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?
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Between Two Shores by Jocelyn Green is an epic tale set in Montreal, Quebec in 1759. It tells of Catherine Duval a half Mohawk, half French daughter of a trapper, Gabriel Duval. Other players include Catherine’s sister, Bright Star; brother, Joseph and two ransomed captives, Thankful and Samuel and several antagonists. It depicts the fighting between the French and British.
It is not a story for the faint of heart. It tells of Catherine caught between two worlds and vividly describes the hardships of war. Catherine has conflicting emotions ever since she left her half brother and sister to go live with her father at his trading post. Will aiding one side or the other help put an end to the war?
Jocelyn Green brings to life the struggle of diverse characters during the French and Indian War. The research is impeccable, revealing such customs as Indians capturing English as substitutes for relatives who had died and how such captives were ransomed. This illustrates the spiritual truth that Jesus has ransomed all of us. I was especially touched by the waterfall scene near the end with Catherine, Bright Star and Thankful. It paralleled baptism and washing away hurts granting forgiveness.
With Ms. Green’s beautiful descriptions and exemplary prose, it was easy to get caught up in the story. It seemed very real. The deep spiritual lessons permeated the book. I could feel Catherine’s inner turmoil as she tried to please her father and put aside her own wants and needs for the good of others in many situations. The story showed the hardships and sacrifices of the times. You could see how the characters matured both in their walk with God and their interaction with those close to them.
I recommend this book for those who love Historical Christian Fiction and appreciate exceptional writing.
*I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own. *
Between Two Shores is yet another fabulous book by Jocelyn Green. I have and enjoyed every one of her historicals and this one does not disappoint. It is rich and vivid in historical details. I was transported back in time to mid eighteenth century Montreal. I instantly felt connected to Catherine. I loved her bravery, courage and determination. She is a woman before her time.
I am giving Between Two Shores a very well deserved five plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who love well written historical fiction. I loved it!
I received this book from the publisher, but was not required to write a review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.
A book with wonderful depth, terrific characters, amazingly accurate historical detail- these all combine to make a read that kept me awake till 2AM to get to the conclusion. One thing that I really loved about this book was that everything doesn’t necessarily turn out the way one might think, but that is life. God’s ways aren’t always ours, and sometimes he has a different path for us than what we wish. His way will be better.
I enjoyed the characters in this story, and one feels pulled into the time and place by the terrific historical detail. With all the treasures this book holds, I had to give it my rare five stars. You should get your hands on this read! It’s a beautifully written historical novel that just is meant to be read and savored!
I received this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
Set in the time of the French and Indian War comes a captivating historical story. Katherine stands apart is caught between loyalties to her father her siblings her past love and her mother’s people. She’s also running a trade business which is caught in the middle of a war. With beautiful descriptive passages that transport you from a trading post on a journey that is fraught with danger. When her past love comes back Catherine must come to many decisions some of which are heartbreaking. The most important lesson she learned is that God is with you all the time even when life doesn’t go as planned.
Caught between two worlds
My rating is 4.5 stars
Between Two Shores is a rich historical taleof a woman who has never quite fit in. I was touched by her desire to be enough, to be loved for who she was and respected for the choices she made. After the death of her mother, she chose to live with her father and thus alienated her sister. Her feelings of inadequacy were compounded by the realization that her father always compared her to a daughter he had lost – one who was wholly French and wholly loved. His cruel treatment of her when he was drunk was endured by this tenderhearted woman who held on to a handful of moments when he showed her kindness.
I loved Catherine’s younger brother, Joseph, who showed such deep love for her as he continued to seek after her protection and care. As a full-blooded Mohawk, he made for a very interesting secondary character.
Though they were not mentioned in detail, I was reminded anew of the sacrifices that the Jesuit priests made when they came to the wilderness of North America amidst the savage tribes who inhabited the land. The image of the mission in the midst of a camp with streets lined with poles proudly displaying scalps gave me a new appreciation of the things they would have seen an endured as they sought to bring the Gospel to a people who had never heard.
As Catherine navigated the waters of a country at war, she learns the need for forgiveness and that love is not a trade. And she comes to realize the love of “”the Great Good God”” has made her complete.
The battle that she fought regarding the choices she was faced with was intense — is it right to help the enemy in order to end suffering?
Readers should be aware that as a war story, some gruesome situations are described, though not in great detail. The cruel practices of the tribes in this area are also described, again, not in great detail. It is not a pretty story and yet it is beautiful with a satisfying conclusion.
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I was given a copy of this book for free. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.
Between Two Shores book review
This book was one of the best history lessons I’ve ever had. I knew almost nothing about the French and Indian war, which was a more of a war between the British colonies in America,and
the French. France eventually lost all Canadian land, and Britain got Florida and Upper Canada.
Jocelyn Green wrote about this war by introducing readers to Catherine Duval, the daughter of a
mixed race marriage, who was half French and half Mohawk. Catherine was a trader with
both the British and the French, and she managed a store on Lachine Island in Canada, along
with her abusive alcoholic father, and her sister Bright Star. A young woman named Thankful also
lived there, and her story is worth learning about, too. I won’t give it away here, though.
Catherine continues to trade and make money, until Samuel Crane, her ex-fiance shows up, and claims to have some secret information that he needs to share with a British officer. He needs Catherine to help him deliver that information, and she is drawn to help Samuel because her people are starving and the war is looming closer to her home.
This story takes you on a really intense and interesting journey through the lands and rivers
of Canada. During the trip, you almost feel as if you were part of the group, and when
a surprise turn of events happens, it’s really startling. Jocelyn Green is a talented storyteller,
weaving tons of facts into the lives of her characters, all of whom were inspired by the experiences of real people.
This book also tells you about how God loves you, and sent His only Son, Jesus Christ, as a ransom
for many, to redeem you and set you free from sin. That is the most important part of this book.
If you like Christian historical fiction, this would be a good book for you to read.
I was part of Mrs. Green’s launch team, and was given a free copy of her book, in exchange for
a review and promotion of the book. My review is honest and totally my own.
Romans 10:9-13; John 3:16-21
I was blown away by this powerful story with poignant pictures of the meaning of family and belonging. I was encouraged as characters who endured suffering and deep hurts were able to experience forgiveness and restoration in ways they had not expected. I appreciated that the female characters are portrayed as strong women who discover and fulfill their purpose. In a time when it was difficult to know who to trust, these women had to take risks and live with their decisions. Green’s writing is rich with history and the threat of danger during the Seven Years’ War kept me turning pages. I vote for a sequel. I was given a copy of this book by the publisher. All opinions are mine.
It never ceases to amaze me at the amount of detail Jocelyn Green tucks into her novels. I tend to savor each one. Did you know Green even knows when words came into use? Sometimes, if her novel is set before a certain time, she cannot use a word because it wouldn’t be authentic! Reading her novels is like receiving an enjoyable history lesson. (I’m from the States, and I enjoyed learning more about a part of Canada’s history in this novel.)
Specific to “Between Two Shores:” First things first, this is NOT a historical romance like her other two novels. Green has branched out to try her hand at a historical fiction, and I loved it all the same! But, please, y’all don’t read this book expecting a romance!
However, if you do want another novel with a strong leading lady, “Between Two Shores” is your next read. The main character, Catherine Stands-Apart Duval, runs her own business, cares for a father and a ward, and shares love for her family. If you guessed there are several themes threaded throughout involving choosing a side and conflicts, you are correct (not a spoiler, it’s the title for Pete’s sake!).
The novel also mostly flows in a linear fashion, but returns to parts of the past to gives us some background on characters, which I enjoyed the variety.
Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for providing me with a copy! All opinions are my own. I cannot wait to see what Green writes for us next!
This book was everything and nothing that I anticipated. I’ve come to expect great stories and beautiful writing from Jocelyn Green and she delivered, but she also gave me such a wonderful surprise along the way. This book veers away from the pattern of its genre and was all the more beloved for that reason.
Catherine-Stands-Apart was a character that I could root for. She experiences many of the same struggles that people still face today. Pleasing others to the detriment of yourself, the heartache that can come with love and acting for the greater good. The motivations that drive her felt east to relate to. I understood her reactions to the world around her and the actions of others. As a woman of the fur trade she was afforded greater independence without sacrificing historical accuracy and that was a selling point for me. Nothing takes me out of a story faster than modern thoughts or actions imposed on a historical situation.
Relationships between women, and especially sisters can be some of the most complicated. This book placed great importance on this, and watching the bonds between Catherine, Bright Star and Thankful grow and change was a pleasure. No one develops more than Catherine though as she experiences love in all its different forms. The love of siblings, love for a parent, romantic love, loving oneself and most importantly God’s love.
I received a copy of this book from the author and Bethany House Publishers. All opinions are my own.
I love history. I love bits of French. Combine the two into a most compelling tale of the Seven Years’ War (French and Indian War), and I was caught more efficiently than a beaver or fox in a trap. Jocelyn Green unfolds her tale, Between Two Shores
in alternating time swatches. Green starts when Catherine, part Mohawk, part Canadian- French, accepted by neither nation, is ten. Then, suddenly like rapids on the rushing river, the novel skips ahead to the “present time” of the narrative, 1759; then, like the river meandering and curling back on itself, retreats back to an earlier essential era, only to repeat this ebb and flow several times throughout the novel. A little truth here, a little more here, too much at one time could perhaps be overwhelming. It seems this could be symbolic of the way Catherine has to slowly piece together her life and how her faith will affect her actions toward her father, Bright Star, Joseph, and eventually two nations.
My heart hurts for Catherine as she searches for a hero and true love. She seems to think love is an equal trade of sorts until finally faced with the question of whether she can love for love’s sake alone.
I did not cry during this novel, but I wanted to. At times, I, too, wanted to wretch, or faint, or plan an escape. NOT for the faint of heart. Bravo to Jocelyn Green for writing a different kind of historical romance, one that surprised me around every bend of the river, and certainly had me talking back to her!
Great Quotes:
“What is courage… but moving forward in the face of fear? If there was nothing to be afraid of, we would have no need to be brave.” ~ Samuel
…”But she was wholly who the Great Good God had made her…”
There are discussion questions at the end. Also included are author’s notes about what events and people included are factual. This book comes highly recommended. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author and NetGalley. All opinions are my own, and I was not required to leave a positive review.
“If I’ve learned anything from you, it’s that life is about far more than equal exchange.”
Managing her father’s trading post along the St. Lawrence River, Catherine Duval is accustomed to making smart decisions; her bi-racial heritage as the daughter of a Mohawk Indian and a French trapper granting her distinct advantages and disadvantages as a business woman. While the French and Indian War ravages the countryside near her Montreal, Quebec home, Catherine has managed to remain as neutral as possible in order to trade on both sides of the contentious battle for control of the region. Suddenly everything changes, nothing stays the same.
When Samuel Crane, the one man who managed to conquer Catherine’s seemingly impenetrable affections, suddenly re-appears in her life, he brings the raging conflict to her doorstep with an uncompromising request. Now, not only does Catherine have to straddle two geographic shores, her heart appears destined to travel the same path.
Stunning is the only possible way to describe the lovely literacy of prose that Jocelyn Green brings to this story; showcasing her ability to write vivid descriptions amidst finely tooled historical references; introducing complex characters whose heartstrings every reader will long to play.
“Creator God, create in me a clean heart, one that shows loyalties to You above armies and empires and allies.
I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. The opinions stated are entirely my own.
It’s been some time since I read a Jocelyn Green novel, and let me tell you this….it was so refreshing to get back to her books. This book, filled with beautiful historical detail, took me on a journey to Montreal, and kept me hooked until the last page was reached.
Catherine, Samuel, Bright Star, and the amazing characters truly became a part of my soul. I loved following them on their journey. The rich detail of the French and Indian War was depicted beautifully. It came to life for me, making me feel a part of Catherine and Samuel’s lives.
If you love history, hope, longing and mercy, then grab this book up. It’s tenderly written, and will wrap you up as you read through these pages. As a reader, the emotions will flow through you the further into the story that you get. I highly recommend this with 4 stars and two thumbs up.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.
Jocelyn Green has outdone herself in this vivid portrayal of life in 1759 Montreal. Her characters are deeply detailed, and the landscape throughout is pictorial! It is obvious that a great deal of research has gone into the writing of this novel. I was educated in the topic of the war between the French and British in the Canadian setting. There is much diversity in characterizations, including differing cultures and the Native American way of life.
Relationships are varied and strained but credible and convincing. Family connections are strong but not necessarily benevolent in some cases. Life in this time period is well defined, honest and authentic. I was very impressed with the images painted through this author’s pen. This is undoubtedly my favorite Jocelyn Green novel. I recommend it highly!
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations for a positive review. All expressed opinions are my own.
Every time I read one of Green’s novels, I think, “This is her best one yet.” Well, here I go again. Green’s latest novel, “Between Two Shores” is her best one yet!
