Overview

AD 1618 -- Post-Reformation Central Europe is on the verge of a cataclysmic new religious conflict--the Thirty Years War--that will ultimately lead to the deaths of eight million and the dramatic alteration of European civilization. When Peter Erhart, a young German Lutheran, comes to the aid of a frightened Catholic boy named Hans Mannheim on the day of the war's outbreak in Prague, he embarks on a life journey that will severely test his courage, humanity, and faith. A decade later, Peter, now married and pastoring in Magdeburg, Germany, sees this test begin in earnest when powerful rivals threaten his career and the war engulfs the city. As the Catholic imperial army approaches, Peter encounters Anna Ritter, a peasant girl of uncommon beauty and wit who has secretly adored him for years. Each must fight bravely for survival of their families and friends when local villains invade countryside cottages and the army, led by an awe-inspiring Black Knight, besieges the city. At the pinnacle of their trial, unthinkable tragedy unites Peter and Anna and links their fates with Hans, now a grown man with a reputation to prove. Will faith and forgiveness prevail over despair and death when the three face together their ultimate test in the siege's horrific aftermath? Recalling one of the last times and places in history when religion and state were inseparable, where warrior kings and ambitious nobles personally led their armies in battle, and fully armored knights fought to preserve the honor of their dying tradition, Hope of Ages Past captures the reality of 17th Century religious war in a compelling story of faith and love--a story that, once begun, will be hard for the reader to put down. **Hope of Ages Past offers a thrilling, continually evolving panorama of international religious warfare, intrigue, family love, and romance.** --CHANTICLEER BOOK REVIEWS-- FIVE-STAR RATING AND FIRST PLACE CHAUCER AWARD WINNER

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9780999881118

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Reviews

Hope of Ages Past offers a thrilling, continually evolving panorama of international religious warfare, intrigue, family love, and romance. Gardner's skillfully drawn characters, both Catholic and Protestant, expose the philosophical issues at the core of the European Thirty Years War (1618-1648) and demonstrate the possibility for human compassion to emerge despite deep religious differences. -- Chanticleer Book Reviews Gardner gives us historical authenticity rich with detail, empathetic and complex characters, and an uplifting theme of compassion that imbues this story with deep humanity. -- Barbara Kyle, author of The Traitor's Daughter A story full of intriguing characters (both fictional and historical) with relatable, major conflicts. Gardner has a special knack for characterization, and the reader will be eager to see how the conflicts are ultimately resolved. -- William Greenleaf, author of A Plague of Gods A plot that burns with suspense, intrigue, and passion, bolstered by thorough historical research. Overall . . . a sharply written offering that's thrilling and shocking in equal measure. -- Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

Author Information

Driven by a lifelong passion for military and religious history, Bruce Gardner researches and writes creatively about the impact of major wars on the lives and faith experiences of everyday people. Retired from a thirty-year career in national aerospace and defense systems engineering, Bruce Gardner is actively involved in church and community volunteer work. He lives with his family in northern California. He is the award-winning author of the epic historical novel, Hope of Ages Past. Eye for Glory, his second set during the American Civil War, is planned for release in fall 2019.

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