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 … 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.
more
Wow! This book really left me searching for words. Simply said, it is so good! Full of richly drawn characters, drama, danger, intrigue, righting wrongs, forgiveness, and compassion. It is a book that stays with you long after you’ve read the last page.
The amount of history in this book is astounding, I learned much from it yet it doesn’t feel like a textbook.
The characters and scenes are so richly written, I felt like I was watching a movie as I was reading. I could see everything as it was happening.
I loved the diversity in this book too. French aristocrats, Irish families, Americans, and a Freedman.
The romance between Vivienne and Liam was very subtle and natural and not the main focus of the book.
I will definitely be recommending this book to everyone I know.
A Refuge Assured is hands down one of my favorite reads of the year so far. I loved every element of this story. The characters are endearing and distinct, the plot moves at a perfect pace, and the historical details just make everything come to life.
Vivienne has already been through so much heartache when she arrives in Philadelphia from Paris. I loved getting a glimpse of her life in Paris, as it really set the stage for what was to come, as well as helping the reader to understand what Vivienne and many other French citizens lost as consequence of the French Revolution. Already in the opening scenes Vivienne’s emotion as well as moments of suspense leap off of the page. The making of beautiful and delicate lace, what had once been a livelihood for Vivienne became a mark against her, so much so that she had no choice but the flee to what she believes is a safe haven in America. Of course, tensions still run high there, with Royalist plots, as well as the infamous Whiskey Rebellion, about which I knew very little.
Wonderful secondary characters abound, and, of course, some scoundrels, too. Liam Delaney is one of the more realistic male leads that I’ve read about in a while. Green isn’t afraid to have her characters make mistakes and get messy as they navigate tricky and dangerous situations. All the while, though, Liam maintains his honor and tries to do what is right. I also appreciate a slow burning romance, one that takes work and time, one that makes you cheer when things are going their way.
A Refuge Assured is definitely my favorite book by Jocelyn Green that I’ve read so far, and I’m so glad that her next novel is already in the works. With a well-rounded plot and wonderfully engaging characters, A Refuge Assured will please fans of realistic historical fiction.
A Refuge Assured is a beautifully crafted tale of identity, belonging, safety, and of course love.
Set in the 1790s, the story straddles the complicated issues involved in both the French and American revolutions. I have not read a story that explores this time period quite like this, and I was hooked from beginning to end! I loved the way it made me think about multiple sides of an issue and I drew a strong comparison to the balance of God’s grace and justice.
The characters all wrestle with the question of who they are and what kind of life God intends for them.
Vienne feels misplaced in the world, due first to her parentage and then again when she becomes a refugee in America. But she is determined to work hard and prove herself worthy.
Liam had great responsibility thrust upon him at a young age and seems to wrestle with the boundaries between what is his job and what is God’s when it comes to caring for those he loves. He also struggles with his competing roles as patriot and brother, and finding the balance between defending liberty and preventing anarchy.
The side characters are complex and colorfully written as well, and a joy to spend time with on the page. I highly recommend this book!
Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for providing me with a review copy. A review was not required, and all opinions are my own.
Oh man, I had high hopes for this one and she delivered! Another deeply moving, heart tugging, emotional roller-coaster ride of a tale. I gasped, teared up, smiled, cringed, laughed and sat on the edge of my seat in suspense. I really loved the twists, turns and danger. This author knows how to create well written and beautifully flawed characters. The story starts out immersing you into life during the French revolution and Vivienne’s heart wrenching fall into and escape from that horrible danger. Then we meet Liam who has his own life trials to worry about while America struggles to become a country and yet he’s the dashing gentleman. So many attention-grabbing details, from the way they dress to the smells of the street, make you sink into this story and just cannot put it down. That is one reason I keep coming back to this author! Her characters feel like family and her stories make you feel like you are standing right next to them.
“God is the creator, is He not?” she had said. “So when we create, even if it is a mere length of lace and not the stars in the heavens, we honor Him. We bear His likeness when we work.”
