The Wicked Gardener

By: Lynn Clary Benedict, Rosina Albert Wolfe

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

Based on the legends and descendants of Mary Magdalene. In late summer, Anno Domini 1243, southern France: A gifted healer tends the great herbal gardens of her village in the foothills above the river valley. Renata is the botanist here, just as her grandmother had been before, and hers, as far back as remembering. Legend claims the orchard and herbs were first planted here by the earliest Christians fleeing Roman persecution in the Holy Land, perhaps even tended by the hands of Mary Magdalene herself. For generations too, her family has also trained children of the village in the use of the plants as remedies and for other practical purposes in the village trades. But their Cathar sect has been declared heretical, and it feels as if ancient enemies have somehow found them again. People like her, even children, are accused of witchcraft and burned. When Crusaders come, Renata must be prepared. She has a plan . . .. NOTES: Mary Magdalene (the Magdala) disappeared from many history books, but there is a legend of her traveling to southern France. She started a ministry there, as other disciples did elsewhere. This is an intriguing tale about descendants of the Magdala, whose secrets have long been forgotten . . . or hidden. Through the ages since, the Rose is a symbol of both secrecy, and Mary Magdalene. Magdala: ancient term for tower, or place of strength.