suggestmeabook like Follett’s Kingsbridge series – I’ve almost finished the last one

Not generally a historical fiction and I don't care for fantasy but I loved this series! I think what I found most attractive was: a dialogue driven plot (I generally dislike pages and pages of internal monologues or narrative prose, thus, I DNF'd The Name of the Rose), sympathetic characters, and a fascination with medieval Europe. I was thinking one of Bernard Cornwell's series or perhaps Kristin Lavransdatter – would either of these be a good next book? perhaps something else? FWIW, I've read Between Two Fires and didn't care for it….I know, picky, picky….Thanks ya'll for any help, I will read & consider all replies.