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Annabelle of Anchony: Burdens of the Mind
Locked in a race for survival, sustained only by her Christian faith, Annabelle of Anchony must make her way to a home she barely remembers, find a family she's largely forgotten, and deliver a mysterious package to the king" and that's only the beginning. A girl lost and alone. A nation at war. A hidden enemy circling.
In Europe during the Middle Ages, Annabelle of Anchony finds herself trapped on an island, hunted by the vicious Demolites, and forced to trust a kindly stranger. As she grows up, sustained only by her Christian faith, she must find her family, her identity, and a path to peace in a kingdom torn by civil strife.
But even when she does come home, everything is not as it seems...
In Europe during the Middle Ages, Annabelle of Anchony finds herself trapped on an island, hunted by the vicious Demolites, and forced to trust a kindly stranger. As she grows up, sustained only by her Christian faith, she must find her family, her identity, and a path to peace in a kingdom torn by civil strife.
But even when she does come home, everything is not as it seems...
399 pages, Paperback
First published May 8, 2012
258 people want to read
About the author
Ruth Apollonia
6 books17 followersA cradle Catholic born and raised in central Missouri, Ruth Apollonia attended the University of Missouri-Columbia and obtained a Master of Occupational Therapy in 2008. That same year, she ventured south on her clinical and eventually accepted a position at that same not-for-profit hospital, where she continues to be employed as an occupational therapist.
Annabelle’s tale first came to life when Ruth was a college student—writing when she had the time for her own enjoyment. As the story developed, Ruth recognized its potential at leading others to Christ and, after working on it for about five years, pursued publishing.
With little knowledge of the publishing world, Ruth used a vanity press to bring Annabelle of Anchony: Burdens of the Mind to readers in 2012, and in 2013 it was awarded the Catholic Arts and Letters Award by the Catholic Writers Guild.
Through the same vanity press, Ruth went on to publish the next two books in the series along with a children’s book: Annabelle of Anchony: Heart’s Relief (2013), Annabelle of Anchony: Kingdom’s Call (2014), and Angie and the Anger Lion (2016), respectively. God had other plans for Ruth’s choice in that publishing company, however, for in 2017 the vanity press closed, making all of her works no longer available.
Disheartened, but not hopeless, Ruth contemplated how she was to resurrect Annabelle’s tale with serious thought—yet hesitancy—of independently self-publishing. But, armed with more knowledge of the publishing world, Ruth recognized the benefits of using an established, traditional publisher. Wanting Annabelle’s story to reach as many as possible and knowing that would only happen with a traditional publisher, she approached a Catholic publisher known to publish fiction, and was rejected.
Writing to evangelize, Ruth trusted her books’ fates to the Father and the intercession of Our Lady and her Immaculate Heart (to whom, along with her family, she had dedicated her first book). Then, while networking at the Catholic Writers Guild/Catholic Marketing Network’s joint conference in 2017, she learned Marian Press was searching for young adult novels and was asked for a review copy of Annabelle of Anchony: Burdens of the Mind. A year later, Ruth signed the agreement with Marian Press to re-publish the books in the series and to publish book four for the first time.
Ruth Apollonia’s evangelization efforts are not limited to the pen: In the past, she has been a small group leader for Confirmation classes in the Jefferson City Diocese, has been a PSR (Parish School of Religion) teacher for 9th graders, and is currently the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) director at her local parish in the Springfield-Cape Girardeau Diocese in southern Missouri.
Besides preparing for RCIA classes and re-editing her previously published books, Ruth Apollonia continues to work on book five in the series as well as other fiction stories.
Annabelle’s tale first came to life when Ruth was a college student—writing when she had the time for her own enjoyment. As the story developed, Ruth recognized its potential at leading others to Christ and, after working on it for about five years, pursued publishing.
With little knowledge of the publishing world, Ruth used a vanity press to bring Annabelle of Anchony: Burdens of the Mind to readers in 2012, and in 2013 it was awarded the Catholic Arts and Letters Award by the Catholic Writers Guild.
