Young widow Simonetta tries to rebuild her family in 16th century Saronno, Lombardy. In pursuit of a means to keep her estate together, she stumbles upon a new drink made by infusing almonds into alcohol. At the same time, she encounters the talented Bernardino, the protege of Leonardo da Vinci.”
Hammer of the Huguenots (Heroes & History #3)
Philippe, an orphan shipwright apprentice in sixteenth-century France, is perplexed by the intense religious conflict raging about him. While his friends Maurice and Sophie cling to the good news proclaimed by the church Reformers, Philippe has not yet been persuaded to abandon the teachings of the state church in which he was raised. The gospel sounds liberating at times, but can he risk believing when persecution and bloodshed inevitably follow? As Huguenot communities are massacred and full-scale warfare breaks over France, Philippe must decide once and for all where his loyalties lie. The choices he and his friends make in these violent times may cost them everything.
“A compelling historical novel. . . . Well written and informative. . . . Bond’s story captures the attention and makes the reader eager to know more about the historical characters in question.”
—Marc Mailloux, missionary to the French-speaking world, and author of Does God Still Love the French?
“Hammer of the Huguenots is a gripping story about life in sixteenth-century France. Bond’s skillful blend of fact and fiction draws the reader into the religious wars of that era and . . . exposes the theological and ethical issues faced by the Huguenots. . . . This book provides insight into a little-known but important time in the history of the church.”
—J. Robert Vannoy, ThD., Emeritus Professor, The Allan A. MacRae Chair of Biblical Studies, Biblical Theological Seminary.
Moonshiner’s Son
Twelve-year-old Tom Higgins is learning the craft of making whiskey. Even though Prohibition forbids the production and sale of alcoholic beverages, Tom is determined to be a good apprentice. He is, after all, a moonshiner’s son. His father has raised moonshining to an art, and Tom wants nothing more than to please this rough, distant man.
Then a preacher comes to the wilds of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains to rid Bad Camp Hollow of the “evils of liquor.” This is when Tom and his father begin their campaign to match wits with the preacher and try to outsmart the law officers he calls in. Tom’s father is eloquent in defense of a way of life long and respectfully lived by the Higgins family. But the preacher and his pretty daughter make a powerful case against it. And when drink causes a tragedy in the community, Tom Higgins is torn….
Journeyman (Journeyman #1)
The boy isn’t much to look at: thin, pale, and undersized for his age. Neighbors shake their heads over Jared Austin’s odd ways. His father doesn’t think he’s good for anything much. Even his friend Jennet wonders what will become of him.
But Jared isn’t concerned; he has his own ideas about what is really important. One day a journeyman painter visits their quiet New Hampshire farm, and his unexpected offer sets Jared aglow with excitement. He starts off on an adventure that takes him miles from home and into experiences that bring him to manhood and deepen his faith. But before he leaves, Jared promises Jennet that someday he wwill come back for her.
Healer’s Apprentice (Fairy Tales #1)
Two Hearts. One Hope.
Rose has been appointed as a healer’s apprentice at Hagenheim Castle, a rare opportunity for a woodcutter’s daughter like her. While she often feels uneasy at the sight of blood, Rose is determined to prove herself capable. Failure will mean returning home to marry the aging bachelor her mother has chosen for her—a bloated, disgusting merchant who makes Rose feel ill.
When Lord Hamlin, the future duke, is injured, it is Rose who must tend to him. As she works to heal his wound, she begins to understand emotions she’s never felt before and wonders if he feels the same. But falling in love is forbidden, as Lord Hamlin is betrothed to a mysterious young woman in hiding. As Rose’s life spins toward confusion, she must take the first steps on a journey to discover her own destiny.
Black Horses for the King
“This fast-moving historical fantasy by bestselling author Anne McCaffrey traces the beginnings of the British cavalry, as recounted by a boy growing up in exciting and perilous times.
“After his father’s death, young Galwyn Varianus is apprenticed to his uncle, who puts the boy to work on the high seas. But horses, not ships, are Galwyn’s passion. Luckily, a passenger aboard, Lord Artos (later to rule as the legendary King Arthur), is bound for the great horse fair at Septimania. Risking his life, Galwyn abandons his uncle to serve the gallant leader. Galywn’s calming way with horses quickly impresses Lord Artos and his men. But what no one expects is how crucial Galwyn will be to their upcoming battles–as he masters the secrets of the iron shoes that will protect the exotic horses’ delicate hooves. . . .
John Treegate’s Musket (Treegate #1)
1769. While many American colonists are angry at royal taxes, loyal merchant John Treegate sails to London and appeals to the government there. Alone, son Peter 11 is apprenticed to a maker of barrel staves, but his senior is vicious, leading to murder, shipwreck, amnesia, and adoption by a Scot, until the climax at the battle for American independence.
Far Frontier
The wilderness and its natural wonders, as well as the settlers and the warring Indians, come vividly alive for readers today in a book that will quickly take its place with Mr. Steele’s outstanding earlier successes, such as Winter Danger, The Lone Hun, and The Perilous Road, which was a runner-up for the Newbery Medal.
If only his father had bound him out to learn blacksmithing or some other useful trade, young Tobias wouldn’t have minded. But to traipse through the Tennessee wilderness with a naturalist from Philadelphia, whose concern with insects and plants and birds seemed childish and often somewhat “touched” to the frontier folk, was almost more than he could bear. Then when Mr. Twistletree insisted on going deep into hostile Chickamauga Indian territory, Tobe’s reluctance turned info fear of capture and death by slow torture—for which the Chickamaugas were famous.
How Tobe slowly learns to respect and admire Mr. Twistletree, how his own curiosity about books and learning grows, and how, in the end, he comes to understand the importance of study and knowledge, are the heart of this exceptionally fine piece of Americana.
Tiger’s Apprentice (Tiger’s Apprentice #1)
Master Puppeteer
Who is the man called Sabura, the mysterious bandit who robs the rich and helps the poor? And what is his connection with Yosida, the harsh and ill- tempered master of feudal Japan’s most famous puppet theater? Young Jiro, an apprentice to Yosida, is determined to find out, even at risk to his own life.
Meamwhile, Jiro devotes himself to learning puppetry. Kinshi, the puppet master’s son, tutors him. When his sheltered life at the theater is shattered by mobs of hungry, rioting peasants, Jiro becomes aware of responsibilities greater that his craft. As he schemes to help his friend Kinshi and to find his own parent, Jiro stumbles onto a dangerous and powerful secret….