Fortune's Lament

John D Cressler

Fiction

by John Cressler Much of modern Spain was under Muslim control for nearly 800 years (from 711 to 1492 C.E.). Medieval Islamic Spain was deeply influential in world history, for a...

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9781620063729

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by John Cressler

Much of modern Spain was under Muslim control for nearly 800 years (from 711 to 1492 C.E.). Medieval Islamic Spain was deeply influential in world history, for a multitude of reasons, including the rediscovery, translation, and dissemination of the lost works of medicine, science, and philosophy of the ancient Greeks. The Muslim Umayyads (with roots tracing back to Syria), were lovers of books and learning, and helped launch a cultural revolution in Córdoba which transformed the western world. An exceptional 200+ year period of peaceful coexistence occurred between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam under Muslim Umayyad rule, providing a powerful lesson in the practice of multiculturalism for our 21st-century world.

Fortune’s Lament is the third release in the Anthems of al-Andalus series, which break open this largely forgotten and fascinating history for modern readers. All three historical novels are love stories set at pivotal moments in the history of medieval Islamic Spain. Fortune’s Lament is set in Granada’s Alhambra Palace, 120 years after Emeralds of the Alhambra, and tells the story of Danah, a young Muslim woman who aspires to be the first female physician in the city. Love unexpectedly blossoms between Danah and Yusef, a valiant prince of court from a rival clan, during the bloody final conquest of Granada by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Christian Spain. As the light of Islamic Spain dims, the Inquisition looms large on the horizon, as does the coming voyage of Columbus to discover the Americas.

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WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING: 

Fortune’s Lament . . . soars to new heights as a compelling tale that leaves nothing wanting: provocative prose that delights the imagination, intrigue on multiple levels, vivid scenes both tender and terrifying, and Great Love that spans generations.” ―Catherine Crosby, co-founder of the Neshama Interfaith Center, Atlanta 

Extensively researched and beautifully written, Cressler’s novel leads us into an exotic world of love, ghosts, intrigue, and betrayal. A must-read for all lovers of historical fiction.” —Joan Fallon, author of the Al-Andalus series, Málaga, Spain 

Wrapped up in yet another a deliciously satisfying love story, Fortune’s Lament provides readers with an intimate view of the complex geopolitical panorama surrounding the fall of the last Muslim stronghold in Iberia and the rise of Catholic Spain on the world stage.” ―Julia Baumgardt, Marian University, Indianapolis


Page Count: 602
Trim Size: 6 x 9
Publish Date: March 31, 2018
Imprint: Milford House
Genre: Historical

FICTION / Historical / Medieval
FICTION / Romance / Historical / Medieval
FICTION / Religious

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Anonymous
Great Read For All!

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

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Anonymous
Religious history, romance, intrigue, battle stories

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.

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Anonymous
Fortune's Lament

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!

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Anonymous
FORTUNE'S LAMENT

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

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Anonymous
Fortune's Lament

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