Bride Tree

Secrets of Versailles #2

by J.P. Robinson

The year is 1789. France is reeling under the impact of a civil war between its social classes. When a secret agent from Rome joins forces with a vindictive politician bent on revenge, the stage is set for an explosive outcome that will shake the country to its core.

Meanwhile, Queen Marie-Antoinette engages the help of her lady-in-waiting, Viviane de Lussan, in a desperate battle to keep her throne... and her head. But how can she win a struggle she seems fated to lose?

Amid the chaos of the revolution, Viviane's heart is torn between a nobleman who sacrifices everything for her and a peasant who promises true freedom.

Saturated with suspense and lavish detail, this historical thriller will grab you by the heart and never let go.

Genres: Historical Fiction

432 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 30, 2018

About the author

JP Robinson is a Black author of historical fiction. A former pastor and educator, JP seamlessly fuses relatable situations with rich, authentic depictions of the past. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in English and French and a Master’s degree in Education. JP’s novels have been praised by industry leaders such as Publishers Weekly and repeatedly secured the #1 spot on Amazon’s historical thrillers category. With origins in journalism, JP writes for Focus on the Family and has been published by Guideposts.

He is a frequent guest speaker at writers conferences as well as radio programs. JP has been married for over 18 years to the love of his life with whom he has three children.

Reviews

[J.P. Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The beauty of Bride Tree is that, in reading it, the reader can see two incredibly powerful stories. Its various layers portray a story of individual redemption but also allegorically chronicle a greater story: that of the Church.

The dark period of the French Revolution provides a vivid bedding ground for the intrigue, romance, and cries for social justice that permeate the novel while the pressure induced by the glamor and sensuality of Marie-Antoinette's court are elements to which most modern readers will be able to relate.

The sequel, When Stars Burn Down, will wrap up the story of Bride Tree's characters.

[Emma Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad I got to read BrideTree as I got to read Twiceborn before.

My first thought upon finishing it was: 'Wow!'

As with Twiceborn {the book right before this one}, I liked the setting right off. I have always liked the french revolution.

Okay, so maybe 'liked' is the wrong word! The french revolution was very dark, and can be depressing in general.

But with BrideTree--you see the light clearly from the darkness. I liked how even from the prologue the light is clearly defined and I like how you did that right off.

It sort of set the tone/beat for the entire story following. Another thing the beginning did in my mind is confuse me a little. I wasn't quite sure what was going on and why. But I think it worked in the story's favor because as I got into the actual chapters I was looking around for the characters I'd just read about in the prologue.

When I was first introduced to Viviene--my initial thought was that she had a hunger for truth --but wasn't grounded.

I loved how her character developed through the story. I was devastated as she made mistakes, and cheered when she made good decisions.

I enjoyed the complexity of some of the characters, particularly one man who is almost certainly evil, but has a gentle streak.

The plot is a winner! Intriguing and suspenseful--- you will be wondering what will happen next.

The character development was excellent! I loved how the characters start a certain way and then go to a middle ground of change and then arrive where they are at the story's end. Life is a roller coaster of change and it makes everything more realistic if they change with the times.

If you want to sit on the edge of your seat in anticipation, you NEED to read this book!!!!


*An excited reader wrote this. Opinions are my own.

[ChristianReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author JP Robinson delivers a fast-paced, intense, and exciting novel in BrideTree! From start to finish, he draws you in and you won’t be able to put the book down.

It is set during the French Revolution, where the fate of monarchs and the rich are sealed at the guillotine. Robinson uses this time period of unrest to weave a brilliant story that is both impressive and historically accurate. He gives lavish description of the beauty of the Palace of Versailles, where the royal family resides and a very real look into the lives of those who are considered members of the third estate (the poor class).

The cast within the story are unforgettable! It is through their choices, misconduct, growth, and sacrifices that the reader can easily connect to them and learn from them. There are those who seek love, those who are misguided, and those who have their own political agendas. As the book progresses, the reader comes to understand the reasoning behind each characters motives and their willingness to do either good or evil.

With biblical allegories, JP presents an OUSTANDING christian historical thriller that really does “grab you by the heart and never let go.”

_________________________

This is a personal and honest review of BrideTree.

