Welcome
Thank you for visiting my website. I am thrilled to announce that my first work of fiction, Amsterdam Ascendant: A novel of rebellion, faith, and daring enterprise that launch a Golden Age, was published by Aries Books on November 30, 2023. It is book one of a trilogy, and the story is a historical, action-adventure, family saga:
It is 1572, and the Netherlands is in open revolt against its ruler Spain. Calvinist sea captain Maarten van der Voort and his ragtag rebel fleet are fighting brutal battles with Spain's navy. In Amsterdam, an Inquisition is persecuting Protestants, starvation is lurking, and his family is trying to stay alive. When Amsterdam is finally freed from Spain's yoke, the family is reunited. Together, they rebuild their shattered lives, restart their trading business, risk all in pursuit of perilous new trade routes, and help usher in Amsterdam's 1600s Golden Age.
Reviews so far have been excellent:
"A well-researched historical novel with a very human core . . . this well-told tale leaves the reader eager for further chapters."–Kirkus Reviews
"The vivid 'you are here' feel of the story brings the times to life."–Midwest Book Review
". . . a rich, compelling work . . . easy to lose track of time and become immersed in its historical world."–Manhattan Book Review
My previous book was the nonfiction Fundamentals of Development Finance: A Practitioner's Guide, published when I was a real estate developer with my own firm in Washington, D.C.