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The Huguenot Chronicles #1-3
The Huguenot Connection Trilogy
A family torn apart. A king with an iron fist. Will their faith be strong enough to survive persecution and reunite?
3 books. 700+ pages of harrowing, historical adventure!
Jeanne is the wife of a wealthy merchant, but now she risks losing everything. Louis XIV's soldiers will stop at nothing to forcibly convert the country's Protestants. The men ransack Jeanne's belongings and threaten her children.
If Jeanne and Jacob can't find a way to evade the soldiers' clutches, their family will face a fate far worse than poverty and imprisonment. They may never see each other again...
The Huguenot Chronicles is a gripping historical drama that spans continents, from King Louis’s France to the Caribbean, and from London to colonial New York. If you like fast-paced adventure, vivid depictions of the past, and heartfelt tales of love and loyalty, then you'll love Paul C.R. Monk's emotional saga.
Buy The Huguenot Chronicles to start a compelling, cross-continental journey through the 17th century today!
If Jeanne and Jacob can't find a way to evade the soldiers' clutches, their family will face a fate far worse than poverty and imprisonment. They may never see each other again...
The Huguenot Chronicles is a gripping historical drama that spans continents, from King Louis’s France to the Caribbean, and from London to colonial New York. If you like fast-paced adventure, vivid depictions of the past, and heartfelt tales of love and loyalty, then you'll love Paul C.R. Monk's emotional saga.
Buy The Huguenot Chronicles to start a compelling, cross-continental journey through the 17th century today!
836 pages, Paperback
Published November 18, 2020
5378 people are currently reading
2552 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 184 reviews
January 11, 2020
I could not finish this even though the story line was interesting. The author needs to take a writing 101 class as even though this is a YA novel, it is so poorly written that it is an insult to even a ten year old reader. I am happy I was given this book as had I bought it, I would be furious at the waste of money.
February 14, 2019
A Historical Novel of Epic Proportions.
I really enjoyed this trilogy. I had to rush through more than half of it as I had borrowed it on a free trial of Kindle Unli. Ited, therefore I literally stayed up for days and nights in order to complete it on the final day of my trial. It was certainly worth the effort. I haven't read many historical novels, particularly about this period in time, although I have a great interest in it. The trilogy held my attention throughout, with only a very tiny part of one episode which wasn't of quite as much interest to me as the rest of the subject matter. I wish I could recall all of the words that I would use to. Describe this story, it was exciting, frightening to imagine that events such as the ones taking place here really did happen to some people, romantic, educational and funny. I could've imagined 2 people writing the story, one male and one female, I will let you read it to ascertain to which I would give particular chapters. I would love to see this made into a film, one of the great Epics such as Dr Zhivago, this is how much this story has impressed me. Please read and andjoy, you won't regret it.
I really enjoyed this trilogy. I had to rush through more than half of it as I had borrowed it on a free trial of Kindle Unli. Ited, therefore I literally stayed up for days and nights in order to complete it on the final day of my trial. It was certainly worth the effort. I haven't read many historical novels, particularly about this period in time, although I have a great interest in it. The trilogy held my attention throughout, with only a very tiny part of one episode which wasn't of quite as much interest to me as the rest of the subject matter. I wish I could recall all of the words that I would use to. Describe this story, it was exciting, frightening to imagine that events such as the ones taking place here really did happen to some people, romantic, educational and funny. I could've imagined 2 people writing the story, one male and one female, I will let you read it to ascertain to which I would give particular chapters. I would love to see this made into a film, one of the great Epics such as Dr Zhivago, this is how much this story has impressed me. Please read and andjoy, you won't regret it.
October 23, 2018
An exciting story ; a great family saga
Really enjoyed reading the trilogy. Part of my ancestry is French Huguenot. The family name was Witte and they went to the Netherlands. Eventually some of the family migrated to the U. S. My grandfather changed his name to White . I am interested in learning more about my. background. I found the story to be very compelling and a great read.
