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The Mark of the King
*Christy Award Winner in Historical Fiction Sweeping Historical Fiction Set at the Edge of the ContinentAfter being imprisoned and branded for the death of her client, twenty-five-year-old midwife Julianne Chevalier trades her life sentence for exile to the fledgling 1720s French colony of Louisiana, where she hopes to be reunited with her brother, serving there as a soldier. To make the journey, though, women must be married, and Julianne is forced to wed a fellow convict.When they arrive in New Orleans, there is no news of Benjamin, Julianne's brother, and searching for answers proves dangerous. What is behind the mystery, and does military officer Marc-Paul Girard know more than he is letting on?With her dreams of a new life shattered, Julianne must find her way in this dangerous, rugged land, despite never being able to escape the king's mark on her shoulder that brands her a criminal beyond redemption.
418 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2017
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4912 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 671 reviews
February 8, 2017
The Mark of the King grabbed me from the first scene and wouldn’t let me go! The setting is vibrant, unique, and full of fascinating true details about the early French settlement in New Orleans. With arranged marriages, forced immigration, and struggles against starvation, the elements, and warring natives, the story is riveting. A must-read!
February 7, 2017
A sumptuous, spell-binding evocation of life in 1720's Louisiana will keep you riveted. The compelling characters and alluring plot take as many twists and turns as a jutting river. I truthfully didn't know what to expect. Each third of the book pivots in another direction with a welcome surprise. This is far more than a run-of-the-mill CBA historical romance: Green puts poetic pen to an oft-forgotten seminal part of American history. To add, she infuses history with a natural sense of verisimilitude. Everything from dialect to circumstance will have you living and breathing the 18th Century in its rough-and-tumbly rudimentary world.
But more than just the pitch-perfect historical realization, Green proves adept at weaving a story defined by stark emblemization. Recalling Dickens or Hugo, Green does well at influencing her characters with a swift and soft encounter with Christianity and there is not one paragraph that smacks of inaccessible evangelism.
Gorgeous language, a stirring romance ( fully realized with all of highs and lows of human fallacy), forgiveness, redemption and a chilling villain, The Mark of the King is one of the finest reading experiences I had in 2016.
But more than just the pitch-perfect historical realization, Green proves adept at weaving a story defined by stark emblemization. Recalling Dickens or Hugo, Green does well at influencing her characters with a swift and soft encounter with Christianity and there is not one paragraph that smacks of inaccessible evangelism.
Gorgeous language, a stirring romance ( fully realized with all of highs and lows of human fallacy), forgiveness, redemption and a chilling villain, The Mark of the King is one of the finest reading experiences I had in 2016.
February 14, 2017
The ability of Jocelyn Green to depict a desolation so obsolete but personify inherent feelings within each of us is stunning. It was a joy to read the history of my hometown through the eyes of Green’s characters. I’ll see the French Quarters with new eyes, and appreciate the foundation of our state as one of hardship and turmoil, but also of perseverance and hope.
The storyline was not, per say, new. I’ve read of midwifes and their loss of babies or mothers, and the judgement that followed (such as Shadow of the Storm by Connilyn Cossette, a novel I’d also recommend). This knowledge, however, did not detract from the book itself. I found the setting to be heartfelt and deeply researched - enlightening. I would have been interested to learn more about Baton Rouge’s history, but I do understand that the focus was in New Orleans, so it’s not a critique, merely a whim.
Though the faith of the characters was rooted in Catholicism, the message and depictions of God’s grace and forgiveness were stellar. It was a heartwarming impassioned display of love that will be remembered by all those who read it.
See my full review (with content warnings) here: http://literarycafe.weebly.com/review...
*disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. The thoughts expressed are entirely my own.*
The storyline was not, per say, new. I’ve read of midwifes and their loss of babies or mothers, and the judgement that followed (such as Shadow of the Storm by Connilyn Cossette, a novel I’d also recommend). This knowledge, however, did not detract from the book itself. I found the setting to be heartfelt and deeply researched - enlightening. I would have been interested to learn more about Baton Rouge’s history, but I do understand that the focus was in New Orleans, so it’s not a critique, merely a whim.
Though the faith of the characters was rooted in Catholicism, the message and depictions of God’s grace and forgiveness were stellar. It was a heartwarming impassioned display of love that will be remembered by all those who read it.
