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A Song for Mary
A Song for Mary is a period piece set in Tudor England about two gay musicians in the court of Mary Tudor prior to her ascension as queen.
Mary Tudor is looking for a new court musician. Henry plays the viola da gamba well enough but has the voice of an angel. Thomas doesn't sing very well but is a brilliant lutist. After the auditions, in a surprising move, Mary hires them both. Thomas and Henry are not pleased with this and find themselves rivals. But Mary has ordered them to work together.
After weeks of tension, Mary commands them to drink a cask together and either work it out or else she might have to look for a new musician. Well into the evening, (and more than a little drunk) Henry and Thomas finally start talking.
Will they be able to resolve their differences or will they be sent packing? And how will they navigate being gay in such a time and place?
Mary Tudor is looking for a new court musician. Henry plays the viola da gamba well enough but has the voice of an angel. Thomas doesn't sing very well but is a brilliant lutist. After the auditions, in a surprising move, Mary hires them both. Thomas and Henry are not pleased with this and find themselves rivals. But Mary has ordered them to work together.
After weeks of tension, Mary commands them to drink a cask together and either work it out or else she might have to look for a new musician. Well into the evening, (and more than a little drunk) Henry and Thomas finally start talking.
Will they be able to resolve their differences or will they be sent packing? And how will they navigate being gay in such a time and place?
220 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 27, 2024
About the author
Sam Carnes
9 books8 followersSam Carnes writes stories of love between men across history and legend.
Drawn to the richness of history, mythology, and storytelling, he creates novels and novellas that transport readers to other times and places. From medieval England and ancient Peru to the lost civilization of Atlantis, his stories combine romance, adventure, friendship, and discovery with immersive settings and memorable characters.
As a gay author, representation in literature is important to him. His work seeks to present authentic LGBTQ characters while exploring themes of love, belonging, courage, and human connection across cultures, centuries, and even legendary ages long forgotten. He is also committed to including forms of representation that have often been overlooked in fiction, particularly the experiences and perspectives of men who have not been circumcised. By portraying such characters in positive ways, he hopes to broaden representation in literature and encourage respect for bodily integrity.
Whether writing historical fiction or historical fantasy, Sam's goal is to create stories that transport readers to other times and places through adventures shaped by romance, friendship, discovery, and the enduring search for human connection.
Drawn to the richness of history, mythology, and storytelling, he creates novels and novellas that transport readers to other times and places. From medieval England and ancient Peru to the lost civilization of Atlantis, his stories combine romance, adventure, friendship, and discovery with immersive settings and memorable characters.
As a gay author, representation in literature is important to him. His work seeks to present authentic LGBTQ characters while exploring themes of love, belonging, courage, and human connection across cultures, centuries, and even legendary ages long forgotten. He is also committed to including forms of representation that have often been overlooked in fiction, particularly the experiences and perspectives of men who have not been circumcised. By portraying such characters in positive ways, he hopes to broaden representation in literature and encourage respect for bodily integrity.
Whether writing historical fiction or historical fantasy, Sam's goal is to create stories that transport readers to other times and places through adventures shaped by romance, friendship, discovery, and the enduring search for human connection.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
July 10, 2025
Romp
A nice historical romp! Plenty sex and the writing is erotic. Give us more Sam!!! When did Tudor men wear trousers?
A nice historical romp! Plenty sex and the writing is erotic. Give us more Sam!!! When did Tudor men wear trousers?
August 30, 2024
I felt so invested in the characters and I appreciated that their feud lasted more than a chapter in the beginning before we get to the spicy scenes.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews