#SaturdayStarter features one story, specifically the beginning of the story. The beginning of the book will be shared along with the book blurb and where you can find the book in case the opening piques your interest. Happy reading!
The Roman Empire had fallen, but remnants of its might and power laid scattered throughout all of Christendom. High upon the hill, overgrowth covered the ancient floors of a magnificent villa whose walls had long since crumbled. An esteemed soldier received the land from Julius Caesar as payment for years of faithful service. His descendants lingered after the legions had returned to Rome to defend the Empire against the invading barbarians. The decision to stay saved the blood line for generations until a contagion destroyed what warriors could not. Word quickly spread that death awaited visitors to the palatial estate, isolating the fertile land and deeming the region uninhabitable. ~Crusader’s Path by Mary Ann Bernal
Book Blurb: From the sweeping hills of Argences to the port city of Cologne overlooking the River Rhine, Etienne and Avielle find themselves drawn by the need for redemption against the backdrop of the First Crusade. Heeding the call of His Holiness, Urban II, to free the Holy Land from the infidel, Etienne follows Duke Robert of Normandy across the treacherous miles, braving sweltering heat and snow-covered mountain passes while en route to the Byzantine Empire. Moved by Peter of Amiens’ charismatic rhetoric in the streets of the Holy Roman Empire, Avielle joins the humble army of pilgrims. Upon arrival in Mentz, the peasant Crusaders do the unthinkable, destroying the Jewish Community. Consumed with guilt, Avielle is determined to die fighting for Christ, assuring her place in Heaven. Etienne and Avielle cross paths in Constantinople, where they commiserate over past misdeeds. A spark becomes a flame, but when Avielle contracts leprosy, Etienne makes a promise to God, offering to take the priest cowl in exchange for ridding Avielle of her affliction. Will Etienne be true to his word if Avielle is cleansed of the contagion, or will he risk eternal damnation to be with the woman he loves?
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