See my full review (with content warnings) here: http://literarycafe.weebly.com/review...
*disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. The thoughts expressed are entirely my own.*
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February 7, 2018Whew, quite the story! There's so much here, and yet the story also is descriptive, sometimes overly so. Some details were gory, some heartbreaking, but the author also makes me root for Julianne every step of the way. Still deciding what all I think....but the ending, with the drawing together of a family, was excellent.
Content: over 18
Content: over 18
February 15, 2017
Sweeping and stirring, The Mark of the King by Jocelyn Green tells of grace in the middle of dishonor and despair. The writing draws a fascinating and unsentimental picture of colonial life, but the characters are at the heart of the story. Complex, moving, and real, Julianne and Marc-Paul and the side characters draw you into their world. They struggle with secrets, disgrace, and grief, and come out stronger. A touching novel you won’t want to miss.
July 5, 2023
I loved this book SO MUCH. But you better have some tissues on hand for this one. ;)
February 7, 2017
I'll add more details once I write my review for the LitFuse Blog Tour in a few days... but I will add that the writing was EXCELLENT. Didn't hesitate giving it 5 stars.
UPDATED:
I've been following this book ever since Jocelyn Green announced it had been contracted and would be releasing in early 2017. And although I didn't know a thing about it, I couldn't wait to read it simply because it was hers.
What I found in the pages of The Mark of the King was a story brimming with raw struggles, yet always pointing to hope. It's set from 1719 to 1722 and follows the heroine, Julianne, through some very hard times. There are quite a few POV characters along the way, which isn't usually my favorite thing, but it worked for this book. I think my favorite character was Captian Marc-Paul Girard because of the bond he allowed to grow between himself and a "marked criminal" despite his penchant for law-abiding and justice.
This is a serious book. It is extremely well-written and basically BEAUTIFUL. Although there are many things in the book that seem unfair, it is written to be very true to the times the characters lived in. The Mark of the King will be sure to please fans of Lori Benton and Laura Frantz, but even if you don't read a lot of pre-revolutionary war novels, this one is one to add to your reading pile.
UPDATED:
I've been following this book ever since Jocelyn Green announced it had been contracted and would be releasing in early 2017. And although I didn't know a thing about it, I couldn't wait to read it simply because it was hers.
What I found in the pages of The Mark of the King was a story brimming with raw struggles, yet always pointing to hope. It's set from 1719 to 1722 and follows the heroine, Julianne, through some very hard times. There are quite a few POV characters along the way, which isn't usually my favorite thing, but it worked for this book. I think my favorite character was Captian Marc-Paul Girard because of the bond he allowed to grow between himself and a "marked criminal" despite his penchant for law-abiding and justice.
This is a serious book. It is extremely well-written and basically BEAUTIFUL. Although there are many things in the book that seem unfair, it is written to be very true to the times the characters lived in. The Mark of the King will be sure to please fans of Lori Benton and Laura Frantz, but even if you don't read a lot of pre-revolutionary war novels, this one is one to add to your reading pile.
December 4, 2025
this was depressing
August 6, 2023
The author masterfully weaves together a beautiful story with faith-filled elements in a wonderfully rich historical background. This book is set around the events of a lesser known historical event: the forced immigration of some of France's 'less desirable' inhabitants to the new colony of Louisiana. This forced immigration included forced marriage in order to quickly populate the new settlement. I learned a lot about this piece of history from this fictional account of one woman's journey to the Louisiana colony and her love story. I highly recommend reading the authors note as well.
I really admired FMC's strength and selfless service in caring for others. Her life experiences had me rooting for her and hurting with her during some of her hardest moments.
This is historical Christian fiction book deals with hard topics and gave me the emotional investment in the characters' struggles that pushed it into the 5 star category for me. Faith also has a strong presence in this book. This was my first Jocelyn Green book and I cant wait to read more! I highly recommend it!!
Christian faith rating: 3/3
Content warnings: rape, death, infant loss
I really admired FMC's strength and selfless service in caring for others. Her life experiences had me rooting for her and hurting with her during some of her hardest moments.
