Description: When Eleanora's father is shot dead on the cobblestone streets of 1910 Albania, she must abandon her dreams and struggle to survive in a remote mountain village with her stepmother Meria. Nearing starvation, Meria sells Eleanora into marriage with the cruel heir of a powerful clan. Intent on keeping her freedom, Eleanora takes an oath to remain a virgin for the rest of her life-- a tradition that gives her the right to live as a man: she is now head of her household and can work for a living as well as carry a gun. When an injured stranger stumbles into her life, Eleanora nurses him back to health, saving his life-- yet risking her own as she falls in love with him.
Brief description:
Kristopher Dukes was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. Her work has been profiled in Amazon's Book Review, Kirkus, and Elle magazine. She lives in Manhattan Beach with her husband, Matt, and Doberman, Xena. The Sworn Virgin is her debut novel and was nominated for two awards.
Review Quotes:
"Dukes has chosen an engaging setting for this novel, with its mix of medieval and modern elements, and fleshes it out with vivid details . . . A compelling story of a woman's trauma and strength." - Kirkus Reviews
"It's hard to believe that the culture Dukes describes was ever real, but the amount of research she put into this book definitely shines through. The story remains fascinating throughout; readers will definitely find it difficult to put this novel down." - San Francisco Book Review
"Though it takes place long ago, in a culture far removed from my own, this novel touched me, often made me laugh out loud, and ultimately reminded me of how much people judge each other by gender to this very day." - Cathryn Michon, New York Times bestselling author
"When many think of stories involving blood debts, endless family feuding, and revenge, they often envision a strong male protagonist at the center of it all who eventually comes out as victorious by the end of the tale. But in Dukes' novel the game is changed when a woman, leading not only as the main character in the story, but in her life as well, is forced into facing (and surviving) this type of world on her own.... A must-read for lovers of historical fiction, unexpected plot twists, and relatable female heroines." - APEX
"Kristopher Dukes vividly brings to life a world as unfamiliar as it is endlessly fascinating... a compelling, dramatic, romantic and at times hilarious read. I highly recommend this novel and eagerly look forward to more from this writer." - W. Bruce Cameron, New York Times bestselling author of A Dog's Purpose
"The Sworn Virgin is an extraordinary and fascinating canter through the historical world of Albania at the turn of the 20th century... a compelling read. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it." - Lady Nicola Mendelsohn
"Dukes' provocative first outing offers a fascinating look at Albanian culture and the status of women and is sure to be popular with book clubs." - Booklist