Through the same vanity press, Ruth went on to publish the next two books in the series along with a children’s book: Annabelle of Anchony: Heart’s Relief (2013), Annabelle of Anchony: Kingdom’s Call (2014), and Angie and the Anger Lion (2016), respectively. God had other plans for Ruth’s choice in that publishing company, however, for in 2017 the vanity press closed, making all of her works no longer available.
Disheartened, but not hopeless, Ruth contemplated how she was to resurrect Annabelle’s tale with serious thought—yet hesitancy—of independently self-publishing. But, armed with more knowledge of the publishing world, Ruth recognized the benefits of using an established, traditional publisher. Wanting Annabelle’s story to reach as many as possible and knowing that would only happen with a traditional publisher, she approached a Catholic publisher known to publish fiction, and was rejected.
Writing to evangelize, Ruth trusted her books’ fates to the Father and the intercession of Our Lady and her Immaculate Heart (to whom, along with her family, she had dedicated her first book). Then, while networking at the Catholic Writers Guild/Catholic Marketing Network’s joint conference in 2017, she learned Marian Press was searching for young adult novels and was asked for a review copy of Annabelle of Anchony: Burdens of the Mind. A year later, Ruth signed the agreement with Marian Press to re-publish the books in the series and to publish book four for the first time.
Ruth Apollonia’s evangelization efforts are not limited to the pen: In the past, she has been a small group leader for Confirmation classes in the Jefferson City Diocese, has been a PSR (Parish School of Religion) teacher for 9th graders, and is currently the RCIA (Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults) director at her local parish in the Springfield-Cape Girardeau Diocese in southern Missouri.
Besides preparing for RCIA classes and re-editing her previously published books, Ruth Apollonia continues to work on book five in the series as well as other fiction stories.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 10, 2025
6 stars!
January 21, 2021
I love stories set in Medieval times and this book appealed to me the moment I started reading it. It's close to 400 pages but it's actually a much quicker read than it appears. Our heroine Annabelle is intriguing to watch as she is trained by a surrogate father on a deserted island after he helped her escape from kidnappers. For the most part, the writing is very well done but could have used stronger copy editing. There were numerous anachronisms, including words such as aspirin and awesome that brought you out of that timeframe and into the modern world. As I was reading, I continually pictured this book being made as a movie. Hopefully that comes to pass someday!
December 25, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, especially the second half. The action and small snippets kept me turning the pages. Great job!
January 8, 2022
Exciting story of a kidnapped girl who is raised on the Forbidden Island by a hermit. Full of Catholic teaching and hair-raising adventures, teens are sure to love it. In the latter part of the book, the twists and turns kept coming, keeping my interest to the end. Highly recommend it for confirmands.
January 2, 2022
This book really surprised me in a very good way! I received this series for Christmas, and I wasn't expecting a lot of action or excitement, but this book was actually a page turner! It taught great lessons throughout the whole story, and it also showed how to lead a true Christian life. There were also plenty of twists and turns, as well as a surprise dramatic ending. I can't wait to read book # 2!
October 13, 2012
The world of beauty and danger created by this new author is set in the High Middle ages and is a spiritual analogy of the inner souls search for our heavenly home and Father. As we all are, the main character is in a strange world, separated from her real family and unaware of who she truly is and of her royal blood. Like all the souls on earth Annabelle must search her heart and her memory to realise that she is a true princess, daughter of the King. She must learn to deal with the evil of her world find her way back home.
Ruth Apollonia has a true talent for creating three-dimensional characters. Annabelle, kidnapped at five and raised on a deserted Island, wins the readers heart in the first few chapters. Her thoughts and ways are so realistic that the reader quickly identifies with the confused young girl who tries to recall the glimpses of her past hidden in her juvenile mind. The tension increases with every paragraph. She is trained in self-defense by Peter, the man who is protecting her. She faces a future of danger from the Demonites, her family’s enemies.