-Tante Rose
Jocelyn Green once again stuns us with a riveting tale of two people from very different backgrounds striving to make a new life for themselves. Vivienne Rivard, a strong, courageous young lacemaker from the courts of Paris escapes Revolutionary France just in time to save herself while Liam Delaney, a young Irish American who fought during the Revolutionary War, struggles with a changing young America.
The story moves at a rapid pace through Revolutionary France to the shores of Philadelphia where Vivienne lands in the spring of 1794. As their paths intersect in Philadelphia, both characters have their core values and morals tested. Vivienne grapples with a lack of self-esteem due to her parentage and the frightening effects of the Revolution on her personal life. Liam battles with an overwhelming sense of responsibility for family and a conflicted conscience regarding independence and a need for laws and taxes in the new government.
Once again I enjoyed Ms. Green’s use of historical detail about an obscure place in American history, French Azilum, Pennsylvania. The settlement was very real and existed along the banks of the Susquehanna River. Her many historical particulars included are the Whiskey rebellion, French Azilum, Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and Marie Antoinette.
Morals and integrity are displayed throughout the story which also leaves the reader with a comforting sense of inspiration and faith. The themes of family, home, belonging, and responsibility stand strong all through the novel. Read this intriguing tale of the post Revolutionary War America to find out how Vivienne and Liam find a way to move on with their lives during a complex time in history. I loved this book and hope you will too! A truly inspiring read for fans of historical fiction, inspirational fiction, and romance!
This ARC copy was received from Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley.com in exchange for an honest review. The above thoughts and opinions are wholly my own.
A wonderful book full of historical details. I knew I was in for a treat with this book because I enjoyed “The Mark of the King” by this same author sooo… much.
I have took my time and savored this book. I’m basically a slow reader but it doesn’t need to be read too fast and miss the seemingly small things that sometimes turns into big things. Every detail needs to be read. Falling in love with Vivienne and Liam is so easy. Ahhh… the emotions, the faith and intrigue that you can feel when it’s written out on paper by a good author is amazing! Vivienne is so fearful that the revolution has followed her in America’s Revolution aftermath. The emotional trauma she goes through of just trying to escape France and then to sell her lace and find work is enough to make most women want to give up.
I also want to say what a beautiful cover the book has with beautiful lace drawn throughout the pages. Sometimes I just stopped and looked at the drawings of the lace and I keep thinking of how much work went into beautiful lace-making.
I love when you can tell an author has researched because it makes the story seem so real! So much feeling put into a story and it touches the heart.
Historical Fiction Fans you will be sure to want to read this one! Don’t miss one of the best books out this year.
Thanks to Bethany House Publishers for providing me with a review copy. No review was required. All opinions are my own.
It is sometimes difficult to write an adequate review for an eloquent story such as A Refuge Assured. A deeply emotional experience is how I reflect upon my reading of this book. Ms. Green has a gift with words that is poetic in nature, and strong in substance. A powerful novel plagued with adversity while fingers of beauty intertwine like silk threads evolving into lace. This is a tough one. I’m finding it difficult to describe something that is an experience, personal and unique to each individual.
An historic novel developed with depth and character, this story has obviously been well researched. A history lesson through fiction, my eyes were opened to the ravages in revolutionary France throughout the 1790s. Escape to America is an improvement, but not without harsh revelations. Descriptive and detailed, characterizations and landscape are well represented.
This deeply moving story moves along at a rapid pace while affording the reader adequate time to experience the plot through well depicted images. Numerous emotions are evoked, creating a host of reactions throughout this novel. I highly recommend this novel that contains a multiplicity of events and experiences. It is without a doubt Ms. Green’s finest novel to date!
Disclaimer: I received this book with no expectations for a positive review. All expressed opinions are my own.