[Ginger Pollard · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won this book from Goodreads. Thank you, Goodreads. The best thing about this book is it's beautiful cover, sadly. I love reading about the French, Versailles and Queen Marie-Antoinette. I thought this would be a good read. It's part two of a trilogy, but this book can stand alone. Maybe if I had read book one I might have liked it more. Given time I might go back and read book one. I so much wanted this story to work! I could cry! If I do get time and read book one, I'll let you know and maybe I can give it a better review.

[Catherine · Rating 1 out of 5]

WARNING: THIS BOOK CLAIMS TO BE A CHRISTIAN NOVEL BUT IT'S FORM OF CHRISTIANITY IS VERY NARROW MINDED AND HATE FILLED. IF YOU ARE NOT A GRACER, YOU PROBABLY DO NOT WANT TO READ THIS BOOK.
What was good about the book: the author did a good job of fitting his fiction into historical events which actually happened. I couldn't help but think that there was a lot of untapped potential in this book. I kept waiting for something to blossom but it never happened.
The characters were bland. So much could be done with Marie-Antoinette but in this book, she barely qualifies as a seductress or a schemer. Robespierre is nothing more than a psychotic stalker. Points to the author for including Lafayette but he's only in this to be a last-minute hero.
Then there are the author's characters.
Alexandre is an assassin who was created by the evil Catholic Church to specifically cause a revolution to wipe out the French royal family and replace it with a theocrasy which the assassin will then rule for the glory of Rome. Obviously the Catholic Church has been trying to control people with Ordinances for centuries and they have been forced to do something drastic to keep in control. (Yeah, I believe that one.)
Phillippe is a made-up royal who is so much better than all the other aristocracy because he is a Protestant and only a Protestant could truly care about the people. (Would you like a list of Protestant leaders who would disprove that theory?) He's such a good man because he is spiritual not religious--you know, like Pagens.
Vivian doesn't even count as cardboard. No, I don't believe she was a commoner with a duchess for a cousin. No, I don't believe she was the center of a love triangle. No, I don't believe she was a good Christian girl before she got to Versailles. No, I don't think she could ever be that important to Marie-Antoinette. No, I don't believe she was corrupted by court. No, I don't believe she was in lust with Alexander. No, I don't believe she was in love with Phillipe. No, I don't think she ever thought anything through. No, I did not really care what happened to her.
It turns out that Solome, the prostitute revolutionary, was the most interesting character. All the women in this are really sex objects but it at least it makes sense for her, after all the years of abuse she endured, to fall for the first man who treats her semi-decently. I found it interesting that the Protestant gets the redeemed "good girl" and the Catholic gets the "bad girl".
I was going to give this two stars but there was the ending. The story ends but there is still 20% left. At this point it started getting really preachy and I ain't the choir. I found it kind of nauseating. I started skimming to see if there were any important parts left. I don't want to give away spoilers but Alexandre gets redeemed because he denounces the Catholic Church. IT DOESN'T WORK THAT WAY.
Sex is offscreen. Violence is mostly offscreen. Emotions are offscreen.

[A.M. Heath · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Thoughts: I found the concept behind Bride Tree to be extremely interesting. Robinson’s choice to use alternative history (which in a nutshell uses real historical setting and some historical events while changing other events or the timeline to suit the story) really paid off. It gave him room to change things as needed in order to keep the reader guessing and offer the story even more possibilities.
There were some of the characters who could have been written with more depth. But the spiritual content was the real highlight here. His spiritual angle was spot on! In many ways, I was often reminded of The Holy War by John Bunyan. He shared an amazing picture of how our fallen hearts are often led astray by the sinful temptations offered by Satan, and likewise how Christ draws us back to Himself with unmatched beauty and contentment. There was also a clear picture of Christ’s sacrifice as well as His fickle acceptance while here on earth.

I do want to give a slight warning. There were adult topics on the table, but it was never graphic or displayed in detail. It was always only alluded to or mentioned by name. Those who are familiar with the French Revolution will also understand the extremely violent nature of the setting. For those who aren’t familiar, you should know up front that this one includes a great deal more bloodshed. All that being said, there was a balance of honest human behavior and carefully crafted descriptions at work here. It was almost as if Robinson had decided to be just blunt and open about what happens but at the same time without going into further detail.
For me personally, as a conservative reader, I liked this type of balance. I struggle more when the author shares moment by moment details (or feelings and sensations if we’re speaking of sensual moments).

