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There are one million new books published each year. With so many books and so little time, where do you begin to find your next must-read? There’s the New York Times Bestseller list, the Goodreads app, the Cape Library’s Staff picks shelf and now Martin’s Must-Reads.Every Wednesday at 6:42 and 8:42 a.m., and Sunday at 8:18 a.m., Betty Martin recommends a must read based on her own personal biases for historical fiction, quirky characters and overall well-turned phrases. Her list includes WWII novels, biographies of trailblazers, novels with truly unique individuals and lots more. Reading close to 100 titles a year, Betty has plenty of titles to share.Local support for "Martin's Must Reads" comes from the Cape Girardeau Public Library and the Poplar Bluff Municipal Library.

Martin's Must-Reads: 'The Lost Queen'

“There are those who will argue such things should not be written. The songs are for the Keepers. Have I, of all people, forgotten the written word is sacred? But who am I, if not a Keeper of the Old Way? My name is Languoreth, daughter of Morten.”

I’m Betty Martin with "Martin’s Must Reads" and that quote comes at the end of the historical fantasy The Lost Queen by Signe Pike. This book, the first of a trilogy, was ranked as one of the best Fiction for 2018 and has been compared to the Outlander and the Mists of Avalon series.

It introduces Languoreth, a forgotten historical queen of 6th century Scotland, who is the twin sister of the man who inspired the legend of Merlin. When the story begins in 550 A.D., Languoreth and her twin are ten and grieving the recent death of their mother. With rich detail and smooth writing, the author takes us through the following 20 years during which Languoreth and her brother Lailoken are groomed for, and meet their respective destinies: hers to an advantageous marriage for her people and Lailoken’s as a counselor to a king. There is court intrigue, romantic interludes and gritty violence throughout this female-centered historical saga.

Author Signe Pike spent six years researching Celtic history and the history upon which the Merlin myth is based to write this engrossing tale. I can’t wait for the second book.

If you’re a fan of the Arthurian legends, you must read The Lost Queen by Signe Pike.

Betty Martin was born in Boston, Massachusetts to a Lutheran pastor and his organist wife. Betty’s love of books was inspired by her father who read to all four children each night.
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