I not only shed tears, I got actual tingles from the book’s message. No novel has ever given me tingles before.
SO, so good!
This is an incredible historical novel!
I am amazed at the depth of the characters in this book. There is quite a variety and I was able to picture them and their mannerisms very clearly. They all had different baggage and hangups that they were dealing with. All of them were slowly revealed and developed throughout the book.
The period and historical setting were wonderfully presented. I had never learned anything about the French and Indian War beyond George Washington’s involvement. I was fascinated by the fact that this book presented it from the sides of all three people groups, the French, Canadians, and Mohawk people. The conflict and distrust between them was great.
I love the fact that the author includes a section at the end explaining which portions of the story are actual historical events. This really shows how much research she did prior to writing this wonderful book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and through NetGalley. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.
Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion – which I’ve done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
Wow, I really enjoyed this book. Having read a couple other stories from this author I knew I was in for a treat and I was not disappointed. Between Two Shores by Jocelyn Green is a wonderful historical romance. Green does an extraordinary job with the historical detail in this story about the French and Indian war as we Americans call the Seven Years War that involved a number of countries and has been said to be the first world war. Famine, traveling on the St Lawrence River in the midst of war, the ins and outs of a trading post–so much detail that keeps the reader’s interest high. Green is a master at beautiful imagery that draws one into the scenes and feelings of the characters. “The stars seemed almost low enough to touch, diamond chips scattered against night’s mantle.” “a comfort that was a pouring of water into places of her heart that had been dust-dry for years.” The characters are vivid and realistic. Catherine and Samuel’s story rings true with wartime hardships, broken dreams, and broken families. Her wounds were deep and Catherine had gone numb and given up hope that Samuel would return. When he did could she bear the wounds being opened again? She had shaped Samuel into the man he had become and he had given her hope and love and confidence when she needed it most. Could he ask her to help him when he knew he could break her heart again? Throughout Catherine and Samuel’s story there is another story of three women of different heritages and yet sisters through choice and commitment. I loved Bright Star’s character–so strong even as grief upon grief is heaped on her heart. Between Two Shores is a complex and multifaceted story that reminds readers that God is in the business of forgiveness, redemption and restoration, and of an eternal love that is not given in trade for anything–it just is. I received a complimentary copy of this book and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.
Half-Mohawk and half-French, Catherine Duval must choose between the two worlds that formed her. When her mother dies, she decides to leave the Indian camp to keep house for her French father, Gabriel Duval, and manage his trading post. As much as he relies on her, however, she always proves a disappointment to him, and his unhealthy dependence on alcohol frequently leads him to treat her with harshness and violence. This departure from the Mohawk camp is seen as a betrayal by Catherine’s sister, Bright Star, and it is only after years of bitterness, heartache, tragedy, and hope that the sisters bridge the gap between them.
Told in two parallel story lines, ten years apart, the book commences with the return of Samuel Crane, an imprisoned British soldier, to the small Canadian town on the St. Lawrence River. Samuel had been indentured to Gabriel Duval ten years earlier, developing a relationship with Catherine that is now sundered. Resentful of his absence, Catherine finds herself troubled by his return–can it be that he still holds a piece of her heart, even after all these years?
As Catherine struggles to understand her feelings, the war between England and France takes a heavy toll on the Canadian colonies. Famine threatens both Montreal and Quebec, and Catherine helps harvest grain to send to the French soldiers. As her people suffer, she must answer the difficult question: is she willing to aid the enemy just so that the war will end?
The French and Indian War is typically examined from the side of the English, but here, we see the effects of the conflict on both the Canadian colonists and the native tribles. The setting of this story comes to life with ferocious grandeur and startling intensity. The plot itself unfolded beautifully like a flower, with layer after layer of disclosures piquing my interest throughout. At first, the book seems to be a tale of star-crossed lovers (the scene where Samuel takes the beating that Gabriel Duval means for Catherine is romance at its finest), but the story veers like a river channel to the deeper waters of the loyalty that binds family together.
Catherine is a strong, courageous, and capable young woman, trading with the rough men of Canadian territory and braving the rapids of the river in her own canoe, shifting between the many-layered gowns of eighteenth-century French women and the simple deerskin dress of a Mohawk huntress. The secondary characters in this story also stand out. Catherine’s half-brother, Joseph Many Feathers, is a devoted ally to those he calls family, providing meat for their hungry bellies and protection from every threat. Gabriel Duval alternates between apologetic episodes and alocholic rages, never quite accepting Catherine because of her half-breed status but regretful of his behavior when his mind clears. Bright Star, Catherine’s enigmatic sister, bears sorrows too many to count–her true feelings toward Catherine remain elusive even as she grudgingly agrees to assist Catherine in her time of need.
