The Altarpiece cover art

The Altarpiece

The Cross and the Crown, Book 1

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The Altarpiece

By: Sarah Kennedy
Narrated by: Maria Nicola Johnson
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About this listen

It is 1535, and in the tumultuous years of King Henry VIII’s break from Rome, the religious houses of England are being seized by force. Twenty-year-old Catherine Havens is a foundling and the adopted daughter of the prioress of the Priory of Mount Grace in a small Yorkshire village. Catherine, like her adoptive mother, has a gift for healing, and she is widely sought and admired for her knowledge. However, the king's divorce dashes Catherine’s hopes for a place at court, and she reluctantly takes the veil. When the priory’s costly altarpiece goes missing, Catherine and her friend Ann Smith find themselves under increased suspicion.

King Henry VIII’s soldiers have not had their fill of destruction, and when they return to Mount Grace to destroy the priory, Catherine must choose between the sacred calling of her past and the man who may represent her country’s future.

©2018 Sarah Kennedy (P)2025 Penmore Press Fiction Historical Fiction England Royalty

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Listener received this title free

Well researched history of medicine and unregulated bands of men given free reign to loot churches priories and monasteries Bravery and dangers abound Who can you trust when friends say evil things to stay alive or for revenge against a slight jealousy

Religious trying to survive in early days of catholic persecution

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Listener received this title free

This is an excellent story set in Yorkshire during the Tudor times. Henry VIII's soldiers are roaming the country pillaging and wrecking religious houses. Catherin the 20 year old foundling daughter of the prioress hears men in the priory one night and the following morning The Altarpiece has disappeared from the chapel. Who has taken it? what is to happen to the sisters? All is told in this entertaining Sarah Kennedy
novel. Superb narration once again from the talented Maria Johnson who is fast becoming one of my favourite narrators. Highly recommended.
I was kindly given a copy of the book by the narrator and leave this unbiased and honest review.

The Altarpiece

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Listener received this title free

I loved the narration of Maria Johnson, who brings out the action, angst and fear of the time.

We are transported back to Yorkshire in 1535. Henry Vlll and now is head of the church of England. Delmoshing all of the monasteries, abbeys, and convents. Claiming all the contents, while throwing the monks and nuns out. Leaving them nowhere to go and no means of supporting themselves.
Catherine has been raised by the nuns and entered the religious life herself. Though not sure if this is her path as she has a gift for healing
When the men come and destroy the beautiful paintings, they also bring smallpox, Catherine decides to treat the sick man, Willian who tried to help them and risk her 'gift' being used against her or leave him to die.
The altarpiece of the Madonna and Child has gone missing, Catherine, another nun Anna and William, the man who she has healed and now has feelings for, must find where and why this piece has gone missing.

Altarpiece

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Listener received this title free

A very clever and interesting story set during Henry VIII's separation from the Catholic church. The story follows the effect of the change on several Catholic sisters. Includes a light romantic subplot. Excellent narration.

Excellent Narration. Tudor Era Historic Catholic F

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