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Anne O'Brien

@anneobrienauthor.bsky.social

1.2K followers 470 following 610 posts

Writer of historical novels celebrating often invisible and silent medieval women who deserve a face and a voice. Sunday Times Best Seller New Novel for February 2025: The Queen and the Countess

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Anne O'Brien @anneobrienauthor.bsky.social · Sep 12

The Queen and the Countess is now out in the wild, alive and well. Thank you for all the kind wishes on Paperback Publication Day.
I will be running a giveaway shortly, so if you enjoy medieval fiction keep an eye open ...

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Anne O'Brien @anneobrienauthor.bsky.social · 1h

Pick this up for only 99p.
The Queen and the Countess
Two remarkable women facing the victories and tragedies of the Wars of the Roses.
Queen Margaret of Anjou and Anne Countess of Warwick.
www.amazon.co.uk/Queen-Counte...

Anne O'Brien @anneobrienauthor.bsky.social · 3h

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. Autumn leaves with a carpet of cyclamen. The witch hazels have never been so magnificent as this year.

Anne O'Brien @anneobrienauthor.bsky.social · 1d

On this day 13th October 1459 after the debacle at Ludford Bridge, the Yorkist leaders fled. York and his son the Earl of Rutland went to Ireland, Salisbury, Warwick and Edward Earl of March to Calais.
Cecily Duchess of York remained behind with her daughter Margaret and 2 sons George and Richard.

Anne O'Brien @anneobrienauthor.bsky.social · 1d

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. The lane still looks green but hemmed in by mist.

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Anne O'Brien @anneobrienauthor.bsky.social · 2d

On this day 12th October 1459 the Battle of Ludford Bridge.
In the face of the numerous Lancastrian troops, the Yorkist leaders including York, Salisbury, March and Warwick, retreated to Ludlow Castle, then fled.
This is Ludford Bridge with the River Teme in spate last year.

Anne O'Brien @anneobrienauthor.bsky.social · 2d

I share your anticipation. I have just finished planting crocus in pots with spring in mind.

Anne O'Brien @anneobrienauthor.bsky.social · 2d

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. Very little to see since the morning mist has thickened to fog.

Anne O'Brien @anneobrienauthor.bsky.social · 2d

Today we are celebrating #BookshopDay.
Still time to call into your local indie bookshop and buy a book.
Rossiters if you live in this part of the world.
I came out with two unexpected books this morning ...

Anne O'Brien @anneobrienauthor.bsky.social · 2d

Good morning ...

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Anne O'Brien @anneobrienauthor.bsky.social · 3d

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. Dogwoods in autumn splendour.

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Anne O'Brien @anneobrienauthor.bsky.social · 4d

#onthisday 10th October 1361 the marriage of Edward of Woodstock, known to history as the Black Prince, and Joan the Fair Maid of Kent, in Westminster Abbey, after her prevous two marital adventures.
Joan from the Church of St Mary the Virgin in Ware, Kent, by Christoper Whall.

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Anne O'Brien @anneobrienauthor.bsky.social · 4d

Today is #MentalHealthDay
Whether happy or sad, give someone you love a hug. You will both enjoy the experience.

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Anne O'Brien @anneobrienauthor.bsky.social · 4d

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. Grey and misty but all is made more cheerful by the holly berries.

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Anne O'Brien @anneobrienauthor.bsky.social · 5d

Another gem from the margins of the marvelous Luttrell Psalter, commissioned by Sir Geoffrey Luttrell (died 1345), a wealthy English landowner.
A lady and gentleman enjoying a board game in a garden. There seems to be a high wind as the lady's veils are in dramatic flight.

Anne O'Brien @anneobrienauthor.bsky.social · 5d

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. Grey and chilly. A gorgeous little flock of long tailed tits squabbling on the bird feeders to brighten it up.

Anne O'Brien @anneobrienauthor.bsky.social · 7d

On this day died unexpectedly in Italy Lionel of Antwerp, Duke of Clarence, second son of King Edward III.
His claim to the throne passed to his daughter Philippa, married to the Mortimer Earl of March, with many repercussions for the future royal claims.
Lionel a weeper on the tomb of his father.

Anne O'Brien @anneobrienauthor.bsky.social · 7d

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. Very grey over into Wales but the chairs might tempt later. A pair of kites circling overhead.

Anne O'Brien @anneobrienauthor.bsky.social · 8d

Some medieval multi-tasking.
Another splendid illustration from the margins of the 14th Century Book of Hours, the Luttrell Psalter.
A lady with a distaff for spinning yarn under her arm, at the same time she is feeding the chicks.

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Anne O'Brien @anneobrienauthor.bsky.social · 8d

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. Autumn leaves colouring up well. The acer even kept its leaves during the high winds.

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Anne O'Brien @anneobrienauthor.bsky.social · 9d

The high winds and rain of Storm Amy now over.
All is calm and quiet.
Still a perfect moment to immerse yourself in the stormy lives of 2 intrepid women in the Wars of the Roses.
Only 99p for Kindle readers who love historical fiction in the UK. amazon.co.uk/Queen-Counte...

Anne O'Brien @anneobrienauthor.bsky.social · 9d

Medieval Life.
A lady with a pet squirrel wearing a belled collar.
Drawn in the margin of the famous Luttrell Psalter which is a 14th-century illuminated Book of Hours commissioned for Sir Geoffrey Luttrell of Lincolnshire.

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Anne O'Brien @anneobrienauthor.bsky.social · 9d

Good morning from the Welsh Marches. All is restored to normality after Storm Amy.

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Anne O'Brien @anneobrienauthor.bsky.social · 10d

High winds and rain thanks to Storm Amy.
What better excuse needed to curl up with a book and immerse yourself in the lives of 2 intrepid women in the Wars of the Roses.
Only 99p for Kindle readers who love historical fiction in the UK.
amazon.co.uk/Queen-Counte...

Anne O'Brien @anneobrienauthor.bsky.social · 10d

Good news for the start of #October
Only 99c for Kindle readers inteh US who love historical fiction.
The perfect autumn read.
'Be warned: it’s dangerously addictive.’
Step into the world of the fascinating Paston family in A MARRIAGE OF FORTUNE. amazon.com/Marriage-For...

Anne O'Brien @anneobrienauthor.bsky.social · 10d

Bright at present but rain threatening and high winds thrashing the trees. What better day for lingering in a quiet library. This magnificent library is the one at Cardiff Castle, although perhaps it needs a comfortable chair or two to make it perfect.

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