MY REVIEW:
“A Refuge Assured” is a fine example of why I love historical fiction. I have always been interested in all aspects of history but dry facts in a textbook never answered my many questions. Authors such as Jocelyn Green bring that history to life in the pages of their novels and help me to experience history through the lives of those who may have been there. Most of my favorite authors obviously research their subject matter well before writing their novels and I appreciate that I can usually trust their stories to be at least based on the truth. I am also frequently inspired to do further research because my interest has been stimulated.
From the streets of the French Revolution to the French Quarter of Philadelphia, Lacemaker Vivienne Rivard has seen things young women should not be forced to witness. After barely escaping with her life from France, she hopes for refuge in America but soon finds herself in danger because of a young boy placed in her care. Liam Delaney finds himself a reluctant part of her life yet the two are also strongly drawn to each other. Can they work together to overcome the obstacles facing them?
“A Refuge Assured” is beautifully written with a well-developed plot and strong characters. There is ample action to hold the attention of most readers as well as plenty of interesting historical facts. I enjoyed reading about the Whiskey Rebellion, particularly the way the newly established government resorted to taxing their own citizens in the same manner that brought them to fight for their freedom from England. I don’t remember that from my history lessons but it is so typical that I have no problem believing it. The story is also filled with danger, suspense, and of course romance along with some surprises along the way.
I heartily recommend this book to all lovers of historical fiction.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group. A favorable review was not required.All views expressed are my own.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
Fleeing One Revolution to the Aftermath of Another, She Seeks and Dreams of Peace
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 danger lurks in the French Quarter, as revolutionary sympathizers begin to suspect a young boy left in her care might be the Dauphin. Can the French settlement Asylum 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 his hard-won farm near Asylum, but he soon finds himself drawn into the escalating tension of the Whiskey Rebellion. When he meets a beautiful young Frenchwoman recently arrived from Paris, they are drawn together in surprising ways to fight for the peace and safety for which they long.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Photo Credit: © Catchlight Imaging
Jocelyn Green inspires faith and courage as the award-winning and bestselling author of numerous fiction and nonfiction books, including The Mark of the King, Wedded to War, and The 5 Love Languages Military Edition, which she coauthored with bestselling author Dr. Gary Chapman. Her books have garnered starred reviews from Booklist and Publishers Weekly, and have been honored with the Christy Award, the gold medal from the Military Writers Society of America, and the Golden Scroll Award from the Advanced Writers & Speakers Association. She graduated from Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, with a B.A. in English, concentration in writing. Jocelyn lives with her husband, Rob, and two children in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Visit her at www.jocelyngreen.com.
