The Crown by Nancy Bilyeau

Seeing as Pope Joan (Donna Woolfolk Cross) is one of my most favorite books ever, I had to jump on this one. There's just something about 16th Century England that is so appealing to me. Could it be all of those scandolous attempts to overthrow the monarch? Could it be all of the lying, cheating, backstabbing people who are treacherously evil to their own family and friends? How about all of those illicit affairs, arranged marriage proposals to secure the safety of a country, and the pomp and circumstance of the wealthy? Could it be the devout faith people had back then and the inner-conflicts they confronted in choosing to follow their faith or to follow what is humanly and morally correct? Could it be the lore and mystery of ancient, religious relics? Could it be the architecture and descriptions of the old monasteries and churches and priories and the customs and habits of the faithful? It's all the perfect recipe for chaos, religious and moral conflict, and suspense.

The Crown takes us through the tangled webs of the life of Joanna Stafford, a Dartford Priory novice who escapes her Dominican priory in attempt to somehow save her cousin, Margaret Bulmer, from being burned at the stakes. But both Joanna and her father are captured amidst their heroic efforts and are imprisoned in "The Tower." As a bargain for their release and safety, Bishop Gardiner, directs Joanna Stafford to return to Dartford Priory to find "the crown," an ancient relic hidden within the walls of the priory and believed to be worn by Jesus Christ. But re-entering the priory and re-assimiliating to its culture is not so easy. Joanna soon finds herself on a vast adventure encompassed by scandal, murder, and history.

This read was truly fascinating. I loved it! It's suspenseful, full of history, mystery, intrigue, suspense ~ everything an historical fiction novel about 16th Century England should be.