No magic is more powerful or dangerous than the spell of love. It is 1940, and Germany has just invaded France. Across the ocean, in Sweetwater, Tennessee, Penelope, a beautiful alchemist, receives a letter from her childhood friend, Naomie, urging her to France. Bereft from the loss of her widowed father, Penelope leaves her life and travels to German-occupied Paris. There, she meets Naomie's brother, the brilliant alchemist Fulcanelli and his mysterious apprentice, Lucien.

Falling headlong into the alchemy's esoteric world, she helps Fulcanelli and Lucien resist the Nazi forces. She trains as a spy and infiltrates a powerful brothel, Le Chambrement. As the horrors of war close in around her, Penelope must seduce a murderous Nazi officer in a desperate calculation to save her lover, Lucian. Through the devastating magic of life, Penelope learns that alchemy has far more to do with the person than the element.

The Measure of Gold is an epic story of alchemy, betrayal, courage, and transcendent love.

Sarah was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee and attended Cornell University where she earned her BA in English. She completed her MALS in Creative Writing at Dartmouth College. She lives in Asheville, North Carolina with her husband and three kids. To learn more about Sarah’s life and work, please visit www.sarahcpatten.com.

Product Details

ISBN: 9781735808208
ISBN-10: 1735808202
Publisher: Ashland Press LLC
Publication Date: March 2nd, 2021
Pages: 426
Language: English

"A young American woman outwits Nazis through alchemy and espionage... An engrossing supernatural spy story" – Kirkus Reviews

“compelling... a powerful tribute to the brave women of the French Resistance” – BlueInk Review

“poetic... a touching World War II novel that features both fantasies and cruel sacrifices” – Foreword Clarion Reviews