What is Home? For Simon, it is the place where we are safe; for Melisende, it is where we are loved. Until Simon left to fight in the crusades, home was where they were together. Three years ago Melisende’s husband, Simon, went off with Lord Barnard and his men to join King Phillippe of France on the Third Crusade. Now Lord Barnard 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 danger of life in Medieval Europe, you’ll love The Lode Stone, written by multi-award-winning author Jane Ann McLachlan. What readers are saying about The Lode “I was immersed in the time period and all the characters involved. A very engrossing story and well written!” “What a great story!” “Well written and truly entertaining.” “I absolutely loved this book.” “I highly recommend it to anyone seeking to be enthralled.” “A riveting tale.” “This was a beautifully written novel with excellent plot development. I became so invested in the storyline that I finished the book in two days. “I would read it again.”