Feudal tyrants; or, The Counts of Carlsheim and Sargans, volume 1 (of 4)

"Feudal Tyrants; or, The Counts of Carlsheim and Sargans" by Benedikte Naubert is an early 19th-century historical romance that dives into the worlds of feudal power, passionate love, and sorrowful loss through characters such as the grieving Elizabeth, Countess of Torrenburg, who must balance her personal feelings with the rules of society after the death of her husband. Told through letters, the story examines Elizabeth's connections with others and how the decisions she makes change her life within the noble class. The novel begins by showing Elizabeth's deep inner conflicts as she writes to friends and rivals in the area, including Abbot Conrad of Cloister-Curwald, who admires her dedication. In the letters, Elizabeth admits to past emotions surrounding a sad love as she now struggles with her role as a powerful heiress and her duties to those with less power. The historical romance promises an exciting story filled with secrets, heartache, and the pressure of high society.