A beautifully crafted story breathes life into the cameo character from the classic novel A Tale of Two Cities.France, 1788It is the best of times . . .On a tranquil farm nestled in the French countryside, two orphaned cousins–Renée and Laurette–have been raised under the caring guardianship of young Ãmile Gagnon, the last of a once-prosperous family. No longer starving girls, Laurette and … girls, Laurette and Renée now spend days tending Gagnon’s sheep, and nights in their cozy loft, whispering secrets and dreams in this time of waning innocence and peace.It is the worst of times . . .Paris groans with a restlessness that can no longer be contained within its city streets. Hunger and hatred fuel her people. Violence seeps into the ornate halls of Versailles. Even Gagnon’s table in the quiet village of Mouton Blanc bears witness to the rumbles of rebellion, where Marcel Moreau embodies its voice and heart.It is the story that has never been told.In one night, the best and worst of fate collide. A chance encounter with a fashionable woman will bring Renée’s sewing skills to light and secure a place in the court of Queen Marie Antoinette. An act of reckless passion will throw Laurette into the arms of the increasingly militant Marcel. And Gagnon, steadfast in his faith in God and country, can only watch as those he loves march straight into the heart of the revolution.
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This was a very interesting book. It was well written and kept me captivated from the start. What I apparently have not read recently, is A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens. If you have, then you may be aware of this particular character. I was not.
The story is based on that character, The Seamstress, and is a fictional, imaginary what if as to how her life started. It is two stories intertwined within one, yet heartbreak and sorrow is all around. It is interesting how events that happened, with the one cousin headed to the city and the other who stayed behind. Things that happened they wove between the two lives and was like a common thread that went from one cousin to the other.
The story had me in tears at times and just awe in others. It is absolutely well written book and brought together the story of The Seamstress quite well. If anything, this has sent me on a quest to read more about Marie Antoinette.
Well done to the author on this amazing book. The ending, having not read A Tale of Two Cities, was a surprise.
I was provided a copy of this book from Tyndale Publishing, all opinions are my own.
Oh my…this book is outstanding!!!
Certain to remain one of my all-time favorites, this epic novel and its characters will haunt the reader long after the last page has been read. Ms.Pittman, as a new-to-me author, blew me away with her beautiful prose that masterfully told a story set amidst the turbulent times surrounding the French Revolution. Giving a nod to Charles Dicken’s Tale of Two Cities, Ms. Pittman has crafted a story with memorable characters who face the harsh realities of the time with courage. The eclectic cast of characters displayed both weakness and strength that is part of human nature as they fought for survival, loyalty and love during this difficult time. Faith threads of forgiveness and grace are woven throughout.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from Netgalley and the author/publisher through CelebrateLit. I was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
‘Never find your esteem in the eyes of anyone other than our Heavenly Father who loves you’ Gagnon.
An incredible book that is almost impossible to put down! Set as the French Revolution is simmering under the surface, the author takes us along as she weaves the life story of two young orphans, their guardian and their choices. Was it possible that being a seamstress for the queen would keep young Renee safe? How could it be, that rebellion would lead to food, being rain or end the famine? Written with such wonderful historical detail, I felt like I was there, feeling the crush of people in revolt and almost smelling the blood of those sacrificed for the cause.
I received this ARC through Tyndale House Publishers Inc. and CelebrateLit. All impressions and opinions are my own.