As a Catholic author, Apollonia weaves the sacraments and Catholic doctrine throughout the story line without being overdone and while faith is clearly a large part of the author’s message – it is never heavy or preachy. Instead, it falls naturally within the plot. The plot is both action- packed and unique. Apollonia has created a world of romantic settings where kings and knights walk the world of Anchony with both courage and valor. Knaves and cruelty roam the land with evil and murder. Into this world comes the rescued woman-child Annabelle, unaware of her importance and role in this strange new world. She is protected by a handsome knight named Nicholas who quickly falls in love with his young charge. This is a story that carries one away. It fascinates and captures the reader as the twists and turns of the plot keeps you on the edge of your seat.
I enjoyed this story and I am looking forward to more books by this very talented author. I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy being drawn into a created world of long-lost chivalry and courage.
Ruth Apollonia has a true talent for creating three-dimensional characters. Annabelle, kidnapped at five and raised on a deserted Island, wins the readers heart in the first few chapters. Her thoughts and ways are so realistic that the reader quickly identifies with the confused young girl who tries to recall the glimpses of her past hidden in her juvenile mind. The tension increases with every paragraph. She is trained in self-defense by Peter, the man who is protecting her. She faces a future of danger from the Demonites, her family’s enemies.
As a Catholic author, Apollonia weaves the sacraments and Catholic doctrine throughout the story line without being overdone and while faith is clearly a large part of the author’s message – it is never heavy or preachy. Instead, it falls naturally within the plot. The plot is both action- packed and unique. Apollonia has created a world of romantic settings where kings and knights walk the world of Anchony with both courage and valor. Knaves and cruelty roam the land with evil and murder. Into this world comes the rescued woman-child Annabelle, unaware of her importance and role in this strange new world. She is protected by a handsome knight named Nicholas who quickly falls in love with his young charge. This is a story that carries one away. It fascinates and captures the reader as the twists and turns of the plot keeps you on the edge of your seat.
I enjoyed this story and I am looking forward to more books by this very talented author. I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy being drawn into a created world of long-lost chivalry and courage.
December 28, 2012
I received this book as part of my Christmas present from my mother and I must admit, I was a little skeptical. However, that was quickly turned around after reading the very first chapter.
I absolutely fell in love with how the author was able to explain the 7 sacraments in a a subtle manner while telling this beautiful tale. Annabelle is such a strong and likeable character. Heck, she was my favorite! And even though she was faced with many obstacles during her life, she not once gave up her belief in God and all that he would provide for her. This only makes her the classic example of what a Catholic should be, what we should all be. It really was inspirational to see how she looked at life. Sometimes, you just have to step back and let the big man upstairs handle everything for you. And I think in today's society, we sometimes forget that. I also loved how the author was able to mix in a love story, but it was told in such a "clean" way. Not too much, but not too little if you know what I mean. In the end, I really loved everything about this book, but we cannot forget the main point: God is always good, you just have to put your trust in him.
I absolutely fell in love with how the author was able to explain the 7 sacraments in a a subtle manner while telling this beautiful tale. Annabelle is such a strong and likeable character. Heck, she was my favorite! And even though she was faced with many obstacles during her life, she not once gave up her belief in God and all that he would provide for her. This only makes her the classic example of what a Catholic should be, what we should all be. It really was inspirational to see how she looked at life. Sometimes, you just have to step back and let the big man upstairs handle everything for you. And I think in today's society, we sometimes forget that. I also loved how the author was able to mix in a love story, but it was told in such a "clean" way. Not too much, but not too little if you know what I mean. In the end, I really loved everything about this book, but we cannot forget the main point: God is always good, you just have to put your trust in him.
February 1, 2013
As a Christian I know my beliefs and ways of doing things. This book makes you explore the Catholic Faith and the way they do things. A little girl is kidnapped in the beginning of the book, at a young age; whose heart doesn't go out to the girl and her family. A man on the island helps her to the best of his ability. Which is written in very heart touching words, and you can picture the world they are in as you read it. This book makes you think about the world Annabelle is living in and why Peter is teching her what he is. Once she escapes and gets back to the reality she was taken away from it all comes clear. Not growing up in the Catholic Faith, I had some questions about the demolites, and their way; but you are never too old to learn something new correct?
