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Find Me in the Stars: a Cevenoles Sagas novel
A sweeping tale of sacrifice, separation, and abiding love inspired by the true story of a French Huguenot refugee during Louis XIV’s oppressive rule. Separated by miles, connected by the stars, two healers forge their destinies in a quest for a brighter tomorrow.
“A gorgeously written novel... the author’s excellent descriptive writing transports the reader to every scene... Highly recommended.” ~Historical Novels Reviews Magazineby the Historical Novel Society - Bonnie DeMoss, reviewer
Inspired by a true story, this refugee’s tale of sacrifice, separation, and abiding love unfolds in the rugged Cévennes Mountains of Languedoc, France, 1697 in a sweeping adventure during a time of religious divisiveness and Louis XIV’s oppressive rule. This compelling narrative follows the intertwined destinies of two remarkable protagonists, Amelia Auvrey, a mystic holy-woman healer, and Jehan BonDurant, an apothecary from a noble Huguenot family, in a riveting tale of enduring love, faith, and the search for freedom and light in the darkest of times.
Amelia and Jehan are fierce champions of tolerance and compassion in their cherished Cévenole homeland, a region plagued by renewed persecutions of Huguenots. The escalated danger forces their paths to diverge, each embarking on their own dangerous journey toward survival and freedom. To avoid entanglement in a brewing rebellion, Jehan joins a troupe of refugees who flee the country in pursuit of sanctuary—a journey that challenges his faith and perseverance—while the Knights Hospitaller provide protection and refuge for Amelia and her ailing sage-femme grandmother, even as they come under suspicion of practicing witchcraft.
Amelia’s deep spirituality and dedication to healing her people are eclipsed by her longing for Jehan and the anxiety she feels over his well-being as he embarks on the perilous and illegal escape to the Swiss Cantons. He arrives to find things are not as he expected; the Swiss have their own form of intolerance and soon immigrants are no longer welcome. The utopian Eden he seeks remains elusive until he learns of a resettlement project in the New World.
During their time apart, Amelia and Jehan rely on a network of booksellers to smuggle secret letters to each other—until the letters mysteriously cease, casting doubt on their future together. But Jehan is unclear if Amelia will commit to joining him, or if she will hold fast to her vow of celibacy and remain in the Cévennes. Seemingly ill-fated from the start, their love is tested to its limits as they are forced to navigate a world where uncertainty and fear threaten to eclipse their unwavering bond.
This gripping tale is reminiscent of Ken Follett’s The Pillars of the Earth and Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander. The constant interplay of opposites—light and dark, safety and peril, movement and stasis, communication and isolation, the rhythms of daily life and the ravages of persecution—create a dynamic tension that propels the story forward in a linguistic style that has been compared to M.L. Stedman in The Light Between Oceans.
As a stand-alone sequel to the award-winning "The Muse of Freedom", a bestseller in Renaissance Fiction, "Find Me in the Stars" is based on true events in the life of Jean Pierre Bondurant dit Cougoussac—an unforgettable adventure where love and light endure against all odds.
"A sweeping story of enduring love." ~ Elizabeth St. John author of The Lydiard Chronicles, The Godmother's Secret, The King's Intelligencer
"An absorbing, richly-drawn tale of 17th century France." ~ Amy Maroney author of The Miramonde Series & The Sea and Stone Chronicle
"Larimore is a fantastic storyteller... A touching historical novel writtern with finesse." ~ NetGalley Review Maddy McGlynn - Maddy Reads Herstory
"A lushly told tale that ignites the senses and feeds the soul." ~ Rozsa Gaston author of the Anne of Britany series, Margaret of Austria & The Anne Boleyn Chronicles
“Larimore's ability to engulf a reader into a tale... is brilliantly done. The development of the characters and the story is rich, with believable situations, elegant descriptions, and powerful themes woven into the narrative.” ~ Historical Fiction Company ~
5-star Award of Excellence ~ Historical Fiction Company
Book of the Year Award Honorable Mention 2023 ~ Historical Fiction Company
“A gorgeously written novel... the author’s excellent descriptive writing transports the reader to every scene... Highly recommended.” ~Historical Novels Reviews Magazineby the Historical Novel Society - Bonnie DeMoss, reviewer
Inspired by a true story, this refugee’s tale of sacrifice, separation, and abiding love unfolds in the rugged Cévennes Mountains of Languedoc, France, 1697 in a sweeping adventure during a time of religious divisiveness and Louis XIV’s oppressive rule. This compelling narrative follows the intertwined destinies of two remarkable protagonists, Amelia Auvrey, a mystic holy-woman healer, and Jehan BonDurant, an apothecary from a noble Huguenot family, in a riveting tale of enduring love, faith, and the search for freedom and light in the darkest of times.
Amelia and Jehan are fierce champions of tolerance and compassion in their cherished Cévenole homeland, a region plagued by renewed persecutions of Huguenots. The escalated danger forces their paths to diverge, each embarking on their own dangerous journey toward survival and freedom. To avoid entanglement in a brewing rebellion, Jehan joins a troupe of refugees who flee the country in pursuit of sanctuary—a journey that challenges his faith and perseverance—while the Knights Hospitaller provide protection and refuge for Amelia and her ailing sage-femme grandmother, even as they come under suspicion of practicing witchcraft.
Amelia’s deep spirituality and dedication to healing her people are eclipsed by her longing for Jehan and the anxiety she feels over his well-being as he embarks on the perilous and illegal escape to the Swiss Cantons. He arrives to find things are not as he expected; the Swiss have their own form of intolerance and soon immigrants are no longer welcome. The utopian Eden he seeks remains elusive until he learns of a resettlement project in the New World.
During their time apart, Amelia and Jehan rely on a network of booksellers to smuggle secret letters to each other—until the letters mysteriously cease, casting doubt on their future together. But Jehan is unclear if Amelia will commit to joining him, or if she will hold fast to her vow of celibacy and remain in the Cévennes. Seemingly ill-fated from the start, their love is tested to its limits as they are forced to navigate a world where uncertainty and fear threaten to eclipse their unwavering bond.
This gripping tale is reminiscent of Ken Follett’s The Pillars of the Earth and Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander. The constant interplay of opposites—light and dark, safety and peril, movement and stasis, communication and isolation, the rhythms of daily life and the ravages of persecution—create a dynamic tension that propels the story forward in a linguistic style that has been compared to M.L. Stedman in The Light Between Oceans.
