Most Popular Books by Barbara Willard

The year is A.D. 781. King Charles of the Franks is crossing the Alps with his family and court on a journey to meet with Pope Hadrian. One frosty night he speaks to his young son Carl: When we come to Rome you will know that I am naming you my heir. One day you will rule over all my lands. . . . But the King already had an heir, Pepin the Hunchback, mockingly called Gobbo. Was he to be dispossessed? Yet Carl sees that Charlemagne is determined to do what he feels is best to serve God and Europe.

Young Simon, recently and tragically orphaned, becomes a scribe in the following of the exiled Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket. The uncertainty of the tumultuous years leading to the infamous cathedral slaying is heightened by Simon''s separation from his twin Edmund, who is in the service of King Henry II. With an expert pen Barbara Willard deftly recounts events leading to the bishop''s martyrdom in 1170.

A 16-year-old, who has left her home in the English countryside to go into service with a London family in the 1930''s, gradually realizes what she really wants.

Ben visits his friend Mrs Merryfield and befriends her latest and largest animal pet.

Medley Plashet faces a life full of riddles. Why, if his father is the humble forest guide he seems, must he flee from home? Medley sets out on a dangerous journey to solve the mystery of his heritage - and uncovers the stunning significance of the sprig of broom.

Two children become curious about the departure of their grandfather''s employer, who left their "Garden Island" off Scotland years ago after instructing the gardener to faithfully keep the island beautiful until his return.

"Complications arise when the English Sarah Lattimore decides to wed Robert Graham, an American, for both have children by previous marriages. The combined family, whose common interest is a love for anything Scottish, is brought together at Sarah''s summer home in Scotland. The two English and four American children, whose ages range from 16 to 19, realize that they must learn to adapt to the situation but cannot avoid feeling resentment toward each other."--Kirkus.

Henry VIII''s quarrel with the Pope seems remote from a young Englishman''s life until his uncle finds himself guardian to a mysterious silent girl who seems to remember nothing.

It is the year 597 and Pope Gregory is sending a select number of his monks, led by Fr. Augustine, to re-evangelize England. Young Wolf, born in that land but raised in Rome, accompanies his father, Wolfstan, who goes as a guide and interpreter. Though the King of Kent''s wife is a Christian, the missionaries from Rome do not know whether they will be welcomed, tolerated or martyred. In a story full of adventure, Wolf meets Fritha, a Saxon girl whose life and destiny are soon closely bound up with his own. Events, significant in the history of Christianity, are vividly brought to life by this veteran writer of historical fiction. Illustrated by Mary Beth Owens.

When her father goes into exile after the fall of Richard III, a sheltered sixteen-year-old girl is sent to stay with an unconventional aunt.

Hetty lives with her family on the English coast and shares their turbulent year.

"Of Master Medley''s three sons it is Harry, the eldest, who inherits the past. A dark, dominating strain in his nature sets him apart, and he is forever in conflict with father. The fourth title of the series centers on Harry Medley who longs to turn the family farm into an iron foundry. But when a stranger brings the plague, disaster strikes. From the devastation there emerges for Harry a triumph both exalting and bitter.

In a London suburb, neighbors Tim and Jane become fast friends when they secretly rescue an injured wild duck and plan how to deliver it to a safe refuge.

The Journal of the Famous Rowena Lamont is the secret diary - beginning before her own birth! - of this remarkable girl. She shares it only with her new-made friend, Kate, over a Christmas holiday when they both have to stay at their boarding school. Kate gasps at the details she reads in the Journal and laughs at and admires the fantastic conversations that flow from Rowena''s lips. But, as time goes on, Kate becomes quietly worried and then alarmed at various turns of events. The book is record of a tragedy, but on the way there is comedy in abundance and the story has a pace and a warmth that will attract all Barbara Willard''s admirers and many other readers besides.

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The Medley family finds itself in the middle of a dispute between the king and Parliament, and Nicholas and Cecilia struggle to protect their home and their lives from the ravages of the king''s army and family treachery.

Rafe''s grandfather trains him to be a playactor like himself but it is the age of Oliver Cromwell and all the playhouses have been closed. Rafe has to learn another trade and finds himself torn between two loyalties.

The half-learned magic of apprentices goes awry during The Three''s inspection of the Academy for Young Witches.

In anticipation of winning a South Sea island in a dog food contest, two children trespass on the neighbor''s estate to try out island living.

The young Richleighs long to visit Tantamount which was built by an eccentric ancestor. Finally they do get to Tantamount but nothing in their life of complete luxury has prepared them for the freedom, friendship and adventure they find there.

Not wanting a dog around at all, Jill''s father gives her an impossibly small sum of money with which to buy one, but determined Jill finds a St. Bernard for free.

Colin thought the mouse in his pocket was just a stuffed one until it bit him, and then he had to make an important decision about the best home for a mouse and the proper use of a boy''s pockets.