Thomas portrays both the austere justice of God as well as the merciful grace that He is willing to show all who will come to Him. Though our Heavenly Father chastises, He is full of love for His children and longs for you to come home where you belong.
As Greyson said, “we are all either prodigals or the reflections of the Father, holding our arms out to the lost.” I therefore urge you dear reader to seek the power of Christ and encourage you to know Him in the “power of His resurrection.”
Come and dwell in the shadow of His wings.
—JP ROBINSON
Historical Notes
The World War I era presents authors with both challenges and a wealth of literary opportunities. There are so many untold or little-known stories from this era which impact the world still today. Whether or not Queen Marie-Antoinette’s son, Prince Louis-Charles, died in prison is a matter of ongoing debate.
Recently, scientists have attempted to lay the matter to rest, however doubts about the validity of the study allows the theory to persist. As mentioned in the text, around the time of the outbreak of World War I, there were a litany of claimants to the title, from the United States as well as other parts of the world.
Fritz Haber, in collaboration with Carl Bosch, developed one of the most important scientific discoveries which revolutionized the agricultural process. However, as shown in our novel, Fritz went on to pioneer chemical weapons. The death of his wife, Clara, remains shrouded in mystery with most accounts agreeing that she committed suicide as a form of protest.
Based upon accounts which document Clara finding her husband with his lover Charlotte Nathan as well as Clara’s typically stalwart personality, I have chosen to take a slightly different approach.
Robert Hughes is a fictional character, inspired by the legendary Sir Mansfield Smith-Cumming. Cumming, or “C”, was a high-profile leader who established the Secret Intelligence Service which ultimately became the organization known as MI6. In this series, Hughes reminds us of the power of the Law which was able to punish wrongdoing but unable to show the grace and truth given by Jesus Christ.
His friend-turned-nemesis, Sir Thomas Steele, is also a fictional character, loosely inspired by the person of Sir Walter Cunliffe who steered the Bank of England throughout the turbulent World War 1 era. Like Thomas, Walter Cunliffe was a man of strong principles who ultimately ran into conflict with the law of his own country.
Sir Roger Casement was indeed a high-ranking British peer of the realm who was hanged in August 1916 for his part in collaborating with the Germans and participating in the Irish Easter Uprising. British “spy-mania” was at an all-time high, though little evidence has been provided documenting a strong German espionage presence in Great Britain.
The German zeppelin attack on London that so markedly impacted Eleanor and Will’s life took place in May and not January of 1915. Zeppelins, also known as “baby-killers” due to their indiscriminate killing capacity, were used in bombing raids on seaside towns of Great Britain in January of 1915, however.
To date, no plans of the scope of Project Herkules have come to light. That is a fictional adaptation on my part which reflects the nationalistic mentality that led the world to war.
It is my hope that the stories dramatized in this novel will pay tribute to the sacrifices made by millions of soldiers, nurses and civilians during the first global woe. I pray that it will also point to the greatest sacrifice ever made by the greatest Soldier to ever walk this earth—Jesus Christ the Son of God.
About the Author
JP Robinson began writing as a teen for the Times Beacon Records newspaper in New York. He holds degrees in both English and French is a teacher of French history. He is known for vivid, high-adrenaline plots laced with unexpected twists.
Born to praying parents who were told by medical doctors that having children was impossible, JP Robinson's writes to ignite faith in a living God.
Connect with JP via his website: www.jprobinsonbooks.com
Also by JP Robinson
Twiceborn
Secrets of Versailles Book 1
VERSAILLES IS THE CENTER of European power, but the court of King Louis XIV is also a hotbed of intrigue and political manipulation.
Despite the rigid structure of Angélique's upbringing, temptation proves stronger than her principles. She gives birth to twins, Antoine and Hugo, who are ripped apart by their mother's shadowed past.
Twenty-five years later, Antoine is caught in a web of intrigue when his jealous brother, now a powerful member of the clergy, accuses him of treason and threatens to destroy the woman he loves.
But Hugo has bigger plans than just his brother's downfall. He ignites a plot that threatens to bring the Kingdom of France to its knees, little suspecting the cataclysmic forces his actions will unleash.
Tears will fall, blood will flow and, in the end, only one man will remain standing.
Bride Tree
Secrets of Versailles Book 2
THE YEAR IS 1789. FRANCE is reeling under the impact of a civil war between its social classes. When a secret agent from Rome joins forces with a vindictive politician bent on revenge, the stage is set for an explosive outcome that will shake the country to its core.
Meanwhile, Queen Marie-Antoinette engages the help of her lady-in-waiting, Viviane de Lussan, in a desperate battle to keep her throne... and her head. But how can she win a struggle she seems fated to lose?
Amid the chaos of the revolution, Viviane's heart is torn between a nobleman who sacrifices everything for her and a peasant who promises true freedom.
Saturated with suspense and lavish detail, Bride Tree combines elements of alternative history with Biblical allegory. The result is a romantic thriller that will grab you by the heart and never let go.
Praise for JP Robinson
“I would highly recommend it [Twiceborn] to anyone, but especially to those who enjoy historical fiction.”
—MAUREEN
“I was about to set it [Bride Tree] down for the night but then found that I couldn't. His spiritual angle was spot on!”
—A.M. HEATH, Author of Ancient Words series
“My first thought upon finishing it [Bride Tree] was: 'Wow!'”
—EMMA
“I recommend Bride Tree to adults who like to be emotionally gripped by a book and who enjoy a book that keeps you turning pages— a book you just can’t put down.”
—KELLY
“It's evident Robinson spent a great amount of time researching the time period, historical, political, and socio-economical background of the era [of Bride Tree] to establish a convincing background.”
—Anonymous
In the Shadow of Your Wings Page 35