This is historical Christian fiction book deals with hard topics and gave me the emotional investment in the characters' struggles that pushed it into the 5 star category for me. Faith also has a strong presence in this book. This was my first Jocelyn Green book and I cant wait to read more! I highly recommend it!!
Christian faith rating: 3/3
Content warnings: rape, death, infant loss
January 3, 2017
This was on my favorites list by the 3rd chapter. Jocelyn Green wrote an unflinching story about the hardships and triumphs and challenges of colonizing Louisiana. I am not familiar with the history of Louisiana, so this story was new but rang with authenticity. The characters lept off the pages and the plot kept me reading (instead of cooking or eating or anything else).
I highly recommend this book!
I highly recommend this book!
July 9, 2017
Quickie review!
The Mark of the King truly swept me up in the life of Julianne Chevalier. The historical details are fascinating, and the plot moves at an exciting pace. Vivid descriptions and intense scenes kept me reading as quickly as I could. The descriptions of the fledgling city of New Orleans are nothing I've read about before, and Jocelyn Green bring it into sharp focus. The harshness of the land is evident throughout, and the temerity of Julianne and the other inhabitants is admirable.
There were some times that I wished for more interaction between characters, so I could see the development of their relationship a bit more, but the emotion between them is poignant and rings true. The overall message of forgiveness no matter the sin that marks your past and hounds your present circumstances is fully fleshed out and a beautiful one to read.
Overall, I can easily recommend this for fans of historical fiction. The history evokes the feeling of a bygone time, when the land was wild and life uncertain. The characters display personal fortitude, but are also realistically flawed. The faith aspect is woven throughout the narrative organically, perfectly suited to the situations that the characters face.
Now to make it a priority to read more of Jocelyn Green's novel as soon as I can!
The Mark of the King truly swept me up in the life of Julianne Chevalier. The historical details are fascinating, and the plot moves at an exciting pace. Vivid descriptions and intense scenes kept me reading as quickly as I could. The descriptions of the fledgling city of New Orleans are nothing I've read about before, and Jocelyn Green bring it into sharp focus. The harshness of the land is evident throughout, and the temerity of Julianne and the other inhabitants is admirable.
There were some times that I wished for more interaction between characters, so I could see the development of their relationship a bit more, but the emotion between them is poignant and rings true. The overall message of forgiveness no matter the sin that marks your past and hounds your present circumstances is fully fleshed out and a beautiful one to read.
Overall, I can easily recommend this for fans of historical fiction. The history evokes the feeling of a bygone time, when the land was wild and life uncertain. The characters display personal fortitude, but are also realistically flawed. The faith aspect is woven throughout the narrative organically, perfectly suited to the situations that the characters face.
“Remember this, mes cheres: There is no person so small that the Lord cannot see her, no voice so quiet that He cannot hear it.”
Now to make it a priority to read more of Jocelyn Green's novel as soon as I can!
January 10, 2017
Magnifique!
The Mark of the King is rich in the history of New Orleans. Its history unfolds through the story of Julianne Chevalier, a 25 year old Parisian midwife. I knew that New Orleans had a French influence, but didn't know the details from the early 1700s. Simply fascinating. I really can't say enough about the historical element of this novel.
Vivid imagery brings the environment to life. I could feel the humidity and hear the mosquitoes buzzing in my ears. I could visualize the young city.
Julianne is a likable, believable and flawed main character. Her story combined with the history kept the pages turning.
Finally, there is the use of symbolism and a play on words that add to the novel.
This novel is recommended for fans of Lori Benton.
The Mark of the King is rich in the history of New Orleans. Its history unfolds through the story of Julianne Chevalier, a 25 year old Parisian midwife. I knew that New Orleans had a French influence, but didn't know the details from the early 1700s. Simply fascinating. I really can't say enough about the historical element of this novel.
Vivid imagery brings the environment to life. I could feel the humidity and hear the mosquitoes buzzing in my ears. I could visualize the young city.
Julianne is a likable, believable and flawed main character. Her story combined with the history kept the pages turning.
Finally, there is the use of symbolism and a play on words that add to the novel.
This novel is recommended for fans of Lori Benton.
March 11, 2018
Wow. Where to begin? Seriously impressed with this book. The history, setting and characters leaped off the pages and I couldn't help but stay up late into the night to read it (“one more chapter” turned into finishing it!).