As a stand-alone sequel to the award-winning "The Muse of Freedom", a bestseller in Renaissance Fiction, "Find Me in the Stars" is based on true events in the life of Jean Pierre Bondurant dit Cougoussac—an unforgettable adventure where love and light endure against all odds.
"A sweeping story of enduring love." ~ Elizabeth St. John author of The Lydiard Chronicles, The Godmother's Secret, The King's Intelligencer
"An absorbing, richly-drawn tale of 17th century France." ~ Amy Maroney author of The Miramonde Series & The Sea and Stone Chronicle
"Larimore is a fantastic storyteller... A touching historical novel writtern with finesse." ~ NetGalley Review Maddy McGlynn - Maddy Reads Herstory
"A lushly told tale that ignites the senses and feeds the soul." ~ Rozsa Gaston author of the Anne of Britany series, Margaret of Austria & The Anne Boleyn Chronicles
“Larimore's ability to engulf a reader into a tale... is brilliantly done. The development of the characters and the story is rich, with believable situations, elegant descriptions, and powerful themes woven into the narrative.” ~ Historical Fiction Company ~
5-star Award of Excellence ~ Historical Fiction Company
Book of the Year Award Honorable Mention 2023 ~ Historical Fiction Company
- GenresHistorical Fiction
350 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 20, 2024
3 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Jules Larimore
2 books26 followersAs an author of emotive, literary-leaning historical fiction bringing past cultures to life, Jules Larimore’s mantra is to impart hopeful human stories that are not only entertaining, but also inspire positive change and encourage an intimate relationship with the natural environment.
Influenced by a love for history and anthropology—from ancient times through the Renaissance and Enlightenment—Jules uses captivating historical settings, then distills and blends them with a dose of magic, myth, and romance to bring to life hopeful human stories where courage, tenacity, transcendent vision, and the power of love are called upon to overcome oppression and dangerous divisions.
“She is an alchemist, drawing on the poetic power of words, assembling a colorful combination of characters to authentically explore the landscape of the human heart; its yearnings, boundaries, expectations and limitations” ~ Elijah Alexander, actor (Atticus Aemilius in "The Chosen").
Jules is a board member of the Historical Novel Society of Southern California and of France’s Splendid Centuries French History Writers’ Collaborative. She lives primarily in Ojai, California, (where she is better known as Cynthia Louise), with time spent around the U.S. and in various countries in Europe gathering more treasures in a continued search for authenticity.
Visit her website and sign up for a Reader Membership to access exclusive bonus materials. https://juleslarimore.com/
Influenced by a love for history and anthropology—from ancient times through the Renaissance and Enlightenment—Jules uses captivating historical settings, then distills and blends them with a dose of magic, myth, and romance to bring to life hopeful human stories where courage, tenacity, transcendent vision, and the power of love are called upon to overcome oppression and dangerous divisions.
“She is an alchemist, drawing on the poetic power of words, assembling a colorful combination of characters to authentically explore the landscape of the human heart; its yearnings, boundaries, expectations and limitations” ~ Elijah Alexander, actor (Atticus Aemilius in "The Chosen").
Jules is a board member of the Historical Novel Society of Southern California and of France’s Splendid Centuries French History Writers’ Collaborative. She lives primarily in Ojai, California, (where she is better known as Cynthia Louise), with time spent around the U.S. and in various countries in Europe gathering more treasures in a continued search for authenticity.
Visit her website and sign up for a Reader Membership to access exclusive bonus materials. https://juleslarimore.com/
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
June 11, 2024
Find Me in the Stars – a Cevenoles Sagas novel - Book Two of the Huguenot Trilogy
This novel, the second in a trilogy, is set in a time of religious conflict at once alien, and eerily resonant with, our own.
Book Two continues the journeys of protagonists, Amelia Auvrey, a mystic holy-woman healer, and Jehan BonDurant, an apothecary from a noble Huguenot family. The author vividly reconstructs this late 17th Century world, where freedom, zealotry, and bigotry jostled for pre eminence. Against this striking backdrop, we meet a cast of characters who strive, as people have always done, for love and peace, truth and freedom. Amelia and Jehan’s love is tested by principle and loyalty as much as it is by treachery and misunderstanding. These elements make for a strong story.
As a Kate Mosse fan, and a traveller to the beautiful Languedoc region, I was drawn to read this book. In joining the narrative at Book Two, I’m conscious that I may have done the trilogy a disservice to some extent; an understanding of the protagonists’ relationship here would seem to be key to fully engaging with them. The pacing felt a tad slow to me.
However, the prose is eloquent, the world building detailed and convincing, and the author’s deft portrayal of shifting religious boundaries and alignments sheds light on a fascinating period. Amelia and Jehan’s quest for the freedom to carve out their destinies free of external compulsion is a universal one, told here with purpose and conviction.
I thank NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in return for an independent review.
SHARON BARBA
This novel, the second in a trilogy, is set in a time of religious conflict at once alien, and eerily resonant with, our own.
Book Two continues the journeys of protagonists, Amelia Auvrey, a mystic holy-woman healer, and Jehan BonDurant, an apothecary from a noble Huguenot family. The author vividly reconstructs this late 17th Century world, where freedom, zealotry, and bigotry jostled for pre eminence. Against this striking backdrop, we meet a cast of characters who strive, as people have always done, for love and peace, truth and freedom. Amelia and Jehan’s love is tested by principle and loyalty as much as it is by treachery and misunderstanding. These elements make for a strong story.
As a Kate Mosse fan, and a traveller to the beautiful Languedoc region, I was drawn to read this book. In joining the narrative at Book Two, I’m conscious that I may have done the trilogy a disservice to some extent; an understanding of the protagonists’ relationship here would seem to be key to fully engaging with them. The pacing felt a tad slow to me.
However, the prose is eloquent, the world building detailed and convincing, and the author’s deft portrayal of shifting religious boundaries and alignments sheds light on a fascinating period. Amelia and Jehan’s quest for the freedom to carve out their destinies free of external compulsion is a universal one, told here with purpose and conviction.
I thank NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book in return for an independent review.
SHARON BARBA
March 24, 2024
"Find Me in the Stars": A Captivating Journey of Love and Courage
In *Find Me in the Stars*, author **Jules Larimore** masterfully transports readers to the mysterious, mountainous Occitanie region of southern France during the late seventeenth century. Against the backdrop of religious persecution, Larimore weaves a tale of ordinary people who embark on a perilous journey in search of hope and freedom.
