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about the book

Lacemaker Vivienne Rivard never imagined her craft could threaten her life. Yet in revolutionary France, it is a death sentence when the nobility, and those associated with them, are forced to the guillotine. Vivienne flees to Philadelphia but finds the same dangers lurking in the French Quarter, as revolutionary sympathizers threaten the life of a young boy left in her care, who some suspect to be the Dauphin. Can the French settlement, Azilum, offer permanent refuge?

Militiaman Liam Delaney proudly served in the American Revolution, but now that the new government has imposed an oppressive tax that impacts his family, he barely recognizes the democracy he fought for. He wants only to cultivate the land of his hard-won farm near Azilum, but soon finds himself drawn into the escalating tension of the Whiskey Rebellion. When he meets a beautiful young Frenchwoman recently arrived from Paris, they will be drawn together in surprising ways to fight for the peace and safety for which they long.

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my thoughts

The French Revolution… hmmm, I either missed that day in history class or I subconsciously blocked the whole mess out of my mind! Wowza, y’all! As much as I love learning new things through fiction, some of the historical events included in this story are simply shocking. How do people (even revolutionaries) justify things like guillotines?!!

Fortunately, Vivienne Rivard makes her way out of France (once readers are immersed in the savagery and desperation of the situation) before she is sentenced for her “crime” of lacemaking (really?!) Vivienne is a strong, brave, and independent heroine. She is the kind of role model mamas want for their daughters. Her work ethic, determination, compassion, and authentic faith propel her through uncertain circumstances.

Liam Delaney is the Irish jackpot of gold in this masterpiece! He may not be financially rich but Liam possesses everything that matters. This militiaman is well versed in integrity, intellect, devotion, and hard work. Liam’s ax and plow are just as sharp as his mind and while his wide, muscular shoulders are just the right size for carrying the burdens of others, his heart is his greatest strength.

Don’t misunderstand me, I want the grit of history! As a people, we need the three-dimensional historical truth and Green delivers in a fictional experience that far outshines any textbook or encyclopedia account. Dive in, reader friends! Relive the history and soak up this exquisite story. I highly recommend it and enthusiastically include it among my all-time favorites!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.

 

about the author

Jocelyn Green is a former journalist who puts her investigative skills to work in writing both nonfiction and historical fiction to inspire faith and courage.

Her books have finaled in the Christy Awards and Inspirational Readers Choice Awards, and have won gold from the Military Writers Society of America and the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association.

Complex and nuanced characters, rich historical detail and twisting plots make her novels immersive experiences. Her fiction has been praised by Historical Novel Society, Romantic Times, Library Journal, historians specializing in her novels’ time periods, as well as popular and acclaimed authors Laura Frantz, Lori Benton, Jody Hedlund, Sarah Sundin, Joanne Bischof, Julie Lessman, and more.

Jocelyn loves Broadway musicals, the color red, Toblerone chocolate bars, Mexican food, and well-done documentaries. She lives in Iowa with her husband, two children, and two cats she should have named Catticus Finch and Purrman Meowville.

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also available

 

 

Heroines Behind the Lines series

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Do y’all remember learning about the French Revolution, reader friends?