This is a poignant story rich in history, detail, hardships, overcoming circumstances, and knowing who to trust (besides the Lord, and including the Lord). It’s early in the year, so for me to say this is the best book of the year does not do it enough justice. But it is. Which is too bad for all the other books I am going to read this year, because this is going to be tough to beat.
First, I need to touch on the details. Jocelyn Green is a wealth of knowledge, and luckily for us shares so much of this knowledge with us in this book. The attention to detail she puts in every sentence is outstanding. You can see and feel your surroundings in historic France. You can hear the war in the background in historic Pennsylvania. You can place yourself amongst historic figures like Alexander Hamilton; you can experience what life was like as a lacemaker in a time and place where that was not acceptable; and you can see what it means to leave everything you know and go out into a new world. You should also prepare yourself to learn something new, because you will. Even fiction novels can provide information to what happened in the past. Yes, some of it is dramatized, but it was evident how much time and research that Jocelyn Green put into this book to bring the time period and characters to life.
And bring them to life she did. Vivienne and Liam are wonderfully charming, stubborn, fearless, and brave. You can’t help but cheer them on, both separately and together. I would have loved to bake with Vivienne and hear stories about France, or join Liam in meetings to see his passion for doing what is right. You learn so much about them over the course of the book that you feel like their friend. Their family. In fact, I was so sad to see the book end, because I didn’t want their story to end. But, the great thing is that I still have them with me in this book. I can open the pages and revisit them whenever I want. And trust me, I will!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A Refuge Assured, by Jocelyn Green, is historical fiction at its absolute finest. Every single word and phrase within this outstanding novel is rich with deep meaning and thoughtful purpose. The extremely well-researched details and the remarkably stunning descriptions ensure that every moment spent reading this book is a profound experience to be savored and treasured.
With an intensely compelling plot that flows effortlessly through intricate scenes of adversity, suspense, intrigue, romance, sacrifice, and redemption, this novel holds nestled within its pages everything a reader wholeheartedly desires. It is most certainly a novel worthy of copious compliments, continuous attention, and frequent re-readings.
A Refuge Assured has truly left a lasting impression upon my heart and in my mind. That a story so full of tragedy and loss could be told so beautifully and be infused with such hope is a testament to the phenomenal writing talent the author possesses. This is the first book I have read by Jocelyn Green, but with it she has easily secured a place among my most favorite of authors. It is with sincere enthusiasm and great pleasure that I recommend this unforgettable novel to all readers.
*I was given a copy of this novel from the publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written contains opinions that are entirely my own.
Jocelyn Green is a talented writer and one I have enjoyed reading in the past; I eagerly awaited this story both for its plot and the unique characters I was sure to find in this latest release. I was in no way disappointed. This fascinating tale focuses on a woman whose livelihood has marked her for death: she makes lace.
The tension is so high in those first few chapters that I had to remind myself to breathe! The descriptions involving the French Revolution are disturbing; Green does a remarkable job of allowing the reader to view events alongside Vienne, experiencing the horror as the mob paraded down the street shouting, “No more king!”
The characters are multi-layered with warring desires of hiding secrets, hurts that need healing, and simple, daily survival. For example, Vienne is an intriguing mix of pride and humility. She wants to provide for her own needs, is unwilling to accept kindness that may come with strings attached, but she is not above any honest work, as a baker or even a scullery maid. She looks to the future rather than living in the past, embracing her new life in Philadelphia, even as she cannot totally leave her past behind, try though she might.
A prominent theme in this novel is relationships, how we interact with those we love: how we deal with disappointment, grief, and pain, the joy that comes from shared bonds and experiences, forgiveness, accepting the past and moving forward unhindered by bitterness and things that we cannot change. I found myself examining my own life, looking for ways I make my journey more difficult by not releasing old hurts to the Healer.
