Linda Carlino's recent historical novels focus on the lives of the descendents of Ferdinand and Isabella: Queen Juana I of Spain (Juana la
Loca), her son Charles V, and her grandson Philip II of Spain.
With the publication of Wives & Other Women in late 2008 the 16th century Spanish Hapsburg family trilogy was completed.
The first book, That Other Juana, was published in English in 2007. In October 2009 it was published worldwide in Portuguese by Editorial Presença. The second, A Matter of Pride, was published in English early 2008 and Wives & Other Women was published in late 2008.
The background for the trilogy was gained mainly in Spain, visiting the sites relevant to the lives of the protagonists, and using the resources of public and private libraries, museums, and galleries.
These historical novels will appeal to all fans of historical fiction. Besides being a very good read, they breathe life into historical figures and give realistic portrayals of their complexity, aims, and motivations. They also provide accurate descriptions of the political, religious, and cultural background of the period.