Book 4 of the Seton Chronicles
From the splendour of Constantinople to the turmoil of Reformation Europe, The Familists is a vivid and compelling story of faith, family and survival inspired by real events and remarkable historical figures.
Constantinople 1555.
After years of exile and persecution, Bethia Seton hopes she and her family have found refuge but her husband Mainard has disappeared and she is left alone struggling to protect her children and build a future while fearing she may never see him again.
As Bethia navigates the opportunities and dangers of life in Constantinople, Mainard finds himself caught up in events in Reformation Europe that will challenge everything he believes. Drawn towards the controversial new movement of familism whose followers place love and family above religious divisions, he must decide where his beliefs truly lie.
For Bethia’s brother Will, the danger is more immediate. France is descending into religious turmoil, and Protestants face imprisonment, torture and death. As tensions rise and violence spreads, he must choose whether to fight for his faith or flee.
Separated by distance but bound by family, Bethia, Mainard and Will must each find a way to survive in a world where faith divides nations, loyalties shift without warning and safety is never guaranteed.
‘I particularly enjoyed the scenes at the Frankfurt Book Fair, which is more than 500 years old. How remarkable that such an institution was thriving then and still is!’ Carolyn Hughes, author of the Meonbridge Chronicles
‘This has been one of my most enjoyable and informative reads in many years.’ Amazon Reviewer