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The Lode Stone
If you were about to die, would you bargain with everything that mattered to you? And if you did not die, could you keep such a bargain? The Lode Stone, a Historical Fiction novel by award-winning author Jane Ann McLachlan, explores the consequences of a desperate bargain made by two men in the face of death, and the woman who must live with their bargain. Three years ago Melisende’s husband, Simon, went off with Lord Bernard and his men to join King Phillip of France on the Third Crusade. Now Lord Bernard is dead and his son, Lord Charles, has come home from the crusades with the last of their men -- and Simon is not among them. Lord Charles claims Simon died saving his life. Melisende suspects there is more to the story. Left to fend for herself and her two young children, Melisende is determined to discover what really happened to Simon at the battle for Acre. The truth is far stranger and more unsettling than she could ever have imagined. If you enjoy true-to-life historical fiction based on real events, with all the passion, drama, and heartache of life in Medieval Europe, you’ll love The Lode Stone, written by multi-award-winning author Jane Ann McLachlan.
257 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 5, 2019
94 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
Jane Ann McLachlan
14 books18 followersAlso known as J. A. McLachlan.
Jane Ann McLachlan was born in Toronto, Canada. She started writing stories when she was five years old, and has been reading literary fiction, science fiction and historical fiction in equal measure all her life. She received her B.A. in English Literature from York University and her M.A. in Canadian Literature from Carleton University. Before becoming a full-time writer she taught at Conestoga College.
Jane Ann McLachlan was born in Toronto, Canada. She started writing stories when she was five years old, and has been reading literary fiction, science fiction and historical fiction in equal measure all her life. She received her B.A. in English Literature from York University and her M.A. in Canadian Literature from Carleton University. Before becoming a full-time writer she taught at Conestoga College.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
November 5, 2019
This is the second book in the Medieval Stones Series (first one is the Sorrow Stone) and is a stand-alone book.
This is a well-written medieval historical novel set in France just after the Crusades. The first part of the book starts with Melisende being left a widow after her husband leaves to go to battle in far-off lands. She is left a widow with two children with untold repercussions.
The second part of the book follows the story of Isaac, a crippled and scarred man, we follow his journey from the Holy Lands back to France.
The third part of the story culminates with the bringing together of these two main characters.
The characters are well-drawn, believable, not always likeable in some cases, the book depicts the times and attitudes of the times, especially for women and the poor and needy and how men have all the power.
It is interesting to see how Melisende navigates these troubles while keeping her children safe.
Issac’s story has its cruel moments with some violence but not gratuitous violence which only adds to the atmosphere.
A brilliant read.
This is a well-written medieval historical novel set in France just after the Crusades. The first part of the book starts with Melisende being left a widow after her husband leaves to go to battle in far-off lands. She is left a widow with two children with untold repercussions.
The second part of the book follows the story of Isaac, a crippled and scarred man, we follow his journey from the Holy Lands back to France.
The third part of the story culminates with the bringing together of these two main characters.
The characters are well-drawn, believable, not always likeable in some cases, the book depicts the times and attitudes of the times, especially for women and the poor and needy and how men have all the power.
It is interesting to see how Melisende navigates these troubles while keeping her children safe.
Issac’s story has its cruel moments with some violence but not gratuitous violence which only adds to the atmosphere.
A brilliant read.
November 5, 2019
This was a fascinating read. It really had the flavour of the times, with the deep held religious beliefs and also the superstitions that were believed. The main character was Melisande, the wife of Simon, a blacksmith. There was a mystery as to how Simon had met his death during the Crusades. Something that Lord Charles seems to know more about than he says. It illustrated how difficult it was to be a business woman in what was very much a man’s world. Also, how a Lord was all important and powerful. Melisande was a strong and brave woman who was determined to do the best for her family. The only part I didn’t enjoy was the ending, although it was all resolved, it finished quite abruptly.
January 10, 2021
An excellent historical fiction novel by Jane Ann McLachlan
This book has everything I love in historical fiction! There's mystery,romance a strong leading female character whose personal growth is so laudable. Set in France and the Holy Land, rich cultural descriptions abound. I loved this book! Please read the first book in the series, The Sorrow Stone. It's a real page turner describing the li mited roles for women in medieval Europe and a deliciously slow unraveling of a mystery!
