The Dagger and Rosary

<p>Sicily in 1693 is recovering from a devastating earthquake and struggling under the oppression of the Spanish Inquisition. Raids from Barbary pirates menace the coastline while European Princes plot against each other. Meanwhile the sixteen-year-old Bernardo has been brought up in an isolated Benedictine Abbey since being orphaned seven-years before. Now an unexpected journey will introduce him to this chaotic and often cruel world where his faith will be tested. Rescuing a young girl Agata from Barbary pirates will reveal his presence to an old family enemy as well as introducing him to a secret brotherhood and to the confusion of adolescent love. However as love deepens the petite Agata does not remain a victim for long growing into a beautiful woman and determined avenger. Family secrets and desperate journeys threaten to tear them apart but will ultimately lead them both to find out what is most important in life.</p>