The Outcast Dove

I enjoyed this book a great deal, and didn't miss Catherine at all. I've really enjoyed the entire series but I think I liked this one best. In this bbok we get to see more of Soloman and his family. I enjoyed the book from the first dead body in the woods to the end of the book.

I have enjoyed all of the Catherine LeVendeur books, but I especially enjoyed this one. Although Catherine does not appear in this book, we get a more in depth look at Solomon and the world he lived in and traveled through. Solomon is one of the more complex characters that Ms. Newman has created, a man living in both the Christian and the Jewish communities of his time, with connections to both. He has always lived by his wits and intelligence, but here he is faced with two life changing events. He once again has to confront his birth father Brother James, a man who rejects and despises Jews (he is a convert to Christianity), and seems to have a special antipathy for Solomon. But most importantly, we get to meet Anna, who's very exsistance has a profound impact on Solomon's life. She is a wonderful character, and Ms. Newman has done us a great service by showing how Anna was regarded in her time as a blessing and a gift. I also enjoyed following the route of Solomon's travels, and learning how the Jewish communities of the time were so closely linked. I thorougly enjoyed "The Outcast Dove" and recommend it to anyone interested in excellent historical fiction.

Catherine LeVendeur's cousin Solomon is on his way to Almeria to pick up their share of the investment that the ship brings in. He stops at Toluse where he has many friends including Aaron who wants the leader to rescue his betrothed who was sold into sexual bondage after the Christians invaded Almeria. Solomon agrees to rescue the woman he knew as a baby but before he leaves someone killed a monk who gave bags of gold to ransom the girl, money that was meant to free Christian soldiers held by the Saracens.When he finally leaves the city, he is in a caravan that includes his Sire Brother James, a Christian fanatic who hates all Jews. One the road, Samuel who came along for the adventure is also murdered. Brother James thinks the two deaths are connected. The murder of one of their mercenary knights affirms his belief. Nov he has to prove it.Unlike the rest of the novels in this series, Catherine LeVendeur doesn't make an appearance and her husband Edgar is in one chapter. Readers get a chance to see how Solomon lives when he is away from his causes keeping his trading business alive. Rich in historical detail and fascinating characters, readers will feel like they were transported back to 1148.Harriet Klausner