This novel, set in the late Elizabethan era, tells the story of two young men, one a Spanish mercenary, the other the sensitive, sheltered son of an English Lord who find love and take to the high seas as pirates. I know what you are thinking, and if you've seen the tacky cover on some editions of this book, I don't blame you. That's what I thought too when I first found it. But don't judge a book by its cover. The characters in this book come alive, they make you care, and feel for them. Its a great story of romance and adventure.

This is one of the first historical novels I ever read, it fueled my passion for this genre. It is the story of a 20th century couple whose marital problems can be traced back to their past lives in Tudor England, where he was a monk and she was the beautiful blonde servant girl who tempted him to break his vows of celibacy. As a result, both wree punished fortheir love. This book really made the 16th century come alive for me and I consider it a real treat when I can find the time to read it again.

My favorite Robin Hood novel.  One of my all-time favorite movies is The Adventures of Robin Hood starring Errol Flynn. I've read many Robin Hood novels over the years, most of which I've sold after I finished them, but this one has a permanent place on my bookshelf.

Legacy by Susan Kay This is the first novel about Queen Elizabeth I that I ever read, maybe that's why I am so fond of it, but after reading many, many, many more novels about "The Virgin Queen," it still remains my favorite.

This novel traces the fortunes of the Seymour family at the Tudor court. This is another one of those books where the characters, the time, the place really came alive fo rme. I just loved it.

This novel gives Henry VIII a voice and lets us see all six of his wives through his eyes. It's written in the form of a diary with a running commentary by the King's fool Will Sommrrs. If you are like me and not intimidated by thick books this is definitely worth a read. But, a word of warning, if you read it in hardback, do not drop it on your foot; I broke my toe that way.

If you've read the interview Nan did with me when it was first published (it's on my website www.brandypurdy.com) then you know how I came to write it and why it means so much to me. It is the one thing in my life I am most proud of. And I loved the challenge of writing it, of giving the infamous Piers Gaveston a voice, and showing the other side of the coin, and presenting a new, different interpretation of the old story.

This is the first book in a trilogy about a young girl who catches the eye of King Edward IV. At the risk of sounding monotonous, I loved the vividness and realism of the characters and times. Some historical novels read like history books dressed up with a lot of descriptions of what people looked like, what they wore, and interior decor, they just don't draw me in. The books I love best are the ones that stir my curiousity, make me care about the characters, and inspire me to learn more and, if possible, the historical truth behind the novelist's story. And this book is one of those.

A vivid saga of the women who played important roles in the life of King Charles VII of France. Here you meet his sexually depraved mother, who dallies with courtiers even as she goes into labour, his mistresses, the tragic Bon and glamorous Agnes Sorel, Joan of Arc, and more. I enjoyed this one so much that I paid more than I should have to get a copy in hardback.

Simply splendid! Another thick tome well worth a read, this one tells the story of Richard III. Don't drop this one on your toes either. Trust me, I know, and you can probably guess how.