The Needle in the Blood
Bower cleverly builds a highly sensual novel on the reimagined life of William the Conqueror's half-brother Bishop Odo of Bayeaux and his mysterious mistress. She embroiders the well-written tale with fascinating and plausible historical detail (including the process of embroidery), several mysteries surrounding the tapestry, a powerful romance and many characters' viewpoints. This will captivate historical fiction aficionados. 4 1/2 Stars, TOP PICK"Sarah bower is a talented storyteller who not only successfully brings a story to life but provides us with an accurate looking glass into the past, a glass I wanted to continue peering into long after I turned the last page." -Romance Fiction Suite 101"There is nothing like a historical re-imagining in the hands of a talented author." -The Broken Teepee"It is pure historical fiction with plenty of historical data weaved into the plot. Overall, it is an epic tale and one well worth reading! Highly recommended!" -History and Women"TheNeedle in the Bloodis a medieval adventure rife with danger, romance, and rich, historical detail. Reading this book brought the world of mid-eleventh century, Britain to life. The nitty-gritty, down-to-earth particulars of this brutal era are engrossing and educational at the same time." -Long and Short Reviews"Bower's vision of the Saxon and Norman worlds colliding is a rare look at the people and politics of this period. " -Alex in Leeds"The engaging storyline contains a passionate love subplot as Sarah Bowers reflects the essence of the brutal transition of power starting just after the Conquest and for the few years." -Genre Go Round Reviews"Sarah bower is a talented storyteller who not only successfully brings a story to life but provides us with an accurate looking glass into the past, a glass I wanted to continue peering into long after I turned the last page." -Romance Fiction on Suite 101"Those who have a love of historical fiction at its finest, a love of needlework, a love of big books with lush stories such as Ken Follet's "The Pillars of the Earth," will love this book!" -The Bookish Dame Reviews"TheNeedle in the Bloodis very intriguing and delves into some serious situations, but first and foremost it really is a love story, even though is set in history. I liked this one quite well." -Deb's Book Bag"Overall, it is an epic tale and one well worth reading! Highly recommended!" -Historical Novel Review Blog"This historical novel is well-written; the details and events depicted are believable and fascinating." -Luxury Reading