Really enjoyed reading the trilogy. Part of my ancestry is French Huguenot. The family name was Witte and they went to the Netherlands. Eventually some of the family migrated to the U. S. My grandfather changed his name to White . I am interested in learning more about my. background. I found the story to be very compelling and a great read.
October 2, 2018
I have really enjoyed reading The Huguenot Connection Trilogy! Though not usually the genre that I choose to read, I am so glad I gave the first one more than just a glance. This series is a very interesting account of one family's experience of religious persecution. I found myself admiring their steadfast faith and cheering for their resolve. Although a fictional account, these novels nonetheless do justice to a very unsettling time in Christian history – and what trying times early Christians faced! It is very apparent that this series was well-researched as the details really make the story come alive. Mr. Monk writes with much description so that it is easy to envision the struggles as well as the joys of this family. He effectively captures and keeps the reader's attention during the books. Very well-written with excellent character and plot development. . If you enjoy historical fiction, especially early Christian history, I would highly recommend you take the time to read this series.
August 29, 2024
I know the Quercy and Rouergue regions that featured at the beginning of the book and have visited several museums that focussed on the dreaded dragonnades designed to rid France of Protestants (also known as Huguenots). This allowed me to imagine the settings very well. I have one quibble - Montauban could not have had a Rue Soubirous in the 17th century since it was named in honour of Bernadette Soubirous, the peasant girl who had visions of the Virgin Mary in Lourdes in the 19th century.
I was interested in the journey taken by Jeanne and her son, Paul, to escape retribution. However, halfway through the second volume of the trilogy, my interest in the story as a whole began to flag and I had to drag myself through volume three, hoping it would improve. Instead, it all began to feel very contrived and very foreseeable.
Moreover, I didn't feel that the book as a whole was particularly well-written.
So, three stars from me, since there are no half-stars that would have enabled me to give it 2 1/2.
I was interested in the journey taken by Jeanne and her son, Paul, to escape retribution. However, halfway through the second volume of the trilogy, my interest in the story as a whole began to flag and I had to drag myself through volume three, hoping it would improve. Instead, it all began to feel very contrived and very foreseeable.
Moreover, I didn't feel that the book as a whole was particularly well-written.
So, three stars from me, since there are no half-stars that would have enabled me to give it 2 1/2.
September 30, 2022
My American ancestor, Isaac LeFevre, the first white settler in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, was the only member of his family to escape martyrdom in Strasbourg, France, for his Protestant faith at the repeal of the Edict of Nantes in 1685. For that reason, I was attracted to this trilogy. This enduring love story between Jacob and Jeanne, French Huguenots who would not renounce their Protestant faith and endured multiple hardships, was not only inspiring, it gave me insight into the atrocities and suffering imposed on these courageous Huguenots because they believed they should be allowed to choose what to believe and and how they should worship God. Stripped of their homes, their wealth, and even their children, yet they endured. I couldn't put it down until the conclusion. A must read, and a love story to remember.
September 10, 2022
Intriguing
I seldom read series but the first book intrigued me. A little long and repetitions in spots but certainly touches upon many major events and describes major cities of the times. Seems historically authentic.
I seldom read series but the first book intrigued me. A little long and repetitions in spots but certainly touches upon many major events and describes major cities of the times. Seems historically authentic.
May 9, 2022
I loved this book. Excellent historical fiction depicting a tragic period in European history when Huguenot Protestants were stripped of their possessions and driven into exile by a Catholic king in France. The husband is imprisoned and sent into slavery (among other things) and the wife flees northward. Follow their plight as they face everything from illness to pirates to treacherous thieves—all while trying to find their way back to one another to restore their family.
November 16, 2019
Wonderful book
This set of three books is about the French Huguenots ( French Protestants) in France in the 17th century. Their stories are about fleeing from or being ejected from France by the French king who was Catholic. Very good character and location descriptions everywhere in the set of books. I recommend this book to everyone.
This set of three books is about the French Huguenots ( French Protestants) in France in the 17th century. Their stories are about fleeing from or being ejected from France by the French king who was Catholic. Very good character and location descriptions everywhere in the set of books. I recommend this book to everyone.