The Courage to Escape
At the height of the French monarchy's persecution of Huguenots, our hero, Jehan BonDurant, and a fascinating group of escapees set out on a secret route out of France. Their destination: a place without strife and persecution. Larimore's vivid descriptions immerse us in the rugged beauty of the treacherous landscape they travel through, where danger lurks at every turn.
A Forbidden Love
As Jehan and our heroine, Amelia, face heartbreak and separation, their conflicting histories threaten to tear them apart. Amelia's forbidden healing skills must remain hidden, while Jehan grapples with his past as an innocent child turned nouveau converti. Amidst deception and betrayal, they must find faith to challenge insurmountable obstacles.
**Complex Characters and Believable Situations**
Larimore's characters come alive on the page. Jehan and Amelia evolve into complex individuals whose struggles resonate with authenticity. Their well-drawn friends and enemies who challenge them with their loving demands or their betrayals add depth to the narrative. The tensions among faith, love, and survival keeps readers eagerly turning pages.
A Riveting Blend of History and Fiction**
Larimore deftly integrates historical context into her storytelling. The persecution of Huguenots by King Louis XIV's dragoons serves as a powerful backdrop for this tale of resilience. The Cevennes mountains become more than scenery and setting—they symbolize danger, hope, and longing.
**Final Thoughts**
*Find Me in the Stars* is more than a historical novel; it's an emotional journey that lingers long after you've turned the last page. Larimore's prose invites readers to explore themes of love, sacrifice, and inner strength. If you're seeking an immersive experience that will touch your heart, this book is a must-read.
In *Find Me in the Stars*, author **Jules Larimore** masterfully transports readers to the mysterious, mountainous Occitanie region of southern France during the late seventeenth century. Against the backdrop of religious persecution, Larimore weaves a tale of ordinary people who embark on a perilous journey in search of hope and freedom.
The Courage to Escape
At the height of the French monarchy's persecution of Huguenots, our hero, Jehan BonDurant, and a fascinating group of escapees set out on a secret route out of France. Their destination: a place without strife and persecution. Larimore's vivid descriptions immerse us in the rugged beauty of the treacherous landscape they travel through, where danger lurks at every turn.
A Forbidden Love
As Jehan and our heroine, Amelia, face heartbreak and separation, their conflicting histories threaten to tear them apart. Amelia's forbidden healing skills must remain hidden, while Jehan grapples with his past as an innocent child turned nouveau converti. Amidst deception and betrayal, they must find faith to challenge insurmountable obstacles.
**Complex Characters and Believable Situations**
Larimore's characters come alive on the page. Jehan and Amelia evolve into complex individuals whose struggles resonate with authenticity. Their well-drawn friends and enemies who challenge them with their loving demands or their betrayals add depth to the narrative. The tensions among faith, love, and survival keeps readers eagerly turning pages.
A Riveting Blend of History and Fiction**
Larimore deftly integrates historical context into her storytelling. The persecution of Huguenots by King Louis XIV's dragoons serves as a powerful backdrop for this tale of resilience. The Cevennes mountains become more than scenery and setting—they symbolize danger, hope, and longing.
**Final Thoughts**
*Find Me in the Stars* is more than a historical novel; it's an emotional journey that lingers long after you've turned the last page. Larimore's prose invites readers to explore themes of love, sacrifice, and inner strength. If you're seeking an immersive experience that will touch your heart, this book is a must-read.
March 18, 2024
Where would you go if your convictions or your family’s roots endangered your life in your homeland?
What would you do if the people you counted on to give you refuge turned out to be as intolerant as the rulers of your native land?
A decade or two ago, these questions might have been relegated to distant history, but today they are top of mind for a shocking number of people in our world.
Find Me in the Stars: a Cevenoles Sagas novel, Jules Larimore’s second novel about 17th-century French Huguenots and their struggles, now takes on a new relevance in the 21st century:
• What would I have done facing the Huguenots’ predicament?
• How was their situation similar to one that people I care about, or even I, confront?
This is an adventure- and suspense-filled story of 17th-century Huguenots (French Protestants) driven into hiding or away from their remote homeland, the Cévennes region [once called Languedoc, now (since 2016) Occitànie] by religious persecution.
Their struggle to survive includes:
• disagreements within their communities about the correct course of action
• betrayal by supposed friends and supporters
• above all, the enmity of France’s egomaniacal king, Louis XIV, who used his nation’s wealth, wars, tariffs and religious persecution to make himself the ultimate authoritarian, declaring “L’état c’est moi.” (I am the state).
Major Characters:
• Jehan BonDurant—protagonist, he was torn away from his Huguenot parents as age 7 and converted by Dominicans. Trained as an apothecary, he inherited his parents’ properties and the responsibility to administer them wisely.
• Amelia Auvrey—Jehan’s muse; a free-spirited holy woman and healer
Both protagonists, Jehan and Amelia, wrestle with the conflict between their idealistic and their very human selves. The author also places both in situations of great danger, making those scenes difficult to put down.
• Commandeur Timoleon—head of Order of St. John of Jerusalem Knights Hospitaller Commandery, friend and ally to Amelia
• Menina Elise—wise woman, healer, midwife, and Amelia’s grandmother and mentor
• Abbé du Chaila—French Catholic Abbé of Chaila, merciless persecutor of Huguenots
• Pasteur Guillaume Barjon—Jehan’s maternal uncle, a strict Calvinist pastor and leader of a group of refugees in Aarau and Germany
• Charles Sieur de Sailly—French nobleman refugee in service of William III of England and Lord Galway as an agent to organize and recruit Huguenots for resettlement schemes
The author skillfully weaves fictional and real-life characters and events into an exciting story, setting it within a vivid background (topography, customs, architecture, clothing, food) that immerses readers in that time and place.
Although this novel can be read as a standalone, readers will more fully understand the backgrounds and relationship of Jehan and Amelia if they have read The Muse of Freedom, the first novel in The Cevenoles Sagas series.
This novel includes references to violence by French dragonnades against Huguenots, threats of sexual violence against a woman, and an unmarried couple’s sexual encounter.
Find Me in the Stars will appeal to readers who enjoy a suspenseful story grounded in history, with characters they can root for, as they reveal both their foibles and their strengths.
What would you do if the people you counted on to give you refuge turned out to be as intolerant as the rulers of your native land?
A decade or two ago, these questions might have been relegated to distant history, but today they are top of mind for a shocking number of people in our world.
