The daughter of a Mohawk mother and French father in 1759 Montreal, Catherine Duval finds it is easier to remain neutral in a world that is tearing itself apart. Content to trade with both the French and the British, Catherine is pulled into the fray against her wishes when her British ex- fiance, Samuel Crane, is taken prisoner by her father. Samuel asks her to help him escape, claiming he has … he has information that could help end the war.
Peace appeals to Catherine, but helping the man who broke her heart does not. She delays . . . until attempts on Samuel’s life convince her he’s in mortal danger. Against her better judgment she helps him flee by river, using knowledge of the landscape to creep ever closer to freedom. Their time together rekindles feelings she thought long buried, and danger seems to hound their every mile. She’s risked becoming a traitor by choosing a side, but will the decision cost her even more than she anticipated?
more
Richly historic, even haunting, Green pens a remarkable tale of the clash of cultures and the quest for enduring love. Between Two Shores is extraordinary storytelling, showcasing an unforgettable heroine who is both fierce and a force for good in an ever changing frontier landscape. A novel not soon forgotten and on my keeper shelf.
Jocelyn Green captures the tensions of war in Between Two Shores, on the field with musket and tomahawk, and the tender battlefield of the heart. With gorgeous prose that sings across the pages, vibrant characters, and a plot as unpredictable as a river voyage, Green has penned another winner for historical fiction lovers.
4.5 Stars
Between Two Shores spans from 1744 to 1761 and chronicles the life of Catherine Stands-Apart, a woman born from the union of a French trapper and his Mohawk wife. After the death of her mother, Catherine’s decision to leave her sister and brother in the village of Kahnawake and join her father at his trading post located across the St. Lawrence River from Montreal, would set the course for her life. From that moment on, she became a woman caught in the middle of two worlds and eventually two nations.
Family dynamics drive this story, while unique circumstances precipitated by the French and Indian War ratchet up the tension even higher. Green made me feel so much empathy for Catherine, whose heart was broken time and time again by those who were supposed to love and cherish her the most. First, by her sister whose bitterness took root when Catherine abandoned the People. Then repeatedly by her father, who tried to have the “savage” trained out of his daughter, and when that failed took to abusing her—a problem compounded by alcohol. Last of all by her betrothed, who she assumed to be dead until he was ransomed by her father.
In this novel, some characters are adopted by Indians while others are ransomed. “Once a captive is ransomed, he or she stays and works in that location like an indentured servant for six years or so, until the money spent on the ransom is considered paid off by labor. At the end of that time, the ransomed captive is usually free to leave New France.” While these practices were common in the period, my favorite aspect of this story was how Green turns them into spiritual lessons about how Christians are ransomed by Christ and adopted into the Kingdom of God. It’s absolutely beautiful!
As a veteran fan of the author, I’ve come to know and cherish her vivid imagery and impeccable research. I like the direction she’s taken with her 7th novel—steering away from romance without sacrificing deep interpersonal relationships. Between Two Shores was an excellent way to kick off 2019! Pick up a copy when it releases February 5th from Bethany House Publishers.
Christian Shelf-Esteem received a book to facilitate this review. The views and opinions expressed here are 100% honest and my own. I am disclosing this in Accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, part 255 Guidelines, concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in advertising.
There should be more French & Indian War novels out there, and this one offers realistic immersion into the Canadian portion. More powerful writing from Green, who does an especially superb job of making the scenery and sensory description come alive in this saga.
As a reader, you also enter into the conflicted loyalties of the characters, many of whom are of mixed blood or captive background. The novel makes clear how common people lose when empires grasp for dominion. However, the conflicted and changing loyalties also made it challenging to root for an outcome in the plot or for a particular character or side. It felt rather like being swept along in the mighty rivers the character traverse for trade and espionage.
I love historical fiction as well as historical romance, but like some other reviewers felt a bit jaded by the unexpected turn in the relationship between Catherine and Samuel. Bad things happen. Hearts are broken. Circumstances change. People make mistakes, and so should characters–and Samuel’s was not showing true integrity by being forthright up front. The fact that he didn’t makes some of his later comments that I think were supposed to show honor sound self-righteous and harsh. And some secondary romance would have been a plus.