If you like a great read, with Christian based thoughts, Christian based morals, you need to read this book. You will not be disppointed.
I am ready to read the 2nd book in this series, and can only hope it is as GREAT as the first one!
ps...Book 2 review to come, I am currently on Chapter 6 of 2nd book.
If you like a great read, with Christian based thoughts, Christian based morals, you need to read this book. You will not be disppointed.
I am ready to read the 2nd book in this series, and can only hope it is as GREAT as the first one!
ps...Book 2 review to come, I am currently on Chapter 6 of 2nd book.
January 6, 2013
Intriguing novel. I enjoyed the characters and settings, although the beginning had me puzzling and googling trying to figure out what the geographic context was. Silly, but it was throwing me, trying to set it in a geopolitical context. :)
Once I got into the book, it was a much more straightforward read and I could enjoy the relationships between Annabelle and Peter/Nicholas and the challenges each faced, together and singly.
Well written, definitely worth a read.
Once I got into the book, it was a much more straightforward read and I could enjoy the relationships between Annabelle and Peter/Nicholas and the challenges each faced, together and singly.
Well written, definitely worth a read.
March 28, 2020
This Young Adult novel placed in Medieval Times was written by Ruth Apollonia, a practicing Catholic, and RCIA Director of her local parish in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Springfield-Cape Girardeau. The novel is the Winner of the 2013 Catholic Arts and Letters Award awarded by the Catholic Writers Guild and is published by The Marian Press. The Catholic Writers Guild is a group of writers, artists, editors, illustrators, and associates dedicated to building a vibrant Catholic literary and artistic culture. The group encourages its members to create, publish, perform, and share their work which reflects core Catholic values.
The award winning novel tells the story of a very young Princess Annabelle who was taken captive by a warring faction in the fictional Kingdom of Anchony. She finds herself rescued on The Forbidden Island by a loving hermit named Peter who raises her like his own daughter teaching her about faith, and morals. When she reaches the age of 18, she escapes the island and lands back in the Kingdom of Anchony. In the meantime, the royal family believes she had died. While on the island Annabelle is helped by St. Celestria, Anchony’s patron saint, a fictional one, based on a real saint, St. Clare of Assisi.
While working her way back home through the Kingdom of Anchony, she runs into a squire, Nicholaus, who helps her. Nicholas wants to become a knight. She also is helped by Sy, a Duke in hiding who is in love with Princess Annabelle’s sister, Isabella.
The Catholic Faith is weaved into the story, as natural as your faith is weaved into your daily life, with prayers to the Father, and His answer back. The Sacraments are also weaved naturally into the story, and is not heavy handed preaching. Annabelle deprived of the Blessed Sacrament on the island weeps with job when she finally finds herself in His presence. During this time with our churches shut down due to the Coronavirus Pandemic of 2020, we can relate to this hunger for The Holy Eucharist. So it’s an appropriate book to read during your downtime in this isolation. So this Winner of the 2013 Catholic Arts and Letter Awards does indeed build a vibrant Catholic literary culture in her book.
Unfortunately, the story has a few flaws. The outcome of the war was left hanging, as well as the exact whereabouts of a certain neighboring Prince. Maybe this will be covered in the sequel?
It was fast paced, and although I don’t belong to the age group that the novel was trying to reach, I do believe that Young Adults would enjoy the book, and I recommend it.
The award winning novel tells the story of a very young Princess Annabelle who was taken captive by a warring faction in the fictional Kingdom of Anchony. She finds herself rescued on The Forbidden Island by a loving hermit named Peter who raises her like his own daughter teaching her about faith, and morals. When she reaches the age of 18, she escapes the island and lands back in the Kingdom of Anchony. In the meantime, the royal family believes she had died. While on the island Annabelle is helped by St. Celestria, Anchony’s patron saint, a fictional one, based on a real saint, St. Clare of Assisi.
While working her way back home through the Kingdom of Anchony, she runs into a squire, Nicholaus, who helps her. Nicholas wants to become a knight. She also is helped by Sy, a Duke in hiding who is in love with Princess Annabelle’s sister, Isabella.
