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Ascent: A story of danger, adversity, and love (House of Normandy Book 1) Kindle Edition

by Cathie Dunn (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.3 out of 5 stars 157 ratings

A brutal Viking raid heralds the dawn of a new, powerful dynasty – the House of Normandy

Neustria, Kingdom of the West Franks
AD 890

Fourteen-year-old Poppa’s life changes when Northmen land near Bayeux. Count Bérengar, her father, submits to them, and she is handfasted to Hrólfr, the Northmen’s heathen leader, as part of their agreement.

To her relief, Hrólfr leaves immediately in search of further conquest, only returning to claim her years later. In the face of retaliating Franks, they flee to East Anglia, where she gives birth to their son and daughter.

When Hrólfr and Poppa return to reclaim Bayeux, his new campaign strikes at the heart of Frankish power, and King Charles of the West Franks offers him a pact he cannot refuse. In exchange for vast tracts of land in Neustria, Hrólfr must convert to Christianity and accept marriage to Gisela, the king’s illegitimate daughter.

Poppa’s world shatters. She remains in Bayeux, with her daughter, Adela. When Gisela arrives one day, demanding she hand over Adela, to be raised in Rouen, Poppa’s patience is at an end. But Gisela makes for a dangerous enemy, and only one woman will survive their confrontation high up on the cliffs.

Will Poppa live to witness the dawn of a new era?

ASCENT is the first in a new series about the early women of the House of Normandy – women whose stories have been forgotten through time.

Until now!

Readers of Viking and medieval fiction will enjoy ASCENT, a fictional account of the life of Poppa of Bayeux, handfasted wife of Rollo the Viking.

Trigger warning: Loss of a child. Some battle and fighting scenes.

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  1. Book 1 of 1
    House of Normandy
  2. Print length
    293 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    April 8, 2022
  5. File size
    3.4 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
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From the Publisher

Ascent banner

Viking ship

The threat from the North...

When Northmen attack her home of Bayeux, Lady Poppa's father quickly has her handfasted in the Danish manner to the raiders’ charismatic leader, Hrólfr.

While her husband is away for years, raiding the Neustria coast, Poppa learns how to run a household.

One day, Hrólfr returns to reclaim his wife...

Poppa

A fateful decision...

Learning that her husband is a fair, if harsh, warrior, Poppa adjusts to married life. Her new focus is to become a mother, but her journey is not without its tragedies, especially when they have to flee Neustria in face of attacking Franks.

On their return from East Anglia, Hrólfr's campaigns attract the attention of the Frankish king, who makes him an irresistible offer...

Normandy

A peaceful Normannia?

In the face of Hrólfr's betrayal, Poppa learns to live her life independently and quietly. But years later, he returns to her, rueful, thereby setting in motion a chain of events with terrible consequences.

Will Poppa find her peace on the wild coastline of the new Normannia or will her conscience destroy her?

And will she ever be able to forgive Hrólfr?

Editorial Reviews

Review

*Honourable Mention* in the Historical Fiction Company Book Awards 2022*

"As a reader, it is always a delight to see a character's personality and story arc in such a pleasing and well-done way. While many historical fiction novels about this period of history might focus more on the violence of battles, Ms Dunn's novel peers into the human heart, on an obscure woman's heart, and the love she has for her husband and family. It is truly heartwarming and a pleasure to read."

~ The Historical Fiction Company Editorial Review


"'Ascent' by Cathie Dunn is an extremely well-written retelling of Normandy history and the violence surrounding the time period, as well as the daily hardships all women faced. The author's command of the historical facts makes this story even more compelling, and Poppa's plight even more heartbreaking. Watching Poppa overcome all she must go through is the highlight of the story."

~ InD'tale Magazine


"I'm so glad I made time for this book as I was invested in this story from the get-go as the author just brought the characters so alive I just felt I was there with them.
I even noticed that I needed to swallow away some emotions on certain scenes as Cathie Dunn just wrote about it so beautifully it made it less sad to get through.
...
A book I certainly recommend everyone reading as I found it a very well-written, well-researched, fascinating and accessible introduction to the House of Normandy."

~ The Magic of Wor(l)ds


"I thoroughly enjoyed reading this fictional account of the rise of the Norman dynasty, a historical era I didn't know much about. The author brings the characters and the time period to life and had me eagerly turning the pages until the end. I look forward to the next book in the series!"

~ Juliane Weber, author of The Irish Fortune Series


"Cathie Dunn transports us back over a thousand years in the most meaningful way that will appeal to any reader. She has woven an intriguing story using the scant information we have about the period and its key players. The blissful love story included in the book added to the thrill. The setting was made more beautiful by the community and individuals in the tale. There were friends, foes, and allies, and each was motivated differently, whether by love, hatred, or greed. The story flowed beautifully. I never expected such a complex plot whose ending would be riveting and unusual."

