John Cressler's most recent novel is a wonderful tale that appeals to all readers. The historical context may seem to only appeal to lovers of historical fiction, but the story of love, war, betrayal, and search for self interwoven into the complex history of Muslim Spain will captivate all. I felt myself turning page after page not waning to put the novel down! It is a story that highlights the beauty of finding Great Love in life and encourages the reader to seek out that kind of love in his or her own life. ~Angela Como

Fortunes Lament invites readers into a time and place in history which continues to impact us profoundly today: the beginnings of the Spanish Inquisition and ongoing hostilities between the Christian and Muslim worlds. We enter into the lush world of the Alhambra and the court of Ferdinand and Isabella, getting a glimpse of Muslim, Jewish and Christian worldviews while being entertained by engaging characters and their stories, both historical and fictional. It is a fast, entertaining read that will leave you pondering what might have been done differently, and what we should be doing differently in todays world so that history doesnt continue to repeat itself.

Another stunning and imaginative historical novel from John Cressler. As in his other works, centered in Muslim Spain and during the middle ages, the history is rich and enlightening, the romance passionate, and the action powerful, dramatic and compelling. The characters are strong and captivating. There is something here for everyone! I cant wait for the next one!

In the third novel of Anthem of the Alhambra series, we enter the exotic world of Moorish Spain as it approaches its final years. After more than seven hundred years, this mighty nation is gradually falling apart, through inter-tribal disputes and the relentless attacks from their Christian enemies, the all-powerful monarchs Fernando and Isabel. The story opens in the year AD 1488 in all that remains of Moorish Spain, the Kingdom of Granada. Once again we have a tender love story where a young female physician falls in love with a handsome prince, but their love is beset by ill fortune from the start. This moving story, set in turbulent times, tells of the triumph of hope over adversity as the lovers struggle to fulfil their destiny. Fortunes Lament is by far the best in the series so far, well researched, beautifully written and moving at a fast pace, its a book you will find hard to put down. Joan Fallon

Fortunes Lament" is a readers delight! Dr. John Cressler has done it again in the third book of the Anthems of al-Andalus Series. While Queen Isabella plots and schemes to achieve the downfall of the Moors in late 15th century Granada, the Spanish Inquisition endeavors to root out all Christian non-believers in Spain, Columbus seeks the favor of the Spanish crown to support his voyage to the ends of the earth, and love blossoms between a Moorish knight and a young woman who seeks to become the first female physician in Granada. A page-tuner par excellence will keep the reader entranced until the wee hours of the night. History, political intrigue, religion, architecture, and adventure concoct a savory stew that will have readers salivating until the final denouement. Highly recommended! Roger A. Meyer, MD