I like history a lot, but unless it's a topic I'm specifically interested in, I enjoy it in small bites. Erin Lawless's Forgotten Royal Women: The King & I is a perfect fit.

Lawless examines the lives of 30 women whose lives had significant impacts on the course of British history. They lived from 1400 BCE to the early 19th century. But, unlike queens such as Victoria or Elizabeth I and II, most of these women aren't ones we know from history class.

In just a few pages, Lawless describes the details of each life -- who they were, how they ended up in a royal station, what they did, who their parents, children or spouses were, and how they died. Some were good people, some not so good, some sought love while others wanted power. They're all interesting, and each is served up in short nuggets that make for light, pleasant reading. Lawless has a conversational style of writing that makes each chapter fast and fun, as well as informative.

The stories are interesting enough that I've already looked up some of these women online to get a little more information. And isn't that great -- when a tidbit of knowledge inspires you to seek out more?

This is a great book for anyone who enjoys British history, royal scandals and the role of women -- often behind the scenes -- in the course that shaped the empire. Good stuff.