Saturday, May 11, 2013

NEW RELEASE: Book 2 of Series Featuring Christopher Columbus, Isabella & Ferdinand


Author Lilian Gafni recently released book 2 of her Historical Fiction series "Flower From Castile." Book 2 titled “The New World” takes readers to the year 1493 when Columbus is on a voyage to reach the Indies, the Beneluz family is sailing to Morocco to begin a new life, and Queen Isabella & King Ferdinand deal with the backlash of the Alhambra Decree. Here’s the synopsis:



The year 1493 ushers in a New World, and Columbus is on a voyage with the Santa Maria, the Pinta, and the Niña to reach the Indies by sailing west. One of the sailors, João Treves, blackmails Columbus—threatening to reveal a secret that could ruin him—compelling Columbus to stow away Conversos on his next voyage. When the journey stretches longer than their food stores, the crew becomes fearful and rebellious.

Isabella and Miguel, along with the Beneluz family, are now sailing to Morocco where they can begin a new life. Their ship is headed for dangerous waters, infested with pirates bent on extracting hidden gold from unprotected passengers. Although Isabella and Miguel pray for smooth sailing, their voyage is beset by pirates, and they are taken as booty to be sold in Tangier's slave market.


The ill-fated decision that instituted the Alhambra Decree and expelled all their Jewish artisans, farmers and workers leaves Queen Isabella and King Ferdinand vulnerable with depleted ranks of taxpayers. In her heart, the queen yearns for Columbus's return with the gold promised for España.

Sound intriguing? "The New World" is now available on Amazon in paperback and for Kindle. Click here to purchase.



Catch up on the entire "Flower From Castile" series, starting with Book 1 "The Alhamba Decree" also available on Amazon in paperback and for Kindle. Click here to purchase.







ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Lilian Gafni was born in Cairo, Egypt and attended the all-girls, non-denominational, French Catholic School of St. Vincent de Paul. While growing up, Lilian spoke Ladino (a mixture of Castilian Spanish and Hebrew words), a language spoken by Spanish Jews after their expulsion from Spain in 1492.
Gafni writes with passion about the traumas of displaced Jewish populations because she once was attacked because of her religion. Her family fled to the newly formed country of Israel, where she had to adapt to a new life, country and language. Gafni seeks to give voice to the thousands of victims who have been brutally silenced through the ages due to their religion and personal history.

CONNECT WITH AUTHOR LILIAN GAFNI