This book has everything I love in historical fiction! There's mystery,romance a strong leading female character whose personal growth is so laudable. Set in France and the Holy Land, rich cultural descriptions abound. I loved this book! Please read the first book in the series, The Sorrow Stone. It's a real page turner describing the li mited roles for women in medieval Europe and a deliciously slow unraveling of a mystery!
January 26, 2020
Review to follow.
November 5, 2019
The Lode Stone book review
November 5, 2019
Melisende Is the main character in this medieval story set in the 1190s. As a woman in that time period without a husband, the author really gives you a feel of the challenges she faced. Feeding her family and caring for them alone without the protection and help of a husband. As a woman in today’s world I can’t imagine the world back then especially for women! One of the things I like about this historical novel is being able to go back in time! The author did a nice job with her research.
Melisende Is a very strong willed woman! I enjoyed reading about how she tackles her challenges facing life without her husband Simon. Simon had went with Lord Barnard to fight the crusades with a war horse that he had trained. Unfortunately the war horse returns without her husband. The circumstances are suspicious but she must soldier on as a single woman with her two children.
I learned a lot about the quarry that she is given to run. There are some things in a man’s world in terms of business that a woman can’t accomplish and thank goodness she has a friend in Lord Roland, the brother of Lord Charles the current Lord.
About halfway through the book a new perspective through the eyes of Isaac is given. I enjoyed the two part story line.
Reading the book I was immersed in the time period and all the characters involved. A very engrossing story well written! I even learned what a lode stone was!
I received an advanced readers copy of this book and all the opinions presented in my review are my own.
November 5, 2019
Melisende Is the main character in this medieval story set in the 1190s. As a woman in that time period without a husband, the author really gives you a feel of the challenges she faced. Feeding her family and caring for them alone without the protection and help of a husband. As a woman in today’s world I can’t imagine the world back then especially for women! One of the things I like about this historical novel is being able to go back in time! The author did a nice job with her research.
Melisende Is a very strong willed woman! I enjoyed reading about how she tackles her challenges facing life without her husband Simon. Simon had went with Lord Barnard to fight the crusades with a war horse that he had trained. Unfortunately the war horse returns without her husband. The circumstances are suspicious but she must soldier on as a single woman with her two children.
I learned a lot about the quarry that she is given to run. There are some things in a man’s world in terms of business that a woman can’t accomplish and thank goodness she has a friend in Lord Roland, the brother of Lord Charles the current Lord.
About halfway through the book a new perspective through the eyes of Isaac is given. I enjoyed the two part story line.
Reading the book I was immersed in the time period and all the characters involved. A very engrossing story well written! I even learned what a lode stone was!
I received an advanced readers copy of this book and all the opinions presented in my review are my own.
November 24, 2019
The Lode Stone is a fascinating, well-researched story set in Medieval Europe. Its themes include home, family, suffering, loss, and forgiveness. Melisende’s husband, Simon, goes off to join the third Crusade with the local lord and his soldiers, but fails to return, leaving Melisende in a whirlpool of grief and anger and burdened with the care of her family. The description of emotional and physical suffering is acute and poignant, being the dark background against which challenge and victory shine bright. This novel will appeal to many types of readers: the student of history, the observer of sociology, those who are interested in political intrigue, those who suffer pain and loss, and even the romance novel aficionado. Five well-deserved stars from this reviewer.
October 13, 2020
"Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof"...
This is a quote that helps us get through one day of difficulty. Similar to " one day at a time" sweet Jesus. For Malisendre, a widow of the Crusades, this phrase keeps her grounded and she does what she has to to protect her children and her life. And then things change and she has to re-negotiate her life. A very good story with a lot of great history about an era few know much about. I love the way the tale is crafted. I love the role that the amazing war horse plays, but I am missing an epilogue that lets me know that things do work out for all of these interesting and well crafted characters. I also miss the artistry and beautiful calligraphy of the chapter headings seen in Book One of this series..
This is a quote that helps us get through one day of difficulty. Similar to " one day at a time" sweet Jesus. For Malisendre, a widow of the Crusades, this phrase keeps her grounded and she does what she has to to protect her children and her life. And then things change and she has to re-negotiate her life. A very good story with a lot of great history about an era few know much about. I love the way the tale is crafted. I love the role that the amazing war horse plays, but I am missing an epilogue that lets me know that things do work out for all of these interesting and well crafted characters. I also miss the artistry and beautiful calligraphy of the chapter headings seen in Book One of this series..
