutenberg’s printing press, when various groups learn to get their messages out more easily, through the printed word. Margaret takes many print jobs throughout the book, to print various pamphlets for the Anabaptist reform group; along the way she is influenced by their ideas.

The other main characters include Balthaser Beck, who later marries Margaret, and several key Anabaptist figures from history: Conrad Grebel, Christman Kenlin, George Blaurock, and others. In fact, nearly all the characters named are actual historical figures, except three minor characters noted up front by the author. Margaret’s last name is never given, presumably because her name (before marriage to Beck) is not known.

Unlike many historical novels, the subject matter IS the history itself, with the characters meeting and discussing their theological views on various subjects, and even commenting on the latest news from Luther and Zwingli. The chapter names provide a guideline to the book’s topics, including marriage for preachers and adult believers’ baptism (re-baptism, hence the name given the group, Anabaptists). Other history from the time includes a peasant revolt, and the general persecution the Anabaptists faced, even from the other Reformers.

Margaret’s Print Shop is clearly written for church history enthusiasts, and especially for people belonging to the modern Anabaptist groups (Mennonites and Brethren groups), who would have more familiarity with the names in the story. As a story, this book is more serious and educational, rather than page-turning suspense, action or romance. The characters themselves lack depth and defined characteristics. The ideas themselves, and the history surrounding the ideas, are the main focus, with the characters secondary; their purpose is to explain and clarify the ideas.

Still, Margaret’s Print Shop is an excellent narrative look at the Anabaptist reformation, with a scope appropriate to the book – events in and around Strasbourg in 1525. Yoder has clearly done his research, and includes maps and a list of characters, to help the reader with the story’s context. The author’s notes at the end are helpful too, to learn what happened to Margaret, Beck, and several of the other characters.

Child of the Mist: 16th Century Scotland

Kathleen Morgan’s novel Child of the Mist, recently republished by Baker Books as the first in a new series "These Highland Hills," tells an enchanting story about characters in 16th century Scotland. It is the classic era of Highlander clans, a time of medieval chivalry and clan feuds, of castles and witch burnings.

In 1564, Eighteen-year-old Anne McGregor, daughter of the McGregor clan leader, finds she must make the peace with the stronger Campbell clan – by her handfasting to the Campbell clan’s future leader, Niall Campbell, for a year. Anne is also a healer, learned in the methods of herbal remedies – a skill which has earned her the title "Witch of Glenstrae." Though spirited and proud of her McGregor clan, Anne reluctantly submits to the betrothal -- but soon faces the Campbell clan’s hostility toward her. Complicating matters further is an unknown traitor who will do all in his power to prevent Niall from taking his rightful place as the next "tanist," clan leader. Throughout the next few months, Niall and Anne discover their love for each other, amidst the many trials from within and without.

Kathleen Morgan does an excellent job of blending romantic storytelling with the rich historical background of Scotland. Through this story we see the day-to-day life of those in the Castle, with characters from the leading family as well as the servants, and even the customs of the day. (Contrary to popular opinion -- due to e-mail "urban legends" – people in the 16th century did bathe regularly.) The author shows also her knowledge of herbal remedies, and through some interesting plots incorporates this aspect of medieval life. On one point, concerning the use of CPR to revive infants, the story perhaps changes the facts – such a technique was apparently considered common practice among midwives in Europe, even long before this story takes place – but maybe the Scottish clansmen were behind the times.

Yet the story is clearly the main focus here, with strong, vibrant characters who grow through their situations. Stubborn, pig-headed Niall Campbell is constantly dogged by suspicion and mistrust, always considering the others’ motives, even twisting around the apparent actions into those of a scheming traitor. He meets his match, though, in Anne, and learns to love again, another love after his now-deceased first wife. Anne, for all her fiery independence, has her good traits as well, including ardent loyalty, the desire to please God by helping others around her – and then giving her loyalty and devotion to Niall.

Child of the Mist has been recently republished by Baker Books, as the first in the new series "These Highland Hills." The author’s comments at the end of this publication (2005) indicate that a follow-up book may soon come. I eagerly await such a sequel, a follow-up with Iain perhaps. Regardless, Child of the Mist is an excellent story, warming to the heart and soul through the wonderful characters and their experiences.

Beyond the Sacred Page: William Tyndale's Bible

Jack Cavanaugh’s Beyond the Sacred Page continues his "Book of Books" series, which began with Glimpses of Truth. The previous story told of the Wycliffe translation, in late 14th century England. Now we move forward 150 years, to 1535 and Tyndale’s translation of the New Testament.
It is the well-known time of Henry VIII, and the last year of Queen Anne Boleyn’s life. The Protestant Reformation, begun less than 20 years before in Germany, is the big topic of discussion throughout Europe.

Meg Foxe happens upon one of Tyndale's New Testaments, and finds solace and comfort in its words. The only problem is, the book is illegal, and her husband Pernell is a dedicated heretic hunter. God’s word threatens to divide husband and wife, as it changes each of their lives.