Find Me in the Stars: a Cevenoles Sagas novel, Jules Larimore’s second novel about 17th-century French Huguenots and their struggles, now takes on a new relevance in the 21st century:
• What would I have done facing the Huguenots’ predicament?
• How was their situation similar to one that people I care about, or even I, confront?
This is an adventure- and suspense-filled story of 17th-century Huguenots (French Protestants) driven into hiding or away from their remote homeland, the Cévennes region [once called Languedoc, now (since 2016) Occitànie] by religious persecution.
Their struggle to survive includes:
• disagreements within their communities about the correct course of action
• betrayal by supposed friends and supporters
• above all, the enmity of France’s egomaniacal king, Louis XIV, who used his nation’s wealth, wars, tariffs and religious persecution to make himself the ultimate authoritarian, declaring “L’état c’est moi.” (I am the state).
Major Characters:
• Jehan BonDurant—protagonist, he was torn away from his Huguenot parents as age 7 and converted by Dominicans. Trained as an apothecary, he inherited his parents’ properties and the responsibility to administer them wisely.
• Amelia Auvrey—Jehan’s muse; a free-spirited holy woman and healer
Both protagonists, Jehan and Amelia, wrestle with the conflict between their idealistic and their very human selves. The author also places both in situations of great danger, making those scenes difficult to put down.
• Commandeur Timoleon—head of Order of St. John of Jerusalem Knights Hospitaller Commandery, friend and ally to Amelia
• Menina Elise—wise woman, healer, midwife, and Amelia’s grandmother and mentor
• Abbé du Chaila—French Catholic Abbé of Chaila, merciless persecutor of Huguenots
• Pasteur Guillaume Barjon—Jehan’s maternal uncle, a strict Calvinist pastor and leader of a group of refugees in Aarau and Germany
• Charles Sieur de Sailly—French nobleman refugee in service of William III of England and Lord Galway as an agent to organize and recruit Huguenots for resettlement schemes
The author skillfully weaves fictional and real-life characters and events into an exciting story, setting it within a vivid background (topography, customs, architecture, clothing, food) that immerses readers in that time and place.
Although this novel can be read as a standalone, readers will more fully understand the backgrounds and relationship of Jehan and Amelia if they have read The Muse of Freedom, the first novel in The Cevenoles Sagas series.
This novel includes references to violence by French dragonnades against Huguenots, threats of sexual violence against a woman, and an unmarried couple’s sexual encounter.
Find Me in the Stars will appeal to readers who enjoy a suspenseful story grounded in history, with characters they can root for, as they reveal both their foibles and their strengths.
March 20, 2024
Although I didn’t read the first in the series, I found it really easy to pick up the story of Find me in the Stars and was swept into this beautiful story of romance, persecution and journeys.
Set during Louis XIV’s oppression of the Huguenots, this was a beautifully written, elegant story that wove the trauma of the persecution into a story told through two of the lives it impacted. Although a difficult and traumatic period for French protestants, Larimore crafts a hopeful and touching narrative from it.
Larimore is a fantastic storyteller; creating believable places such as treacherous mountain passes in the dead of night, scenes of rural France and 17th century London, which hook the reader from the start. Their writing is immersive and pulls the reader into an authentic historical setting and believable story.
The novel is engrossing and hard to put down; although it’s not a ‘light’ novel, it’s easy to get lost in the story (I finished it within three days).
Find Me in the Stars is a touching historical novel written with finesse.
Set during Louis XIV’s oppression of the Huguenots, this was a beautifully written, elegant story that wove the trauma of the persecution into a story told through two of the lives it impacted. Although a difficult and traumatic period for French protestants, Larimore crafts a hopeful and touching narrative from it.
Larimore is a fantastic storyteller; creating believable places such as treacherous mountain passes in the dead of night, scenes of rural France and 17th century London, which hook the reader from the start. Their writing is immersive and pulls the reader into an authentic historical setting and believable story.
The novel is engrossing and hard to put down; although it’s not a ‘light’ novel, it’s easy to get lost in the story (I finished it within three days).
Find Me in the Stars is a touching historical novel written with finesse.
March 14, 2024
This book was full of such immersive, atomospheric writing that I was immediately invested and intrigued with the historical world. There were moments in the story that were so powerful, exploring trauma, religious persecution, and relationships in a time when things were deeply uncertain. I felt the setting was authentic to the history while still keeping a rich, engaging fictional narrative at the focus. It was an easy book to finish reading through, and has me curious to read its companion, the first in the series.
Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for providing me with an eARC. These are my honest thoughts!
Thank you to NetGalley and to the publisher for providing me with an eARC. These are my honest thoughts!
June 30, 2024
This is the third time I've read both books. I can't put into words how touched I am by these sagas stories. I've become a part of these books, and I want to catch every little detail of them. Thanks to the absolutely gifted author for her thorough research, her intensive description of people, emotions, moods, and landscapes. It's a story that makes it hard for you to return to "reality" after reading them, for the simple reason these books hold you under a spell that you want to remain in. I'm captured and just can't elude. Thank you, Jules, you're outstandingly gifted! 🙏
February 5, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for permitting this book to be a Read Now to help members develop their Feedback Ratio in exchange for an honest review.
Review Summary:
This is a historical fiction set in late 17th century in the region of Cévennes in the South of France. It follows the two main characters introduced in book one - Amelia and Jehan - as they dream of an 'eden' away from the religious and cultural upheaval of France. Although they hold such a strong bond, Amelia is a committed follower of the Holy Spirit and thus chooses to remain in the Cévennes in the Hospitaller Infirmiera with her grandmother Menina. Her devotion to her faith, and thus her chastity, has created strain on her relationship with Jehan as they both battle the desire for an intimate romantic relationship. Jehan, feeling disheartened by this and the lack of choice or freedom in France's state religion, chooses to leave Amelia and travel to the Swiss Cantons as a refugee. The pair attempt to keep in contact by letter through a book-keeper who travels between their locations. Jehan holds on to a promise from Amelia that she will one day join him in eden, and at night they look to the stars with the knowledge that they are watching each other in the same sky.
Positives are that the writing style is lovely. The descriptive writing of the Cévennes region in particular is beautiful and it was an enjoyable experience for me to learn about an area of the world and its history that I didn't know previously. There are some glimpses of excellent romance writing, particularly scenes of sexual tension. Jehan in particular had excellent characterisation. The political and religious tensions of the regions we are taken to are captured very well.