October 28, 2024
First book was interesting and informative. Could not finish the second. For some reason the author decided to go unnecessarily lusty as though the true story of the Huguenots isn’t exciting enough. If it actually happened then so be it. But why the details and especially in historical Christian fiction!
March 1, 2025
Really good, especially the second and third books. I learned a lot of history that I was previously ignorant of. I will never again take for granted my right to worship as I choose, in a country where everyone else also enjoys that right. I recommend the audiobook. If I had been reading it I probably wouldn’t have continued. The first book is rather dry and it ends abruptly. If you enjoy historical fiction you’ll enjoy these books.
January 30, 2025
I certainly learnt some history about European religious persecution.
September 5, 2020
Exceptional book from start to finish. Hard to put down. Hard to believe Christians can be so cruel to each other.
January 21, 2025
Enthralling read! In the style of Dumas, a story of French Huguenots.
I couldn't put this one down! I've written two novels about my own Huguenot ancestor, Jean Pierre Bondurant, and this novel was right in line, transporting me to the late 17th century to experience the life and times of these persecuted people. Written in a style similar to Dumas' "The Count of Monte Cristo" or "The Three Musketeers", once the story gets started and the stage is set, there is drama and excitement at every turn. The author's in-depth character development had me emotionally involved with Jeanne and Jacob right through to the end. I hear there is a sequel and I am really excited for it.
I couldn't put this one down! I've written two novels about my own Huguenot ancestor, Jean Pierre Bondurant, and this novel was right in line, transporting me to the late 17th century to experience the life and times of these persecuted people. Written in a style similar to Dumas' "The Count of Monte Cristo" or "The Three Musketeers", once the story gets started and the stage is set, there is drama and excitement at every turn. The author's in-depth character development had me emotionally involved with Jeanne and Jacob right through to the end. I hear there is a sequel and I am really excited for it.
January 26, 2021
When you get into the story, it is pretty interesting, but there is ALOT of archaic vocabulary. I am quite well-read, and have a Masters in Educational Psychology, and I looked up about 4-5 words per page. Distracting. About the Catholic expulsion/conversion/enslavement of the Huegenots in France. Story is good, but so medieval that unless you are very familiar with that era, a little hard to follow. Not an easy read. Still about halfway through the first book. Still reading, but.... not sure I will last.
July 9, 2021
Wrong ending.
The ending of the book through me for a loop. I assumed that he would gather the family and settle in America. It seemed to me that he ran out of steam and ended the book
prematurely. He developed the characters in New York and throw them aside. Maybe there will be a sequel staged
in New Rochelle.
The ending of the book through me for a loop. I assumed that he would gather the family and settle in America. It seemed to me that he ran out of steam and ended the book
prematurely. He developed the characters in New York and throw them aside. Maybe there will be a sequel staged
in New Rochelle.
February 5, 2021
This trilogy covers about 12 years of a very important period in both European history as well as the Reformation era.
Some military action, quite a few periods of danger and tribulation for this family of staunch French Huguenot Protestants that refuse to deny their faith for the sake of retaining wealth and property, and even possibly their very lives.
Forcibly separated and driven from their native lands, the father is sentenced to slavery aboard a French vessel. Then he is sold, or "indentured" to a privateer ship.
Their daughters are torn away from them and forced to live in a Roman Catholic school setting that would brook no Protestant nonsense.
The mother is driven into hiding in the home of a lowly weaver, where the high-born but humble woman learns the art of weaving. Eventually she is driven from there but is reunited with her son, a lad of about 9 years, and together they make their way to Amsterdam and then to Geneva, the spiritual "home" of their Calvinistic faith. But alas, even that had to come to an end, and the mother and son make their way to London, where they hope to eventually reunite with their father & husband and daughters.
No more! To learn about all their travails, and how the end is played out, you simply MUST read the books.
