Calliope Garland’s newsdesk assignment was fairly straightforward—dig up the dirt on the sketchy CEO of a Wall Street hedge fund. But when the man is murdered and valuable data destroyed, a simple investigation turns deadly. Calliope is unwittingly in possession of vital financial information and a priceless work of art; either of which may get her killed. With an ever-growing list of people who want to harm her, Calliope must set aside her reservations and turn to the one man she knows she can trust.
Miller “Tox” Buchanan is a study in contradictions: kind but lethal, passionate but distant, self-possessed yet hesitant. He knows he should keep his distance, but when Calliope is hurled into danger, Tox will stop at nothing to protect her.
…Her first instinct wasn’t to dial 911 but rather to call a certain Navy SEAL. She forced down the antiquated damsel in distress fantasy floating around in her head and rationalized the police would surely ask questions she was unwilling or unable to answer. She brought up her contacts. At the bottom, she touched the entry labeled, Tox, and the call rang through. A grizzly bear answered.
“This better be good.”
“Tox?”
“Calliope?”
“I need your help…”
Be advised: this story contains scenes of violence equivalent to an R-rated movie and explicit sexual situations.
About The Author:
Debbie Baldwin is a successful print media and television writer. She is a graduate of Princeton University and the University of Virginia School of Law. Debbie and her husband live in Saint Louis, Missouri with their puggle, Pebbles. They have three children in college.http://www.debbiebaldwinbooks.com/
A steamy and seductive romance combined with an intricate plot involving art thieves, assassins, and undercover intelligence operatives make Illicit Intent a ravishingly entertaining read that hooks you in from the first page and simply refuses to let go.-Readers’ Favorite (5/5 Stars)
Marj Charlier’s The Rebel Nun is based on the true story of Clotild, the daughter of a sixth-century king and his concubine, who leads a rebellion of nuns against the rising misogyny and patriarchy of the medieval church.
At that time, women are afforded few choices in life: prostitution, motherhood, or the cloister. Only the latter offers them any kind of independence. By the end of the sixth century, even this is eroding as the church begins to eject women from the clergy and declares them too unclean to touch sacramental objects or even their priest-husbands.
Craving the legitimacy thwarted by her bastard status, Clotild seeks to become the next abbess of the female Monastery of the Holy Cross, the most famous of the women’s cloisters of the early Middle Ages. When the bishop of Poitiers blocks her appointment and seeks to control the nunnery himself, Clotild masterminds an escape, leading a group of nuns on a dangerous pilgrimage to beg her royal relatives to intercede on their behalf. But the bishop refuses to back down, and a bloody battle ensues. Will Clotild and her sisters succeed with their quest, or will they face ex-communication, possibly even death?
In the only historical novel written about the incident, The Rebel Nun is a richly imagined story about a truly remarkable heroine.
‘The Rebel Nun is a boldly imagined story of one early medieval woman’s struggle against the societal forces that constrained her. It draws on historical sources that briefly mention — and condemn — the insurrection that two noble nuns led within their abbey, in Poitiers, in 589. On the basis of this sparse information, Marj Charlier imagines the incident from the perspective of one of these nuns, the noblewoman Clothild, and embeds these events within the larger story of Clothild’s life. The result is an engaging and thought-provoking tale.’ –Samantha Kahn Herrick, Associate Professor of History, Syracuse University
‘Marj Charlier takes an obscure sixth-century tale and turns it into a stunning story of a nun caught up in the misogyny of the early Christian church. Led by Clotild, a king’s bastard daughter, a group of nuns attempts to rescue their monastery from the all-male church hierarchy. Extensively researched and rich in historical detail, The Rebel Nun tells of a time when women were chattel, when priests questioned whether females had souls. Charlier’s artfully written account of Clotild’s struggle to save her medieval sisterhood from the dominance of kings and bishops is a perfect novel for today’s women.’ — Sandra Dallas, New York Times bestselling author
‘Vividly imagines one of the most fascinating events to occur in sixth-century Gaul, bringing into focus the complexity of the early centuries of Western Christianity as the Church struggled to define its positions on clerical celibacy, the role of women, pre-Christian traditions, and its relationship to secular power. Scholars have long been fascinated with Gregory of Tours’s account of how a rebellion of nuns from the monastery of the Holy Cross in Poitiers supposedly resulted in acts of murder, plunder, and unplanned pregnancies. It is a moment that has been calling out for a writer to do it justice in a work of historical fiction, but which feat no one has dared to attempt — until now. Marj Charlier’s The Rebel Nun brings the sights, sounds, and smells of this event and its aftermath to life in a richly imagined story that is firmly rooted in equal parts rigorous historical research and inspired, creative imagination.” –Dorsey Armstrong, PhD, professor of English/medieval studies at Purdue University, and lecturer for The Great Courses (The Medieval World, The Black Death, and others)
‘What could lead nuns to armed rebellion?…This thoughtful imagining of the underlying causes and characters involved in the revolt centers on Clotild, the leader of the insurrection…Charlier carefully constructs a narrative that positions Clotild, a pagan at heart despite her outward piety, as a reluctant revolutionary who pushes for fairness in a Christian world increasingly dominated by men. With power available to so few women, Clotild dares to imagine freedom, despite its cost.’ –Booklist
