Pope Joan A Novel

It is so gratifying to read about those rare heroes whose strength of vision enables them to ignore the almost overpowering messages of their own historical periods. . . . Pope Joan has all the elements one wants: love, sex, violence, duplicity and long-buried secrets. Cross has written an engaging book. Los Angeles Times Book Review

A fascinating and moving account of a woman s determination to learn, despite the opposition of family and society. Highly recommended. Library Journal (starred review)

Cross makes an excellent, entertaining case that in the Dark Ages, a woman sat on the papal throne. . . . A colorful, richly imagined novel. Publishers Weekly

Pope Joan reveals the harsh realities of the Dark Ages. Violence is rife in the government, church and home; logic and reason are shunned as dangerous ideas and women are considered useful only as men s servants and child bearers. The novel explores the extraordinary life of an independent, intelligent and courageous woman who overcomes oppression and ascends to the highest level of religious power. . . . Cross masterful use of anticipation, as well as the sweeping historical landscape of the story, keep Pope Joan intriguing. . . . An exciting journey through history as it s being made. San Francisco Chronicle

Eloquently written and spellbinding in its account of this legendary figure. Arizona Republic

The life of an intelligent, headstrong woman in 9th-century Europe, the kind of woman who might have dared such an adventure in an era when obedience was a woman s most admired trait. . . . Cross succeeds admirably, grounding her fast-moving tale in a wealth of rich historical detail. Orlando Sentinel

A story of passion and faith and a reminder that some things never change, only the stage and players do. Fort Worth Star-Telegram

A remarkable woman uses her considerable intellect and more than a little luck to rise from humble origins to become the only female Pope, in this breakneck adventure. Kirkus Reviews

A page-turner! Glamour