That said, I did love the transformation of Catherine Stands-Apart to Catherine Goes-Between. The heroine found the courage to say no to abusive relationships, and the women in the story came into their own without needing to be rescued by the men. Only rescued by God.
Will she lose everything…or finally find it?
I have to confess that this is one of the times that I’m not really sure where to start. I really ran the gamut of emotions while reading Between Two Shores and sometimes I almost had a love-hate thing going on. But you know what? To me, that is a sign of a truly gifted author. And I firmly believe that Jocelyn Green IS a VERY gifted author. I’ve read nearly every one of her historical novels and I can’t seem to get enough of them.
I actually read Between Two Shores while on a 3,000 mile train ride so I had a lot of time to ponder this story, both the historical aspects and the fictional characters. To say that I was impressed would be an understatement. Jocelyn Green took various threads of the Canadian theatre of the French & Indian War, events that I’d read about in my school history books, and little known facts and wove them into a truly heart-wrenching story that the reader won’t soon forget. This book was truly a historical novel, not a historical romance in any way, bringing to life some of the darkest days of the prior to the Revolution in such a way that they become very real to the reader.
How did I feel after finishing Between Two Shores? Very mixed, my heart was torn for people dead over 250 years ago and for characters that never existed, and yet living now in the 21st century I also felt proud of those who struggled through blood and darkness and would later found the United States and eventually our next door neighbor Canada. Jocelyn Green is truly a master of her craft and her stories are an inspiring reminder of faith,hope, and the strength of the human spirit down through history.
(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
What a poignant, heart-stirring book. Words are always hardest to find for the stories that I love most. Catherine Duval is such an inspiring character, both for her admirable qualities, but even more so for her flaws. As one that has moved easily between the worlds of her French father and her Mohawk mother, Catherine seeks the peace that comes with remaining neutral. However, neutrality is becoming a dangerous place to be on both shores, so she must decide what is more important – choosing a side may ultimately mean peace and survival for many, but the revelations that come along with it may mean discord, not peace, for her inner world.
What else to say about this beautiful book? The secondary characters, of which there are several, are layered and oh so human. Even the antagonists of the story have backgrounds and pasts, and in war, it’s hard to know who the real enemy is when both sides are hurting. The details of the wilderness, trading posts, the grim realities of war, the tender relationships between sisters by blood and sisters by choice, these aspects all provide the reader with scenes that captivate and compel.
I think what I loved most about this book is that it is not a romance. Indeed, though the cover is beautiful, I wonder that it doesn’t quite convey the gravity and complexity of this story. This is a discourse on what it means to be family, both the family that you’re born into, and the family that circumstances choose for you. It’s a testament to forgiveness and healing and doing the right thing to great personal detriment. It’s about knowing when to lean in and when to finally walk away. And you may think that with all these lofty words I’m using that the story is dramatic, and at times, perhaps it is, but on the whole, it is nuanced, beautifully paced, and at times completely surprising. In my opinion, this is Green’s best work to date.
Full of vivid imagery, rich historical details, and ultimately an abundance of hope and redemption, Between Two Shores is on my list of favorites for 2019.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. The thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own, and I was not required to post a review, positive or otherwise.
Another incredible book by author Jocelyn Green. If you enjoy historical fiction you must read this one. Green puts so much research into her stories that I always learn from them. But that doesn’t mean they are dry, dusty thomes. A compelling story teller, she is able to weave facts into fiction in such a way that you are swept up into that time of history. And honestly, it makes me happy to live in 2019. Life in 1759 was rough.
Written with heart and honesty, the characters have depth. Situations are described that will make your jaw drop. Moving and raw, you won’t always like what you read but life is like that sometimes. And I love that Green’s author notes gives us facts vs fiction as well as the reminder that we are all on a journey and that God loves us as we are. I highly recommend Between Two Shores.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but was not required to leave a review.
Between Two Shores is an all-consuming literary adventure set in the picturesque region surrounding Montreal amidst the turmoil of the Seven Years’ War. Jocelyn Green has gifted readers with a story which opens the mind and wrings the heart. The beauty, faults, and suffering of each represented culture are depicted with honesty, reverence, and grace.