Julianne is charged with the death of her patient and branded for life with “the mark of the king”. She is transported to Louisiana as part of an initiative to populate that region for France, after being forced to marry a fellow convict. Life there is brutal and unforgiving, with the residents in the middle of hostile relationships between the French, the British and Native tribes. There is a lot of violence and the appalling treatment of people all around was sickening. However, though there was heavy content it was handled well and I appreciate the author for not shying away from hard historical facts.
The characters came to life and all of them were memorable. I was invested in their well-being and the strength and resilience of Julianne was unbelievable. Marc-Paul was a character that I really respected.
The story takes place when New Orleans was little more than a fort and huts in the ground. I've never been there, but it was fascinating to read about the early beginnings of what is now a major city. I felt like I was there!
I highly recommend this book. Well worth the read and I will definitely be reading more from this author!
Julianne is charged with the death of her patient and branded for life with “the mark of the king”. She is transported to Louisiana as part of an initiative to populate that region for France, after being forced to marry a fellow convict. Life there is brutal and unforgiving, with the residents in the middle of hostile relationships between the French, the British and Native tribes. There is a lot of violence and the appalling treatment of people all around was sickening. However, though there was heavy content it was handled well and I appreciate the author for not shying away from hard historical facts.
The characters came to life and all of them were memorable. I was invested in their well-being and the strength and resilience of Julianne was unbelievable. Marc-Paul was a character that I really respected.
The story takes place when New Orleans was little more than a fort and huts in the ground. I've never been there, but it was fascinating to read about the early beginnings of what is now a major city. I felt like I was there!
I highly recommend this book. Well worth the read and I will definitely be reading more from this author!
April 23, 2017
Originally posted to https://christianshelfesteem.wordpres...
Captivating! The Mark of the King takes place between 1719 and 1722, covering a period of Louisiana's colonial history that is seldom written about in historical fiction. Interesting facts about the living conditions in the French settlement, interactions with the Indians, midwifery, and early medicine bolster the tale, while Jocelyn Green's emotive writing tugs at your heartstrings.
Falsely imprisoned in Paris's notorious Salpêtrière, Juliane Chevalier receives the king's brand, a fleur-de-lys, on her arm. Upon her conditional release, she and other female inmates are given the command, "Populate Louisiana and help secure our [France's] hold on the land. Now find your mate." She then embarks on a voyage to the New World with her body and soul shackled to a stranger through a forced marriage. Awaiting their arrival was the town of New Orleans — rugged, under supplied, riddled with disease and mosquitos, and under constant threat of attack by Indians who were allied with the British. Life was perilous for all, but for Juliane, being branded a murderer wrought additional suffering and shame at the hands of the townspeople. Who will offer hope in her despair or extend grace instead of judgement?
Multi-dimensional characters are woven into a historical tapestry that in itself is stranger than fiction. Additionally, Green is among a shortlist of authors who have been able to move me to tears! Her relatable characters coupled with the books intrigue and refreshing originality earn it a 5 star rating. The Mark of the King by Jocelyn Green is my first Book Club Top Pick of 2017.
I received a free copy from Bethany House Publishers through the Netgalley review program. All opinions are my own.
Captivating! The Mark of the King takes place between 1719 and 1722, covering a period of Louisiana's colonial history that is seldom written about in historical fiction. Interesting facts about the living conditions in the French settlement, interactions with the Indians, midwifery, and early medicine bolster the tale, while Jocelyn Green's emotive writing tugs at your heartstrings.
Falsely imprisoned in Paris's notorious Salpêtrière, Juliane Chevalier receives the king's brand, a fleur-de-lys, on her arm. Upon her conditional release, she and other female inmates are given the command, "Populate Louisiana and help secure our [France's] hold on the land. Now find your mate." She then embarks on a voyage to the New World with her body and soul shackled to a stranger through a forced marriage. Awaiting their arrival was the town of New Orleans — rugged, under supplied, riddled with disease and mosquitos, and under constant threat of attack by Indians who were allied with the British. Life was perilous for all, but for Juliane, being branded a murderer wrought additional suffering and shame at the hands of the townspeople. Who will offer hope in her despair or extend grace instead of judgement?
