S K Gertsch MobiPocket BooksOnBoard Category:  Historical Fiction Publisher: Stonehedge Publishing Type: Fiction Pages: 532 Copyright: May8, 2008 ISBN-13: 9781602760356 Lothar de Thaon, a rising star inside the Templar Order, devoted his life to making a name for himself and serving the Lord along the boundaries of the Outremer until he meets a German princess. Excerpt In the final days of a dying order, one of their truest is banished by a politically motivated superior, and what seems like the end becomes the true beginning of his life. Lothar de Thaon served the Templars in the most complete way a man could, with his heart, mind, soul, and laying his life on the line. However, even the most loyal servant cannot continue to keep faith when the church he fought and bled for turned its back and sanctioned the extinction of his brothers. Lothar escapes the executioners and seeks the safety of a remote area to hide and later tell the story of his betrayed and slaughtered brethren. In the midst of a period of painful self- growth and exploration, he finds his thoughts dominated by the memory of a woman he but knew in passing. The church might have denied him, God did not. Placing this woman’s path in Lothar’s again, God, or if you would rather, Fate, spoke. Through much peril and suffering they unite and a man who formerly expected no reward before Heaven finds completion in love.

Kristina Dalton, author of Vampire’s Lover, The King’s Right...
Steve Gertsch's debut novel, A Templar's Vows, creates a new form of mainstream fiction. Against the sweeping backdrop of the decline of the Templar's and Crusade-era Europe, the novel follows the personal trials and self-discovery of one of the dying order. Mr. Gertsch's writing offers action, intrigue, and even romance. It' a read for men and women, for anyone who loves a good tale told well.