Bold Strokes Books, 2008
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The Crown of Valencia
Not to be coy, but I can’t tell you much about The Crown of Valencia without revealing spoilers from The Spanish Pearl. Just know that once again, Kate Vincent finds herself in a mess, both romantically and time travel-wise. Romance, betrayal, intrigue, disobedient children, and religious fanaticism pack this tense conclusion to the epic adventure begun in The Spanish Pearl.
awards and recognition
Golden Crown Literary Award, 2008
reviews and readers' comments
“Absolutely loved this book. You had my stomach in knots at times with all the twists and turns. You are really something. These two books are really keepers. Thanks so much.” (Bett)
“I just wanted to say thanks for these books. They were so very fun to read. I read both out loud to my partner, and just finished Crown a couple weekends ago. I read for hours, because we just had to find out what happened next. Your plots are engaging and unpredictable.” (Jodi)
“I am in awe of all the complicated plot twists and turns you wrote, then your skill of making them seem plausible and finally putting them together for a good ending. i might also add making everything fit into what actually happened in 11th century spain was good work! and I love your humor! anyway, I was riveted to your book all wednesday afternoon so dinner was late and the dogs unfed but everyone just had to wait!” (Janet)
“Well, I finally received my book Saturday afternoon, but was unable to dig in until Sunday. I expected it to be good of course since I love your writing style and sense of humor so much, but I was taken by surprise once again. The twists and turns throughout the book kept me frantically turning the pages trying to figure it all out. What can I say but another fantastic read. I love Kate and Elena, and having raised two teenagers, I can say that Arturo was just perfect.” (Nancy)
“I cannot praise this book enough. This books lives up to everything I have come to expect from Catherine Friend’s writing in The Spanish Pearl.” (amazon.com review)
“Once I allowed myself to enter that fantasy world The Spanish Pearl I thoroughly enjoyed the story. Such is the case with this wonderful sequel. The aptly entitled Crown of Valencia is an easy-to-enjoy story delivering a little historical fiction entwined with a wonderful romance.” (amazon.com review)
“It was as if I was addicted, I couldn’t stop. I had to know what happened next and next again, until I finished the book. You had me so wrapped up in the story, it felt real to me.” (Christine)
“I just finished reading The Crown of Valencia all in one day. I could not put it down except to rest and refocus my eyes for brief periods! (and the dogs had to be fed, of course.)” (Kris)
““I was commuting home from work while reading Crown and I had to hold back tears. I did not want to cry on the NYC subway. People would have thought I was nuts (although that’s not so unusual here). Very few books have moved me like this.” (Roberta)
“When I got home from work yesterday my copy was waiting for me. I was torn because I’m in graduate school and I had a homework assignment due … that I hadn’t started yet. Well, I did the responsible thing and did my homework so it was around 9pm when I picked up your book … I proceeded to read the book until I finished it at 4:30 am knowing that I had to get up for work no later than 6:30 am. Let me just say that it’s a good thing I don’t operate heavy machinery.” (Lisa)
“Has a twist around every bend. Just about the time you’re thinking “well what else could happen”…something else does. Tough times and tough women who do what needs to be done.” (amazon.com review)