J.’s Novels

Anvil of God

It is 741. After subduing the pagan religions in the east, halting the march of Islam in the west, and conquering the continent for the Merovingian kings, mayor of the palace Charles The Hammer has one final ambition – the throne. Only one thing stands in his way – he is dying.

Charles cobbles together a plan to divide the kingdom among his tree sons, betroth his daughter to a Lombard prince, and keep the church unified behind them through his friend Bishop Boniface. Despite his best efforts, the only thing to reign after Charles’s death is chaos.

His daughter has no intention of marrying anyone, let alone a Lombard prince. His two eldest sons question the rights of their younger pagan stepbrother, and the Church demands a high price for its support. Son battles son, Christianity battles paganism and Charles’s daughter flees his court for an enemy’s love.

Based on a true story, Anvil of God is a whirlwind of love, honor, sacrifice and betrayal that follows a bereaved family’s relentless quest for power and destiny.

WHEEL OF THE FATES

IT IS 742. The throne is empty; the pagan states are in rebellion; Charles Martel’s widow and youngest son have been imprisoned, and trust between Carloman and Pippin—the two brothers who remain in power—has been shattered. Making matters worse, the Church is secretly conspiring to place a Merovingian on the throne and Charles’s daughter Hiltrude has wed the leader of the rebellion—giving him the legitimacy of Charles’s legacy.

BASED ON A TRUE STORY, Wheel of the Fates picks up where the award-winning Anvil of God leaves off—chronicling the lives of Charles Martel’s children as they vie for power in what’s left of the kingdom…and their family.