A refreshing change from many historical fiction novels, in which the protagonists are young adults under age 25, Beyond the Sacred Page features not-so-young adults. Though they have no children, Pernell and Meg have been married 15 years, and are now in their 30s and 40s. So the story brings out different themes than the typical young-adult adventure romance. Here we see the marital struggles of trust and communication, and its opposite—deception, secrecy, and the resulting distance in a previously close relationship.

Beyond the Sacred Page includes many historical figures, including Bishop John Stokesley, and members of Henry VIII’s court -- particularly the tragic Anne Boleyn. Through Meg we visit the court, the London Tower, and Anne Boleyn’s execution along with her final words.

Though the story is about William Tyndale’s translation, Tyndale himself is in the background. Brief scenes at the beginning, told from Pernell Foxe’s view, tell of Tyndale’s shipwreck, and his later capture by betrayer Henry Philips. Beyond that, however, we never see or hear from Tyndale, locked away to await his sentence. Instead, the focus is on Tyndale’s work, the New Testament, and its impact on the ordinary men and women of England.

As with the prequel Glimpses of Truth, this novel includes author’s notes, including comments on which parts are historical and which characters real vs. fiction. The sum of the story and these historical notes makes for a great historical fiction story about this often-overlooked yet turbulent period, when the English-language Bible emerged from the Medieval Latin-only time.

The Lady in the Tower: Anne Boleyn’s Story

English author Jean Plaidy (the pen name for Eleanor Hibbert; also known as Victoria Holt) wrote many historical fiction novels during the latter half of the twentieth century. Many of her books are currently being re-published, for another generation to enjoy. One such novel is Plaidy’s The Lady in the Tower, of the "Queens of England" series.

The Lady in the Tower is Anne Boleyn’s story, told in first-person as she sits in the London Tower awaiting her execution in 1536. Having come to this tragic end, she recounts her life story, considering along the way her mistakes and what she could have done differently.

With its touching, personal style, The Lady in the Tower portrays life in the royal courts of Britain and France during the early 16^th century, as seen by young Anne Boleyn. We learn of her early years in the French court, then her arrival in the English court and romance with Henry Percy. But alas, King Henry VIII intervened to prevent that marriage, and soon revealed to Anne his own interest in her.

This real story – one of those "stranger than fiction" tales that grabs our attention and fascinates so many, because it is true – is revealed with great accuracy, faithful to the actual political events as well as to Anne’s character. All of the characters are historical figures: her brother George and his wicked wife; wayward sister Mary, who was Henry’s mistress for several years and comes to a sad ending; also Thomas Wyatt, Henry Percy, Cardinal Wolsey, King Henry, Queen Katharine, and so many others of this era. The backdrop of the Reformation is ever-present, and we learn of Anne’s interest in Luther’s ideas. From this background also springs forth Cromwell’s suggestion to King Henry (a devout Catholic) to break from the Catholic Church and form a new Church of England.

The sometimes-sympathetic Anne has her good qualities as well as her faults. On the one hand, Anne prized some moral values: keeping her body only for her husband and no other. Yet she had no such qualms if that meant breaking up an existing marriage, for the King to divorce his first wife to marry her. Ambition, as Anne herself relates, came into her heart to replace love; she could not have Henry Percy, whom she loved. Her ambitious father, Thomas Boleyn, would have her marry some man of higher standing -- so why not the King himself? Anne’s personality comes through clearly, again accurate to the historical record: one who liked fashion and designed her own garments; enjoyed being in the spotlight at court; and was often flirtatious, bold, and flippant.

The reader can sympathize with the young woman who makes many foolish mistakes – as so many young people do – and realize the incredible temptations and pressure she faced. Yet we also – as Anne herself now, too late – see her lack of wisdom and judgement, her pride and arrogance, that which would lead to her own judgement and downfall.

The Lady in the Tower is an interesting, if somewhat sad and depressing, historical fiction novel. Though we all know the ending, the telling is made more interesting through Anne’s hindsight point of view, a storyteller half in the past, now looking back with regrets and insights (such as of Henry’s character), even the subtle hints that would foretell later misfortunes. This book is a good sampling of Jean Plaidy’s work, one of her many historical novels set in Europe’s past.

The Winds of God: Queen Elizabeth and the Spanish Armada

Christian Historical Fiction readers will enjoy Gilbert Morris' series, 'The Wakefield Dynasty', which covers four centuries of English history in the seven book series. The second book, The Winds of God, continues the story of the Wakefield family in 16th century England.

Through Myles and Robin, the reader meets many historical figures, including Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth, Mary Queen of Scots, and Sir Francis Walsingham. Interesting historical details include the attempted coup to place Lady Jane Grey on the throne instead of Mary; also Mary's Catholic ambitions, marriage to Philip of Spain, and her jealousy of half-sister Elizabeth. Later years of the story bring forth Elizabeth's flamboyant personality and her eccentricities. The reader learns of Elizabeth's belief in the Divine Right of Kings, a belief held so strongly that she protected Mary the ex-Queen of Scots for many years. The ever-ambitious and treacherous Mary Queen of Scots continually plots against Elizabeth. The dark, seductive side of Mary is exposed to Robin, who like most men finds her hard to resist, at least while in her presence.