‘The Rebel Nun is a gripping, well-told story of women fighting against a church and society dominated by men who are determined to defeat them in body and spirit. A great tale that will immerse you in a world so different — and not so different — from our own.’ –Philip Freeman, Fletcher Jones Chair of Western Culture at Pepperdine University, author of Saint Brigid’s Bones
‘The Rebel Nun is a wildly original, suspenseful account of a group of nuns in medieval France who must endure hardships and treachery from both outside and within their walls. It feels both historically authentic and startlingly contemporary, and I loved every word of it.’ –Elizabeth Stuckey-French, author of The Revenge of the Radioactive Lady
‘The Rebel Nun is a gripping tale of heroism and audacity in the least likely of guises — a renowned cloister under the heel of the medieval church. With meticulous research and in exacting detail, Marj Charlier brings to light the remarkable exploits of Clotild, who leads her fellow sisters on a daring escape that culminates in bloody revolt, and a place in history.’ –Denise Heinze, author of The Brief and True Report of Temperance Flowerdew
‘The story of a community of women in crisis and the power they found through their will to save themselves, The Rebel Nun tells the fictional truth behind the historical rebellion of the Holy Cross nuns in 589 CE, as recounted in her latter days by one of the rebellion’s leaders, Clotild … Rich in facts and foreshadowing, the historical novel The Rebel Nun finds in the nuns’ rebellion, and in Germanic tribal paganism, an inspirational morality tale and historical precedent for modern women to connect with their own powers, no matter the stakes.’ –Foreword Reviews
‘The Rebel Nun is a well-written window into the life of a sixth-century royal bastard and the changing landscape of holy power structures. Charlier writes a strong voice for Clotild, with vivid descriptions of a daily life that brings readers along into her world. The research shows, and Charlier does an excellent job of seamlessly integrating the historical record with her own fiction.’ –Historical Novels Review
‘A startling look into a world I never imagined visiting — a sixth-century nunnery, where one bride of Christ only a generation away from paganism breaks her vows of obedience to the church’s male hierarchy and makes it her mission to battle the corruption of bishops oppressing the sisters of the Holy Cross. A well-wrought yarn reflective of historical fact.’ –Darryl Ponicsán, author of Eternal Sojourners
Please excuse any grammatical errors, or typos. I have done my best, but in reality I am just reader. and will leave the writing to all the incredible authors out there.
This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers.
This is one riveting story of Clotild, a nun in the late sixth to early seventh century, who led a rebellion along with sister nuns against the church.
What’s even more incredible is that it based on true events
A time when Christianity first swept through Gaul, trying to erase the stain of paganism. The early church is also experiencing some restructuring as certain factions become more divided in their beliefs in some of its Christian doctrines that are being developed.
The story starts with a prologue that introduces the reader to an older Clotild, living a quiet life well after the revolt. She writes about the events that led up to and followed the revolt, as a means of countering the official version written by Bishop Gregory of Tours.
In 588 Poitiers, Not all women noblewomen seek the traditional route of existence and some are given no choice. Royal monasteries offer an alternative to marriage and the ability to avoid the dangerous perils of childbirth.
Clotild, the granddaughter of Clovis and bastardis of Charibert I, the monastery of the Holly Cross offers her tranquillity safety from the long reaching arm of her political family. Clotild has formed a strong bond with the other sisters in the cloister, all together they make up a close nit family. The monastery is a joyous place under the direction of Radegund and her successor, Agnes.
As the sisters are in morning from the recent passing of the Agnes the Abbess. An unplanned arrival of the Bishop Maroveus at Holy Cross is met with resentment. He arrogantly burst through the halls and announces that the new Abbess position will be bestowed to the unworthy Sister Lebover.
Once in charge Sister Lebover, direction is disastrous, and those living within the monastery suffer the effects. Bitter with disappointment Clotild, along with several sisters take things into their own hands. A rebellion is sparked, when the bold sisters do a forbidden act, and leave the closure of the monastery. They strike out on a quest to plead their case and throw themselves on the mercy to Bishop Gregory. Without any results Clotild then moves onto one of the one of territory kings King Guntrum, who happened to be her uncle.
As the power of Catholicism gains ground over the Arianism sector of Christianity the rights of women in previous held religious position were stripped. They we seen as “Unclean” and were treated as such. Just like so many others during this time, Clotild has excepted the Christian faith, but still hangs on to her Pagan beliefs from her mother’s side. The story opens as the elderly Clotild recants her story, to set the record straight. Her natation is seamless as she leads the reader through the events before, during, and after the events of the incredible event.
These courageous women are beautiful depicted and their struggles are awe-inspiring. This may be an historical fiction, but it’s a tale that resonates with contemporary themes.