The Catholic Faith is weaved into the story, as natural as your faith is weaved into your daily life, with prayers to the Father, and His answer back. The Sacraments are also weaved naturally into the story, and is not heavy handed preaching. Annabelle deprived of the Blessed Sacrament on the island weeps with job when she finally finds herself in His presence. During this time with our churches shut down due to the Coronavirus Pandemic of 2020, we can relate to this hunger for The Holy Eucharist. So it’s an appropriate book to read during your downtime in this isolation. So this Winner of the 2013 Catholic Arts and Letter Awards does indeed build a vibrant Catholic literary culture in her book.
Unfortunately, the story has a few flaws. The outcome of the war was left hanging, as well as the exact whereabouts of a certain neighboring Prince. Maybe this will be covered in the sequel?
It was fast paced, and although I don’t belong to the age group that the novel was trying to reach, I do believe that Young Adults would enjoy the book, and I recommend it.
April 18, 2024
4.5/5
I really enjoyed this book. I haven't read much Catholic Medieval Fantasy (or any at all really except Lord of the Rings) but this one did not disappoint! The story is so unique and the characters are so inspiring. The Catholic Faith is weaved throughout the story so well and naturally through the characters living and practicing their Faith. I enjoyed following Annabelle's journey throughout the story. If she was a real person, I think she would definitely become a well-beloved Saint after her death. Her faith is so strong and gentle and she is willing to suffer for God and others. I was inspired by her character and in awe of her deep love for God. Thank you, Ruth, for using your talent to craft a great, faith-filled story! I would highly recommend this for Teens and Young Adults.
The only criticism I would have is some words and phrases were used a bit repetively that it became distracting to me personally while reading. Such as : gasped, in disgust, what came to pass? Ect. Some of it could have been edited or worded differently. That being said though, I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I really enjoyed this book. I haven't read much Catholic Medieval Fantasy (or any at all really except Lord of the Rings) but this one did not disappoint! The story is so unique and the characters are so inspiring. The Catholic Faith is weaved throughout the story so well and naturally through the characters living and practicing their Faith. I enjoyed following Annabelle's journey throughout the story. If she was a real person, I think she would definitely become a well-beloved Saint after her death. Her faith is so strong and gentle and she is willing to suffer for God and others. I was inspired by her character and in awe of her deep love for God. Thank you, Ruth, for using your talent to craft a great, faith-filled story! I would highly recommend this for Teens and Young Adults.
The only criticism I would have is some words and phrases were used a bit repetively that it became distracting to me personally while reading. Such as : gasped, in disgust, what came to pass? Ect. Some of it could have been edited or worded differently. That being said though, I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
October 1, 2023
I always love reading Catholic written books. And this book was no exception to that love of Catholic books.
I just loved how almost everyone had such a great Faith and trust in God. How holy Annabelle is! I really wish I was as holy as her, but I do try my best to be as close to God and the Blessed Mother as much as possible.
And who knew that a fictional character would be such a good role-model?
There is a little bit of romance too! And I'm all for it. Though I do wish that she would've told him that she loved him back after he told her that he loved her (I'm being vague on purpose so I can avoid spoiling it).
I highly recommend buying and reading this book. Though I've been told that this book is very hard to get ahold of. It was lent to me by one of my best friends, so I didn't experience the difficulty of buying it. I'm not aware of my library having this book. I checked if Amazon had it once and there was only one in stock!
I just loved how almost everyone had such a great Faith and trust in God. How holy Annabelle is! I really wish I was as holy as her, but I do try my best to be as close to God and the Blessed Mother as much as possible.
And who knew that a fictional character would be such a good role-model?
There is a little bit of romance too! And I'm all for it. Though I do wish that she would've told him that she loved him back after he told her that he loved her (I'm being vague on purpose so I can avoid spoiling it).
I highly recommend buying and reading this book. Though I've been told that this book is very hard to get ahold of. It was lent to me by one of my best friends, so I didn't experience the difficulty of buying it. I'm not aware of my library having this book. I checked if Amazon had it once and there was only one in stock!