Negatives are that I feel the story was lacking. There was also an imbalance in point of view with a lot of focus on Jehan but not so much on Amelia. As a result I did not feel very invested in Amelia as a character, and when her story did start to get more interesting in the last quarter of the book it was very rushed and skimmed in comparison to Jehan's. I generally did not feel particularly invested in Jehan and Amelia's relationship as I feel a lot of the development of their bond happened in book one, thus I struggled to conjure the angst and longing the writing was trying to rekindle. Some of the supporting characters were one-dimensional and I sometimes found myself confusing one for another. The main antagonists of the story did not feel very threatening as, again, I feel they were probably more of a presence in book one that book two.
2 stars. I do not feel this book works as a 'stand-alone sequel' as advertised. The plot simply wasn't interesting or eventful enough and when I got to the end the words 'is that it?' genuinely came out of my mouth. I was almost annoyed that I had committed to so many pages for so little to happen. The description of this book is essentially the entire plot, there isn't much to add to it. So much so that it has taken me weeks to finish this review as I felt I was really struggling on what to say. I definitely think the characterisation feels lacking if you haven't read the first book, which I haven't. In my opinion, the first half of this book could have been slotted at the end of book one and the latter half could have started off book three. The writing has many good qualities but I don't believe this installment was warranted.
FULL REVIEW BELOW - SPOILERS HIDDEN FOR DESKTOP USERS ONLY. APP USERS BE AWARE.
World-building:
The depiction of the natural world in Jehan's travels is stunning. I felt truly immersed in the beauty of it but also the perils as the refugees take dangerous routes to avoid discovery. When he and the refugees then reach the Swiss Cantons I really did feel the anxiety and hopelessness at their situation due to the new laws regarding their asylum. I also felt the developing tensions and self-preserving values of the Cantons and later cities whether it be the toll guards along the River Rhine stripping the refugees of as much money as they could, or desperate and vulnerable refugees in the Cantons being manipulated to sign suspicious contracts promising another 'eden'. Outside of this though I struggled to feel immersed in these cities when it came to the environment and the culture. I didn't feel I was envisioning what the day-to-day life was like in these areas for its citizens and thus found myself not really feeling as if Jehan was in an interesting new place. Amelia's life in the Cévennes was developed a little bit better, with the traditions of the Cévennes and the interaction with the natural world being more obvious as well as the developing fearmongering towards some of these traditions by newcomers. The fear of the looming threat of the Dragoons was also touched on.
Characterisation:
Jehan is an interesting, complex character. He is ambitious and in many ways blindly optimistic. His determination to find 'eden' is admirable and his ability to plan and scheme to overcome adversity and injustice is fascinating. He shows himself to be progressive, sensitive and intelligent in how he views and aids those around him no matter where in the world they are from or the lifestyles they choose to follow. He proves to be generous and considerate of others and his cause, aiding the less fortunate with money where needed or placing himself in a leadership role where he feels there is a threat to his or others' rights. But his 'weakness' is romance and intimacy. His frustration with Amelia is evident throughout and his need for closeness and connection creates internal turmoil for him. Amelia's character is in parallel; her determination is towards caring for Menina and staying true to the Holy Spirit, her generosity is caring for the infirmed and her leadership is taking young women under her wing to show them the ways of the Cévenole people. And her weakness is the same. Even with her dedication to chastity she too is plagued with desires and impulses towards Jehan and an intimate romance with him. However for most of the book I just did not find Amelia as interesting to read about. She felt too passive and didn't seem to have the same energy, excitement and humour as Jehan had. The only characters outside of the pair I recall are Menina, Grizelle and Jehan's uncle who lives in the Cantons. But if I'm being honest neither they or any of the supporting characters were interesting to me at all because they just felt like obvious plot devices rather than fully-fledged characters who were captivating in their own right. Some of the male characters in the Infirmiera blended into one for me.
Story:
The story is pretty much just Jehan's travels, Amelia's work at the Infimeria and their writing to each other. There is a misunderstanding trope which felt a little obvious and tired and Jehan faces a lot of problems which then seem to get solved fairly quickly. The story did start to pick up for me in the last quarter when it felt Amelia was finally getting a storyline... then the book ended. As I've said I felt all of this book could have been merged into another.
Prose:
Beautiful. Very natural dialogue for the most part. The best aspect of the book for me.
Review Summary:
This is a historical fiction set in late 17th century in the region of Cévennes in the South of France. It follows the two main characters introduced in book one - Amelia and Jehan - as they dream of an 'eden' away from the religious and cultural upheaval of France. Although they hold such a strong bond, Amelia is a committed follower of the Holy Spirit and thus chooses to remain in the Cévennes in the Hospitaller Infirmiera with her grandmother Menina. Her devotion to her faith, and thus her chastity, has created strain on her relationship with Jehan as they both battle the desire for an intimate romantic relationship. Jehan, feeling disheartened by this and the lack of choice or freedom in France's state religion, chooses to leave Amelia and travel to the Swiss Cantons as a refugee. The pair attempt to keep in contact by letter through a book-keeper who travels between their locations. Jehan holds on to a promise from Amelia that she will one day join him in eden, and at night they look to the stars with the knowledge that they are watching each other in the same sky.
Positives are that the writing style is lovely. The descriptive writing of the Cévennes region in particular is beautiful and it was an enjoyable experience for me to learn about an area of the world and its history that I didn't know previously. There are some glimpses of excellent romance writing, particularly scenes of sexual tension. Jehan in particular had excellent characterisation. The political and religious tensions of the regions we are taken to are captured very well.
Negatives are that I feel the story was lacking. There was also an imbalance in point of view with a lot of focus on Jehan but not so much on Amelia. As a result I did not feel very invested in Amelia as a character, and when her story did start to get more interesting in the last quarter of the book it was very rushed and skimmed in comparison to Jehan's. I generally did not feel particularly invested in Jehan and Amelia's relationship as I feel a lot of the development of their bond happened in book one, thus I struggled to conjure the angst and longing the writing was trying to rekindle. Some of the supporting characters were one-dimensional and I sometimes found myself confusing one for another. The main antagonists of the story did not feel very threatening as, again, I feel they were probably more of a presence in book one that book two.
2 stars. I do not feel this book works as a 'stand-alone sequel' as advertised. The plot simply wasn't interesting or eventful enough and when I got to the end the words 'is that it?' genuinely came out of my mouth. I was almost annoyed that I had committed to so many pages for so little to happen. The description of this book is essentially the entire plot, there isn't much to add to it. So much so that it has taken me weeks to finish this review as I felt I was really struggling on what to say. I definitely think the characterisation feels lacking if you haven't read the first book, which I haven't. In my opinion, the first half of this book could have been slotted at the end of book one and the latter half could have started off book three. The writing has many good qualities but I don't believe this installment was warranted.