There is a lot of history within these pages that I was ignorant of before reading this book, specifically, the strong reaction to and support of the French Revolution. Notable historical figures were divided on the issue, but learning Thomas Paine wrote both Common Sense, so important in our own history, and Rights of Man for the French made me curious to learn more about the overlap between the two countries. And the French restructuring and renaming of days, weeks, and even years during this time was also something I had not studied before. A trip to my library is in order, and Green has provided some helpful suggestions at the end for those of us interested in learning more.
A Refuge Assured is a beautifully written book about a troubled time in history, peopled with characters that are relatable and realistic. Some of the decisions they face are unthinkable, and Green does not shy away from the ugly to make the reader more comfortable—but she also gives depth and meaningful motivation to the villains, helping us understand a bit more about the circumstances many lived in during this time.
I highly recommend this novel to those who enjoy historical fiction, especially those interested in France and America’s ties to that country during this time. Due to some thematic elements in those early, intense chapters, I recommend it for mature teens and up, but the difficult topics addressed are important reading for anyone willing to learn lessons from the past.
Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for providing me with a review copy. A review was not required, and all opinions are my own.
Based on Jocelyn Green writing my favorite Civil War series I knew I was in for a treat reading this and believe me it did not disappoint. The author writes novels steeped in historical detail so well you will believe you are there with the characters experiencing it, from the descriptions to the sights,sounds,smells and even the characters thoughts.
The book starts out in late 1700s Paris, France and gives readers a feel of the French Revolution and sets us up with the main character’s background from lace making to the story of her mother.
I was especially fascinated to read how the majority of the story took place in my home state of Pennsylvania,it took place in Philadelphia to be exact. I even found out the Pittsburgh Post Gazette newspaper used to be called the Pittsburgh Gazette when it first started out. It’s so fascinating the historical facts you can find out with some research and I appreciate the author doing just this.
This book held my attention firmly gripped and it won’t be soon forgotten.
I enjoyed this book immensely and look forward to her next book.
I received a review copy from the author and was not required to write a positive review.
A Refuge Assured (2018) by Jocelyn Green is a stunning stand-alone novel. This novel comes in all forms including eBook, and is 400 pages in length. With a full-time job and a very busy five-year old, this novel took me a week to read. Do not be alarmed by my longer reading time with this book. This story is excellent. It was an incredibly busy week at work so I didn’t get a lot of reading time, and this novel is detail-rich. I had to stop often to do a bit of my own research to fully understand all that takes place historically in this story. I received a review copy in paperback form from the publishers, Bethany House. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own. I give this novel 5+++ STARS. This novel is a Christian Historical novel set during the French Revolution and the Whiskey Rebellion.
There is so much depth to A Refuge Assured that one review will never be enough to cover every aspect of this book. It truly is a journey that must be experienced personally. In all honesty, I started to stress a little as my time to write this review was drawing near. I prayed God would give me the right words to honor this book and Jocelyn’s fantastic writing talent adequately. But, the closer I got to the time I would write this review, the more I started to stress. What can I possibly say about this exquisite story beyond, “Go get this book immediately”? And then the answer dropped into my lap on page 345!
Liam, the hero of this story, is struggling with the American Government he fought for during the Revolutionary War. Those in power are starting to make laws that are oppressive and unfair. Liam is not sure where he stands anymore. He feels he is a good person, and he genuinely strives to do what is right, but it seems that what is right is diverging from the ideals the country he fought for is now illustrating. He feels adrift on untamed waters, and is unsure where he stands. At this moment, God whispers to his soul, “What is Cesar’s give to Cesar, what is Mine give to Me.” Lying in bed staring at the ceiling, Liam thinks to himself:
He has always tried to do the right thing, as he saw it. But it had been far too long since he’d asked God to show him the right, as He saw it.
