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A review by turquoiseavenue
A Refuge Assured by Jocelyn Green
5.0
CAPTIVATING & SUSPENSEFUL... A DETAILED LOOK AT FRENCH ÉMIGRÉ LIFE IN AMERICA AFTER THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR. This beautiful story weaves the lives of strong, engaging characters in an exciting series of events while offering a storyline rich in historic details that is sure to delight any historical fiction enthusiast.
War, suspense, mystery, determination, faith and romance... From the gorgeous cover to the heartwarming ending, this story is sure to win the hearts of its readers. Early on in this captivating novel, the author, Jocelyn Green, introduces readers to French émigré, Vivienne Rivard, who must flee her beloved home in France to save her own life. Vivienne faces the heartbreaking loss of her dear aunt and learns the details of her estranged mother's questionable past, while living life in a country ravaged by the horrors of the French Revolution. We follow her journey overseas to America, where readers meet Liam Delaney, a former militiaman in the American Revolution just years prior. Throughout the early storyline, additional characters enter and lay the foundation for exciting plot twists which add a sense of mystery to the novel.
I enjoyed the pace of this book as well as the suspense that builds from the events taking place. The author depicts an accurate peek into the gut-wrenching perils of the French Revolution, portrays early American life beautifully and details major historical events such as the Whiskey Rebellion while bringing historical figures like Alexander Hamilton and Monsieur Omer Talon to life. In addition, the author sets forth the story in intricate details which delights reader's imaginations and brings vivid color to the sights and smells of the era.
When Vivienne finds herself as a sudden guardian of a young boy, mystery surrounds the lad who could possibly be Louis-Charles, the heir to the French throne. Readers will get a glimpse into this boy's life and his story as he and Vivienne must once again flee their home to protect their very lives. Finding refuge in a place called French Azilum, a historically accurate place in Pennsylvania, they find their lives even more intertwined with Liam Delaney and other characters.
Vivienne, who never knew the love of her own mother, finds herself shepherding this young boy through life, providing for him, caring for him and nurturing him as she struggles to make her own way in life. She discovers the value of family and opens her heart to forgiveness along the way. It is her admirable determination and grit that I loved most about her. Liam, who's noble character has readers falling in love with him from the start, makes his way through the story fighting moral battles and upholding what he believes to be right. As he quickly falls for the beautiful Vivienne, readers find a hint of romance that later becomes a beautiful love between two strong and independent people.
The end of the story wraps up with an exciting, climactic turn of events and a heartwarming ending. I don't want to give too much away in the details but suffice it to say, the ending will not disappoint. I truly believe historical fiction readers will love this book as much as I did. It is indeed a five star book, in my opinion.
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts above are my own.
War, suspense, mystery, determination, faith and romance... From the gorgeous cover to the heartwarming ending, this story is sure to win the hearts of its readers. Early on in this captivating novel, the author, Jocelyn Green, introduces readers to French émigré, Vivienne Rivard, who must flee her beloved home in France to save her own life. Vivienne faces the heartbreaking loss of her dear aunt and learns the details of her estranged mother's questionable past, while living life in a country ravaged by the horrors of the French Revolution. We follow her journey overseas to America, where readers meet Liam Delaney, a former militiaman in the American Revolution just years prior. Throughout the early storyline, additional characters enter and lay the foundation for exciting plot twists which add a sense of mystery to the novel.
I enjoyed the pace of this book as well as the suspense that builds from the events taking place. The author depicts an accurate peek into the gut-wrenching perils of the French Revolution, portrays early American life beautifully and details major historical events such as the Whiskey Rebellion while bringing historical figures like Alexander Hamilton and Monsieur Omer Talon to life. In addition, the author sets forth the story in intricate details which delights reader's imaginations and brings vivid color to the sights and smells of the era.
When Vivienne finds herself as a sudden guardian of a young boy, mystery surrounds the lad who could possibly be Louis-Charles, the heir to the French throne. Readers will get a glimpse into this boy's life and his story as he and Vivienne must once again flee their home to protect their very lives. Finding refuge in a place called French Azilum, a historically accurate place in Pennsylvania, they find their lives even more intertwined with Liam Delaney and other characters.
Vivienne, who never knew the love of her own mother, finds herself shepherding this young boy through life, providing for him, caring for him and nurturing him as she struggles to make her own way in life. She discovers the value of family and opens her heart to forgiveness along the way. It is her admirable determination and grit that I loved most about her. Liam, who's noble character has readers falling in love with him from the start, makes his way through the story fighting moral battles and upholding what he believes to be right. As he quickly falls for the beautiful Vivienne, readers find a hint of romance that later becomes a beautiful love between two strong and independent people.
The end of the story wraps up with an exciting, climactic turn of events and a heartwarming ending. I don't want to give too much away in the details but suffice it to say, the ending will not disappoint. I truly believe historical fiction readers will love this book as much as I did. It is indeed a five star book, in my opinion.
* I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts above are my own.