FULL REVIEW BELOW - SPOILERS HIDDEN FOR DESKTOP USERS ONLY. APP USERS BE AWARE.
World-building:
The depiction of the natural world in Jehan's travels is stunning. I felt truly immersed in the beauty of it but also the perils as the refugees take dangerous routes to avoid discovery. When he and the refugees then reach the Swiss Cantons I really did feel the anxiety and hopelessness at their situation due to the new laws regarding their asylum. I also felt the developing tensions and self-preserving values of the Cantons and later cities whether it be the toll guards along the River Rhine stripping the refugees of as much money as they could, or desperate and vulnerable refugees in the Cantons being manipulated to sign suspicious contracts promising another 'eden'. Outside of this though I struggled to feel immersed in these cities when it came to the environment and the culture. I didn't feel I was envisioning what the day-to-day life was like in these areas for its citizens and thus found myself not really feeling as if Jehan was in an interesting new place. Amelia's life in the Cévennes was developed a little bit better, with the traditions of the Cévennes and the interaction with the natural world being more obvious as well as the developing fearmongering towards some of these traditions by newcomers. The fear of the looming threat of the Dragoons was also touched on.
Characterisation:
Jehan is an interesting, complex character. He is ambitious and in many ways blindly optimistic. His determination to find 'eden' is admirable and his ability to plan and scheme to overcome adversity and injustice is fascinating. He shows himself to be progressive, sensitive and intelligent in how he views and aids those around him no matter where in the world they are from or the lifestyles they choose to follow. He proves to be generous and considerate of others and his cause, aiding the less fortunate with money where needed or placing himself in a leadership role where he feels there is a threat to his or others' rights. But his 'weakness' is romance and intimacy. His frustration with Amelia is evident throughout and his need for closeness and connection creates internal turmoil for him. Amelia's character is in parallel; her determination is towards caring for Menina and staying true to the Holy Spirit, her generosity is caring for the infirmed and her leadership is taking young women under her wing to show them the ways of the Cévenole people. And her weakness is the same. Even with her dedication to chastity she too is plagued with desires and impulses towards Jehan and an intimate romance with him. However for most of the book I just did not find Amelia as interesting to read about. She felt too passive and didn't seem to have the same energy, excitement and humour as Jehan had. The only characters outside of the pair I recall are Menina, Grizelle and Jehan's uncle who lives in the Cantons. But if I'm being honest neither they or any of the supporting characters were interesting to me at all because they just felt like obvious plot devices rather than fully-fledged characters who were captivating in their own right. Some of the male characters in the Infirmiera blended into one for me.
Story:
The story is pretty much just Jehan's travels, Amelia's work at the Infimeria and their writing to each other. There is a misunderstanding trope which felt a little obvious and tired and Jehan faces a lot of problems which then seem to get solved fairly quickly. The story did start to pick up for me in the last quarter when it felt Amelia was finally getting a storyline... then the book ended. As I've said I felt all of this book could have been merged into another.
Prose:
Beautiful. Very natural dialogue for the most part. The best aspect of the book for me.
April 21, 2024
The novel begins with a parting, as Jehan leaves his cherished home for new grounds. Joining a mixed group of other refugees, they travel with mules to make do in the at times treacherous territory. Wracked by guilt about having inadvertently endangered his beloved Amelia, he realises there is no way back, and they are still safer, apart.But his fear for her never goes away.
Amelia is feeling bereft following Jehan's departure, and she focuses on her ailing mother, under the strong protection of the Knights Hospitaller. But even there, they are not safe from rumours and suspicion, and she must tread carefully not to invite any danger to their lives. Her calling as a healer is strong, but with superstition growing in her rugged, beautiful homeland, there is a profound sadness about her.
Jehan's journey is also wrought with danger, and travelling at night, through hostile territory, is grating on everyone's nerves. He doesn't trust his fellow refugees, and he soon begins to miss his home. But persecution is never far away, so after arrival in the cantons, he is keen to settle. Yet soon, he comes to realise that even here there are religious factions that don't work with each other – but rather against the unwelcome newcomers.
When their letters cease to reach the other, it seems the end of their connection.
Will Jehan find the safety he's craving in Switzerland? Or does fate take him to new places, where he and his fellow Huguenots may feel safe? And most importantly, will Jehan and Amelia be reunited? Find out in the book!
Find Me in the Stars is an evocative and incredibly moving tale of religious persecution, personal hardship, realisation, and enduring love. Ms Larimore paints a vivid picture of Amelia's homeland, in the rugged Cevennes in the south of France, and we can follow Jehan's journey closely as it takes us across the country and beyond.
The research that has gone into the location, but also the historical background, is incredible. Ms Larimore has brought Jehan and Amelia to life, in a spell-binding tale of love between two young people, despite all the odds being stacked against them.
I found the religious background fascinating, especially as I live in the Languedoc region. There is so much history here, it's inspiring to read a novel as immersive as Find Me in the Stars. Even if you don't know the area, you are transported vividly to a time and place, and you remain close to the main characters at all times.
Ms Larimore has created a truly wonderful book. Highly recommended!
Amelia is feeling bereft following Jehan's departure, and she focuses on her ailing mother, under the strong protection of the Knights Hospitaller. But even there, they are not safe from rumours and suspicion, and she must tread carefully not to invite any danger to their lives. Her calling as a healer is strong, but with superstition growing in her rugged, beautiful homeland, there is a profound sadness about her.
Jehan's journey is also wrought with danger, and travelling at night, through hostile territory, is grating on everyone's nerves. He doesn't trust his fellow refugees, and he soon begins to miss his home. But persecution is never far away, so after arrival in the cantons, he is keen to settle. Yet soon, he comes to realise that even here there are religious factions that don't work with each other – but rather against the unwelcome newcomers.
When their letters cease to reach the other, it seems the end of their connection.
Will Jehan find the safety he's craving in Switzerland? Or does fate take him to new places, where he and his fellow Huguenots may feel safe? And most importantly, will Jehan and Amelia be reunited? Find out in the book!
Find Me in the Stars is an evocative and incredibly moving tale of religious persecution, personal hardship, realisation, and enduring love. Ms Larimore paints a vivid picture of Amelia's homeland, in the rugged Cevennes in the south of France, and we can follow Jehan's journey closely as it takes us across the country and beyond.