Thanks to the author’s skill and the special gift of historical fiction, I have a better understanding of (and dare I say an emotional connection to) this time period and the people who lived in it. I highly recommend this story.
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.
Time for another disclaimer — I do not have adequate words to describe just how amazing Between Two Worlds is. This book is nothing like what I thought it would be — it is BETTER! Between Two Worlds is a phenomenal Christian, feminist, historical novel that absolutely must be experienced. It does NOT follow the Historical Romance pattern. It beautifully and masterfully turns that pattern on its head.
What makes a hero a hero? To me, a fictional hero is a male character who represents some of the best aspects of manhood. He is completely realistic and deals with actual flaws, but he is a man who behaves the best a man can. For me, a hero is a man who is strong in his moral/ethical views, he loves God with his whole heart, he knows he has flaws and wants to work on them to better himself, he pays attention to details and then acts on those details, he protects others even at cost to himself, and he genuinely cares. Regardless of the man’s physical features, these characteristics make the hero the handsomest of men. In Between Two Shores, the hero seems to be Samuel Crane. He is handsome, he has a goal he needs to meet, and he does seem to care about others. And, at the beginning, it appears that Samuel is the heroine’s love interest. I will admit though that Samuel frustrated me hard! Meeting his goal, no matter the cost to anyone, is Samuel’s main prerogative. As I was reading, I kept waiting for Samuel to be that true hero, but I never felt he reaches this status. In fact, he is awfully selfish and self-focused. Then I was stumped. What is Green doing in this book, and what is she saying about heroes? And, who is the hero of this story?
Then, it dawned on me! Catherine is both hero and heroine in this fabulous story. Catherine is one of the most amazing characters I’ve ever read. She is beautiful, intelligent, resilient, and strong. Catherine is the kind of strong that is both physical and mental, but she is also incredibly vulnerable. There are several moments in this novel that broke me, and my mom-heart desperately wanted to hug Catherine hard and fix all the broken things for her. Have tissue when you read this book. But I digress … back to my hero topic. Catherine is literally everything I defined in the paragraph above. She has a strong code of ethics, she loves God and tries to follow His path for her even when she is not sure about herself or God, she pays attention to details and then acts accordingly, and she genuinely cares about the lives of others (sometimes to her detriment, but isn’t that what we women do?). I love that Catherine is the hero, but what is Green trying to teach us readers through this fact? Here’s the BEST part of this book! Many times in this story, it’s just Catherine and God. There is no one else to help her or save her. I believe this is the number one goal of this fabulous book: with God, we women are the heroes in our own stories. No woman needs a man, BUT we all need God. With God by our side we can truly accomplish ANYTHING, even being the women our men need! I cannot tell you how refreshing it was for me to read a book that gives women back their true power. And the best part, it’s not at the cost of men. Too many “feminists” today want to hurt men. This novel celebrates women. It does not tear men down.
I once heard an American Lit professor say, “America was founded on the backs of women, slaves, and indigenous peoples.” This statement has stuck with me ever since, and I believe it is true for pretty much every community and country on this earth, especially Montreal in 1759. The sheer amount of back-breaking work Green illustrates women doing in order to provide for their families and survive the harsh realities of life during this time is exceptionally eye opening. Everything was put on the shoulders of women, and this workload seems to triple with war occurring. I was exhausted going through a single day with Catherine, and then subsequently grateful that my day is nothing like hers. What I really love in Between Two Shores is the picture of female solidarity and strength. Knowing that there is another woman to count on for physical, emotional, and mental help means being able to get through really hard events. Watching Bright Star, Thankful, and Catherine support one another in various and unique ways is beautiful. It made me even more grateful for my personal female friends. Each one of my dear friends has a unique strength, intelligence, and beauty that I know I can draw from through good times, bad times, and in-between times. Between Two Shores made me realize how blessed I am in my female relationships.
