Crusader Series by Kathryn Le Veque

Along the ancient Pilgrim Trail traveled by countless crusaders from Europe to The Holy Land, Dr. Rory Osgrove is in charge of her first archaeological dig. A Biblical Archaeologist by degree, her target is a holy relic of unimaginable power. But what she discovers instead is the tomb of a long-buried Crusader, one of the thousands who came to this desert land in search of glory and riches... moreAlong the ancient Pilgrim Trail traveled by countless crusaders from Europe to The Holy Land, Dr. Rory Osgrove is in charge of her first archaeological dig. A Biblical Archaeologist by degree, her target is a holy relic of unimaginable power. But what she discovers instead is the tomb of a long-buried Crusader, one of the thousands who came to this desert land in search of glory and riches. Deterred from her original goal, Rory is fascinated by the English knight and the journal buried with him. Reading the pages of the ancient diary, she comes to know a man of power and honor, entrusted by Richard the Lionheart with a mission of astonishing importance. Sir Kieran Hage was no ordinary Crusader and, as Rory discovers, nor is he really dead. Eight hundred years later, Kieran’s mission must be completed, but there is an ancient evil that follows him and is still determined to see him fail. Now Rory begins the adventure of a lifetime, where time has no meaning, where honor is strength, and where only true love endures. less

Sir Kieran Hage had a mission to fulfill. As the head of a peace delegation intending to end the Siege of Acre in 1192 A.D., he carries the crown of thorns said to be worn by Jesus Christ as an offering of truce from the Muslim warlords. It is a holy relic of the most important magnitude. Unwilling to accept peace, however, Kieran’s men turn against him and make an attempt on his life. Wounded, Kieran seeks out a man who he believes is a physic. He is greatly mistaken... moreSir Kieran Hage had a mission to fulfill. As the head of a peace delegation intending to end the Siege of Acre in 1192 A.D., he carries the crown of thorns said to be worn by Jesus Christ as an offering of truce from the Muslim warlords. It is a holy relic of the most important magnitude. Unwilling to accept peace, however, Kieran’s men turn against him and make an attempt on his life. Wounded, Kieran seeks out a man who he believes is a physic. He is greatly mistaken. Not a physic but an alchemist, the mysterious man does the only thing he knows to do for the dying knight - he puts him into an eternal sleep so he will not bleed to death, suspending his bodily functions, only to be awakened by the power of truly deep emotion. Eight hundred years later, Dr. Rory Osgrove excavates the English knight from his dusty tomb and an accidental kiss brings him back to life. Together, they shared an adventure in Modern Times before a twist of fate sends them back to his time. Back in his element, Kieran is determined to finish his mission of peace. He must return the crown of thorns to England. But the same assassins who tried to kill him the first time are after him again, patterns of life repeating themselves, and Kieran, now with Rory, finds himself back on the run. Over dry land and heavy seas, he and Rory flee the assassins, struggling to make their way back to England. But as they travel, the real Medieval world opens up. To Kieran, it is the world he knows but to Rory, it is much different. The modern girl finds herself in a land of no cell phones, bathrooms, antibiotics or airplanes. She must learn to live in this strange, new world, a place she thought she knew a great deal about until she actually found herself in the midst of it. Dangers lurk everywhere as she struggles to adjust, but even as she tries to acclimate to an environment that is much more different than she ever imagined, bigger fears come to light. Rory’s biggest concern is that her presence in a world where she does not belong might somehow change the course of history. With her advanced knowledge, every move she makes jeopardizes the modern world but her love for Kieran and their life together begins to ease her fears. She is content so long as she is with him. But even as Kieran and Rory settle in to Medieval domestic life in Kieran’s wealthy seat of Southwell Castle, Prince John has been told of the miraculous treasure Sir Kieran carries and he wants it for himself. When coercion doesn't work, he resorts to threats and dirty tricks and somehow, in the midst of the pomp and battles and Middle Age political dealings, a tragic accident changes the course of history forever. What Rory feared has come to past.But all is not lost. Sometimes love is stronger than Time and History, and Rory and Kieran’s love story defies the odds. Not even death can them apart. less