I had a couple of quibbles that held me back from a full 5 stars. The first and most important issue that I have is that as this book is all about the trials and tribulations of a group of Protestants severely persecuted by a power-mad Roman Catholic hierarchy, yet very very little is said about the beliefs they hold. Beliefs that they were so committed to that they willingly, even joyfully, gave up every thing they had for the sake of them. Perhaps it is the Calvinist Christian in me saying this, but I would have much preferred that at least some attention was paid to this issue.
Another quibble I have is with character development. The protagonists are drawn very well. The antagonists not so much. The Huguenot family, especially the parents, are portrayed as so noble yet quite humble, so brave, so *good* they almost make one's teeth hurt, as my mother used to say. There is nary a hint of any waywardness that is the lot of all men, derived from the "total depravity", the "sin nature", that we are all born with. As my mother also was wont to say, these folks wouldn't say "shit" if they stepped in it. The closest thing to a fault was that the mother had a bit of a temper that occasionally escaped. A little more of this kind of thing, spread around, would have made these people a little more "real", so to speak.
Likewise, the antagonists are mostly all one-sided. In reality, even the most evil of mankind are born with not only a depraved sinful nature, they are also born carrying the very image of God. But in these books, any semblance of that aspect of their nature is very rare. I would have liked to see a bit more of the "humanity" that lies within.
With those things said, I still would highly recommend this series. Go for it! I mean this!
Some military action, quite a few periods of danger and tribulation for this family of staunch French Huguenot Protestants that refuse to deny their faith for the sake of retaining wealth and property, and even possibly their very lives.
Forcibly separated and driven from their native lands, the father is sentenced to slavery aboard a French vessel. Then he is sold, or "indentured" to a privateer ship.
Their daughters are torn away from them and forced to live in a Roman Catholic school setting that would brook no Protestant nonsense.
The mother is driven into hiding in the home of a lowly weaver, where the high-born but humble woman learns the art of weaving. Eventually she is driven from there but is reunited with her son, a lad of about 9 years, and together they make their way to Amsterdam and then to Geneva, the spiritual "home" of their Calvinistic faith. But alas, even that had to come to an end, and the mother and son make their way to London, where they hope to eventually reunite with their father & husband and daughters.
No more! To learn about all their travails, and how the end is played out, you simply MUST read the books.
I had a couple of quibbles that held me back from a full 5 stars. The first and most important issue that I have is that as this book is all about the trials and tribulations of a group of Protestants severely persecuted by a power-mad Roman Catholic hierarchy, yet very very little is said about the beliefs they hold. Beliefs that they were so committed to that they willingly, even joyfully, gave up every thing they had for the sake of them. Perhaps it is the Calvinist Christian in me saying this, but I would have much preferred that at least some attention was paid to this issue.
Another quibble I have is with character development. The protagonists are drawn very well. The antagonists not so much. The Huguenot family, especially the parents, are portrayed as so noble yet quite humble, so brave, so *good* they almost make one's teeth hurt, as my mother used to say. There is nary a hint of any waywardness that is the lot of all men, derived from the "total depravity", the "sin nature", that we are all born with. As my mother also was wont to say, these folks wouldn't say "shit" if they stepped in it. The closest thing to a fault was that the mother had a bit of a temper that occasionally escaped. A little more of this kind of thing, spread around, would have made these people a little more "real", so to speak.
Likewise, the antagonists are mostly all one-sided. In reality, even the most evil of mankind are born with not only a depraved sinful nature, they are also born carrying the very image of God. But in these books, any semblance of that aspect of their nature is very rare. I would have liked to see a bit more of the "humanity" that lies within.
With those things said, I still would highly recommend this series. Go for it! I mean this!
April 2, 2025
Episodic historical saga. Strong on events, weaker on characters.
The background of theological/political upheaval across Western Europe in this period is an interesting one, and the trials and tribulations of the fleeing Huguenots touch many different milieu across the globe, making for an entertaining family saga.
The books are so episodic that i suspect they were written with an eye to translation for a TV series (the three books being three series), other than that i cant see why The Chronicles are 3 books.