Oh my!!! For me, this message is the BEST part of this book. A truly excellent reminder to us all, but most especially to me. And, as all excellent messages do, it came exactly when I needed to hear it the most. I get so caught up in doing what I THINK is right that I often forget to do what GOD TELLS ME is right. Then I get all bunched up internally, I feel so overwhelmed, and I think to myself, “God, where are You, and why is nothing working out?” I get so stuck on me, I forget God even when I think I am doing things for God. Like Liam, I need to step back into the silence of night time and pray to God. I need to listen for His Voice and Direction, and follow the steps God has for me rather than follow the steps I think God has planned for me. It’s so subtle a thing, but truly the difference between doing what God wants versus what God doesn’t want.
This book! It’s so good. As I sit here typing this review I can’t help but tear up. I’m running to God right now asking for His forgiveness for my very foolish, albeit innocent of guile, heart. I am praying He will set me back on His path, and forgive me for thinking my path was His intentions for me. That a book can do this to me, can have this level of catharsis, is truly an amazing testament to just how excellent this book is.
Run to your nearest bookstore and purchase a copy of this excellent book. Yes, the characters are amazing. They are so well written it’s like I actually know them personally. The settings are so exquisitely illustrated, I feel like I have personally been to Paris, France and Philadelphia of the 1790s. The story line is so deep and well-researched that it is not possible to be bored by this book. And the romance, while not the main focus of the story, is definitely realistically and sweetly portrayed, so much so you will leave this book satisfied. I highly recommend A Refuge Assured for all these wonderful reasons, but I definitely recommend this book for the cathartic message. This book brought me closer to God in a way I never imagined, and I think all should have that amazing experience. Jocelyn Green, you have incomparable talent. I pray God blesses you with many, many more story lines to come. God bless you, and God bless this phenomenal story.
I am going to start off by saying I love this cover. There is just something about it that draws me to the book. I liked how the author did a great job in describing everything from the landscapes to the clothing to the emotions. Doing this gives you a good understanding of the the whole picture the author is trying to show you. She also did a good job of giving you just enough of a history lesson which leads you to wanting to learn more about this time and the people who experienced it. Then the author throws just a bit of romance into the mix which adds to the story. This is one of my favorites by this author. Highly recommended.
I have read all of Jocelyn Greens’ books and none of them have disappointed me. Honestly, I was never much of a historical fiction reader until I found her books! This book has it all: mystery, murder, intrigue, love and most importantly how faith God is.
I was privileged to be a part of a launch team so I received an e copy of this book from the author and publisher. All reviews and comments are my own.
Fulfilling like a wonderful meal that you savor. So rich in history and detail that you come away so much more knowledgeable of this time and place, as well as enjoying a wonderful story. The strength of these people and what they endured is so inspiring and still holding on to their faith. Wow….impressive story, writing, and research. Not a light and fluffy read, but a story with depth and layers that keep you engrossed from start to finish. The characters grab your heart and you want to aid them in their journey that God has set before them. I love this quote from Tante Rose to Vivienne, “God is the Creator, is He not? So when we create, even if it is a mere length of lace and not the stars in the Heavens, we honor Him. We bear His likeness when we work.” Just beautiful, lyrical writing.
I received a complimentary copy from Bethany House Publishing. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
Captivating Story with Superb Character Development
If history classes and facts were half as interesting as this author incorporates into her stories, I would have scored at the top of the grading scale, when I was in school. I’m totally impressed by the research that went into A Refuge Assured. It is a captivating tale that takes its readers back to France in 1792 during the Revolution. Some people had to flee the country to save their life and lace maker, Vivienne Rivard, is one. Once landing in America Vivienne’s life is anything but easy. Will she be able to find safety? What about others that she encounters?
The characters in this story are extremely realistic. Most are quite likeable and I really felt a connection with several. I intentionally read this novel slowly to savor the book longer, but also because I knew I wouldn’t want to say goodbye to Vivienne, Liam, Jethro, Finn or Henry.
I loved how well written this novel was and how there were unexpected twists and turns throughout. The author is truly blessed with a creative, God given, talent for writing. She incorporates the Lord’s presence in the characters without coming across as preachy. Such a remarkable gift.