November 5, 2019
I adore this author and her stories which are beautifully written! The scenes flow smoothly, the characters are well developed and believable while the description of back drop pulls you in and keeps you there. The author's research makes the story transcends the mundane.
This is the story of Melisende who becomes a widow when her husband rides off to the Crusades. I was impressed with how she outsmarted the three men in her life and gained control as to what they could and could not do to get and her children. I hope there are more books in this series
This is the story of Melisende who becomes a widow when her husband rides off to the Crusades. I was impressed with how she outsmarted the three men in her life and gained control as to what they could and could not do to get and her children. I hope there are more books in this series
September 12, 2020
Fantastic series!
The Sorrow Stone pulled me in and held me captive, but McLachlan has outdone herself with The Lode Stone, bringing the Middle Ages to believable, colorful life with her prose. Simon has grown up since Jean bargained his apprenticeship in The Sorrow Stone, becoming a successful blacksmith under his Lord's protection. When tragedy strikes, his bride Melisande--a strong, beautiful heroine--must forge her life in a world with small regard for women. Just the right balance of history, mystery, drama, adventure and romance!
The Sorrow Stone pulled me in and held me captive, but McLachlan has outdone herself with The Lode Stone, bringing the Middle Ages to believable, colorful life with her prose. Simon has grown up since Jean bargained his apprenticeship in The Sorrow Stone, becoming a successful blacksmith under his Lord's protection. When tragedy strikes, his bride Melisande--a strong, beautiful heroine--must forge her life in a world with small regard for women. Just the right balance of history, mystery, drama, adventure and romance!
November 13, 2019
"My lode stone...He will bring me home." This well-researched, well-written historical fiction novel will do much more than bring the reader home. The characters, the plot-line, the descriptions, the wisdom offered will entertain, enlighten, and encourage the reader to share in this memorable journey that examines the enduring nature of family, of faith, of goodness, of love, of life. A haunting, heartfelt, and compelling companion to McLachlan's "The Sorrow Stone".
April 23, 2020
Outstanding Story!!
The Lode Stone is truly an outstanding story. The main character is my favorite throughout the entire book. I enjoyed all the characters and the setting. The story line is so very good, nothing better than a strong female in medieval times. I highly recommend this book.
The Lode Stone is truly an outstanding story. The main character is my favorite throughout the entire book. I enjoyed all the characters and the setting. The story line is so very good, nothing better than a strong female in medieval times. I highly recommend this book.
January 27, 2021
Engaging!
This story gripped me from the very beginning. A woman left a widow by the crusades with two children. How she becomes wealthy and her journey to find love was gripping. The only complaint I have is the book ends abruptly-it could have a settling down chapter-or maybe I just wanted to story to continue.
I really enjoyed this book and how it made the crusades real.
This story gripped me from the very beginning. A woman left a widow by the crusades with two children. How she becomes wealthy and her journey to find love was gripping. The only complaint I have is the book ends abruptly-it could have a settling down chapter-or maybe I just wanted to story to continue.
I really enjoyed this book and how it made the crusades real.
May 15, 2022
3.5 stars
I liked this story but not as much as the first. A completely different tale with some of the characters from the first, as well as some new ones. I did find that I liked the main character in this one much better. An enjoyable read but just short of the same fascination of the first.
I liked this story but not as much as the first. A completely different tale with some of the characters from the first, as well as some new ones. I did find that I liked the main character in this one much better. An enjoyable read but just short of the same fascination of the first.
November 23, 2019
Good historical fiction
Not any sex, but still a good story about a strong woman of long ago. I would read it again.
Not any sex, but still a good story about a strong woman of long ago. I would read it again.
December 6, 2019
This book is very well written and I truly enjoyed the journey. Unfortunately being a devoted consumer of HEA I found the ending a bit unsettling. If only the author had written one more chapter...
July 5, 2020
Great story
This is a great story, and an interesting take on the relationship between crusaders and the Jewish people of Acre.
This is a great story, and an interesting take on the relationship between crusaders and the Jewish people of Acre.
June 27, 2021
This is such a great story and I enjoyed it as much as the first book in this series. The plot was intriguing kept me hooked from the beginning.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews