Welcome to Di's Bookshelf

About Diana M. Johnson

Books

Cradle of a Nation

 

Will & Davy

 

Quest for the Crown

 

Pepin's Bastard

 

Destiny's Godchild

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Quest for the Crown
The Story of Pepin the Short
(Charlemagne's Father)


Charlemagne's father, Pepin the Short, yearns to become King of All Franks, a title the Merovingians have claimed for hundreds of years. But even should he succeed, how can Pepin fight his beloved older brother, Carloman, for the crown? No such scruples hold him from warring with his contentious younger half-siblings.

 

Gaining the crown through the power of the pope in Rome, Pepin establishes the idea of the divine right of kings. Then, to protect his mentor, Pepin must leave his kingdom in the able hands of his wife, Bertrada Big Foot. He and his army scale the formidable Alps to battle the Lombards, threatening the pope and Rome. In donating the cities he wins to the papal chair, Pepin begins what will become the Vatican—geographic territory belonging to the pope.

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"Deftly written by Diana M. Johnson, Quest for the Crown is a compelling historical novel...engaging and enthusiastically recommended." James Cox, Editor-in-Chief, The Midwest Book Review.

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"This Novel is a first-rate piece of writing. As much as possible, it's based on historical fact, so it feels very plausible. It's well done, and is a fitting end to a really good trilogy." Paul Lappen, Editor, Dead Trees Review.

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"Ms. Johnson is an expert on this family. She will surprise and entertain you; all the time telling a story based on authentic fact." Alan Carube, Editor, Bookviews.com.