Meticulously researched the author does an exceptional job in bringing this meaningful story of these women to life. A meaningful thought provoking book that I loved from beginning to end.
About the Author
Marj Charlier began her writing career at daily and mid-size newspapers before joining the Wall Street Journal as a staff reporter. After twenty years in journalism, she pursued her MBA and began a second career in corporate finance. The Rebel Nun is her first historical novel, and her eleventh published novel.
Today I’m really excited to be taking part in the Book Tour of,
Paris In Ruins by, M.K. Tod, which is being hosted by HFBT!
Paris in Ruins by M.K. Tod
Publication Date: March 30, 2021 Heath Street Publishing
Genre: Historical Fiction
Paris 1870. Raised for a life of parties and servants, Camille and Mariele have much in common, but it takes the horrors of war to bring them together to fight for the city and people they love.
A few weeks after the abdication of Napoleon III, the Prussian army lays siege to Paris. Camille Noisette, the daughter of a wealthy family, volunteers to nurse wounded soldiers and agrees to spy on a group of radicals plotting to overthrow the French government. Her future sister-in-law, Mariele de Crécy, is appalled by the gaps between rich and poor. She volunteers to look after destitute children whose families can barely afford to eat.
Somehow, Camille and Mariele must find the courage and strength to endure months of devastating siege, bloody civil war, and great personal risk. Through it all, an unexpected friendship grows between the two women, as they face the destruction of Paris and discover that in war women have as much to fight for as men.
War has a way of teaching lessons—if only Camille and Mariele can survive long enough to learn them.
“The story of two women whose families were caught up in the defense of Paris is deeply moving and suspenseful.” -Margaret George, author of Splendor Before the Dark: A Novel of the Emperor Nero
“Tod is not only a good historian, but also an accomplished writer … a gripping, well-limned picture of a time and a place that provide universal lessons.” -Kirkus Reviews.
“M.K. Tod’s elegant style and uncanny eye for time and place again shine through in her riveting new tale, Paris in Ruins.” -Jeffrey K. Walker author of No Hero’s Welcome
This book was received from the Author, and Publisher, in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is a non spoiler review, because you as reader need to read this book. Also, I feel sometimes I have in the past gave away to much of the plot line. This has diminished the pleasure for would be readers.
Paris In Ruins is another remarkable, unforgettable book by the author by M.K. Tod
Set to the backdrop the the Franco-Prussian War and the civil war of the radical movement the Paris Commune. This is a riveting emotionally charged story that explores, friendship, bravery, perseverance.
Following Napoleon III’s defeat, Prussian forces laid siege to Paris, and through Todd’s seamless narration we see first hand the horrors of a besieged city. As civil strife and unrest mount between two distinct factions within France.
Camille Noisette, has lived a life of privilege, along with her brother Bertrand fiancé, Mariele de Crecy. Camille father has been very light handed with Camille since the death of her sister. She’s been able to dodge any betrothal, but is intrigued with a young gentleman named André Laborde.
When things start to develop further and a siege to Paris is in the horizon. Most of the Well-to-do aristocratic families flee the city. Camille has convinced her father that she is quite capable of taking care of herself.
Marielle family has waited to long and have missed their chance to leave the city undetected. Nothing prepares these young women the calamity that befalls the remaining residents left in Paris. As the storyline unfolds a notable french actress Sarah Bernhardt establishes a military hospital. Our young heroine Camille steps up to volunteer. Mariele is moved by the despair of those barely hanging on, as the food becomes scares for everyone especially the poor. She does what she can and finds she is passionate about working with young children.
Seeing first hand disparity of the people, both Camille and her friend Marielle, form a strong bond. We follow these two young woman as their characters grow and evolve, into strong resilient women.
M.K. Tod writing grabs you from the very first in this memorable book.The pace was brisk and vividly rendered, each scene is richly atmospheric. The romance was depicted wonderfully, and I felt invested in both Mariele de Crecy and Camille Noisette lives.
M.K. Tod has created an engaging and memorable heroines, and her highly accomplished writing ensures that the reader is swept along in this propulsive emotional historical fiction.
Paris In Ruins is M.K. Tod’s fourth novel. Mary began writing in 2005 while living as an expat in Hong Kong. What started as an interest in her grandparents’ lives turned into a full-time occupation writing historical fiction. Her other novels are Time and Regret, Lies Told in Silence, and Unravelled. Beyond writing novels, Mary’s award-winning blog, http://www.awriterofhistory.com features the reading and writing of historical fiction. When she’s not writing, or thinking about writing, you can find her hiking, golfing, traveling, or hanging out with friends and family. Mary is married and has two adult children and two delightful grandchildren.
The Rebel Nun
Marj Charlier began her writing career at daily and mid-size newspapers before joining the Wall Street Journal as a staff reporter. After twenty years in journalism, she pursued her MBA and began a second career in corporate finance. The Rebel Nun is her first historical novel, and her eleventh published novel.
Gwendalyn’s Books 