Multi-dimensional characters are woven into a historical tapestry that in itself is stranger than fiction. Additionally, Green is among a shortlist of authors who have been able to move me to tears! Her relatable characters coupled with the books intrigue and refreshing originality earn it a 5 star rating. The Mark of the King by Jocelyn Green is my first Book Club Top Pick of 2017.
I received a free copy from Bethany House Publishers through the Netgalley review program. All opinions are my own.
July 6, 2017
This book really knocked my socks off! I picked it up at the library on a whim and I am so glad I did! It starts off with a prologue that grabbed me in and held me captive until the very last word. This story has so much action and adventure. The history is mind boggling, I couldn't turn the pages fast enough! Grab a box of tissues and hold on to your seat historical fiction fans, you won't be disappointed!
January 14, 2017
Rarely do I encounter such well-researched, beautifully-written, theme-rich historical fiction as The Mark of the King. From the first page, I was riveted to Julianne's story. Chock-full of atmospheric detail, this novel transported me to a place I had never read much about, and even though it brought to light horrors I had never heard of, the entirety of the story was wrapped with the repeated theme of the grace of God. I love books that gently bring timeless truths to life (as opposed to spelling those truths out for us, leaving no room for nuance), and this novel does that. Best of all, it had a combination of factors that made it one of my new favorites: memorable, believable characters, unpredictable twists, and a story that keeps living in my head long after I turn the last page. C'est bon!
June 1, 2025
4⭐️
Julianne is among a number of other women and girls forced, with a brand, to marry strange men in brutal circumstances in the the name of the French king to help the French colony grow and thrive in Louisiana in 1720.
Her marriage is tumultuous, but not entirely without warmth. As a midwife, Julianne carries the weight of delivering healthy babies for the French colony.
The little brother she raised has also gone missing in service of the king and she is desperate to find him.
There is so much more that happens and develops but I can’t say any of that without spoilers.
This was a very enjoyable, real-world historical read with difficult scenes. There were a few secrets held so if you don’t like that storytelling, be aware
Julianne is among a number of other women and girls forced, with a brand, to marry strange men in brutal circumstances in the the name of the French king to help the French colony grow and thrive in Louisiana in 1720.
Her marriage is tumultuous, but not entirely without warmth. As a midwife, Julianne carries the weight of delivering healthy babies for the French colony.
The little brother she raised has also gone missing in service of the king and she is desperate to find him.
There is so much more that happens and develops but I can’t say any of that without spoilers.
This was a very enjoyable, real-world historical read with difficult scenes. There were a few secrets held so if you don’t like that storytelling, be aware
May 11, 2023
This book was rooooooouuuuugh.
I have had an awful stressful month. This book…was not the book for an awful stressful month. This book was just an unending litany of unpleasantness.
Look I appreciate the lesser known history. I recognize the accuracy of many of the plot points. But did I enjoy this book? Did I feel any happiness reading this book? Did this book, to use a slightly passé phrase, spark joy?
No. It did not. This book did not spark joy.
I have had an awful stressful month. This book…was not the book for an awful stressful month. This book was just an unending litany of unpleasantness.
Look I appreciate the lesser known history. I recognize the accuracy of many of the plot points. But did I enjoy this book? Did I feel any happiness reading this book? Did this book, to use a slightly passé phrase, spark joy?
No. It did not. This book did not spark joy.
June 23, 2023
Swashbuckling adventure and romance set in 1700s New Orleans. If you're looking a historical with a unique setting and tons of action and romance, this is it. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
December 1, 2018
4 stars
This story easily made my favorites list. Mrs. Green’s voice was beautiful while gracefully relaying history as well as prose. She tugged me right into the story from the first page, and I don’t think closing the book will let me go. One thing I especially enjoyed was how she so masterfully used misunderstandings between a bevy of characters to heighten the stakes as well as sweep my emotions further into the snarl of complexity this story so elegantly became. This book was very reminiscent of a Lori Benton story, yet it retained its own unique style and flavor. Something else I appreciated was how Mrs. Green expressed the reality of war and childbirth but did not dwell on the details of either overlong, which would have made those scenes crass and awkward.
