We think of royal or aristocratic women as being spoiled ladies of leisure, but my research into the past demonstrates that the opposite was true.
At the age of 18, when Princess Kleopatra was named co-regent by her addled father, she inherited a kingdom rife with crises: drought, rebellion, massive debt, marauding Roman soldiers sent to “protect” Egypt, conniving eunuchs eager for a coup, and sibling rivalries that would eventually become fatal (for the others!). Don’t know about you, but I had more trivial problems in my teens.... Read more.
Would you believe that Queen Kleopatra’s highest self-definition was that of mother? Many will be surprised, but it is true that once she had children, her every choice was made to safeguard them—a son, Caesarion, with Julius Caesar, and a daughter, Kleopatra Selene, and two sons, Alexander Helios and Ptolemy Philadelphus, with the love of her life, Mark Antony.
ROMAN PAINTING OF KLEOPATRA AS THE GODDESS VENUS WITH HER SON CAESARION AS CUPID
It’s been one of my life’s missions to present a multi-faceted portrait of this most powerful woman. Contrary to the popular trope that she was manipulative and power-hungry, in PHARAOH: Book II of my two-volume KLEOPATRA series, you’ll read of the deep love and devotion Kleopatra had for her children as well as for the country of Egypt. In fact, the Egyptian people referred to her as Mother Egypt, a fierce protector who would stop at nothing to ensure the safety of her children and her country, even if it meant putting herself in danger—indeed, losing her life. ... Read more.
From NOW through midnight December 2nd, KLEOPATRA BOOK I: The Early Years will be on massive discount at $1.99. Grab a copy for your holiday reading.
“A spectacular read for those who love historical fiction about strong willed women!”
—Gwendalyn Books
You might also want to preorder the sequel, PHARAOH: Book II of Kleopatra, now at a special pre-order price – which will be increasing on December 15th, which is publication day.
For physical book lovers, PHARAOH will have its paperback debut early in 2023 (which is scarily soon!). Thanks to all who convinced me to produce a paperback version of KLEOPATRA, and special thanks to all who ordered it.
A few trees are down, but we now have a paperback edition of Kleopatra Book I: The Early Years.
I was surprised by the number of people who requested non-digital copies, so here they are, and the quality of printing is beyond expectation. They’re gorgeous and will make lovely holiday gifts. You can get a copy here.
And…we have a cover for Pharaoh: Book II of Kleopatra which chronicles the extremely tumultuous later years of the queen’s life as she goes to war to preserve her marriage and her kingdom.
One of the things I love most about these covers is that they are inspired by an authenticated bust of Kleopatra I saw on display for the first time in Rome in 2013. Thanks to genius book designer Maya Roman for her gorgeous renderings.
No, I’m not dead and not even slacking! I’ve been largely focused on developing projects for TV, exciting but invisible work until it comes to your screen. I can’t make announcements just yet (contractual) but please stay tuned. Fans of female forward fiction and history will not be disappointed.
MY BIG NEWS: I’ve reclaimed worldwide rights to my popular KLEOPATRA novel series and will reissue the books September 15, 2022. Based on my graduate studies and walking in the queen’s footsteps through Egypt, Greece, Rome, & Turkey—not to mention my passion for writing about women of power—these babies were ten years in the making.
KLEOPATRA BOOK I: THE EARLY YEARS. A murderous family. Blood in the streets. Betrayal. War. Exile. An untold story. Can a young princess survive? This is the story of how Kleopatra, against all odds, becomes, well, Kleopatra.
KLEOPATRA BOOK II: THE PHARAOH explores her two partnerships with Rome’s great warriors, restoring the queen’s true legacy as a beloved leader and political strategist, pursued by these men not just for her allure but for her intelligence, wealth, and power.
