One of the ladies in Broad Universe, Sue Burke, who lives in Spain is doing a translation of Amadis of Gaul. This medieval romance of chivalry was a best-seller in its time all over Europe and had a whole series of spin-offs. It's one of the "seed stories" of Western Romance and the one Don Quixote satirized. There have been few translations into English, two of them abridged and another very poor.

Sue's posting it on her blog, a chapter a week on Tuesdays with comments Thursdays. The blog is absolutely gorgeous with period illustrations.

Check it out: http://amadisofgaul.blogspot.com

Ever wonder what Egyptian queens slept in? How they had their maids make up their faces for court appearances--what cosmetics, lip stain, eye shadow? Which dress went with what headpiece?

Author Michelle Moran must dream in ancient Egyptian because her sense of place is superb. This intriguing story is about Queen Nefertari, the niece of Nefertiti, the beautiful wife of Akheneton (the despised one-god pharoah).

Even if you're not a fan of Egyptology and the lore of the ancient kingdoms of the land nourished by the Nile, this novel is a Don't Miss: intriguing characters both admirable and evil, including nicely nuanced "older" women; luscious descriptions of palace rooms, rambling gardens, and courtyards; all this and a plot that surprises.
Highly recommended.