~ Readers Favorite Review

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09RNB6N5L
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ (April 8, 2022)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 8, 2022
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.4 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 293 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ 2957570130
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.3 out of 5 stars 157 ratings

About the author

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Cathie Dunn

Cathie Dunn

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Cathie Dunn writes historical fiction, mystery, and romance. The focus of her historical fiction novels is on strong women through time.

Cathie has been writing for over twenty years. She studied Creative Writing, with a focus on novel writing, which she teaches in the south of France. She loves researching for her novels, delving into history books, and visiting castles and historic sites.

At the moment, Cathie is working on two novels: Treachery, #2 in the House of Normandy series, about Sprota the Breton, handfasted wife of William Longsword, the son of Poppa and Rollo; and The Alchemist's Daughter, #2 in the Affair of the Poisons series. She also continues to plot a medieval murder mystery series set in 13th century Languedoc at the height of the Cathar persecutions.

Cathie's stories have garnered awards and praise from reviewers and readers for their authentic description of the past.

Ascent: The fictionalised story of Poppa of Bayeux, handfasted wife of Rollo (Hrólfr) the Viking. A historical novel about a strong woman who faced many challenges head on.

The Shadows of Versailles: Seduced at Versailles. Broken by tragedy. Consumed by revenge. A historical novel set during the infamous Affair of the Poisons.

Love Lost in Time: A paranormal dual-timeline mystery set in Carcassonne, south of France, in the present and in the time of Charlemagne. A winner of The Coffee Pot Book Club Award and Book of the Month at Discovering Diamonds Reviews, the story is ’beautifully told’ and ’compelling'. Love Lost in Time is also a Finalist in its category from The Coffee Pot Book Club.

A Highland Captive: Set during the Scottish Wars of Independence, A Highland Captive is a ’well-researched’ tale of bravery, of uncertainty, and of recognition of love. Winner of the Chill with a Book Award.

Highland Arms: A fast-paced romantic adventure set in the Scottish Highlands about smugglers, Jacobites and rebellions. A heroine with an insatiable curiosity encounters a Highland rogue. But dangers await!

Dark Deceit: An ’exciting' medieval mystery romance set in England and Normandy, Dark Deceit weaves a tale of murder, changing loyalties, betrayal and love.

Silent Deception: A ’thoroughly enjoyable’ gothic romance novella set in Victorian Cornwall. A young heiress uncovers a dark family secret with the help of a stranger. But he has secrets too. Silent Deception is free in ebook format.

Cathie is a member of the Historical Novel Society and the Alliance of Independent Authors, and she organises historical fiction blog tours for The Coffee Pot Book Club.

After many years in Scotland, Cathie now lives in south of France with her husband, and rescued Charlie Cat and Ellie Dog. Discover more about Cathie at www.cathiedunn.com!

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
157 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book's characters relatable. The pacing receives positive feedback, with one customer describing it as a beautiful thought-provoking historical tale.

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3 customers mention "Character development"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, noting that the characters are relatable.

"...She creates characters who are relatable, despite the divide of more than ten centuries—especially Poppa, who manages to be true to herself no..." Read more

"...brings the times to life with fascinating descriptions and well-rounded main characters, kind and considerate but flawed...." Read more

"...She will remain,in my mind, a wonderful heroine who deserved much better than she got." Read more

3 customers mention "Pacing"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the pacing of the book, with one describing it as a beautiful thought-provoking historical tale, while another notes its fascinating descriptions.

"...Ms Dunne has spun an intriguing and gripping story based on what little fact we have of the period and its principal players...." Read more

"...Several times I dreamed that I was part of this incredible tale! Poppa is indeed the heroine and her story will leave you wanting more." Read more

"...heartbreak, grief and more, she brings the times to life with fascinating descriptions and well-rounded main characters, kind and considerate but..." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Anna B
    5.0 out of 5 stars Breathing life into long-gone Poppa
    Reviewed in the United States on September 13, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    Set in the years round 900 A.D., Ascent is the story of Hrolf, pillaging Norseman who somewhere along the line decides to settle and concentrate on becoming a power to be reckoned with in northern France, more precisely Normandy.

    To consolidate his position, Hrolf handfasts with Poppa, daughter of the count of Bayeux. She isn’t all that thrilled. At only fourteen, she views her twice as old heathen husband with some trepidation. And while he wants the political benefits of the union, he isn’t exactly taken by his very, very young bride, which may be why he decides to go off to Rouen and take control of that town, an endeavour which keeps him away from Poppa for so many years she finally has had it and goes to him in Rouen.

    Poppa and Hrolf will live through a sequence of ups and downs – especially when Hrolf furthers his political ambitions by marrying a French princess according to Christian rites. Let’s just say things become very, very complicated. . .