For me, the background is strong but the narrative is weakened by the thinly rendered characters. A lot happens to the protagonist, but apart from the strength is his faith and his desire to behave in accordance with his principles we don’t get to really know who he is, no real crisis of faith even, despite the horrors he witnesses. The only character who really comes to life is his wife Jan, and then only while she is working for a low rent woman in London. Her annoyance at the servitude does at least make her a more rounded person and more relatable.
I am a harsh judge, especially having recently read Henry James and the like, but the lack of density of writing about the inner lives of the Huguenots made this a bit lightweight for me. What i learned about the history was engaging, but the characters seemed merely to be ciphers to tell events. And this limited my enjoyment overall.
Finally, the narrator was another male actor who insists on adopting his idea of ‘a female voice’ for the female characters. Often making them almost seem like caricatures. If it’s a well written female voice, it is not necessary to create a ‘female’ sounding voice. The voice will be female because of its source.
In addition, the adoption of ‘working class’ voices, seemingly out of episodes of the UK TV Soap Eastenders for various characters supposedly in a French town hundreds of years ago was just odd. I realise it is no leas authentic than speaking english with a french accent, but I would have preferred that for time and place.
If you liked the Aga Saga’s of the 70s and 80s this may appeal. If you are interested in the story of the Huguenot exodus this will interest you. If you seek a literary experience it will disappoint.
The background of theological/political upheaval across Western Europe in this period is an interesting one, and the trials and tribulations of the fleeing Huguenots touch many different milieu across the globe, making for an entertaining family saga.
The books are so episodic that i suspect they were written with an eye to translation for a TV series (the three books being three series), other than that i cant see why The Chronicles are 3 books.
For me, the background is strong but the narrative is weakened by the thinly rendered characters. A lot happens to the protagonist, but apart from the strength is his faith and his desire to behave in accordance with his principles we don’t get to really know who he is, no real crisis of faith even, despite the horrors he witnesses. The only character who really comes to life is his wife Jan, and then only while she is working for a low rent woman in London. Her annoyance at the servitude does at least make her a more rounded person and more relatable.
I am a harsh judge, especially having recently read Henry James and the like, but the lack of density of writing about the inner lives of the Huguenots made this a bit lightweight for me. What i learned about the history was engaging, but the characters seemed merely to be ciphers to tell events. And this limited my enjoyment overall.
Finally, the narrator was another male actor who insists on adopting his idea of ‘a female voice’ for the female characters. Often making them almost seem like caricatures. If it’s a well written female voice, it is not necessary to create a ‘female’ sounding voice. The voice will be female because of its source.
In addition, the adoption of ‘working class’ voices, seemingly out of episodes of the UK TV Soap Eastenders for various characters supposedly in a French town hundreds of years ago was just odd. I realise it is no leas authentic than speaking english with a french accent, but I would have preferred that for time and place.
If you liked the Aga Saga’s of the 70s and 80s this may appeal. If you are interested in the story of the Huguenot exodus this will interest you. If you seek a literary experience it will disappoint.
May 27, 2021
France, 1685. Louis XIV has brazenly revoked his grandfather Henry IV’s treaty, which had granted Protestants substantial residential and religious rights. Now the King is determined to unite the nation in one Church – by force, if necessary. A period of persecution of Huguenots commences.
Will the wealthy Delpech family recant their faith and convert to Catholicism? Never! But their attempts at evading the brutal dragoons fail. Banished as a slave, Jacob endures a perilous transatlantic crossing, ending in the sugar plantations of the Caribbean. Jeanne sees no alternative than to entrust her sister with the care of eleven-year-old Elizabeth, Paul, seven, two-year-old Louise and baby Isabelle, and risk the dangerous journey to Geneva and safety.
Unexpected political developments in Europe. Will William of Orange conquer his wife’s Catholic father, King James II, and become the new King of England? If he does, would this offer the family Delpech the possibility of a peaceful new life together, after so many years of separation?
