The Mercy Seller by Brenda Rickman Vantrease

Set in the 15th century. This book follows the story of Anna and her grandfather, Finn, from book I, The Illuminator. Finn flees England with baby Anna due to prosecutions against the Lollards – followers of John Wycliffe, who turned against the Church because of its abuses. 

Finn settles in Prague, where he “starts Prague’s secret enterprise to disseminate the banned translations.” When Prague becomes a dangerous place for Lollards, Finn asks Anna to go back to England to seek protection under Lord Cobham. 

Anna on her way to England, while stopping in France, sets a temporary stall where she sells Pilgrim’s Guide, which she copies at night to make money for her trip.

Across the channel in England, Friar Gabriel is asked to spy on the nobility, who has become a Lollard, namely Lord Cobham. He further is sent to France to investigate the source of forbidden Bible spread by Lollards. In Rheims, his eye catches a red hair young lady, who sells books at a stall. 

As Anna later finds out England is even more dangerous for Lollards than Prague. “His Excellency says they’ll probably have to build a tower at Lambeth to house all the Lollards he’s planning to catch in his net.”

As book I, the pages of book II are filled with deep thoughts and rich historical details making this book very engaging and a fascinating read.

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