The Cross and the Dragon

A tale of love in an era of war and blood feuds. Francia, 778: Alda has never forgotten Ganelon's vow of vengeance when she married his rival, Hruodland. Yet the jilted suitor's malice is nothing compared to Alda's premonition of disaster for her beloved, battle-scarred husband. Although the army invading Hispania is the largest ever and King Charles has never lost a war, Alda cannot shake her anxiety. Determined to keep Hruodland from harm, even if it exposes her to danger, Alda gives him a charmed dragon amulet. Is its magic enough to keep Alda's worst fears from coming true--and protect her from Ganelon? Inspired by legend and painstakingly researched, The Cross and the Dragon is a story of tenderness, sacrifice, lies, and revenge in the early years of Charlemagne's reign, told by a fresh, new voice in historical fiction. "Kim Rendfeld has an addictive style of writing. The strong characterization... held my interest, and I took particular pleasure in the originality of the setting. The Cross and the Dragon is a book I truly enjoyed reading." Roberta Gellis, author of the Roselynde Chronicles "This sweeping epic... [is told] in an elegant, convincing manner. The author gives us... realistic and likeable characters, making it a pleasure to dive in to a multi-layered tale." Publishers Weekly (manuscript review, 2011 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award competition) Song of Roland, Roncevaux, Charlemagne, romance, medieval, France, Germany, Spain