The Woman at the Well In the early years of Islam, three lives braid together.Khalid ibn al-Walid never lost a battle, either fighting against the Prophet Muhammad or for him."Women no longer give birth to the likes of Khalid," the Prophet said. In old age, the general dictates his memoirs to a eunuch scribe, with a new perspective to all the blood he shed. In the desert oasis of Tadmor, twelve-year-old Rayah comes of age, accepting her new religion and her own power. About the Author Ann Chamberlin's Reign of the Favored Women trilogy caused a sensation when it was published in Turkey. She is the author of eleven historical novels and a nonfiction history of women in the Middle East. She also writes plays, including Jihad, which was named Best New Off-Off Broadway Play of 1996. Ann is the author of eleven historical novels and a non-fiction History Of Women's Seclusion in The Middle East. Her trilogy set in the 16th-century Ottoman Empire was on the bestsellers list in Turkey for over six months. Praise for Ann Chamberlin: Praise for The Merlin of St. Gilles' Well "The Merlin of St. Gilles' Well is wonderful ...It's the best book I've read in months and months; a terrific premise, and so beautifully imagined and described, I can only gnash my teeth in envy...Every word is-literally-magic, evoking another world, an older time-and the echoes of the Old Ways that live on in us, unseen." -Diana Gabaldon, author of the Outlander series Praise for Sofie "This is a brilliant novel. Ann Chamberlin is the master of crafting exciting realistic historical fiction. Sofia brings alive sixteenth century Italy and Turkey through the eyes of its fabulous lead protagonists." -Affaire de Coeur (Five Stars)