I legitimately could go on and on for days talking about this novel. I haven’t even brought up Joseph Many Feathers — arguably the BEST male character in this beautiful novel. But, I am so giddy about this book I know I am bound to spoil something. So, I will just add that I highly (times infinity) recommend this FANTASTIC novel. I believe Between Two Shores is a #MustRead for 2019 and every other year after that. Purchase a copy of this stellar novel today. You will not be disappointed that you did.
I received a review copy of this novel in eBook and paperback form from the author via her publisher, Bethany House Publishers. The eBook was supplied via NetGalley. In no way has this influenced my review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own.
“There are many kinds of hurt. What you’re describing now is the hurt of healing. when the body knits itself back together, it’s a kind of magic no surgeon can reproduce. But there is pain in the process. It will pass. Healing comes with a price, and I’m afraid the price is pain. Beyond that, however, is wholeness.”
Oh, this book. Such a masterful storytelling of the heartbreak, suffering, and poignant ache of loss during war. And yet, there is much tenderness as the story unfolds to reveal maturation of faith and outlook on life and focuses on the strength in love and forgiveness. Jocelyn Green brings the latter part of the Seven Year War between France and Britain to life with great historical detail and the research that went into creating this story is quite impressive. As expected from the author, the writing is exquisite, the plot and flow of the narrative are flawless, the integration of faith into the story line is seamless, and the characters are unforgettable even long after the last page has been read.
Catherine Stands Apart, the heroine, is half Mohawk and half French. She’s a strong, independent, loyal, intelligent, skilled, and compassionate woman who tries to bridge the gap between the Mohawk and French cultures. Samuel is someone whom Catherine loved a long time ago when he was an indentured servant in her father’s employ. He becomes a British prisoner of war and becomes indentured again to Catherine’s father when he begs Catherine to help him get intel to his British army to try to end the war. Samuel, despite his past mistakes and failings, is faithful, loyal, and true to himself. Even though the reunion is difficult emotionally and demands more than Catherine thinks she can sacrifice, Catherine does what she believes is the right thing and becomes a woman she didn’t think she could be at the end of the journey.
From the title to the epilogue, the beauty and soul lessons found in the pages of this book will grip your heart and not let go. I received a copy of the book from Bethany House and was under no obligation to post a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.
When you enjoy something you savor it and this is a book that you will want to savor and digest. It seeps into you and when you lay it down you will continue to reflect on the characters. Jocelyn Green is a consummate author and her novels are so thoroughly researched that you come away with a history lesson without even realizing it. This book draws you in and you become so entangled in the characters that you feel like you are experiencing their lives. The words are so rich that you can see, taste, and feel the anguish of hunger, war, and separation of those you hold dear. I loved how faith is woven throughout and how forgiveness and restoration complete the picture of a masterpiece. This book is a like a beautiful sonata that you listen to with your eyes closed, as you are mesmerized by the beauty of it. Definitely will be on my top ten list for 2019.
I received a complimentary copy from the author/publisher. The honest review and opinions are my own and were not required.
Amazing book! I took my time reading this story, savoring its pages. I always learn so much when I read a Jocelyn Green book. The historical detail does not disappoint in Between Two Shores. This is not a romance novel, it’s a great lesson in history.
The fictional and real-life people in this story take you on a journey through the French and Indian War/Seven Years War. But more than that, it is a story about a woman, Catherine Stands-Apart, half French Canadian half Mohawk, searching for who she is. At a young age, she chooses to live with her French father after her mother dies, much to her sister’s dismay for it is not the custom. She takes care of him and his trading post. He is mean and drunk most of the time, she longs for the Papa she once knew him to be. I felt like Catherine was searching for a place to belong, to be accepted and loved. This is a quote from her thoughts as she is running from information that is personally devastating to her hopes, I thought it was very telling of her struggle; “Did she really only give when she expected to get back in equal measure? Did she consider all of life a trade?”
The journey is treacherous and very ugly at times but the ending is good.
I think historical fiction lovers will really enjoy this book. I know I did.
*I received a review copy of this book from the publisher/author. A positive review was not required. All thoughts are entirely my own.
With emotional depth, layered characters, and an adventure that sweeps you away, Between Two Shores delivers it all. Green once again transports the reader to an intricately constructed era, her attention to historical details adding authenticity to her dynamic setting. Historical Fiction lovers won’t want to miss this riveting tale of courage, faith, and a woman who discovers that what makes her stand apart could also bridge the divides in her country, her home, and her heart.
