The Girl of Many Crowns - Book Tour and Giveaway

​The true story of a powerful Knight and a runaway Queen who unite to defy an empire.
 

The Girl of Many Crowns
by D.H. Morris
Genre: Historical Fiction

​"The Girl of Many Crowns" is the true and inspiring story of Judith, the first princess of France, who is a pawn in a complex political game of chess as her father, King Charles, tries to hold on to his kingdom. King Charles, grandson of Emperor Charlemagne, is beset on every side by Vikings, rebel lords, and greedy neighboring monarchs. He marries 12-year-old Judith to Aethelwulf, the aging King of Wessex, for political advantage. When she is widowed less than two years later, he arranges a second marriage for her. But, when Judith refuses to marry a third time at her father's command, King Charles imprisons her in one of his palaces.

Baldwin Iron Arm is a powerful knight from Flanders who pledges loyalty to King Charles and his family. As the companion of Judith's brother, Louis, he fulfills his oath by protecting King Charles' family from Vikings, rebel lords, wars, and assassination plots. He is conflicted when he must choose between obeying the king and rescuing his daughter Judith from her imprisonment.
 
 
Amazon * Bookbub * Goodreads
​
​

​Gauzlin gave valuable instruction as they walked. “The king is consulting with John Scotus, an Irish scholar and adviser to the king. They are discussing the upcoming summer assembly. Every summer, nobles from all over the kingdom gather to discuss current laws and vote on any changes proposed by the king.”
Gauzlin paused before a double door with a posted guard. “We will enter when admitted by the keeper of the door and wait at the back of the room until we are summoned forward. This is no time for cowardice, young Baldwin. Do not speak unless the king speaks directly to you. But if he asks you a question, speak boldly and clearly. Speak your mind and speak truth. It is what the king expects and what he admires.” They presented themselves to the keeper of the door for admittance.
The throne room was long and spacious, with a large table off to one side. Mirroring the detailed carving of the throne itself, the ceiling was arched with intricate wood inlay. Behind the throne, the wall displayed Francia’s royal banner–blue, with gold embroidery and fringe. From Baldwin’s vantage, King Charles appeared to be in his late thirties, tall and slender. His brown hair and beard had a reddish tint, and he wore a pale blue tunic with purple leggings denoting his status as king.
King Charles’ demeanor was thoughtful but confident as he deliberated with his silver-haired counselor. Whether sitting or pacing restlessly about the room, it was evident that the king was in command. When the discussion concerning the next assembly ended, King Charles beckoned Gauzlin and Baldwin forward. The aged scholar, John Scotus, examined Baldwin with eager curiosity. Determined not to reveal his nervousness, Baldwin followed Gauzlin’s lead, bowing deeply until the king addressed them.
“So, this is the ‘Iron Arm?’” King Charles stood and approached Baldwin. “You are accomplished in all forms of battle?”
“Yes, Sire. I have experience in fighting the Viking raiders.” Baldwin spoke with what he hoped was the right amount of boldness.
“Have you learned to read?”  the king wished to know.
“Sire, my mother saw to it that I was well instructed in reading, arithmetic, military tactics, history, manners, and music.”
“Excellent. I wish all in my kingdom were as well educated. Perhaps, someday, we will be able to spend more time on learning and less on war.” The king exchanged a meaningful glance with John Scotus.
 “And your mother, how does she fare?” King Charles inquired.
“She fares well, my King,” was Baldwin’s reply.
“Has she kinsmen to look out for her interests?” 
“Yes, Sire.” 
“Then, I hope you will stay and serve our court for some long time, Baldwin Iron Arm,” the king continued, seemingly pleased. “Will you pledge loyalty to me, Baldwin?” 
“I will gladly, Sire,” Baldwin answered confidently, placing his closed fist over his heart.
“For that, I thank you, young knight. I have seven children, and the queen is even now great with child. Will you also pledge to defend my family?”
“I pledge to defend them with my life, Sire.”  The conviction in Baldwin’s voice rang true.
“Many dangers threaten our kingdom, demanding all our cunning and resources to keep them at bay. I need someone with your talents to help my son Louis prepare to someday lead an army in battle–and survive. Louis will shortly be crowned king of Neustria. I will appoint administrators for him over Neustria until he is prepared to assume control. In the interim, he will need to become a leader of men, on and off the battlefield.” 
The king paused as if considering and then spoke with decisiveness. “I desire you to play a role in my son’s development. I offer you the position of companion, defender, and arms instructor of Prince Louis. Will you pledge to faithfully train Prince Louis in the very arts of battle you have mastered and defend him with your life, if necessary?”
Baldwin was momentarily stunned into silence. This was neither what he had expected nor wished for when he had set out on his journey. He had been trained to fight, and he was eager to prove himself in battle against his king’s many foes. What did he know of teaching a child prince? But this was the employment he was being offered. Baldwin was wise enough to know that this assignment was not only a great responsibility but also a great honor. He could do nothing but accept it.
“Sire,” he promised with all sincerity. “I will devote all that I am to achieve the result you desire.”
“Well spoken, Baldwin Iron Arm,” the king looked pleased. “Gauzlin, give Baldwin every resource necessary to accomplish his assignment. Dress him as a member of the royal household. If he is to be the future king’s companion, he must look the part. Oh, and find him quarters within the palace, readily available to Prince Louis.” 
The king moved toward his throne and then turned back, “Serve me well, young Baldwin Iron Arm, and you may become a count in your own right, as your father was before you.”
Gauzlin appeared pleased as they left the palace and began walking back toward the barracks. “You acquitted yourself well, young Baldwin,” he grinned. “King Charles likes you. What are your feelings after meeting the king?”
 

