Skip to Content

                               NEW RELEASE

Sea Tigers & Merchants: A New American Generation

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

LONG-LISTED 2024 Goethe Prize for Late Historical Fiction 

Read More

 

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

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.

Read More

Rama’s Labyrinth: A Biographical Novel

READ FOR FREE ON KINDLE UNLIMITED

Rama carried many identities: Daughter, sister, wife, mother, widow. Hindu Pandita, educator, lecturer, reformer, Christian convert, missionary evangelist. Rama’s Labyrinth is an inspirational story of one woman’s quest of self-discovery and spiritual growth.

“. . . an informative exploration of one of history’s many forgotten heroines.” – Kirkus Reviews

Also available as an audiobook.

 

Read More

Sandra Wagner-Wright

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.