I received a copy from Bethany House Publishers. All opinions are my own.
I have read every single one of Jocelyn Green’s novels and I speak with authority when I say that Between Two Shores is her finest work. Her story is compelling as usual, her characters well developed and authentic, her research done with the utmost integrity, the prose laced with beautiful imagery.
But there was something about this story that sets it apart, brings it to another level in Green’s work. There was a certain poetry to this story that caused me to pause and reread sentences, closing my eyes to really absorb the music of her prose. The protagonist possessed a complexity that endeared me to her, causing me to find myself praying for her to be okay. The relationships between the characters were complexed, nuanced, and absolutely true.
I have always loved Green’s work. It’s exciting to see her continue to get better and better with each new novel.
Full disclosure: Bethany House Publishers sent me an advanced reader’s copy of this book because they know I’m a major Jocelyn Green fan and because they’re kind. I promised them nothing in return. I write this review because I really loved the book. That is all.
I am never disappointed in Jocelyn Green’s books! This one, about a woman of mixed heritage torn between sides in the French and Indian war was different in some ways from other books I’ve read from her. There was a lot more multi-cultural characters, for one thing, which was fascinating. Mohawks, French, British, Canadians. I loved seeing how so many different nationalities and cultures intersected in the Americas, created a new and diverse place.
The plot twist in the middle though. WOW. Did NOT see that one coming! (Don’t worry, I won’t give it away). I loved how she emphasized loyalty, honor, and familial love as just as important to the story as romance. (Don’t get me wrong, I love a good romance. But I also know there’s a lot more to life than just that.) As always, I appreciated the depth of research on the time period and culture her characters were living in, and the message of faith that was deep and meaningful, not just a trite ad-on to the story. Authentic, but not overdone and preachy.
All in all it was super well-written and a total page-turner for me. I started it in the evening, and although I DID manage to tear myself away to sleep, I didn’t get much of anything done the next day until I finished it. Haha.
I love Jocelyn Green’s historical novels. They never fail to teach me something new. In the novel, we get an inside look into the French and Indian War from the perspective of a French Canadian Mohawk woman. The story would have been riveting from the Canadian perspective alone but adding in the Native First Nations perspective added depth and detail. As I have come to expect, the clear truth of God’s guidance and protection is clearly demonstrated.
I was first captivated by the cover, and then by the rich historical world that Jocelyn Green created. This book has a steady, reflective pace, and the story is told from the perspective of Catherine, a young Mohawk/French woman. Being Canadian, it was a treat to finally find historical fiction set in my own country.
Well written, I’d recommend this book to those who enjoy history and love reading about life in the mid 1700’s. However, if you’re looking for something romantic and sweet, this isn’t for you.
I would say that “complicated family dynamics” was a prevalent theme in this story, and it was very difficult for me to fall in love with the characters. Despite their many struggles, I felt rather detached from them throughout the duration of the book. It was refreshing however to have an ending that resolved itself as it probably would have in real life.
All in all, Between Two Shores was not a waste of my time, but it’s also probably not one that I’ll be reading again.
Jocelyn Green is a wonderful christian historical author – I loved this book from start to finish – the twists in the story kept it interesting – looking forward to reading all of this authors books
Brilliant! Ms. Green gives us a unique view of the Seven Years’ War. This story is rich with detail and spiritual truths. Extraordinary characters in extreme situations make this story captivating.
I highly recommend this book to those who enjoy redemption stories in a historical setting.
I borrowed a copy from my local library. All views expressed are my honest opinion.
This was a good but tough one for me. History came to life through these fictional people and I was able to read the perpectives of all the parties involved during this time. There was great detail and description. Life was uncertain and not always a HEA. I became less of a fan of the H Sam. I sometimes felt he didn’t sympathy ,empathy or concern for our h. A twist had me going “what!? did not see that coming.” This was a page turner even if everything that I was hoping for in the end didn’t come about. Jocelyn Green does her research and can paint a picture with her words.