The research that has gone into the location, but also the historical background, is incredible. Ms Larimore has brought Jehan and Amelia to life, in a spell-binding tale of love between two young people, despite all the odds being stacked against them.
I found the religious background fascinating, especially as I live in the Languedoc region. There is so much history here, it's inspiring to read a novel as immersive as Find Me in the Stars. Even if you don't know the area, you are transported vividly to a time and place, and you remain close to the main characters at all times.
Ms Larimore has created a truly wonderful book. Highly recommended!
September 24, 2024
Will their stars bring them to Eden?
Another fascinating tale set among the tensions between the Catholic authorities and the Huguenot recluses in southern France during the seventeenth century reign of the Sun King, Louis XIV.
This second book in the The Huguenot Trilogy introduces new aspects: romance and the dangers and vicissitudes of flight to the relative safety of the Protestant neighbour countries.
Parallel stories
The mystical Amelia with her fascination for natural remedies continues to care for her ageing grandmother in the relative security of the Hospitaller Community on Mont Lauzère.
But her friend and kindred spirit, the aristocratic Jehan BonDurant, is torn between the fanaticism and oppressive legalism of both the established Catholic Church and the defiant Protestant Children of God. When he fears a summons to serve in the King’s army, he sees no alternative than to abandon his castle and extensive estate and joins a group of dissidents fleeing to Geneva.
Not so free
Jehan enjoys certain liberties in Switzerland but finds his uncle Pasteur Barjon’s rigid faith intolerable. When he hears nothing from Amelia, he allows himself to fall into new-fangled liberal philosophies and sexual temptation.
With the help of finances from his estate, secretly forwarded to him, he finally arrives in London. His goal is his and Amelia’s dream Eden in the New World, but will she ever arrive?
Parting
After a series of threatening adventures, Menina passes away, but not before she urges Amelia to join her friend Jehan. Saying good-bye, not only to her grandmother, but also to her dear Giselle, as well as her faithful steed and dogs, is hard. But she sets off, repeatedly gazing at the stars, where she seeks fellowship with her lover.
Conclusion
The story is captivating, written in a unique style, reflecting the culture of the period. It would, however have benefitted from a further round of revision.
Another fascinating tale set among the tensions between the Catholic authorities and the Huguenot recluses in southern France during the seventeenth century reign of the Sun King, Louis XIV.
This second book in the The Huguenot Trilogy introduces new aspects: romance and the dangers and vicissitudes of flight to the relative safety of the Protestant neighbour countries.
Parallel stories
The mystical Amelia with her fascination for natural remedies continues to care for her ageing grandmother in the relative security of the Hospitaller Community on Mont Lauzère.
But her friend and kindred spirit, the aristocratic Jehan BonDurant, is torn between the fanaticism and oppressive legalism of both the established Catholic Church and the defiant Protestant Children of God. When he fears a summons to serve in the King’s army, he sees no alternative than to abandon his castle and extensive estate and joins a group of dissidents fleeing to Geneva.
Not so free
Jehan enjoys certain liberties in Switzerland but finds his uncle Pasteur Barjon’s rigid faith intolerable. When he hears nothing from Amelia, he allows himself to fall into new-fangled liberal philosophies and sexual temptation.
With the help of finances from his estate, secretly forwarded to him, he finally arrives in London. His goal is his and Amelia’s dream Eden in the New World, but will she ever arrive?
Parting
After a series of threatening adventures, Menina passes away, but not before she urges Amelia to join her friend Jehan. Saying good-bye, not only to her grandmother, but also to her dear Giselle, as well as her faithful steed and dogs, is hard. But she sets off, repeatedly gazing at the stars, where she seeks fellowship with her lover.
Conclusion
The story is captivating, written in a unique style, reflecting the culture of the period. It would, however have benefitted from a further round of revision.
July 1, 2024
In this fantastic sequel in the Huguenot series, readers continue the Cevenoles saga with Amelia Auvrey, a mystic, holy woman, and healer, and Jehan BonDurant, an apothecary born to a noble Huguenot family, as they cross the Cevennes mountains in Languedoc, France, in 1697 in search of a better life free from the terror and persecution of Louis XIV’s regime. Separated by the increasingly dangerous state of affairs in Languedoc, Amelia and Jehan’s separation forces them to trust the other and persevere in the face of very different struggles. Relying on a secret network to carry their letters, both Jehan and Amelia are presented with different choices and must decide what is best for them. A stand-alone sequel to the first book in the series, this novel is incredibly detailed and draws on real historical events and circumstances about the persecution of Huguenot Protestants in seventeenth-century France. Amelia and Jehan’s perspectives are complex and unique, presenting two different paths towards safety, and their characters are incredibly complex, with fascinating motivations and unique relationships adding to the tension and suspense of this novel. With an incredible historical setting and realistic, clever characters, fans of the first book in this series are sure to enjoy Amelia and Jehan’s journeys to safety in this installment.
Thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the advance copy.
Thanks to NetGalley and BooksGoSocial for the advance copy.
March 20, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley & BooksGoSocial for providing an e-ARC!
Fine Me in the Stars picks straight up from the first book with the two main protagonists, Jehan and Amelia going their separate ways. Set during the reign of Louis XIV and his disdain for protestants, book two explores Jehan's spiritual journey as he joins a troupe of refugees to find Eden, their sanctuary. Meanwhile Amelia stays behind to aid her ill grandmother while being accused of witchcraft.
Things I loved about this book:
We get a new pov in the sequel with Amelia and I loved reading her sections. She is such a selfless woman of her time and it's refreshing to read about these type of female characters in historical fiction. The writing though so eloquent is very easy to understand, you breeze through this book. The way the two characters interact through letters traveling through a clever system was endearing to read and I love how they both yearn for each other.
What could be improved:
I do find that this could have been part of book one. The first half of the first book was dragged on a bit, it could have been condensed. There were several filler chapters that I started to skim through. There are magical elements in this book but it was not the forefront. It could have been completely omitted if it's not going to be a main theme.
Fine Me in the Stars picks straight up from the first book with the two main protagonists, Jehan and Amelia going their separate ways. Set during the reign of Louis XIV and his disdain for protestants, book two explores Jehan's spiritual journey as he joins a troupe of refugees to find Eden, their sanctuary. Meanwhile Amelia stays behind to aid her ill grandmother while being accused of witchcraft.