Content:
* alcohol
* Catholicism (including praying to Mary and thanking saints)
* one euphemism
* one profane word
This story easily made my favorites list. Mrs. Green’s voice was beautiful while gracefully relaying history as well as prose. She tugged me right into the story from the first page, and I don’t think closing the book will let me go. One thing I especially enjoyed was how she so masterfully used misunderstandings between a bevy of characters to heighten the stakes as well as sweep my emotions further into the snarl of complexity this story so elegantly became. This book was very reminiscent of a Lori Benton story, yet it retained its own unique style and flavor. Something else I appreciated was how Mrs. Green expressed the reality of war and childbirth but did not dwell on the details of either overlong, which would have made those scenes crass and awkward.
Content:
* alcohol
* Catholicism (including praying to Mary and thanking saints)
* one euphemism
* one profane word
March 11, 2025
This will be on my favorites of the year for sure! I was captivated from page one all the way to the end. 6⭐
November 21, 2016
Julianne Chevalier's life was in shreds. Convicted for a crime that she didn't commit, she was arrested and branded with the mark of the King of France. Forced to marry and travel to Louisianna with orders to help develop a colony resulted in near hopeless conditions. As a midwife she was scrupulous, but loneliness and adversity were her constant companions. Her brand induced recurring horrors.
I loved Julianne's character, a strong, capable young woman whose sensitivity and fortitude accompanied her through struggles in a new world where the unknown was a perpetual threat. The numerous other characters throughout the book are well defined and credible as well. Growth in faith and redemption are important aspects.
Descriptive elements throughout this book are brilliant, as pictorial as an artist's creation. Ex: "Bright green feathers seemed to sprout from the tips of their branches. Their limbs were hung with pale grey tendrils that swayed in the wind like witches' hair." The author portrays eloquent visions of the most mundane objects. The book flows in a poetic manner. Ex: "Spring rain drove into the ground like arrows, pockmarking the mud and stippling puddles." This detailing is so impressive. I savored every page of this book.
Ms. Green has done a great deal of research regarding the historical details throughout this book. Steeped in facts, The Mark of the King is realistic fiction. The documentation and detailing of the subject matter is brilliant! I will be reading this book again. I don't say that about many books, but there are a few that are worthy of experiencing more than once, and this is a winner.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Bethany House with no expectations for a positive review. All expressed opinions are my own.
I loved Julianne's character, a strong, capable young woman whose sensitivity and fortitude accompanied her through struggles in a new world where the unknown was a perpetual threat. The numerous other characters throughout the book are well defined and credible as well. Growth in faith and redemption are important aspects.
Descriptive elements throughout this book are brilliant, as pictorial as an artist's creation. Ex: "Bright green feathers seemed to sprout from the tips of their branches. Their limbs were hung with pale grey tendrils that swayed in the wind like witches' hair." The author portrays eloquent visions of the most mundane objects. The book flows in a poetic manner. Ex: "Spring rain drove into the ground like arrows, pockmarking the mud and stippling puddles." This detailing is so impressive. I savored every page of this book.
Ms. Green has done a great deal of research regarding the historical details throughout this book. Steeped in facts, The Mark of the King is realistic fiction. The documentation and detailing of the subject matter is brilliant! I will be reading this book again. I don't say that about many books, but there are a few that are worthy of experiencing more than once, and this is a winner.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Bethany House with no expectations for a positive review. All expressed opinions are my own.
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March 11, 2019Should I review this book? Yay or nay?
November 15, 2018
4.5 Stars!
February 5, 2017
I love learning history through fiction, so this novel went on my TBR list as soon as it made a blip on my radar. And in no way did it disappoint! It is impossible not to get caught up in Julianne’s story from the moment she finds herself wrongfully convicted, through to her forced marriage, and then the trials she endures once she reaches Louisiana – both physical and emotional. And it’s beautifully written, in such a way that the words themselves fade into the background and you become immersed in the details and emotion of the story.
And what a story it is. The reality of Louisiana is far different from what was promised, and rebellion is in the air for Europeans and natives alike. Food shortages, mosquito-born illness, and tropical weather are just some of the physical hardships confronting them. But it was Julianne's emotional journey that really kept me hooked into the story. Forced to wed a stranger – a fellow convict – she struggles to save her new husband from himself even before they reach their destination. But nothing prepares her for the heartbreak and test of loyalties that awaits her on Louisiana’s far shores.