Rating and Recommendations: I give Bride Tree a solid 4 stars. If you enjoy the French Revolution or allegories, I think you’ll want to give this one a try.

~ I received a copy from the author. All thoughts are my own. I was not compensated for this review or required to give a favorable one.

[Nadine Keels · Rating 3 out of 5]

Set against the backdrop of the French Revolution is a tale of conspiracy, divided loyalties, calamity, and sacrifice in Bride Tree, a novel by author JP Robinson.

Together with this tumultuous period in France’s history, it was this novel’s striking cover that most captured my interest. It’s mysterious, layered, and lavish, with color that pops, and the cunning stare from the notorious Queen of France, Marie Antoinette, promises intrigue. It’s a promise the author delivers on in this historical thriller. Robinson has a clear talent for weaving an intricate plot, along with a bold flair for the dramatic.

I must say, though, that it’s one of the darkest and most gruesome books I’ve ever read to the end. It’s not that I never finish books that are on the darker or heavier side, and I have a fairly high tolerance for violence, especially in thrillers and war stories. But it takes more light to better offset the darkness for me, whether it’s an inspiring mission driving the storyline, relatable characters I’m rooting for, or something in that vein.

This tale affected me as a Shakespearean tragedy would. The majority of the cast didn’t quite come to feel like real people to me, beyond being characters in a drama. Villains and vixens rather dominate the novel, and although there are moments of justice and compassion, evil and twisted schemes take up the greater share of the story and control the overall tone. There’s gallantry in the key romance, but it doesn’t feel like an equal match, as the couple’s strength is mostly one-sided. I also found the novel’s ending to be unfortunate, as after such a heavy journey, the story cuts off in the middle of action with a cliffhanger.

Nevertheless, while it’s second in the Secrets of Versailles series, I didn’t feel lost as I read it. And aside from maybe a scene or two, this dense, intense novel kept my attention all the way through.
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I received a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.

[Pegboard · Rating 5 out of 5]

J.P. Robinson begins Bride Tree with Pope Clement XIV commissioning twelve-year-old, Fabio (aka Alexandre) to a life of deceit and destruction. His mission is to destroy the Bourbon rule of King Louis of France. All this so the Catholic church can step in and rule France. Shunned by the child bride, Marie-Antoinette, Maximilian is determined that she will be the door of the king’s destruction. Meanwhile, Philippe de Valence, also twelve, secretly visits a renown preacher, John Wesley, under a disguise and has a spiritual experience that the Catholic church would frown upon. This just sets the plot, for twenty years later the characters are in place and the key person, Viviane de Lussan, enters Paris. Her near death allows her to see the turmoil the working class face as they struggle just to eat, while the queen is uncontrollable in her spending. Salome blames all aristocrats for the death of her brother and unites influential men who wish for a change in government. Will Viviane yield to spying on Queen Marie-Antoinette and to whom will this information benefit?
 
I found the Bride Tree, by J.P. Robinson, a fascinating historical fiction. I will never view France’s monarchy the same as the author forms an intriguing plot about their lives. The multiple characters give this novel a depth and variety from many walks of life. Each person has a unique personality and goal which overlaps in the destruction of the king and queen. The treatment of the poorer class is sad, while the upper class are vile and deceptive. Robinson gives a realistic view of what this time period would have faced and the need for change when those governing does not have the best interest of the people in mind. An enchanting romance, woven with espionage, and power struggle will keep any historical fan charmed and mesmerized.   

Review written by Peggy Jo Wipf for Readers' Favorite.

[Claire]

I received Bride Tree as part of a Goodreads giveaway.

On the brink of the French Revolution, Viviane, a poor girl with a strain of noble blood, is summoned by her wealthy cousin to Versailles and becomes a lady in waiting to Queen Marie Antoinette. Her first foray into Paris society, however, brings her into contact with two powerful and possible dangerous men--Alexandre, a street urchin turned revolutionary whose motives may not be totally pure and Philippe, a nobleman with close royal ties who nevertheless feels drawn to the plight of the poor. Caught between two worlds, Viviane is drawn into the conniving of both revolutionaries and royals, and soon finds that her life, and the lives of all who she holds dear, may be forfeit.