Jeanne is struggling to survive in freezing Switzerland. Should she risk the dangerous journey to England? What about her children? Jacob, having managed to escape from the cruel Caribbean pirates, has been asked to join other Huguenot settlers founding New Rochelle outside the burgeoning city of New York. Could his family somehow join him there? Or should he try for a risky passage back across the Atlantic? What if he gets caught up in the war? Would his pacifist convictions allow him to fight for his faith, if necessary?
Based on true events, this dramatic trilogy is both an extremely well-researched, sobering history lesson and a vivid study of the character and motives of sincere believers encountering the brutal realities of a world ravaged by religious fanaticism and callous profiteering.
Before launching into this epic story, it is advisable to read the short prequel, available as a free novella or audiobook, which introduces the family and sets the scene.
Will the wealthy Delpech family recant their faith and convert to Catholicism? Never! But their attempts at evading the brutal dragoons fail. Banished as a slave, Jacob endures a perilous transatlantic crossing, ending in the sugar plantations of the Caribbean. Jeanne sees no alternative than to entrust her sister with the care of eleven-year-old Elizabeth, Paul, seven, two-year-old Louise and baby Isabelle, and risk the dangerous journey to Geneva and safety.
Unexpected political developments in Europe. Will William of Orange conquer his wife’s Catholic father, King James II, and become the new King of England? If he does, would this offer the family Delpech the possibility of a peaceful new life together, after so many years of separation?
Jeanne is struggling to survive in freezing Switzerland. Should she risk the dangerous journey to England? What about her children? Jacob, having managed to escape from the cruel Caribbean pirates, has been asked to join other Huguenot settlers founding New Rochelle outside the burgeoning city of New York. Could his family somehow join him there? Or should he try for a risky passage back across the Atlantic? What if he gets caught up in the war? Would his pacifist convictions allow him to fight for his faith, if necessary?
Based on true events, this dramatic trilogy is both an extremely well-researched, sobering history lesson and a vivid study of the character and motives of sincere believers encountering the brutal realities of a world ravaged by religious fanaticism and callous profiteering.
Before launching into this epic story, it is advisable to read the short prequel, available as a free novella or audiobook, which introduces the family and sets the scene.
September 16, 2021
On my mother’s side of the family lineage were the Chenaults - French Huguenots.
I am 71 years old. My mother (Ann Bates Stoup) left this world when I was only a senior in high school in the fall of 1967. Her other lineage traces her back to Martha Dandridge (Washington). Her familial heritage is rich!
But I didn’t know anything about French Huguenots, so was drawn to read your trilogy. I just completed reading The Huguenot Chronicles. I felt I was back in the 1600’s on every page. I became familiar with the way of life and the religious and political realities of the times. Living through the trials of the Depelch family provided me with the true character of the Huguenot plight and devout strength of character. This historical fiction piece was incredibly well researched and provided me with more in depth understanding to the emergence of our Western Civilization.
History reminds us of the horrific aspects of power and money in the name of religion and the justifications for war. It’s a sad commentary about our ancestors, which we have inherited today, and maybe, just maybe, it will teach us to learn from history and not allow it to repeat these bloody errors of judgment in our lifetime and that of future generations.
The Huguenot Chronicles has much to teach us and to remind us what we aspire in life.
Thank you Mr. Paul Monk for your hours of research in bringing this very important time in our world history to light. I am proud to be the ancestor of the Huguenots.
Tom Stoup
Saint Petersburg, Florida
Retired educator - US public schools, but most years in US independent boarding and day schools in New England and Florida
I am 71 years old. My mother (Ann Bates Stoup) left this world when I was only a senior in high school in the fall of 1967. Her other lineage traces her back to Martha Dandridge (Washington). Her familial heritage is rich!
But I didn’t know anything about French Huguenots, so was drawn to read your trilogy. I just completed reading The Huguenot Chronicles. I felt I was back in the 1600’s on every page. I became familiar with the way of life and the religious and political realities of the times. Living through the trials of the Depelch family provided me with the true character of the Huguenot plight and devout strength of character. This historical fiction piece was incredibly well researched and provided me with more in depth understanding to the emergence of our Western Civilization.
