Historical Fiction Author of the Month: Tony Riches

Welcome to my new Blog Series, Historical Fiction Author of the Month.

Each month, I will showcase a different historical fiction author. Their books will range from romance to mystery and adventure, and will be from many different eras. I hope you discover a new author and their work to enjoy. Happy reading!

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In this post, I am delighted to feature author, Tony Riches.

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Tony Riches

Tony Riches is a full-time UK author of Tudor historical fiction. He lives with his wife in Pembrokeshire, West Wales and is a specialist in the lives of the Tudors. As well as his new Elizabethan series, Tony’s historical fiction novels include the best-selling Tudor trilogy and his Brandon trilogy, (about Charles Brandon and his wives). Tony also has a popular podcast series, Stories of the Tudors. For more information about Tony’s books visit his website www.tonyriches.com and his blog, The Writing Desk and find him on  Facebook and Twitter @tonyriches

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I’m sure readers are curious to know what enticed you to write in this genre in particular, Tony?

I was born in Pembroke, birthplace of Henry Tudor, who became King Henry VII and began the Tudor Dynasty, but I only began to study its history when I returned to the area as a full-time author. I also took part in the successful campaign for a statue of Henry Tudor to be placed in front of Pembroke Castle.

I found several accounts of Henry’s life, but no novels which brought the truth of his story to life. The idea for the Tudor Trilogy occurred to me when I realised Henry Tudor could be born in book one, ‘come of age’ in book two, and rule England as king in book three, so there would be plenty of scope to explore his life and times.

I’m pleased to say all three books of the Tudor trilogy became best-sellers in the US and UK, and I decided to write a ‘sequel’ about the life of Henry VII’s daughter, Mary Tudor, who became Queen of France. This developed into the Brandon trilogy, as I was intrigued by the life of Mary’s second husband, Charles Brandon, the best friend of Henry VIII. The final book of the Brandon trilogy, about his last wife, Katherine Willoughby, has also become an international best-seller.

Katherine saw Elizabeth I become queen, and I began writing an Elizabethan series, so that my books tell the continuous stories of the Tudors from Owen Tudor’s first meeting with Queen Catherine of Valois through to the end of Queen Elizabeth’s reign.

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Explore Tony’s Books

The fascinating story of the rise of the Tudor dynasty, from Welsh Servant Owen Tudor meeting the lonely widowed Queen Catherine of Valois.

Based on first hand research including following in Henry Tudors footsteps to remote Brittany, and his return to the Battle of Bosworth to become the first Tudor King of England.  

https://mybook.to/TheTudorTrilogybooks

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Discover the true story of Charles Brandon, best friend of King Henry VIII – and his wives Mary Tudor and Katherine Willoughby. Based on actual events of courage, passion and adventure in the turbulent world of the Tudor court.

Mary Tudor watches her elder brother become King of England and wonders what the future holds for her.

https://mybook.to/TheBrandonTrilogy

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Enter the court of Queen Elizabeth with the Elizabethan Series  

Three favourites of Queen Elizabeth I who saw different facets of her. Drake showered her with gold and jewels, Essex was the errant son she never had. Raleigh was her protector.

https://mybook.to/TheElizabethanSeries

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You can find out more about Tony and his work by checking out his social media links below:

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I’m delighted to share that next month’s author is Carol Hedges

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