Set amid the turmoil of the Albigensian Crusade in thirteenth century France, THE NIGHT'S DARK SHADE tells of heresy versus orthodoxy, and of forbidden love versus fidelity. Heiress of her father's estates in Auvergne, the orphaned Lady Raphalle leaves her home to marry a nobleman in a remote castle in the Pyrenees. There she encounters the mysterious Cathar sect who challenge all of her most deeply held beliefs. As she seeks the path of her true calling, she discovers hatred and betrayal, as well as abiding friendship and unexpected love."From the first page, Vidal draws the reader into a vibrant world of action and emotion. Raphaelle de Miramande is an engaging young heroine, bravely facing physical and moral dangers and dilemmas in search of truth and love. Vidal's novel captures the spirit of the Middle Ages."~Stephanie A. Mann, author of SUPREMACY AND SURVIVAL"A harrowing and engrossing journey."~Catherine Delors, author of MISTRESS OF THE REVOLUTION"I found the novel to be well researched, fast moving and completely enjoyable.  It's a story full of substance, complex characters, just the right mix of history and fiction and wonderfully lacking in fluff.  A novel of love and hate, good and evil, I enjoyed each word and was sorry to see it end." ~Book Drunkard "I highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in learning more about the time of the Albigensian Crusade and the heretics- specifically the Cathars in Southern France. But best of all, you'll also find a beautiful love story with a surprising twist." ~Enchanted by Josephine"In the words of King Solomon, there is truly 'nothing new under the sun.' Although Vidal's latest novel is set in medieval France, The Night's Dark Shade is richly textured with two perennial truths: From one generation to the next, faith and love are tested by any number of devilish counterfeits. And each in turn discovers that the surest pathway to happiness lies not in surrender to the sham, but in resistance." ~Heidi Hess-Saxton