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Ambition, Arrogance & Pride selected for the Goethe 2023 Long List 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.

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Women of Determination & Courage Series

Saxon Heroines: A Northumbrian Novel

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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.

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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.

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Rama’s Labyrinth: A Biographical Novel

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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.

 

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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.

Latest from the Blog

Writerly Research: Copper-Bottomed Ships & Madeira Wine

Writing historical fiction is tricky, particularly if the story is based on or inspired by real people. I’m currently writing the second book in my Salem Stories series based on the 18th century Crowninshield and Derby families of Salem, Massachusetts. The story is about real people in the context of their material culture. Both aspects

Two Samples of Art at Fraumünster

A church as old as Zurich’s Fraumünster has an abundance of art dating from the 9th century. I found two of these pieces particularly interesting in their artistic symbolism. Separated by about 500 years, the scenes show how differently artists interpret biblical stories over time. The older one interprets religious symbols via representations of actual

Fraumünster Church in Zurich

Among the sites visitors to Zurich are most likely to visit, Fraumünster, with its clock, tower stands tall. Many sightseers are church tourists who take a moment to visit churches famous for their architecture, stained glass, or as the site of famous historical events. Others come to Fraumünster specifically to view the painted glass windows