The Fire of Roses

About the Book

1212. Twenty thousand children embark on a journey across France. Led by Stephen of Cloyes, a peasant boy with a professed letter from God, they aspire to liberate the Holy Land from the Saracens.

Jean-Marc, a French peasant boy, joins the crusade even though he lacks faith in God. Together with his sister, Marie Christina, and a saintly nun, Sister Sophie, Jean-Marc embarks on one of the most infamous events in history.

When tragedy upon tragedy strikes the children’s army, will faith be enough to get them to their goal? And once there, will they become liberators or prisoners? Will Jean-Marc ever discover the fire missing within?

Based upon the true historical event of the Children’s Crusade, The Fire of Roses is a dynamic novel of faith, history, and awakening. It also presents invaluable historical insight into Christian/Islamic relations.

About the Author

Gregory J. Rinaldi was born in 1974 in Jamaica, New York. His short stories and poetry have appeared in Cities and Roads, Chapter One, and The Lighthouse. The Fire of Roses is his first published novel. He lives in Greensboro, North Carolina.