WINTER TAPESTRY, by Kathy Lynn Emerson, Harper Paperbacks, 389 pages, $4.50.

Weaving in and out of turbulent Tudor history and the plots between Queen Mary and would-be-Queen Elizabeth is a personal story of intrigue in a family involved in those machinations of the throne. This is the background for “Winter Tapestry,” a romantic novel written by versatile Maine author Kathy Lynn Emerson. I say versatile because although she obviously enjoys mystery and writing for young people she is equally skilled with non-fiction, having published a biography of Nellie Bly, “Making Headlines,” and a study of 16th century women, “Wives and Daughters.”

Having been a teacher, librarian and college instructor, she brings an expertise with historical lore which puts this romantic novel a cut above most. This writer is one who knows how to interlace fact and fiction quite painlessly into the story. Thus from clothing, customs, personalities of actual people to the making of marchpane, all is quite smoothly integrated into her colorful tale. In her hands this kind of detail only serves to enrich this entertainment.

The heroine of “Winter Tapestry” is Cordell, the impulsive and determined daughter of Sir Anthony Shelby who finds her father poisoned in a Strasbourg tavern. She immediately vows to solve this murder even though she knows she must return to England as soon as possible. The only way she can ensure safe passage is as the bride of her father’s friend, courtier Roger Allington. Sparks fly immediately for one distrusts, and the other dislikes, the situation in which they find themselves. Needless to say, this launches the reader in a maze of subterfuge which is bound to hold interest. Even though it might seem to some as light reading, it is far from it, so lucidly are the various historical strands presented.

There is a neat footnote included which summarizes the fate of the famous who appear in this saga. Seldom have I seen such, so succinctly handled. But do not let this kind of detail put you off. This is excellent reading entertainment, especially in this season.

The author is a resident of Wilton.

Marion Flood French is a free-lance writer who resides in Bangor.