September 29, 2025
Wow!! I LOVE the Annabelle of Anchony series! I am a teen and I got it for my birthday. I stayed up sooo late reading it, and once the plot started to twist I could not put it down! It is fiction, but there are also so many good morals throughout the book. It is clean, no bad language. I read the book in two days. I was so happy to see the author released a fourth book this year too! Truly a MASTERPIECE!!!!! Go read it now!
November 6, 2023
I disliked many of the characters in this book and the beginning was a little annoying and very preachy.
I extremely disliked how this author portrayed children. They all acted way younger than they really were. But I did like parts of the book. You could really see the author's love of the faith through her characters.
I extremely disliked how this author portrayed children. They all acted way younger than they really were. But I did like parts of the book. You could really see the author's love of the faith through her characters.
January 5, 2024
This needs to be made into a movie! (And an ebook.) It is very visual and active and moves along very rapidly. Very engaging and easy to read. Very "clean." I am careful of what my kids read, and so far, the first three books in this series I would consider not only safe but enjoyable for my kids. I love the story and characters and I can't wait for books 4 and 5!
February 18, 2013
I don't read a lot of Christian fiction, but one thing I like about the Goodreads First Reads program (from which I received this book, for free) is the opportunity to try books that I might not pick up otherwise.
I wish I could give this book two and a half stars. It was fairly easy to read and I really liked some of the characters (especially Nicholaus and Elizabeth). However, there were moments where I really did not understand the actions of the characters (Peter especially) and this took me out of the story. Also, I was expecting more of the book to be about Annabelle struggling to reconnect with her family and the larger world off the island. This was really only the last third of the book, and I felt that it was almost too easy for her. I feel like the book would have been better had Annabelle just been an average girl .
I found the first part of the book a bit preachy, and sometimes almost condescendingly so (I understand he is speaking to a child, but as the target readers are probably not small children unfamiliar with these things it seemed rather thick), to the point that I almost stopped reading it. It sometimes felt that all Peter and Annabelle could talk about was God. This gets better once Annabelle is off the island, but there were still a few moments where I felt like the book was just trying to make me feel like a bad Catholic (Anabelle wonders why everyone isn't weeping for joy at communion and that almost felt like a shot at the reader, saying, why don't you regularly weep at mass, unworthy one?!) I also felt that one of the most interesting plot points in the book, a major event right at the end, was wasted in order to fuel the religious message of the book.
There were just too many coincidences, too many leaps of logic, and too many moments where I wanted to shake Peter and ask what he was thinking. If you can overlook these things as a sort of "God makes everything happen for a reason" then you will probably enjoy this book. If, like me, you see these as plot holes in the writing, then it is just okay.
I wish I could give this book two and a half stars. It was fairly easy to read and I really liked some of the characters (especially Nicholaus and Elizabeth). However, there were moments where I really did not understand the actions of the characters (Peter especially) and this took me out of the story. Also, I was expecting more of the book to be about Annabelle struggling to reconnect with her family and the larger world off the island. This was really only the last third of the book, and I felt that it was almost too easy for her. I feel like the book would have been better had Annabelle just been an average girl .
I found the first part of the book a bit preachy, and sometimes almost condescendingly so (I understand he is speaking to a child, but as the target readers are probably not small children unfamiliar with these things it seemed rather thick), to the point that I almost stopped reading it. It sometimes felt that all Peter and Annabelle could talk about was God. This gets better once Annabelle is off the island, but there were still a few moments where I felt like the book was just trying to make me feel like a bad Catholic (Anabelle wonders why everyone isn't weeping for joy at communion and that almost felt like a shot at the reader, saying, why don't you regularly weep at mass, unworthy one?!) I also felt that one of the most interesting plot points in the book, a major event right at the end, was wasted in order to fuel the religious message of the book.
There were just too many coincidences, too many leaps of logic, and too many moments where I wanted to shake Peter and ask what he was thinking. If you can overlook these things as a sort of "God makes everything happen for a reason" then you will probably enjoy this book. If, like me, you see these as plot holes in the writing, then it is just okay.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews