The Secret of the Abbey

by Kathleen C. Perrin

In the final book (III) of The Watchmen Saga, Katelyn Michaels is distraught when she finds herself back in the United States in modern times after unwillingly leaving a comatose Nicolas behind on Mont Saint Michel in 1429. When a series of remarkable events facilitates her return to the Mount and unveils why Katelyn was called as a Watchman, her fondest hope is to be reunited with Nicolas, regardless of the circumstances. However, when Nicolas unexpectedly appears with a new mission for Katelyn to help him thwart yet another threat to the Mount, she is devastated to learn that his head injury has deprived him of any memories of their relationship. Nonetheless, she is determined to once again find a way to save the Mount—this time in sixteenth-century France amidst violent religious turmoil—and to rekindle Nicolas’s feelings for her during the course of their mission. The couple’s love and loyalty are tested as Katelyn and Nicolas attempt to unmask the true source of the threat, their adversary Abdon, sort out their conflicting emotions, and deal with the consequences of the astounding age-old secret that is finally revealed.

Genres: France, Historical Fiction

578 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 3, 2017

About the author

Kathleen C. Perrin graduated summa cum laude from Brigham Young University with Bachelor's degrees in both French and Humanities. She is a French-to-English translator certified by the American Translators' Association, and is also an accomplished pianist and a music arranger/composer. While completing her education, Kathleen met a dashing young Frenchman, who later became her husband and greatly influenced her world view.

Kathleen has lived in Utah, New York City, France, and for eight years in French Polynesia (Tahiti) with her husband and children. While living in Tahiti she became a master scuba diver, swam with sharks, and even came to the rescue of a stranded Korean fishing vessel with her diving skills! She has worked professionally as a language and music teacher, translator, interpreter and writer. She enjoys writing poetry, and she has published several non-fiction articles, academic papers, and a religious history about Tahiti. Because of her expertise in French Polynesia, she has been invited to present lectures in Tahiti, Hawaii, and Utah at historical conferences and symposiums. She has also been a featured speaker on a variety of topics to youth and adult groups, including at an International Women's Conference sponsored by Brigham Young University.

Learning about new countries and cultures is a passion for Kathleen, and she has traveled extensively throughout North and South America, Oceania, Eastern and Western Europe, Asia, Africa, India, the Middle East and the Caucasus Region. She has visited over fifty countries, but her favorite place of all is France where she and her husband own a renovated family cottage. They have spent years exploring France's beauties and discovering its mysteries, even taking groups of tourists there for a ten-year period. Her latest passion is sharing France through her historical suspense fiction. Her experience as a tour guide at Mont Saint Michel inspired her to write her historical paranormal three-part series, THE WATCHMEN SAGA. All three books are now available: THE KEYS OF THE WATCHMEN (Book 1), THE SWORD OF THE MAIDEN (Book 2). and THE SECRET OF THE ABBEY (Book 3).

The Perrins have three children, and currently divide their time between Utah and France.

Reviews

[Mave · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was anxiously waiting for the release of the third and unfortunately last episode of this really addictive and so well-written series. Lovable characters, amazing setting, great historical reconstructions and fascinating descriptions: it is impossible not to love this book.
Katelyn is a Watchman and must guarantee peace and freedom of Mont Saint Michel. To do this she has the power to travel over time. During her first mission, she met Nicolas, who she had fallen in love with and he was in love with her but during the second mission she had to abandon him in coma in 1429. When she meets him again he has lost his memory and doesn't remember her. Katelyn will have to fight hard to save her new homeland and to regain her great love.
You can read it as a standalone because the author provides the basic elements of the first two books to understand the story but I recommend for more fun to read the series in order.
I love the style of this author, simple, slowing, engaging. The plot kept me on edge from start to finish. I was excited each time I got to turn the page. Katelyn is a great character and it was really interesting to see her grow and mature during the series, she was a fragile girl, now she is a strong, determined and intelligent woman. Together with Nicolas they are a very sweet and romantic couple.
It's a charming, interesting, enjoyable reading with a perfect mix of action, mystery and romance.
If you love French history and stories with time travel this book will not disappoint you

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Secret of the Abbey is the third and final book from The Watchmen Saga. I have not read the first two books from the series, but the author did a good job summarizing what had happened previously to the point where I did not feel too lost or confused. Right from the start, I was hooked and was drawn into Katelynn and Nicholas's story. It was fascinating how Kathleen C Perrin was able to weave such a tale. I loved how she used actual historical events and included footnotes on the bottom of the pages to note those events.
I was a little intimidated at first by the size of the book but had no problem turning the pages and was sad when it ended. I found it to be a fabulous and clean novel full of intrigue, action, and adventure. One of the best time travel stories I have read - right behind The Outlander. I have added the first two books to my wish list and hope to read them very soon. I cannot wait to see what Kathleen C Perrin comes up with next.
Great book!
5 plus stars.
I received this book from the author but was not required to write a positive review. This review is 100% my own honest opinion.

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kathleen C. Perrin’s, The Secret of the Abbey, is the third book in her YA fantasy time-travel adventure series, “The Watchmen Saga”. This book is sure to please those readers that are interested in historical fiction as well. The author has demonstrated painstaking efforts in creating in-depth historical settings and atmospheres in detailed accuracy. Instances in the book that are not completely historically accurate are outlined by the author at the end of the book. The book begins with its two main characters in different times in history: Katelyn is in the modern day world with her family and the love of her life, her husband, Nicolas, is in 15th century France waking up from an amnesia-causing coma. Perrin considerately fills in our memory gaps from the first two books with well-written flashbacks recounted by all of the main characters. This story weaves through modern-day and historical France, providing readers with romance, action, mystery, and adventure. As the title predicts, the secret that the Watchmen guard, the secret of the abbey, is finally revealed to the two protagonists and the audience, providing a well thought-out conclusion to the series.

[Lucy Pollard-Gott · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Secret of the Abbey is the third book in Kathleen C. Perrin’s impressive series of historical romances, The Watchmen Saga, set in medieval France. All these books have gorgeous covers displaying on-site photography; Perrin acknowledges her daughter Christine for their design. Book III has perhaps the most beautiful cover so far. The young woman’s face mirrors the alert intelligence and strength of purpose of the book’s heroine, Katelyn Michaels, and the red gown will figure in the plot.

In each installment of the saga, Katelyn travels back in time to three key moments in the history of France, when the outcome of events will determine the fate of Mont-Saint-Michel and its survival as a stronghold of faith. In The Keys of the Watchmen, Katelyn receives her unexpected calling as a Watchman and discovers her first mission defending the Mount in 1424 against an attack by English forces during the 100 Years’ War. In The Sword of the Maiden, Katelyn returns to a point five years later when her mission takes her to meet Joan of Arc. Katelyn proves to be the perfect counselor and friend for La Pucelle, the Maiden, who must overcome serious obstacles–opposition from her countrymen and struggles within herself–before she can fulfill her own calling to save France. Katelyn knows that history must take its course, because securing the French throne will also safeguard Mont-Saint-Michel, but it is agonizing to watch her friend, Jehanne, the courageous maiden, suffer her cruel destiny as a martyr.

Ultimately, it is the Archangel Michael who is the defender of Mont-Saint-Michel. The Watchmen receive their calling and their instructions through his spiritually intimated instructions. Jean Le Vieux (his name means ‘the old one”) passes along his wisdom as he trains Katelyn, young Nicolas le Breton, and the middle-aged, retired Brother Thibault, all of whom will play key roles in protecting The Secret of the Abbey. They are needed because the most dangerous foe of the Mount is not earthly at all but rather a fallen angel named Abdon who inhabits a series of bodies of wicked men with the aim of discovering the secret of the ancient stones that are hidden deep within the abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel. Abdon and his master hope to usurp the power of the stones in service of cosmic evil.

At the end of Book II, Nicolas was gravely injured in a battle with Abdon’s host, whom he killed, and he was still in a coma. Katelyn was herself near despair. Brother Thibault sent her back to the future (without her consent), to her home and family in America, hoping to spare her months, perhaps years, of anguish. That is where The Secret of the Abbey takes up the thread of all their lives. Unable to share her feelings with anyone in her time, Katelyn resumed her life, finished high school, and wrote an account of her adventures with Joan of Arc, disguised as a historical novel. Presumably, this was Book II, The Sword of the Maiden . This novel turns out to be a surprise publishing success, and she receives a sizeable advance to write a prequel. She will use this money to travel back to France and hopefully return to her beloved Nicolas, provided the Archangel lays the groundwork. She inherits an inn on the Mount, not so fortuitously called L’Auberge de l’Archange (the inn of the Archangel), and it seems she has been provided with the means to stay in France and provide for herself and her family to join her there. She promptly takes up this opportunity and begins managing the inn, while she waits for her next mission from the Archangel to be communicated to her.

Meanwhile, back in the 15th century, Nicolas wakes from his coma, but with amnesia for the last several years. He does not remember Katelyn or their missions together. Nor does he remember the death of their beloved mentor, Jean Le Vieux. Brother Thibault, who has been faithfully caring for him, fills him in on events as best he can, but he hesitates to reveal to Nicolas his relationship with Katelyn in his present state of mind.

Katelyn was warned that Nicolas would not remember their relationship–neither their romance nor their marriage in the 15th century. But Abdon and the French Huguenots are on the move against Mont-Saint-Michel in 1577 during the French Wars of Religion, and that is their first priority. There is a wonderful moment when Katelyn wins over the French governor of the Mount to her plan, using a combination of assertive argument and subtle threats. Nicolas is enormously proud of her abilities, and yet confused by the strength of his feelings for her. As usual for them, there is “no time” for them to work this out before being separated; Nicolas and Katelyn each go undercover with prominent French Huguenot families to learn their plans vis-à-vis Mont-Saint-Michel. The unfolding of events is beautifully plotted. I admire Perrin’s skill in working out all the complex details to contribute to the big picture, consistently and meaningfully. Katelyn will finally learn the Secret of the special stones hidden in the crypt of the Abbey Church.

At the end of this highly enjoyable reading journey, I can highly recommend this book and the whole Watchmen Saga. Kathleen Perrin is equally strong in creating engaging, believable characters and in managing complex plots, transforming them into well-paced, suspenseful, and romantic fiction. And she does her research! I have to say that Katelyn and Nicolas are people I’d want to meet in any century, and I feel that special fondness for them that only a gifted writer can inspire.

For my full review, visit The Fictional 100.

*Note*: I received a copy of the title from the publisher for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

[Lauralee · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Secret of the Abbey begins when The Sword and the Maiden ended. Katelyn is now back in America and in her own time. However, she is heartbroken when her love Nicolas is still in a coma at Mont Saint Michel in 1429. Still, Katelyn manages to carry on with her life until she graduates so she can come back to France and hopefully reunite with Nicolas. However, Katelyn is surprised that her term paper about Joan of Arc has been offered for a publishing deal. The publishing house wants Katelyn to write a prequel about her novel. Katelyn goes back to France to await her next mission. She is crushed when she learns that Nicolas has no recollection of her. Katelyn hopes that when they are reunited Nicolas’s feelings will be renewed. When Katelyn returns to the past in 1577, her enemy is planning another attack on Mont Saint Michel.

It was interesting to see how Katelyn has progressed in the series. I liked learning how going back in time has affected Katelyn. Katelyn has grown to be very mature. However, she seems to be distant from those around her in the present time like her family and friends. She is also heartbroken throughout most of the novel. Despite her emotional turmoil, Katelyn was still a very strong and intelligent character. I found her character growth to be the most interesting part of the trilogy and she was a very complex protagonist.

I found the relationship between Katelyn and Nicolas to be lacking. I really thought Nicolas having amnesia to be unnecessary. We had already established his character and his relationship with Katelyn in the first two books. Seeing him reestablishing his relationship with Katelyn felt redundant. I didn’t like seeing his character growth revert back to the beginning. Also, Nicolas and Katelyn were apart for half of the book, and it felt like their separation could have been more meaningful if Nicolas did retain his memories.

Overall, this book is about loss, love, and duty. Besides Katelyn, the other characters were not developed enough. The story was very slow-going. It takes almost half the book for Katelyn to travel back in time. The Secret of the Abbey was a worthy conclusion to The Watchmen Saga. I did like seeing what happened to Brother Thibault, and it tied up all loose ends. The books are very well-written, and I love learning about 15th century France. Thus, The Secret of the Abbey has enough adventure, action, romance, history, and a touch of mystery that will appeal to any reader. I recommend this trilogy for fans of The Outlander, The Rose Garden, and The Lady of Hay.
(Note: this book was given to me as part of a blog tour in exchange for an honest review.)

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having really enjoyed books one and two in this trilogy I couldn’t wait to get back into the exciting world of Watchman Katelyn Michaels, whose travels through time for her missions to save the abbey on Mont St Michel bring French history to life. Yet again Kathleen Perrin has filled in the gaps of my historical knowledge of France with her easy to understand descriptions, which always include plenty of drama to keep me turning the pages.

Katelyn is a great character, believable (despite her ability to travel through time), intelligent, strong and independent. This time she and Nicolas are sent to Mont St Michel in 1577 when France is being torn apart by religious differences. Katelyn finds her place in the male dominated era she arrives in, and proves yet again why she deserves to be a Watchman. This book also reveals to her why she, an 18-year-old American girl, was chosen for the important role as Watchman; answers she needed for the strange events that have occurred in her life since she first arrived on Mont St Michel as a reluctant tourist.

This book is action packed and full of real history woven into readable fiction. Emotions run high when Katelyn is reunited with Nicolas, who has lost all memory of her, the special bond between them and the work they have carried out together as Watchmen in the past. There are also plenty of heart stopping moments as she carries out her risky plans to save the abbey from destruction, often working in dangerous situations, alone and undercover.

I’m really quite sad to be leaving Mont St Michel and this series of books behind. Although written for young adult readers, they are perfect for anyone with an interest in French history, told with excitement and the fresh ideas of youth. If you haven’t yet read them, do take a closer look, but be warned, one book won’t be enough.

[Lisa Rector · Rating 3 out of 5]

You’ll still want to read this one...

I cannot tell you how I love and hate this series at the same time! The fictional story is artful and emotional. Truly brilliant. But the historical information is just too much. I did enjoy this period of history in that I recognized many of the names, such as Catherine De Medici, from the hit TV show Reign. That certainly helped a lot and pulled me into the story. But alas, I did skim most of the historical info. I would LOVE to see an abridged version of this novel and the two prior ones, with just the fictional story and an abbreviated history. Pull together every scene with Katelyn and Nicolas and all the ACTION—then this would be an unstoppable series. But, I must say, history buffs will love this and those wanting to learn about the history of the Mount will love this regardless.

And just when you think the story is too bogged down by historical information, the action starts again and it brilliant. Hang in there, especially past the lengthy beginning scenes of Katelyn’s actually getting to France. The story is a ride and is so worth it.

BUT, I love Katelyn’s love story and her adventures. All of it. From the very beginning novel to this one. I love her character. I love Nicolas. I always want more, more, more of them. Their interactions and will always surprise you. That is what I felt—surprise around every turn.

Katelyn is masterful at deception. And the way she holds herself calm and is able to think through a crisis is commendable. Her poise with Paul! Oh, wow!

Unfortunately the ending drags when you just want to get to the happily ever after. The author chooses to dump all the untied ends into an hour of reading. But rest assured. No stone is left unturned and the novel comes full circle.

Reader Rated for ages 14 + for mild violence.

[Paulita Kincer · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Secret of the Abbey by Kathleen C. Perrin is a blend of historical fiction and fantasy that really immerses the reader in France, specifically in Mont St. Michel, that historic icon in northwestern France.
This is book 3 in The Watchmen Saga, and I hadn't read the previous two books, but plenty of details were included to help me catch up in this latest novel.
Although the book is told from various viewpoints, the main character is Katelyn, an 18-year-old American, who has been chosen by the Archangel Michael to be one of the Watchmen to protect an ancient secret hidden in Mont St. Michel.
the secret-of-the-abbey coverAnd since Katelyn is chosen by the Archangel, things suddenly go her way. A writing project for school is made into a novel with a $25,000 advance. A French stranger dies and leaves her an exclusive inn on Mont St. Michel. Ahh, what a lovely fantasy. I can definitely get swept up in that.
But Katelyn's main conflict isn't in the present day, but with her fellow Watchman Nicolas. The two of them jump centuries, Nicolas from the 1400s and Katelyn from today to help save Mont St. Michel from the Catholic/Huguenot battles in the 16th century.
Sometimes the history is a bit dense, but overall I really enjoyed the suspense and the immersion into historical life. If I had the chance, I would definitely fit my key into the stone in Mont St. Michel and be transported back into time, just to see how it changes through the ages. The author did a wonderful job of capturing details so the reader can experience France throughout the centuries. It made me want to take another trip to Mont St. Michel.

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Kathleen Perrin certainly knows how to spin a yarn. And a great one, at that! The insights into the history of religion in France and, most especially, the history of Mount Saint Michel were great. Looking forward to a visit to the Mount in better weather than last time!

[Jim Umhofer · Rating 5 out of 5]

AWESOME SERIES

I thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Perrin's time travel series. The factual history made the fiction more believable. My only disappointment was that it ended.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Suspenseful and satisfying ending to a wonderful YA historical novel on 15th France. Awesome blend of fantasy, where old and modern combine to teach great life lessons.

my full review is here:
https://wordsandpeace.com/2017/08/23/...