Things I loved about this book:
We get a new pov in the sequel with Amelia and I loved reading her sections. She is such a selfless woman of her time and it's refreshing to read about these type of female characters in historical fiction. The writing though so eloquent is very easy to understand, you breeze through this book. The way the two characters interact through letters traveling through a clever system was endearing to read and I love how they both yearn for each other.
What could be improved:
I do find that this could have been part of book one. The first half of the first book was dragged on a bit, it could have been condensed. There were several filler chapters that I started to skim through. There are magical elements in this book but it was not the forefront. It could have been completely omitted if it's not going to be a main theme.
April 6, 2024
The story of Jehan BonDurant escaping France was a perfect follow-up to The Muse of Freedom.
The last half of the 1600s was a time of great religious upheaval in France. BonDurant needed to make a decision. Should he remain in his hometown and pretend to convert, or flee religious domination to a more peaceful country?
In this second book, Jules Larimore details the horrors of moving from town to town to dodge the Kings strict religious edicts. As BonDurant's decisions shape his fate, Larimore paints a vivid picture of the challenges he (and other immigrants of the era) faced in their quest for religious freedom.
Being arrested as “newly converted” or a Protestant was not the end of the torture. The King's dragoons would show no mercy.
BonDurant and his fellow 'heretics' must make it to Switzerland and do everything they can to avoid capture whilst living amongst the enemy. Each stop brings its own set of dangers. If all of them made it safely to Switzerland, would they be allowed to stay?
I like the author’s style of writing - she divides each chapter into stops, describing the so-called “safe towns.” along the route. I also like that Larimore would occasionally bring the reader back to BonDurant’s friendship with Amelia.
Eagerly awaiting the completion of the trilogy! Where will BonDurant finally settle safely?
The last half of the 1600s was a time of great religious upheaval in France. BonDurant needed to make a decision. Should he remain in his hometown and pretend to convert, or flee religious domination to a more peaceful country?
In this second book, Jules Larimore details the horrors of moving from town to town to dodge the Kings strict religious edicts. As BonDurant's decisions shape his fate, Larimore paints a vivid picture of the challenges he (and other immigrants of the era) faced in their quest for religious freedom.
Being arrested as “newly converted” or a Protestant was not the end of the torture. The King's dragoons would show no mercy.
BonDurant and his fellow 'heretics' must make it to Switzerland and do everything they can to avoid capture whilst living amongst the enemy. Each stop brings its own set of dangers. If all of them made it safely to Switzerland, would they be allowed to stay?
I like the author’s style of writing - she divides each chapter into stops, describing the so-called “safe towns.” along the route. I also like that Larimore would occasionally bring the reader back to BonDurant’s friendship with Amelia.
Eagerly awaiting the completion of the trilogy! Where will BonDurant finally settle safely?
April 8, 2024
Find Me in the Stars is an absorbing novel of 17th-century France rich with authentic historical detail and superb world-building. The second novel in a sweeping saga of adventure and romance during a perilous time of religious persecution, Find Me in the Stars features Huguenots Amelia and Jean—a healer and an apothecary respectively—lovers forced apart during their quest for religious freedom. Amelia’s narrative unfolds in and around a commandery of the Knights Hospitaller in the magnificent Cévennes mountains, and the setting is beautifully drawn. Meanwhile, Jehan embarks on a perilous search for a new homeland where religious diversity is tolerated, beginning in Switzerland. Author Jules Larimore infuses fascinating historical details into her narrative throughout, and brings the past to vivid life with lush, descriptive prose. The author’s love of history and of France shines through on every page. A highly recommended read.
March 22, 2024
FIND ME IN THE STARS by Jules Larimore is historic fiction about a place I have never been and time I have never lived. Intrigued by the bloody history of a people I was vaguely aware of in a country I love, I dropped into the story of Amelie and Jehan, amazed at the lengths to which they followed their convictions and passionate pursuit for life, freedom to worship, and thrive under incredible hardship and oppression. While the language was clunky at times, the strong love between fascinating people and the vivid events with terrible dilemmas they faced held me throughout shocking events and twists of fate. I learned history of a people in a thoroughly enjoyable way. I received a copy of this book and these thoughts are my own, unbiased thoughts.
January 12, 2025
🌟 A Masterpiece of Historical Fiction
"Find Me in the Stars" is a breathtaking tale of love, faith, and resilience set in 17th-century France. Larimore masterfully weaves a story of enduring love and sacrifice, with richly drawn characters and vivid descriptions that transport you to the rugged Cévennes Mountains. Inspired by true events, this gripping novel is perfect for fans of Ken Follett and Diana Gabaldon. A poignant and unforgettable adventure where love and light endure against all odds.
"Find Me in the Stars" is a breathtaking tale of love, faith, and resilience set in 17th-century France. Larimore masterfully weaves a story of enduring love and sacrifice, with richly drawn characters and vivid descriptions that transport you to the rugged Cévennes Mountains. Inspired by true events, this gripping novel is perfect for fans of Ken Follett and Diana Gabaldon. A poignant and unforgettable adventure where love and light endure against all odds.
March 24, 2024
I loved that book which I read as an ARC. Thoughtful, gripping, its lovely humanist message will resonate with everyone. What comes across strongly is how dangerous it was for the Huguenots to escape their region without being caught, and reach their destination, prey to all sorts of predators. So vivid are the descriptions, Meet me in the Stars will transport you to another time in a way few other stories do.
March 25, 2024
Larimore’s blend of impassioned love and well-researched history is a tour de force. The struggle of a Huguenot man and woman to reunite transports readers from the mystical mountains of France’s Cévennes to Switzerland, then London, in a lushly told tale that ignites the senses and feeds the soul.
March 26, 2024
Lush descriptions that immersed me in the scenes. I was fortunate enough to get an advance review copy, and while I might have come into this book with a thorough grounding in the history of French religious persecutions, the gut-punchingly personal details made all the difference in a story...
April 1, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley & BooksGoSocial for providing me with an e-ARC for me to review.
I did not read the first book in this series but I enjoyed the writing style and plot in this book.
This book was also set in a time period that I have not read in a lot of books so that was interesting.
I did not read the first book in this series but I enjoyed the writing style and plot in this book.
This book was also set in a time period that I have not read in a lot of books so that was interesting.
April 22, 2024
I thought the writing itself was beautiful, and the style reminded me of Joanne Harris. But nothing about the story or the characters resonated with me, I didn't connect with it. Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
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