It’s difficult to say much more without giving spoilers, but there is a beautiful quote that captures the heart of Julianne’s emotional journey: “We all have scars, my beautiful one. They make us who we are, and if we let them, they bring us together.” It is a difficult – and at times agonising – journey before Julianne can truly rest in that truth, but it is illustrated beautifully in this novel, perhaps most poignantly in Julianne’s relationship with the young half native/half French girl, Lily. However I will leave you to discover that for yourself.
And just a warning: The last quarter of the book is absolutely riveting. It took me completely by surprise, and I’m telling you now, you will not want to put it down – especially since you will be holding your breath until you reach the end!
If you love historical fiction with a compelling character journey, this is a novel you really shouldn’t pass up. And there is a beautiful element of romance to sweeten the deal. What more could a history lover ask for?
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not influenced the content of my review.
And what a story it is. The reality of Louisiana is far different from what was promised, and rebellion is in the air for Europeans and natives alike. Food shortages, mosquito-born illness, and tropical weather are just some of the physical hardships confronting them. But it was Julianne's emotional journey that really kept me hooked into the story. Forced to wed a stranger – a fellow convict – she struggles to save her new husband from himself even before they reach their destination. But nothing prepares her for the heartbreak and test of loyalties that awaits her on Louisiana’s far shores.
It’s difficult to say much more without giving spoilers, but there is a beautiful quote that captures the heart of Julianne’s emotional journey: “We all have scars, my beautiful one. They make us who we are, and if we let them, they bring us together.” It is a difficult – and at times agonising – journey before Julianne can truly rest in that truth, but it is illustrated beautifully in this novel, perhaps most poignantly in Julianne’s relationship with the young half native/half French girl, Lily. However I will leave you to discover that for yourself.
And just a warning: The last quarter of the book is absolutely riveting. It took me completely by surprise, and I’m telling you now, you will not want to put it down – especially since you will be holding your breath until you reach the end!
If you love historical fiction with a compelling character journey, this is a novel you really shouldn’t pass up. And there is a beautiful element of romance to sweeten the deal. What more could a history lover ask for?
I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not influenced the content of my review.
February 8, 2017
Why I Choose this Book:
I've read other books by Jocelyn Green that I learned a ton from. Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres, especially when the romance is kept in check. Some of Miss Jocelyn's books have had a little too much romance for my taste, but those parts have been easily skimmed over in the past, so I figured this book would probably be the same.
What I Thought about this Book:
Oh my lands. Within the first several pages I was already needing to look different historical elements up to see if they had indeed happened. This book opened my eyes to a part of history I had been ignorant about, and I'm still quite intrigued.
This book wasn't light and fluffy by any means. It wasn't a feel-good book, and it wasn't one where everything falls into place. In fact, there were a couple of times where I was like "Wait, what? You need something else bad to happen to them?" Really though, I'm fairly certain that it was a pretty realistic look at that era, and for that I'm thankful. It conveyed the world as being harsh and difficult, and so yay for that! (Meaning, it didn't romanticize it or make it sound glamorous.) There's no way I would have ever wanted to live in that environment, and I'm so thankful for having a roof over my head after reading the book. (Not to mention freedom. Cause yeah, that's important.)
I enjoyed reading the book and learning from it. I also look forward to researching that era and that place more in the future. Miss Jocelyn does a fantastic job of making history come alive to me, and for that I'm very thankful.
Conclusion:
Although the romance felt balanced for the most part, there were a few things that I felt could be somewhat more vague. It didn't hinder the plot any though to skim-read those parts, so overall it didn't detract much from the story.
There was some violence, but for the time period the story took place in, I consider it to be vague and very balanced.
Overall, I liked the book a lot.
Rating:
I’m giving The Mark of the King 4 out of 5 stars, and 8 out of 10.
*I received this book from Litfuse
I've read other books by Jocelyn Green that I learned a ton from. Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres, especially when the romance is kept in check. Some of Miss Jocelyn's books have had a little too much romance for my taste, but those parts have been easily skimmed over in the past, so I figured this book would probably be the same.
What I Thought about this Book:
Oh my lands. Within the first several pages I was already needing to look different historical elements up to see if they had indeed happened. This book opened my eyes to a part of history I had been ignorant about, and I'm still quite intrigued.