    Ms Dunne has spun an intriguing and gripping story based on what little fact we have of the period and its principal players. She creates characters who are relatable, despite the divide of more than ten centuries—especially Poppa, who manages to be true to herself no matter the situation. In actual fact, after having met Hrolf and Poppa, I find myself thinking that surely their great-great-great-grandson William the Conqueror must have had some redeeming qualities, some aspects of his personality that reflect on his ancestors.
    An enjoyable read—and especially for those intrigued by the years when the Norsemen played such a fundamental part in the shaping history. Warmly recommended
    One person found this helpful
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  • Joyce K
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful thought provoking historical tale!
    Reviewed in the United States on January 12, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I was so caught up in this story of Vikings and their story of conquered land and people, that I stayed awake far into the night. Several times I dreamed that I was part of this incredible tale! Poppa is indeed the heroine and her story will leave you wanting more.
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  • Miriam Drori
    5.0 out of 5 stars Ancient historical fiction that speaks to modern readers
    Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2022
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    How do you turn back the clock more than a thousand years, and write a story that's meaningful to modern readers? Cathie Dunn has accomplished that task brilliantly in this novel. Employing the eternal emotions of love, heartbreak, grief and more, she brings the times to life with fascinating descriptions and well-rounded main characters, kind and considerate but flawed. I particularly liked her descriptions of death.

    I highly recommend this novel and look forward to reading the rest of the series.
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  • Charlotte Benaka
    5.0 out of 5 stars Poppa; dignified in spite of betrayal…
    Reviewed in the United States on April 10, 2022
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    As a modern woman, I simply cannot comprehend how Poppa could have allowed her husband back into her life after he had betrayed her by casting their marriage aside and remarrying for political gain. The pain that caused would have destroyed most women. Even though he regretted his choices, I think he should have suffered more, and yet Poppa forgave him. She will remain,in my mind, a wonderful heroine who deserved much better than she got.
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  • Bobo
    1.0 out of 5 stars Dreadful
    Reviewed in the United States on June 23, 2023
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    Just dreadful.
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  • The Journalist
    5.0 out of 5 stars An enlightening Dark Age tale showing the characters' humanity
    Reviewed in the United States on November 16, 2023
    Planned as the first novel in a trilogy on the kingdom of Normandy, this book was full of pleasant and readable surprises. For me, the first was that Vikings were given more than just their usual nod for being barbaric and bloody brutes. Instead, they were integral, fascinating characters whose European odyssey was both impressive and in part, driven by the desire to settle in new lands. Hrolfr, the principal male character is hungry to accrue lands to settle with his own future dynasty in mind.

    Of course, the book starts with the typical Viking raid, but Dunn does an admirable job of rounding out characters who usually have violent characteristics. In part, she did this through Poppa--her protagonist--and a worthy one. Poppa rapidly develops from the stunned and horrified girl-child who witnesses a Viking raid to the promised, if not stubborn bride of the Viking chief! And Dunn is able to logically create a tenderness between Poppa and Hrolfr that is both endearing and plausible. Poppa becomes a mother, a loyal wife cast aside, and caregiver throughout the story, never losing her appeal by becoming "pathetic", but instead giving this Dark-Age tale a sense of reality that moves the plot along smoothly.

    Dunn's strength is certainly breathing life into names and people who have been dead over a thousand years and making them relatable to today's audience. Also, she's able to introduce characters to the story who are believable, yet completely fictitious--using them in those gray areas the blend fiction and fact. Ranulf and his sister, were good examples of this. Also, toward the end of the novel were two of the most moving death scenes I've ever read in historical fiction.

    Both touching and deeply human, Ascent is a book worth reading to experience a more complete Dark Age tale that sheds light on the human condition. It's a story that certainly merits telling.
    2 people found this helpful
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  • HF Reader
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating and Entertaining Glimpse into History
    Reviewed in the United States on July 21, 2022
    I truly enjoyed reading this historical fiction novel; once started, I did not want to put it down. Not only did I learn a great deal about a time in history I know little about, I connected immediately with Ms Dunn's lively writing and beautifully drawn characters, and was completely vested in Poppa's and Hrólfr's world.
    Undoubtedly of their time and yet completely accessible to modern readers, I recommend this novel as a fascinating and entertaining introduction to the people of the pre-Norman world. Details of pagan hand-fasting and emerging Christianity, political alliances and brutal raids illuminate the highlights and perils of these distant peoples’ day-to-day challenges. Yet, under Ms Dunn's sympathetic and assured hand, these life events bring us closer to Poppa and Hrólfr, showing that no matter what the era, it is the sagas of love and family that are the stories we want to hear. Ascent is one of the best such tales I’ve read in a long time and I'm delighted to know a sequel is in the works. Highly recommend.
    2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • FrenchVillageDiaries
    5.0 out of 5 stars A gem of a read for those who love historical fiction
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 10, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I love historical fiction and especially novels based around real characters, with a story that adds flesh to their bones and brings them back to life. However, working in a museum dedicated to 19th century French rural life and the industrial revolution, that is housed in a Renaissance château, meant I had little knowledge of the era of history that this book is set in. My early worries that I wouldn’t connect with the story, characters or period were soon forgotten.