History reminds us of the horrific aspects of power and money in the name of religion and the justifications for war. It’s a sad commentary about our ancestors, which we have inherited today, and maybe, just maybe, it will teach us to learn from history and not allow it to repeat these bloody errors of judgment in our lifetime and that of future generations.
The Huguenot Chronicles has much to teach us and to remind us what we aspire in life.
Thank you Mr. Paul Monk for your hours of research in bringing this very important time in our world history to light. I am proud to be the ancestor of the Huguenots.
Tom Stoup
Saint Petersburg, Florida
Retired educator - US public schools, but most years in US independent boarding and day schools in New England and Florida
November 22, 2024
The three books (one volume) follow the lives of Jacob and Jeanne Depeche de Castines. He was a wealthy, successful merchant in the French city of Montauban. It is apparently based on a true story. The couple were staunch members of a protestant (note protest) reform religius sect at a time when French King Louis XIV decided that France should be all Catholic. Protestants were given the "choice" to switch to the Catholic church or suffer the consequences. Some could leave the country, but many were sent to prison after being burned out of their homes, etc.
The book is written in a 3rd person narrator style, so actions are seen more than felt. It covers a 9-year war between followers of William of Orange of England and the French, as well as the religious war on the protestant French people.
It is a complicated book with many characters and many locales plus a lot of historical facts.
The book is written in a 3rd person narrator style, so actions are seen more than felt. It covers a 9-year war between followers of William of Orange of England and the French, as well as the religious war on the protestant French people.
It is a complicated book with many characters and many locales plus a lot of historical facts.
May 30, 2020
As a descendant of Huguenots who arrived to New Amsterdam in the 1600s, I was very interested in the history. French citizens Jacob & Jeanne were well-to-do devout believers who refused to abjure despite losing their wealth and faced imprisonment and exile to the New World. Their travails separate them from their children. Jacob is sent to the West Indies where he realizes despite his beliefs sometimes it’s kill or be killed. Both have difficult travels but find friends & fellow believers along the way. God is with them.
I enjoyed the story with its buccaneers, NY stories, and Switzerland & Germany travels during the time of Louis XIV and beginning of William of Orange’s reign (1688).
I was disappointed in the abrupt ending as the family reunited in London, settling in Ireland.
I enjoyed the story with its buccaneers, NY stories, and Switzerland & Germany travels during the time of Louis XIV and beginning of William of Orange’s reign (1688).
I was disappointed in the abrupt ending as the family reunited in London, settling in Ireland.
December 6, 2020
Very well written series about the Huguenot banishment from France . The book is written through the minds and eyes of the Depelch family. All of their trails, dangers, losses and struggles. The history is very accurate the family is very interesting. I enjoyed reading them and since I have read a lot of the History of the Jewish people there were many close and comparable parts to the books that were familiar.
One has to deal with the depravity of the French king and his use of the military to carry out his desires for the country. Reading this and knowing the lack of reality in our current government it was interesting to compare the possibilities or trump trying many of the same things if he could get away with it. Very worthwhile reading.
One has to deal with the depravity of the French king and his use of the military to carry out his desires for the country. Reading this and knowing the lack of reality in our current government it was interesting to compare the possibilities or trump trying many of the same things if he could get away with it. Very worthwhile reading.
April 9, 2022
My April vacation book - finished in 4 days.
I was always interested in learning about the Huguenots, especially their mistreatment and expulsion from their native France. I had no idea it also included stripping them of their political rights, then their property, then imprisonment and potentially execution. This done at the behest of the Sun King, Louis XIV.
The author does an outstanding job of getting the reader to feel the cruelty that the Protestant community was forced to endure - not just in their homeland, but as far as the New World as well.
The reader follows the travails of one family through separation, betrayal, destitution, slavery, death and starvation.
At times a bit parochial, but that does not detract significantly.
A wonderful read.
I was always interested in learning about the Huguenots, especially their mistreatment and expulsion from their native France. I had no idea it also included stripping them of their political rights, then their property, then imprisonment and potentially execution. This done at the behest of the Sun King, Louis XIV.
