8th-Century Princess at Confluence Books
Date/Time
Date(s) - 07/26/2026
2:00 pm
Location
Confluence Books
Categories
8th-Century Princess at Confluence Books
Carbondale, IL: A lifelong fascination with fairy tales and legends set Southern Illinois author Kim Rendfeld on her quest to write fiction, including her fourth novel set in early medieval times, “Duchess of the New Dawn.” The story explores the life of Chiltrude, a real Frankish princess who defies her family to elope with a Bavarian duke. The adventure comes to Confluence Books on Sunday, July 26, starting at 2 pm. Kim will do a reading and sign copies of the book.
Rendfeld notes, “When I first encountered Chiltrude’s story in 8th-century sources, I thought, ‘She did what? High-born medieval ladies didn’t elope!’ Apparently, she did, and it was a scandal decades later. What would make an early medieval woman defy her powerful kinsmen and flee her homeland to wed the man she wanted? It might have been love, but escaping her family certainly took courage. As with many of my tales, Chiltrude’s story would not leave me alone. I had to explore it.”
The book was described by reviewers as “a romantic adventure and a masterclass in medieval realpolitik” wherein “swirling intrigue, alliances made and broken, and ever imminent warfare mark the world of Chiltrude.” Rendfeld is a member of the Historical Novel Society and the Alliance of Independent Authors. A former journalist, Rendfeld spent almost 20 years in public relations for universities, including five years as director of communications for Southern Illinois University Carbondale.
Confluence Books is located at 705 West Main Street in Carbondale. Parking is available off Forest Avenue. For more information about Confluence Books or the book signing, contact confluencebooks@gmail.com or 618-525-3075. For more about Rendfeld and her work, visit kimrendfeld.com.