​A native of San Diego, California, D. H. Morris has lived on four continents and traveled through many countries. She has four children and eleven grandchildren and currently lives in Kansas City, Missouri. She graduated from Utah State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre and Choral Music education and pursued graduate work in English at USU and law at the University of Utah. She is also a published playwright.

As a descendant of Judith and Baldwin, the author discovered their intriguing story while doing a genealogical project. This journey inspired her to research everything about the 9 th Century – including food, politics, travel, war, education, clothing, jewelry, religion, holidays, marriage customs, and medicine. She loves talking about this remarkable time in history when the European countries we know today were being formed and fighting for their very existence.
 
 
Website * Facebook * Instagram *  Amazon * Goodreads
​

​AN EPIC QUEST
- by D. H. Morris
 
Many families have that one aunt or uncle who seems to know everything there is to know about the family origins. For our family it was my mother’s sister, my Aunt Geraldine.  She was the fount of all wisdom and had a plethora of charts and stories to prove it. When my husband and I married, Aunt Geraldine gave us a genealogy book complete with pedigree charts and family group sheets as well as an enormous family tree that traced one line of our family back to the 8th century emperor Charlemagne and beyond. It soon became apparent that Aunt Geraldine, foreseeing the time when she would pass the genealogy torch, had gifted my husband and me these records hoping that we might become the family roots experts for the next generation. I was skeptical at first, but my husband was all for it. And as soon as I started finding some success in doing research, I too was bitten by the genealogy bug.

I soon discovered that a mystery existed on the line that went back so many centuries. It seemed that a girl named Judith – born about 844 - improbably appeared in four different places on my family tree. Surely, this could not be the same person! It made no sense to me, so I set out to prove the record wrong and set it right. Instead, I uncovered a fascinating series of events that confirmed the records while painting an inspiring picture of courage, love, and self-determination. Intrigued by the story of Baldwin Iron Arm and Judith of Francia, I collected research about them and their world over several decades. But it took the forced isolation of Covid for me to put it all together, add more research to it, and finally write their story.

The plot of The Girl of Many Crowns is dictated by the historical events recorded by 9th-century monks in their annual records written at the end of each year as recorded in The Annals of St. Bertin and other contemporary records.  I was surprised by how many original sources still exist today – albeit mainly in Latin or German. Some of these sources were detailed enough to even provide a few conversations and speeches that took place during the events covered in the book. To preserve authenticity and draw the reader into the 9-century world – I adopted their more formal way of expressing themselves when writing dialog.

All but two or three of the minor characters in the book are actual historical figures. My extensive research revealed complex characters set in surprising circumstances who were faced with daunting challenges and poignant choices.  I tried to incorporate in the story any fun facts I discovered about these characters. For example, Judith’s mother, Queen Engelberga, was a renowned embroiderer whose work adorned palaces and cathedrals throughout Francia. One story that intrigues me and cries out to be written is that of Judith’s grandmother and namesake the Empress Judith. Her Cinderella-like courtship with Judith’s grandfather has inspired me to begin researching and writing a prequel to The Girl of Many Crowns based on her heroic life.

A genealogical question began my journey into the ninth century. Along the way, I discovered so many stories of other historical figures – amazing stories of passion, adventure, and love that cry out to be told. I certainly do not have the capacity to bring all of them to life. I hope that my quest will inspire other writers looking for powerful stories to tell to look back in time – perhaps into their own ancestors’ lives and find those hidden gems. The epic journey is so worth it!   

​

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!
​ 
Oct 9
kickoff at Silver Dagger Book Tours
Royally Insane Books
  
Oct 10
☼  A Place In The  Spotlight ☼  with M.C.V. EGAN
Midnight Book Reader
  
Oct 11
Plain Talk Book Marketing
Haley Cavanagh Books
  
Oct 14
All The Write Stuff
All Things Dark & Dirty
  
Oct 15
Sharon Buchbinder Blog Spot
Momma Says: To Read or Not to Read
  
Oct 16
IS HISTORY THE AGREED UPON LIE? Historical Fact & Historical Fiction.
  
Oct 17
I'm Into Books
My beauty my books
  
Oct 18
Book Reviews by the Reluctant Retiree
Book Review Virginia Lee Blog
  
Oct 21
J.M. Northrup
Books all things paranormal and romance
 
Oct 22
Bedazzled By Books
Literary Gold
 
Oct 23
M.C.V. EGAN ❧Defining Ways❧
Celticlady's Reviews
 
Oct 24
Tina Donahue - Heat with Heart
Stormy Nights Reviewing & Bloggin'
  
Oct 25
C.A.Milson
Country Mamas With Kids
 
Oct 27
Sweaters and Raindrops – GUEST POST
  
Oct 28
Girl with Pen
 
Oct 29
Webs and Blogs For Writers
Sylv.net
  
Oct 30
Insane Books
The Scratching Post
  
Oct 31
Inside the Insanity – GUEST POST
The Bookshelf Fairy
 
Nov 1
The Book Dragon
 
Nov 4
Trixie Reports Books
Book Bites....with a side of coffee
 
Nov 5
ⒾⓃⓉⓇⓄⓈⓅⒺⒸⓉⒾⓋⒺ ⓅⓇⒺⓈⓈ ASTROLOGY
  
Nov 6
Painting With Words
Craving Lovely Books
 
Nov 7
History from a Woman’s Perspective – REVIEW
 
Nov 8
Twisted Book Ramblings
 
Nov 9
Scrupulous Dreams
​

a Rafflecopter giveaway