The author does an outstanding job of getting the reader to feel the cruelty that the Protestant community was forced to endure - not just in their homeland, but as far as the New World as well.
The reader follows the travails of one family through separation, betrayal, destitution, slavery, death and starvation.
At times a bit parochial, but that does not detract significantly.
A wonderful read.
June 7, 2025
This trilogy was fascinating and heartbreaking! The characters were well described and easy to care about. My fathers ancestors were Huguenots and all I knew about them was that they had had to leave France and they escaped to England. I inherited a large drawing of an English manor house that they built in England. They also dropped a letter of their French surname and thus changed it. All this history was actually new to me and parts of it were horrifying!! It was well written and flowed well. At some point, I hope to read the next book. It was well worth reading! I really enjoyed how they openly spoke of their faith in God and were willing to suffer for it! Freedom of religion is so important and this book outlines why!
December 4, 2025
This book focuses on how Protestants were treated after Louis IV revoked the Edict of Nantes, an attempt to change their religion through intimidation. The use of confiscation of property and harsh treatment was successful for many to convert, but those who did not were forced out of their homes and sent off to foreign lands without anything. This part of the conflict is not reported as much as the armed conflict in France, which gives a different slant on the horror these people faced. It follows a couple in which the wife escapes to Switzerland, and the husband is imprisoned and finally shipped to the Caribbean. Their separate stories are followed until they finally meet again in London.
June 22, 2020
Starting to comment on the history narrated in the book. Being brought up as. Catholic, I have been completely ignorant of the history of Protestantism. The ordeal of the members of the Church founded by Calvin in the 1500 in Geneva. They were persecuted and forced to abjure of their beliefs or loose all their possessions and family. The chronicle of their faith reminded me of the first Christians hiding in catacombs to worship, and tortured because of their faith. Very refreshing and uplifting.
The language is magnificent. I really enjoyed the great writing. Highly recommend it to lovers of historical fiction.
The language is magnificent. I really enjoyed the great writing. Highly recommend it to lovers of historical fiction.
October 24, 2020
Dragged
I love historical fiction, but not like this. Too many details that do nothing for the story and serve only to demonstrate the author’s knowledge and reluctance to abandoned any trivial fact learned from research. I felt, as I read, that the series was catering to historians who might find pleasure with Monk’s recreation of past events and places. For the lay reader, however, that trivial means only longer chapters with plot stagnation. It was all I could do to finish the series and I found myself browsing the last book rather than reading in detail. Nit surprisingly, I didn’t miss a thing!
I love historical fiction, but not like this. Too many details that do nothing for the story and serve only to demonstrate the author’s knowledge and reluctance to abandoned any trivial fact learned from research. I felt, as I read, that the series was catering to historians who might find pleasure with Monk’s recreation of past events and places. For the lay reader, however, that trivial means only longer chapters with plot stagnation. It was all I could do to finish the series and I found myself browsing the last book rather than reading in detail. Nit surprisingly, I didn’t miss a thing!
February 6, 2021
A trilogy of books - a completely new and, to me, previously unheard of Author, Paul C.R. Monk. Recommended via Facebook. I was not disappointed. It’s a fast paced account around one family’s plight over years, to deal with the oppression of French Huguenots (Protestants) during the Roman Catholic French reign of King Louis XIV. A period I knew very little about really. However, the times are well chronicled and the writing is eloquent and, so far as I can tell, well-researched. While horrifying treatment of the Huguenots is addressed, it’s a captivating insight into a dark past in history. I thoroughly recommend it!
March 30, 2023
The third and final book in this trilogy is called "Land of Hope." In this part of the story, Jacob and Jeanne Delpech fight to get back to each other by two separate routes. Jacob travels as an indentured servant by boat to New York in America. Then he begins the journey back to London where he intends to reunite with his wife, Jeanne and their children. Jeanne works her way across Europe learning to both spin fabric and weave cloth to support her journey. Both interesting and harrowing travels, but they do reunite by the end of this trilogy! I would recommend this family saga of holding onto your faith and going to a new home to enjoy that freedom.
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