If you enjoy historical fiction that goes a bit deeper than most and has some interesting facts intertwined, you’ll enjoy this incredible journey. I highly recommend A Refuge Assured.
5+ stars
Many thanks go out to the publisher for my complimentary copy. My review is my personal thoughts on this book and come from my heart and were not influenced by anyone.
Jocelyn Green has a way of bringing history to life that goes far beyond what we learned in school. Her complex characters demonstrate the realities of life during difficult times in history. I had no idea the horrors of living during the French Revolution even if you weren’t royalty, and it’s hard to imagine the daily struggles of those who tried to escape and start new lives in America.
A Refuge Assured quickly transports the reader to the side of Vivienne Rivard, a business woman (with her aunt) who provides lace to the upper class women and royalty. Because of her association with them she and all who produce the lace are targeted and she barely escapes to Philadelphia in the late 1700s. The book follows her efforts to start over again in a country that is mostly hostile to French refugees. There are many twists and important secondary characters she interacts with that provide a fascinating tale of the struggle to find peace and security.
And along the way you will discover interesting twists on Alexander Hamilton and the Whiskey Rebellion.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is a history buff. One of the things I really enjoy about Green’s writing is that her books are NOT historical romances. They are first and foremost intriguing historical stories that may include a bit of romance (because that’s real life). The stories are incredibly well researched and always examine God’s providence and love in a natural, non-preachy way.
Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for providing a copy of this book for review. A review was not required and all opinions are my own.
Once again history has come alive to me in reading this fabulous book. It is rich in detail about what the world was like at that time. The French Revolution was felt as far away as America. Paris was red with the blood of the martyers when Vivienne fled to Philadelphia. Fascinating to me, were the feelings of some of those who lived in America and their willingness to carry out dastardly deeds that should have horrified them. The Whiskey Run and mail delivered by horseback were all part of life at that time, as was the settlement of lands many miles from the busy cities. Was there to be a refuge for those that needed it the most?
Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for providing me a review copy. A review was not required, and all opinions are my own.
Author Jocelyn Green wows with this book. Her research into lace making and the history of the day makes this book a masterpiece. Deep, solid characters take you on a journey from France to the United States. I fell in love with Vivienne, Liam, and the young Henri. So well developed, you’ll be certain that they really did live in the 1700s. With all of its rich detail it won’t disappoint.
A Refuge Assured is a roller coaster ride of feelings as life ebbs and flows for the characters. History. Romance. Life and Death. This book has it all. If you enjoy historical fiction, romance, and espionage, you will revel in this book!
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
A Refuge Assured
The compelling and beautiful blending of history and story in this book were perfect. This story brought to life aspects of American history about which I knew very little. It delighted me to experience history come alive as these varied individuals melded together to become Americans. The characters were a mixture of cultures and backgrounds. The story revealed a picture of the political climate of early America. I knew nothing about the whiskey rebellion or the French escaping to America. This for me is ideal historical fiction, touches of mystery, touches of romance and spiritual truths blended to create a captivating story. I appreciate knowing what parts of a novel come from actual history, but I resisted reading at first the author’s notes at the end of the book. While the main characters came from Jocelyn Green’s vivid imagination, the events and attitudes came from real history. Perfect! I had never heard of Asylum, Pennsylvania. I had never considered that the American experience of a divided opinion of a strong central government versus a people with individual freedoms was not too dissimilar from France and the French Revolution.
Jocelyn’s wording shows her talent:
“Vienne was raised with one foot in the world of the working people and the other tiptoeing through the doors of the aristocracy, catering to their whims. As such, she’d never fully belonged to either realm. Well practiced in straddling two worlds, she now belonged to neither France or America. Untethered, like a loose thread, while every other strand was woven into place.”
Write on Jocelyn, you make history sing!
I was provided a copy of this book by Bethany House. No review was required. I gladly give it five stars because it was a memorable story.