The Altarpiece

The Cross and the Crown, Book 1

By: Sarah Kennedy

Narrated by: Maria Johnson

Length: 11 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

It is 1535, and in the tumultuous years of King Henry VIII’s break from Rome, the religious houses of England are being seized by force. Twenty-year-old Catherine Havens is a foundling and the adopted daughter of the prioress of the Priory of Mount Grace in a small Yorkshire village. Catherine, like her adoptive mother, has a gift for healing, and she is widely sought and admired for her knowledge. However, the king's divorce dashes Catherine’s hopes for a place at court, and she reluctantly takes the veil. When the priory’s costly altarpiece goes missing, Catherine and her friend Ann Smith find themselves under increased suspicion.

King Henry VIII’s soldiers have not had their fill of destruction, and when they return to Mount Grace to destroy the priory, Catherine must choose between the sacred calling of her past and the man who may represent her country’s future.

©2018 Sarah Kennedy (P)2023 Penmore Press

The Altarpiece

I enjoyed thsi book. The story was fascinating!It began slowly,way too slowly,I nearly gave up.I am glad I didn;t because it is a very interesting book. Maria Johnson was a fine narrator. I was given this book free for an honest review.

Insider Story of Catholics During Henry VIII Conversion

Insider Story of Catholics During Henry VIII Conversion

A very clever and interesting story set during Henry VIII's separation from the Catholic church. Includes a light romantic subplot. Excellent narration.

The Alterpiece

I really enjoyed this novel by Sarah Kennedy and narrated by Maria Johnson. It wasn’t a period of time I was very familiar with so I did some learning while I was listening. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

Enjoyed listening to this audiobook

I enjoyed listening to this story, following the main character Catherine's talents, hopes, and ordeals in a time when a woman who wished to practice medicine was more likely to be labeled a witch. The author caught my attention within the first chapter and I enjoyed wondering what was going to happen to her next. I enjoyed listening to this story, narrated by Maria Johnson. I hope this author and narrator work together again!

Excellent

I enjoyed The Altarpiece, the first book in the Cross and Crown series by Sarah Kennedy. The Pope would not allow Henry Vlll to divorce his wife, so Henry created his position as the Head of the Church of England. This book is set at the time of Henry VIII dissolution of monasteries and convents and the seizure of their assets. The story focuses on Catherine Havens, an orphan then young nun who has lived her whole life at the Priory of Mount Grace in a small Yorkshire village. Catherine and her Sisters are being threatened and driven out of their convent by the Kings’s men. There is the theft of the valuable altarpiece painting, several mysterious deaths, illness and disease and Catherine is trying to use healing plants and mixtures to tend to the sick. The book is extremely well researched and well written. Adding the wonderful narration, the story comes alive and I felt I was joining the fighting off the marauding Kings army to try and save my home. I can’t wait to listen to #2 and find out what happens to Catherine. I received a free audiobook code for my honest review.