Sea Tigers & Merchants Finalist:
2024 Goethe Prize for Late Historical Fiction
Salem Stories Book 2
In 1790 the United States has a new Constitution. George Washington presides as the first elected president. Abroad, France and Britain are at war. And by 1795, seafaring Americans are accosted on the high seas by French privateers and British naval ships
Tensions rise as American merchants continue to trade. Among them, Hasket Derby and Captain George Crowninshield busily build maritime empires while their sons seek a new way forward.
Sandra Wagner-Wright’s meticulous research is the first thing that leaps out at you from this vibrant novel, bringing historical figures and events to life with rich authenticity, strong attitudes, exemplary dialogue touches, and cinematically good descriptions.” —Readers’ Favorite
Sea Tigers and Merchants . . . returns to a world of treacherous storms, tantalizing wealth, and the demands of high society on its children. – Chanticleer Reviews
Wagner-Wright’s prose is clear and descriptive, and she wastes no time bringing the reader into the 18th century with its dangers and delights. — The BookLife Prize
“…readers seeking a keenly researched, engrossing multi-family saga will appreciate the attention to detail and well-developed characters in Sea Tigers & Merchants.” — Indie Reader
“An engaging serial melodrama abundantly and carefully laced with historical factoids.” —Kirkus
Wagner-Wright paints a vivid picture of late 18th century America, offering rich details of daily life and society amid the story’s broader themes of commerce, competition, and personal ambition. —BookLife by Publishers Weekly.
“. . . a wonderful snapshot of life in early American history.” — San Diego Book Review
Now Available From
Ambition, Arrogance & Pride Finalist:
2023 Goethe Prize for Late Historical Fiction
Ambition, Arrogance & Pride: Families & Rivals in 18th Century Salem
Richard Derby, a young man of modest prospects, made his living at sea until he retired to establish a merchant house. With one exception, his sons followed in his footsteps. Hasket Derby remained in Salem learning the business.
“Sandra Wagner-Wright is an excellent storyteller with a natural flair for historical accuracy and powerful character development.” — Seattle Book Review
Also available as an audiobook.
Now Available From
Women of Determination & Courage Series
Saxon Heroines: A Northumbrian Novel
READ FOR FREE ON KINDLE UNLIMITED
Women have no obvious role in a warrior society, but by using their wits two queens and two abbesses influence social and political change in seventh century Northumbria
“…dramatically gripping novel…A captivating account of the lives of extraordinary women in perilous times.” — Kirkus Reviews
Also available as an audiobook.
Now Available From
Two Coins: A Biographical Novel
In late nineteenth century Calcutta, Mary Pigot sued Rev. William Hastie, her superior in the missionary community. Mary claimed Hastie’s false statements caused her dismissal as Lady Superintendent of the Female Mission. The scandalous trial exposed malicious lies and innuendo. The judge awarded Mary one anna in damages, the equivalent of two half-anna coins.
“A powerful story with a vivid setting, compelling plot, and multifaceted characters.” – Kirkus Reviews
2020 Finalist – Independent Audiobook Awards
Best Books of 2019 – Kirkus Reviews
Goethe Late Historical Fiction Finalist – Chanticleer International Book Awards
Also available as an audiobook.
Now Available From
Rama’s Labyrinth: A Biographical Novel
In late nineteenth century Calcutta, Mary Pigot sued Rev. William Hastie, her superior in the missionary community. Mary claimed Hastie’s false statements caused her dismissal as Lady Superintendent of the Female Mission. The scandalous trial exposed malicious lies and innuendo. The judge awarded Mary one anna in damages, the equivalent of two half-anna coins.
“A powerful story with a vivid setting, compelling plot, and multifaceted characters.” – Kirkus Reviews
2020 Finalist – Independent Audiobook Awards
Best Books of 2019 – Kirkus Reviews
Goethe Late Historical Fiction Finalist – Chanticleer International Book Awards
Also available as an audiobook.
Now Available From
Sandra Wagner-Wright holds the doctoral degree in history and taught women’s and global history at the University of Hawai`i. Sandra travels for her research, most recently to Salem, Massachusetts, the setting of her new Salem Stories series. She also enjoys traveling for new experiences. Recent trips include Antarctica and a river cruise on the Rhine from Amsterdam to Basel.
Sandra particularly likes writing about strong women who make a difference. She lives in Hilo, Hawai`i with her family and writes a blog relating to history, travel, and the idiosyncrasies of life.
Sign Up for My Newsletter
Sign up for my newsletter to receive news about my latest blog, new releases & current writing projects
Tulips & Windmills
I’m fresh back from two weeks in Holland, the land of tulips & windmills. We often don’t think much about tulips when they show up in the floral section of the local grocery store every spring, but they have a more dramatic history than some other flowers. Tulips originated in
Administrative Professionals Day – Celebrate Support Staff
Next week, April 20-26, 2025 is Administrative Professionals Week. It’s an annual event the last week in April, with Administrative Professionals Day in the middle. This year it falls on Wednesday, April 23. Official celebrations for office warriors began in 1942 when the National Secretaries Association was founded. The nation
“Your Library is Your Paradise” – Erasmus
I remember getting my first library card. I was six years old, and had to stretch to reach the check-out counter. My mother brought me to the library every week so we could check out books. But I wanted to be a big girl and do it myself. There was,
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
