The Pendant Cross & The Sacred Stone - taking readers back to Anglo-Saxon times.
In 2020, I took my readers and myself further back in time than ever before. I was initially inspired by the evidence of a seasonal trading settlement on the edge of Romney Marsh - at a time before the area was still very much a marsh. The search for a more dramatic element to the story led me to the pub sign for Boltophs Bridge Inn, and led me to wonder what four monks were doing with a coffin!
Next I needed to place some characters in a village on the hills above Romney Marsh and I was fortunate to start exploring Lyminge at the time archaeologists were digging for the remains of a Saxon church which fitted perfectly into my time frame.
And so The Pendant Cross was created - giving me the opportunity to become immersed in a period of history previously unknown to me. This book was released at the beginning of lockdown 2020 and I am grateful to my loyal readers who supported me at this time.
Keen to return to Saxon times, I then searched for inspiration for a sequel. This came in the form of an altar which was discovered amongst the ruins of the Roman fort. The Sacred Stone was published in spring 2021.
The Pendant Cross
“What sort of place is Romney Marsh?” the monk asked. The words didn't come easily: his lips only knew prayer, his tongue only knew to move in the gentle rhythm of the psalms.
“There's nothing to speak of,” Brother Halig replied. “It is as bleak as one could imagine and will serve our purpose well.”
The year is 680AD and areas of dry land are rising from the marsh. No man would consider settling permanently in such an unforgiving place. But for a few days a year the Sandtun comes alive with traders who await boats from Francia. Old friends meet at the tented camp, and join with others coming to sell their wares. As friendships are made and hatred brews, four monks descend the Shipway track carrying their precious secret.
In her seventh novel, Emma Batten introduces West Hythe and Lyminge in Anglo-Saxon times.
With thanks to Kate Western who painted this gorgeous cover for me.
In 2020, I took my readers and myself further back in time than ever before. I was initially inspired by the evidence of a seasonal trading settlement on the edge of Romney Marsh - at a time before the area was still very much a marsh. The search for a more dramatic element to the story led me to the pub sign for Boltophs Bridge Inn, and led me to wonder what four monks were doing with a coffin!
Next I needed to place some characters in a village on the hills above Romney Marsh and I was fortunate to start exploring Lyminge at the time archaeologists were digging for the remains of a Saxon church which fitted perfectly into my time frame.
And so The Pendant Cross was created - giving me the opportunity to become immersed in a period of history previously unknown to me. This book was released at the beginning of lockdown 2020 and I am grateful to my loyal readers who supported me at this time.
Keen to return to Saxon times, I then searched for inspiration for a sequel. This came in the form of an altar which was discovered amongst the ruins of the Roman fort. The Sacred Stone was published in spring 2021.
The Pendant Cross
“What sort of place is Romney Marsh?” the monk asked. The words didn't come easily: his lips only knew prayer, his tongue only knew to move in the gentle rhythm of the psalms.
“There's nothing to speak of,” Brother Halig replied. “It is as bleak as one could imagine and will serve our purpose well.”
The year is 680AD and areas of dry land are rising from the marsh. No man would consider settling permanently in such an unforgiving place. But for a few days a year the Sandtun comes alive with traders who await boats from Francia. Old friends meet at the tented camp, and join with others coming to sell their wares. As friendships are made and hatred brews, four monks descend the Shipway track carrying their precious secret.
In her seventh novel, Emma Batten introduces West Hythe and Lyminge in Anglo-Saxon times.
With thanks to Kate Western who painted this gorgeous cover for me.