Title: Ascent
Series: House of Normandy
A brutal Viking raid heralds the dawn of a new, powerful dynasty – the House of Normandy
Neustria, Kingdom of the West Franks
AD 890
Fourteen-year-old Poppa’s life changes when Northmen land near Bayeux. Count Bérengar, her father, submits to them, and she is handfasted to Hrólfr, the Northmen’s heathen leader, as part of their agreement.
To her relief, Hrólfr leaves immediately in search of further conquest, only returning to claim her years later. In the face of retaliating Franks, they flee to East Anglia, where she gives birth to their son and daughter.
When Hrólfr and Poppa return to reclaim Bayeux, his new campaign strikes at the heart of Frankish power, and King Charles of the West Franks offers him a pact he cannot refuse. In exchange for vast tracts of land in Neustria, Hrólfr must convert to Christianity and accept marriage to Gisela, the king’s illegitimate daughter.
Poppa’s world shatters. She remains in Bayeux, with her daughter, Adela. When Gisela arrives one day, demanding she hand over Adela, to be raised in Rouen, Poppa’s patience is at an end. But Gisela makes for a dangerous enemy, and only one woman will survive their confrontation high up on the cliffs.
Will Poppa live to witness the dawn of a new era?
ASCENT is the first in a new series about the early women of the House of Normandy – women whose stories have been forgotten through time.
Until now!
Readers of Viking and medieval fiction will enjoy ASCENT, a fictional account of the life of Poppa of Bayeux, handfasted wife of Rollo the Viking.
Praise for Ascent:
"'Ascent' by Cathie Dunn is an extremely well-written retelling of Normandy history and the violence surrounding the time period, as well as the daily hardships all women faced. The author's command of the historical facts makes this story even more compelling, and Poppa's plight even more heartbreaking. Watching Poppa overcome all she must go through is the highlight of the story."
~ InD'tale Magazine
"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."
~ Readers Favorite Review
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ABOUT CATHIE DUNN
Cathie Dunn writes historical fiction, mystery, and romance. The focus of her novels is on strong women through time. She has garnered awards and praise from reviewers and readers for her authentic description of the past. A keen Medievalist, she enjoys visiting castles and ruins, and reading about battles and political shenanigans of the times.
Cathie is a member of the Historical Novel Society, the Romantic Novelists’ Association, and the Alliance of Independent Authors. She also now runs https://thecoffeepotbookclub.blogspot.com/ promoting historical fiction authors and their books.
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(Also available from other online stores or order from any bookshop)
MORE!
Cathie has a story in EXILE!
 |
| BUY on AMAZON (or order from any bookstore) |
HISTORICAL STORIES
of
EXILE
A collection of short stories by thirteen (non-superstitious)
award-winning authors
in order of appearance
Annie Whitehead, J.G. Harlond, Helen Hollick, Anna Belfrage, Elizabeth Chadwick, Loretta Livingstone, Elizabeth St.John, Alison Morton, Charlene Newcomb,
Marian L Thorpe, Amy Maroney, Cathie Dunn, Cryssa Bazos
with an introduction by Deborah Swift
Exile: In this historical fiction anthology thirteen authors (they are not superstitious!) have written exclusive short stories on the theme of exile. Some are based on true history, others are speculative fiction. All mine the depths of human emotions – fear, hope, love, and the fortitude to survive.
Pregnant, Poppa is content with her life as Hrólfr's wife -
but that contentment is soon to change...
ROUEN, NEUSTRIA, EARLY JUNE AD 900
The hall was buzzing with the sound of dozens of male voices. Night had fallen, and the air in the yard still held a chill that was well kept outside by the set of sturdy oak doors. Yet another kind of chill permeated the air in the usually comfortable hall. An outcry of rage, swiftly followed by calls for revenge.
Leaning back into her cushioned chair, Poppa sighed. Why did the constant disputes between Hrólfr and the pompous Robert, Margrave of Neustria – and newly rewarded with the ridiculous title, Dux Franconum by the Frankish king – have to ruin a day that had begun so peacefully?
In the early afternoon, she’d had spring flowers set out in vases across the hall, and even the floor rushes were fresh. Poppa delighted in making this hall as comfortable as her own in Bayeux.
read the full story in HISTORICAL STORIES of EXILE
STEP INTO THE PAST WITH
3rd October J G (Jane) Harlond
4th October Susan Grossey
5th October Carol Westron
10th October Judith Arnopp
11th October Anna Belfrage
12th October Elizabeth St.John
13th October Nancy Jardine
14th October Helen Hollick
15th October Derek Birks
16th October Cathie Dunn
17th October Amy Maroney
18th October Tony Riches
19th October Cryssa Bazos
20th October C.C (Chris) Humphreys
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Great read, Cathie!
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