Historical fiction readers will appreciate the realistic characters. Though The Winds of God includes a few strong female characters, including Queen Elizabeth herself, sixteenth century society still rules. Far from being mere transplants from the late-twentieth century, the women behave within the bounds of their time. For example, when English Catholic parents arrange a marriage for their daughter to a wealthy older Spanish man, the girl quietly obeys her parents. Though desperately unhappy and in love with an English man, her options are limited. The marriage turns out to have serious problems, yet the young woman honors her marriage commitment before God.

Gilbert Morris, the most prolific of today's Christian historical fiction writers, brings an exciting tale of this important transitional time in England's history: a time of turning from Catholicism to Protestantism; when great military events brought about a change in world power, from Spain to the dawning empire of Great Britain. Yet it is also a story about compassion and forgiveness as seen through Robin Wakefield. The Catholic system and the Spanish Inquisition are to be reviled, but the people of Spain are ordinary, down-to-earth people with hopes, ambitions, and families of their own. Robin's discovery of this, and his hope in a God of compassion, who does not delight in the death of the wicked, brings the Wakefield family back to its proper focus. As with the first book, The Sword of Truth, this second book in the Wakefield Dynasty series is another enlightening and uplifting historical fiction novel.

The Sword Of Truth: King Henry VIII's England

Gilbert Morris' The Sword of Truth, the first in the Wakefield Dynasty series, gives a wonderful picture of life in England in the early 16^th century, amid the turmoil of King Henry VIII. Divided into four parts, the book tells the life of Myles Morgan (Wakefield), from his early childhood starting in 1513 to adult with young family of his own at the book's end in 1534. Along the way, Myles experiences life as a serf, working the land as a commoner, later coming into his inheritance as the only son of Lord Richard Wakefield and the new ways of nobility.

The Sword of Truth involves actually two great historical accounts, both that of King Henry the 8^th and his court as well as the concurrent story of William Tyndale and his efforts to bring an English Bible to the people of England, amidst great persecution in these years of the Protestant Reformation. At times Myles has connections with King Henry, enjoying hunting parties with the king and other nobles as well as conversations with the unhappy Queen Catherine. Yet throughout the book he remains a friend of William Tyndale, whom he first meets while a peasant boy. He later helps Tyndale (for whom the book publishing company is named, which this book is published by) in his work, traveling between England and the European continent, and sees Tyndale's goal accomplished: "the day when every plowboy would read the Word of God for himself."

The book begins with young Margred Morgan, who, facing a desperate situation in Wales, takes her then 6-year-old son with her on a perilous journey over the mountains into England. Despite the travails of winter traveling, they safely reach England and find a home and employment as serfs working Sir Bourneville's estate. The life of the servant is not unpleasant, but everyone knows his place, including those who caution the sometimes angry young Myles. For even when women peasants are violated, or a boy from a higher social class is at fault, the serfs receive all the blame and punishment. Though most of the book's more developed characters are of the higher classes, one strong peasant character is Nob, a likeable man who cares for his masters' hawks and falcons.

Even as one of the workers, though, Myles finds company instead in a girl his age, Hannah Kemp, of the middle-class English; and Isabella, Lord Bourneville's flighty daughter a few years older than Myles, becomes a romantic infatuation, though seemingly out of reach. Enter Sir Robert Wakefield and his wife, Lady Jane, who have no children--until Robert learns of his son, Myles, now 16 years old. Immediately Myles is accepted and given legal status as a Wakefield, and begins an intense education in haste, catching up on the years of proper schooling he has missed.

The significant women in Myles' life--mother Margred, Hannah Kemp, and Lady Jane Wakefield--all exhibit the characteristics of quiet and peaceful godly women, with Protestant sympathies. Hannah and Jane have connections with William Tyndale, as Hannah's childhood tutor and a corresponding friend for Lady Jane, and the two women naturally become good friends. Tyndale in turn tells of his meetings with Martin Luther in these early years of the Protestant Reformation.

The world and its allure, and especially the worldly Isabella, ever tempts Myles, who continually spends more and more time "at court," vowing to Hannah that the court and its blatant immorality will not taint him. But will he be able to share its company and not be corrupted? Indeed, Henry's court is one of the worst, if not the most corrupt, England has yet seen. Soon Henry's excesses become common knowledge throughout England and even the rest of Europe, as "the King's Great Business" (of his desired divorce from Catherine to marry Anne Boleyn) is gossiped among women and discussed at the bars.

Many of King Henry's actual associates (some of whom were later executed by him), including Sir Thomas More, Thomas Cromwell, Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, and of course Catherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn, are featured throughout the story, interacting with Myles and other fictional characters. Myles also encounters the clever and power-hungry Ralph Geddes, who resents Myles for taking the Wakefield inheritance, which would otherwise have been his. Through a great rags-to-riches story filled with romance and persecution, Gilbert Morris adeptly introduces the reader to this turbulent time period, with great background of worldwide events of the early 1500s.