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Crusader's Path Kindle Edition

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 6 ratings

A redemptive crusade. A test of faith. A defiant love.

Driven by a quest for redemption, Etienne answers Pope Urban II’s call and joins the perilous Crusade led by Duke Robert of Normandy, aiming for Byzantium’s grandeur. Avielle, touched by Peter the Hermit’s words, commits to martyrdom after the brutal massacre at Mainz. In Constantinople, their paths converge, and amidst shared remorse, a tender love flourishes despite Avielle’s affliction. As Etienne beseeches the heavens for her recovery, pledging a monastic future, her health improves. Now, with Avielle on the mend, Etienne grapples with a heart-wrenching choice: uphold his sacred vow or yield to the call of his heart.

From the Publisher

Crusader's Path by Mary Ann Bernal

Crusader's Path by Mary Ann Bernal

Crusader's Path by Mary Ann Bernal

Crusader's Path by Mary Ann Bernal

A Gripping Tale of Love and Redemption

Crusader's Path by Mary Ann Bernal

Three Big Flashpoints You'll Discover

  • The Call to Arms
  • Casualties among the carnage
  • Love forged in the fires of a Holy War

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.

While Etienne heeds the call of His Holiness, Urban II, to free the Holy Land from the infidels, Avielle joins the humble army of pilgrims.

Etienne and Avielle cross paths in Constantinople, where a spark becomes a flame.

When Avielle contracts leprosy, Etienne makes a promise to God in exchange for healing Avielle of her affliction.

Will Etienne find redemption or risk eternal damnation to be with the woman he loves?

Editorial Reviews

Review

What a journey Bernal takes her readers on! Crusader's Path is a richly detailed and emotionally charged story that is utterly unputdownable. With carefully crafted prose and a narrative that is as lucid as it is detailed, Bernal shows us what the Holy War was like for both the Crusaders and those who got in the way of their goal. It is a story of sacrifice and loss, but above everything else, it is a story of love. This is the kind of book that sends shivers down your spine.

This portrayal of love in Crusader's Path is slightly different when compared to what one would expect from a traditional historical romance. It takes a while for the two protagonists to find each other, which worked exceptionally well for this story. Etienne and Avielle's love is forged in the fires of a Holy War. Their love is a welcomed relief to the horrors of the battlefield and the sickroom. But it is also a love that cannot be withheld, despite the social difference between the two. Etienne and Avielle are not looking for love when they find each other, but they both recognise that they are meant to be together, which is exceedingly romantic.

Bernal has masterfully depicted the horrors of the First Crusade. There are some profoundly upsetting scenes in this book, and there are certainly many casualties in this war. Bernal's portrayal of what became known in history as the Rhineland Massacres of the Jews, in particular, the persecution and the destruction of Jewish communities in Mentz (Mainz) left me reaching for the tissues. The Siege of Antioch was also particularly well-drawn-- Bernal captured the horrors in the Crusader's camp as food ran scare and disease took hold. She also demonstrated the rivalry between Godfrey of Bouillon and Raymond IV, Count of Toulouse, fabulously. The historical detailing in this book is staggering. Bernal has captured the very essence of what it must have been like to follow men such as Peter of Amiens (Peter the Hermit) and The Army of Robert Curthose of Normandy which was led by Robert,Duke of Normandy.

If you are looking for your next great Historical Fiction book then look no further than Crusader's Path by Mary Ann Bernal. I think this may well be Bernal's best book yet!

I Highly Recommend. The Coffee Pot Book Club

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B084F3PGRQ
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Whispering Legends Press (April 12, 2020)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 12, 2020
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 6179 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 316 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ B086Y5JKJY
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 6 ratings

About the author

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Mary Ann Bernal
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Mary Ann Bernal is a distinguished alumna of Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry, NY, where she earned her degree in Business Administration. Her journey into the literary world reached a milestone with the 2009 publication of her debut novel in The Briton and the Dane series. Mary Ann’s repertoire extends beyond historical fiction, encompassing diverse genres, including a collection of contemporary short stories, a science fiction/fantasy novel, and thrilling action and adventure novellas.

Her latest literary contributions include “Crusader’s Path,” a poignant redemption tale amidst the tumult of the First Crusade; “Forgiving Nero,” a compelling exploration of familial dynamics in Ancient Rome; and the “AnaRose” adventure series, chronicling the daring escapades of a museum curator turned relic hunter.

A fervent advocate for the United States military since Operation Desert Storm, Mary Ann has actively participated in letter-writing campaigns and various support initiatives. Her dedication to the military community garnered attention on “The Morning Blend” show on KMTV, Omaha’s CBS affiliate, and an interview with the Omaha World-Herald. As a celebrated author, she has graced numerous reader blogs and promotional platforms with her presence. Mary Ann cherishes her life in Elkhorn, Nebraska, where she continues to inspire through her written works.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
6 global ratings

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  • Kindle Customer
    3.0 out of 5 stars Story
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 5, 2023
    The story never really warned up
    It needed more passionate depth
    Lacking in being able to transport the reader to feel the burning sun taste the sand when in the dessert .

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