This book wasn't light and fluffy by any means. It wasn't a feel-good book, and it wasn't one where everything falls into place. In fact, there were a couple of times where I was like "Wait, what? You need something else bad to happen to them?" Really though, I'm fairly certain that it was a pretty realistic look at that era, and for that I'm thankful. It conveyed the world as being harsh and difficult, and so yay for that! (Meaning, it didn't romanticize it or make it sound glamorous.) There's no way I would have ever wanted to live in that environment, and I'm so thankful for having a roof over my head after reading the book. (Not to mention freedom. Cause yeah, that's important.)
I enjoyed reading the book and learning from it. I also look forward to researching that era and that place more in the future. Miss Jocelyn does a fantastic job of making history come alive to me, and for that I'm very thankful.
Conclusion:
Although the romance felt balanced for the most part, there were a few things that I felt could be somewhat more vague. It didn't hinder the plot any though to skim-read those parts, so overall it didn't detract much from the story.
There was some violence, but for the time period the story took place in, I consider it to be vague and very balanced.
Overall, I liked the book a lot.
Rating:
I’m giving The Mark of the King 4 out of 5 stars, and 8 out of 10.
*I received this book from Litfuse
November 26, 2018
This was a great story about peace, grace, and hope. It is the story of Juliette Chevalier, a trained midwife in 1720s Paris. During one of the births she is attending all goes wrong, and she is sent to prison and given the mark of the king for murder. Her future is dismal, at best, if she stays in the prison. But she learns about and trades her life for exile in Louisiana – where her brother, Benjamin, is serving as a soldier, but with a twist. She is forced to marry before she leaves for Louisiana, and she chooses whom she thinks is a gentle man in Simon, who also had a temper. She also meets military officer, Marc-Paul Girard, before leaving for Louisiana, who seems to know more about Juliette and her brother than he can let Juliette know.
Life in New Orleans is hard, primitive, and certainly not as settled as believed. Juliette is able to use her midwife skills and help women in the colony and Simon finds work as an oarsman. But tragedy strikes Juliette multiple times, but she stays strong, and finds friendship and eventually love with Marc-Paul. But she cannot help to think he is holding something back. She has been marked by the king, and being a soldier of the king, Marc-Paul is not even supposed to look at Juliette in that way, but he sees nothing but beauty and sincerity in Juliette. It is though his telling her to keep finding peace and grace in everything that keeps her going in the worst of times.
This was a great book, one I could not put down from the moment I picked it up, and definitely a book I would recommend time and time again. A great 5 star book for me.
Life in New Orleans is hard, primitive, and certainly not as settled as believed. Juliette is able to use her midwife skills and help women in the colony and Simon finds work as an oarsman. But tragedy strikes Juliette multiple times, but she stays strong, and finds friendship and eventually love with Marc-Paul. But she cannot help to think he is holding something back. She has been marked by the king, and being a soldier of the king, Marc-Paul is not even supposed to look at Juliette in that way, but he sees nothing but beauty and sincerity in Juliette. It is though his telling her to keep finding peace and grace in everything that keeps her going in the worst of times.
This was a great book, one I could not put down from the moment I picked it up, and definitely a book I would recommend time and time again. A great 5 star book for me.
February 5, 2017
This is my first Jocelyn Green book, and it will definitely not be my last. This is really a married romance, and it's nice to see books like that. Yes, it's also a marriage of convenience story, but it moves beyond that quickly.
One of the big plusses of this book is that it is set during the start of New Orleans. And what a fascinating part of the story that was! I'm not a N'awlins fan or anything like that, but this was such a unique time period and it was told so very well. I loved every second of this book. I had other things to do, other books to read, but this one kept calling me back. And finally I just gave in and finished it. Wonderful, wonderful read! I wish the story could continue.
One of the big plusses of this book is that it is set during the start of New Orleans. And what a fascinating part of the story that was! I'm not a N'awlins fan or anything like that, but this was such a unique time period and it was told so very well. I loved every second of this book. I had other things to do, other books to read, but this one kept calling me back. And finally I just gave in and finished it. Wonderful, wonderful read! I wish the story could continue.
September 1, 2018
4.5 stars! RTC
December 8, 2021
Absolutely incredible, very intense and vividly written, clean as always though having some heavy content... I only wish the ending were longer!!!
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