This page collects all my posts about medieval and renaissance history and culture, including book reviews and conference presentations.
Tracy Borman is a formidable Tudor historian and a purposeful writer. I’ve read many of her nonfiction books, including Anne Boleyn and Elizabeth I, The Private Lives of the Tudors, and Crown & Sceptre. Borman’s work is consistently engaging, lively, and well-researched. The House of Boleyn is Borman’s latest historical novel, and it was released … More Book Review: THE HOUSE OF BOLEYN by Tracy Borman
For the past few years, I have embarked on an independent study of medieval and Renaissance Europe. I’ve read 30+ books and enrolled in several digital courses. I’ve attended live video discussions with historians and participated virtually in a Tudor conference. I’ve just finished Dr. Lacey Bonar Hull’s 16-week course, Women in Late Medieval England. … More Course Review: Women in Late Medieval England
Professor Jill Burke’s How to Be A Renaissance Woman: The Untold Story of Beauty and Female Creativity (Pegasus Books, 2024)is an extraordinary confluence of Renaissance culture, women’s history, and cosmetic history. Jill Burke tracks Renaissance beauty standards, cosmetic trends, and their cultural influences. Burke collects historical, literary, and artistic sources to create a fascinating exploration. … More Book Review: HOW TO BE A RENAISSANCE WOMAN by Jill Burke
Alison Weir’s The Boleyn Secret is hot off the presses — and fresh out of the recording studios. This latest installment of Tudor historical fiction was released in May 2026. I listened to the audiobook, narrated by Rosalyn Landor, who has been an exceptional performer of Weir’s Six Queens series, The King’s Pleasure, and The … More Book Review: THE BOLEYN SECRET by Alison Weir
As a lover of history, I appreciate the precise details and human experience that create the historical novel. Historical fiction can be rife with purple prose, blatant inaccuracies, and needless eroticism. But when it is done well, a historical novel makes characters come to life, building empathy and perspective. The latest stop on my medieval … More Book Review: JANE THE QUENE by Janet Wertman
I attended and presented at Tudorcon for the first time this weekend! I chose the “Tudorcon from home” option which allowed me to view all the talks on Zoom, participate in live Q&As, and present my talk digitally. I was impressed with the accessibility measures taken by the conference organizers. All sessions were recorded, and … More My talk at Tudorcon 2025!
Several months ago, I began my foray into Tudor history. I’ve found joy in a plethora of history podcasts. In no particular order, here are the five Tudor podcasts I never miss! Some lovely features in common with all five podcasts: Talking Tudors Hosted by Natalie Grueninger, Talking Tudors is a rich exploration of Tudor … More Top 5 Tudor Podcasts
For the past eight months, I have been rediscovering my love of medieval and renaissance history through books and podcasts. I’m having a blast! So I’m documenting my research journey here with some reviews. Today I’m reviewing The Cardinal: A Novel of Love and Power by Alison Weir (Ballantine, 2025). I’ve read all six of … More Book Review: THE CARDINAL by Alison Weir
On the Blink 