    Life at this time was harsh, with so much to battle with, from the constant threat of invasion or attack to the cruel weather, illness and disease. The descriptions in the book made it easy to immerse myself in the action and Poppa was a powerful character who I grew to love. Her relatively comfortable, privileged position as the daughter of the local Count was thrown into turmoil when their village was invaded. Where she was feisty and angry, her father was weak and complying, and to keep the peace, negotiated his daughter’s hand, binding her to Hrólfr. It might not have been her choice, but Poppa showed wisdom beyond her years and watching the changing dynamics of their unusual relationship was a delight that kept me turning the pages. The emotional side left me with a warmth I hadn’t expected.

    This book is a gem for those who love historical fiction and are looking to read something a bit different. It certainly piqued my interest in this period, leaving me keen to learn more and I will be eagerly waiting the next book in this series. In the meantime, I’ve found more from Cathie, set in Versailles and the Languedoc, that I am now looking forward to reading.
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  • Evert
    4.0 out of 5 stars A pleasant read
    Reviewed in Canada on July 5, 2022
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    If you enjoy historical fiction this novel is for you. I found the research and writing engaging. My only disappointment was that the retelling of the viscous Northmen raids were tempered and, some cultural relativism placing Christianity on par with the pagan mythology.
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  • Alison Morton
    4.0 out of 5 stars Poppa of Bayeux - a story of love, courage and transformation
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 16, 2022
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    Stories set in a period of change are fascinating as we feel tension not only between the characters and within the plot, but also the pressures from a society going through transformation. The author handles all levels very deftly. Her command of period detail is assured, and gives us a rich and vivid sense of this changing world naturally and without being obvious.

    The main character, Poppa, at fourteen is a passionate teenager with limited sense. Poppa at thirty is a mature and intelligent manager and counsellor. She suffers the emotional impact of betrayal, neglect and danger and its practical consequences. Life was hard for women of this period, but we see Poppa find the truth behind all of these and act courageously to address them.

    Historically, Hrólfr/Rollo was a brigand, raider and marauder, out to grab treasure and land. But something deep inside him pulled him towards land and an urge to settle both himself and his followers. I did find his characterisation rather sanitised. However, this is the story of Poppa and her trials as she adjusts from Frankish noblewoman to Viking wife and then into a mix of the two. While I knew about Rollo from Norman French history, I was unaware of Poppa. Thank you, Cathie Dunn, for bringing Poppa to the forefront and in such a well-written way.
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  • Kate Jewell
    5.0 out of 5 stars Bringing the Normans to life
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 17, 2022
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    I have read several of Cathie Dunn’s novels and once again she has breathed life into the history of her chosen period.
    This time we are immersed in the early history of William the Conquerer’s ancestors. Ms. Dunn deftly paints the picture through the eyes of the two main characters; young Poppa, the daughter of the Frankish Count Bérengar of Bayeux, and a seasoned Northman warrior, Hrólfr. Poppa resists the raiding Northmen when they over run her home, but has no choice but to accept her fate when her father negotiates a peace with their leader. She finds herself promised to Hrólfr who, refusing to entertain a Christian marriage ceremony, takes her by the old tradition of handfasting.
    Securely founded on the known history of Poppa and Hrólfr, Cathie Dunn weaves a tale of emerging loyalty and affection between her protagonists against a background of divided faiths and and the birth of the fiefdom of Normandy. I couldn’t put this down and read it over 4 days, so I can thoroughly recommend this book. Looking forward to the next instalment; the story of Poppa’s handfasted “daughter-in-law”, Sprota.
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  • nanjar
    5.0 out of 5 stars It took strong women, like Poppa of Bayeux, to survive the invasion of the Northmen.
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 11, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    What a lovely story! I really enjoyed experiencing life at the early Frankish court through the eyes of Poppa of Bayeux. This is a time period and location largely unknown to me, so to have it brought vibrantly to life made her story a wonderful read. There are some very tense moments, however, Poppa is an indomitable force who finds solutions that make her life bearable during stressful times. The story has many well-rounded secondary characters. Most of them are likeable though a few are less so. Count Bérengar, Poppa’s father, isn’t my cup of tea, though his dealings after his lands are invaded by the Northmen was probably typical of the era. Would I want to meet Hrolfr? I’m not too sure, though dynastic marriages around the year 900 (AD) definitely led to some interesting situations developing. I look forward to reading of some more intriguing marriage machinations in the next book of the series.
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