This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Alex Ndirangu for Readers' Favorite
The Northmen have been ravaging villages along the coast and inland, and now the calm in Bayeux, Neustria, the Kingdom of the West Franks, is about to change. It is Easter Sunday, April 12th, AD 890, and many Bayeux residents are in church when the shouts and screams become louder. The Northmen are closing in, which can only mean one thing: war! Poppa's life will change irrevocably as unwelcome changes occur in this tranquil town. Her father agrees to submit to Hrólfr, the head of the Northmen, and have Poppa's hand joined to Hrólf's in marriage. Poppa is only 14 at this point, and Hrólfr isn't particularly attracted to his young bride. He leaves Poppa and sets off to advance his political objectives. Their life together after Poppa joins him will be unpredictable and could leave Poppa feeling betrayed by her husband. How will Poppa demonstrate that she can rise above the harsh realities that life has thrown her way? She may forgive her husband, but will she continue to love him the same way? Pick up a copy of Cathie Dunn's Ascent to find out.
Cathie Dunn transports us back over a thousand years in the most meaningful way that will appeal to any reader. She has woven an intriguing story using the scant information we have about the period and its key players. The blissful love story included in the book added to the thrill. The setting was made more beautiful by the community and individuals in the tale. There were friends, foes, and allies, and each was motivated differently, whether by love, hatred, or greed. The story flowed beautifully. I never expected such a complex plot whose ending would be riveting and unusual. Every character was brilliant and well-developed, from A' Star to the supporting cast. They all played significant roles, which helped me remember them. The list of characters at the beginning was most helpful in providing a quick reference every time I returned to the story. Ascent would satisfy any reader looking for a well-written work of historical fiction.