I thoroughly enjoyed this tale of early Canada. One of my favorite books as a child was Calico Captive by Elizabeth George Speare, and this book explored the same setting in 1700s Montreal and the same harsh realities of massacre/capture at the hands of the Native Americans. The character arcs were excellent, the surprise twist in the book was wholly a surprise to me, and the dual timeline plot was fresh and well-structured. The only thing that detracted from my enjoyment was the long span of time spent dwelling on the siege of Quebec, but other than that, highly recommended!
Disclosure: I received a complimentary review copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I love Jocelyn Green stories. Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres to read, and she does it so well. I love how Jocelyn tells you what is fact and what is fiction at the end of the book. She is an amazing storyteller, you can tell she’s done her homework with impeccable research, compelling characters, and vivid descriptions. It was easy to imagine Catherine straddling the two cultures she was born into (she is the daughter of a Mohawk mother and French father), and being at the her father’s trading post, trading with both sides, the British and the French during the Seven Years War, or traveling along the river to help a friend escape, a dangerous journey that brings them closer to the fighting in Between Two Shores. This war torn story is rich in history, courage, hope and family, don’t miss it!!!
In her book Between Two Shores, author Jocelyn Green has written a hauntingly beautiful novel. This 400 page historical romantic fiction is in 1759 but goes back a few years to when the main character, Catherine Stands-Alone, is just ten years old. Using the backdrop of the French and Indian Seven Years War, author Green spins a captivating tale of faith, hope, finding one’s place, loyalty, bravery, courage, and love.
Catherine is part Mohawk and part Canadian- French. Her character is well defined and relatable. At times I hurt with her as her emotions seeped from the pages into me. Other times I would get frustrated with her obstinance. Yes, I wanted to give her some advice. She just wanted to love and be loved. Don’t we all?
The other characters were equally well created. They were well rounded with lovable and dislikable traits. The scenery was vividly described which took me right there. I could hear the animals and see the water. The trading post was easy to imagine.
Author Green has a way with words. I was immediately interested in the story, and this is before Chapter 1. By the time I finished the Prologue and Chapter 1, I has deeply invested in the lives of the characters. The story was well researched and provided historic information on a subject which was not familiar. I love a novel that teaches me something. It also contains some twists and turns along the way.
At the end of the book are discussion questions. I love, love, love it when an author includes those whether for personal growth or group study. There are also author notes explaining which events and people are factual. Again, I love this.
Would I recommend this book? You betcha! Any history lover will devour this jewel in one sitting. It is an interesting, adventurous, historical, romance that has inspiration and encouragement. This would make a great small group book especially with the discussion guide. The book stayed with me long after I finished the last page. It would have been nice to have a group of friends to chat with about this brilliant book. It receives a 5 out of 5 stars from me. I received a copy of this book from the author and NetGalley. All opinions are my own, honest ones.
Through vivid prose and rich historical detail, Jocelyn Green proves once again that she is a master storyteller. Through a strong heroine and supporting cast, Green allows the reader to experience the turmoil and hardship experienced by the Canadian settlers and native Indians during the seven years of the French and Indian War. In Catherine Stands-Apart, we have a strong yet vulnerable heroine who is searching for a place to belong. The image of standing apart is both literal and figurative. She is caught between the heritage of both parents, her mother a Mohawk while her father was a French-Canadian. In her search to belong, she needs to discern which side of the conflict will benefit her family and people the most. This is not only a story of a physical journey but a spiritual one of as well. Through descriptive prose, I was able to empathize with Catherine’s anger, sorrow and pain as she struggled to find her place among family and her Creator.
A couple of my favorite quotes:
” Here in this creek. behind a black cavern shaped by water, she would shed the burden of others’ expectations. She would be the river that set its own course and not the rock hollowed out by continual force. A river that flowed between nations and did not heed a man-made war.”
” God was not to be bargained with. She had nothing to entice Him, for she possessed nothing He needed. Yet He loved her, and that was what she cling to….If she could not bend God’s will to hers, could she possible bow to His?”
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.