AD 1618 - Post-Reformation Central Europe is on the verge of a cataclysmic new religious conflict-the Thirty Years War-that will ultimately lead to the deaths of eight million and the dramatic alteration of European civilization.
When Peter Erhart, a young German Lutheran, comes to the aid of a frightened Catholic boy named Hans Mannheim on the day of the war's outbreak in Prague, he embarks on a life journey that will severely test his courage, humanity, and faith. A decade later, Peter, now married and pastoring in Magdeburg, Germany, sees this test begin in earnest when powerful rivals threaten his career and the war engulfs the city.
As the Catholic imperial army approaches, Peter encounters Anna Ritter, a peasant girl of uncommon beauty and wit who has secretly adored him for years. Each must fight bravely for survival of their families and friends when local villains invade countryside cottages and the army, led by an awe-inspiring Black Knight, besieges the city.
At the pinnacle of their trial, unthinkable tragedy unites Peter and Anna and links their fates with Hans, now a grown man with a reputation to prove. Will faith and forgiveness prevail over despair and death when the three face together their ultimate test in the siege's horrific aftermath?
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[Peter Erhart clenched his teeth, trying in vain to stop his heart from pounding] ***(Zino Publishing, 18 June 2018, ebook, 518 pages, copy from the @shaylaleeraquel and voluntarily reviewed)
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This is my first time reading the author. Now and then I like to step out of my comfort zone and read a bit of historical fiction. I really enjoyed this book. I've been reading this on and off for several weeks. It's not the kind of book you can read through, every word, every scene needs to be savoured. Hope of Ages Past covers a lot of historical events. The author takes time in developing the word and characters. I found myself engrossed every time I picked up the book to read it. I thought the writing style was great and made reading this book a real pleasure. I've struggled with historical fiction before and have found some titles very dry, wordy and unapproachable. Hope of Ages Past is the opposite. Highly recommended.