While the storyline was somewhat entertaining, I guess that, given that the book incorporated real historical figures (rather than purely fictional characters existing in some [real] historical time), I would have preferred more historical accuracy. The Catholic Church had nothing to do with the overthrow of the French monarchy (and believe me, as a former Catholic, I have no great love for the institution--why not look at take any of the other horrors the Church committed and use it as the basis for a book?). And Marie Antoinette and Robespierre in an affair--what? Like, there's stretching facts and there's outright making absurd stuff up. And while it's an author's right to make absurd stuff up, it's not what I personally like to read when I sit down with a book marked as historical fiction. Also the light Protestant Christianity sprinkled throughout was a turnoff, just because I'm not a religious person and there was no indication that this would be a religious book. All of these factors made Bride Tree a miss for me.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bride Tree “Secrets of Versailles” Book II by J.P. Robinson is an epic tale of Queen Marie-Antoinette during 1789, when France is reeling from a civil war between its social classes.
Bride Tree is a story filled with French history, action, romance, betrayal, suspense, and allegory. Characters stretch across the social classes. Some I hated, some I loved, and some I had mixed feelings for. I identified with some of the characters, found it hard to understand others, and pitied others. I cheered for some of the characters. I laughed and cried. To me, that is the mark of a great story — it grabbed my emotions and touched my heart. The characters of Bride Tree will forever remain dear to my heart.

I also love the cover of this book. I find it beautiful and eye-catching.

I highly recommend Bride Tree to adults who love to read historical stories, especially epic accounts. I recommend Bride Tree to adults who like to be emotionally gripped by a book and who enjoy a book that keeps you turning pages — a book you just can’t put down.

This book may also be appropriate for some young adults, but, a word of caution: this book contains some graphic violence and some sexual scenes and innuendo.

[Laurin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bride Tree is a completely different take on the seeds and the growth of the French Revolution than I’ve ever read before. Robinson took some of the most influential people of the Revolution and gave them new life, new stories, new intrigues. The tale is rife with fascinating detail and brimming with a wealth of characters.
However, this was one of those reads that seemed to me to go on forever…and not in a good way. It was tough for me to get behind any of the many characters and cheer them on or really want to know how things turn out for them, because I couldn’t seem to drum up enough sympathy for any of them. Things do, though, come together in the end, so I was glad that I stuck it out.
Bride Tree was an interesting read, but I just can’t call it a great one. If you really like historical fiction, give it a go. If you’re a student of French history, though, you might actually want to skip this one, since he takes a lot of libertés with the truth (it is, after all, fiction). Or you may enjoy picking out all of the ways he changed history to fit his plot 🙂
I did receive a digital copy of this novel from the author for review purposes. I was not required to give a positive review. All opinions are my very own! 🙂

[Eileen Iciek · Rating 2 out of 5]

I won this book on Goodreads, but I'm sorry I did. In the opening pages the author has the evil pope conspiring to get rid of the Bourbon kings of France by sending a sleeper agent in. Really? During the counter Reformation when the Catholic Church was trying to turn back the tides of Protestantism, the pope had such a hatred of the Catholic French king that he was going to have him murdered? Not likely. (A smaller issue was the pope calling the French king "Louis Capet", which was something he wasn't called until the French Revolution, and wasn't an accurate appellation even then.)

Then we switch to England where a Frenchman and his son sneak into a service held by the saintly John Wesley. Personally, I think a Frenchman would have stood out like a sore thumb in an English church, but I can forget that oddity. But at least the scene provided some clarity as to the purpose of this novel: Catholics are evil, Protestants are saints.

The best thing about this book was the cover.

[Melinda M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bride Tree by J.P. Robinson is the second book in Secrets of Versailles secrets. It is set in 1789 in France during the French Revolution. It has class warfare, spies, suspense and a little romance. J. P. Robinson gives great attention to detail. It is a little darker than anything that I really like to read. It is accurate to details and historical facts with an interesting story.
I received a copy thru a Goodreads Giveaway.

[TheReadingCornerforAll Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This has to be one of the better historical fiction novels featuring the controversial Queen Marie-Antoinette and her lady-in-waiting, Viviane de Lussan. It's evident Robinson spent a great amount of time researching the time period, historical, political, and socio-economical background of the era to establish a convincing background.