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Véronique's Journey
**2023 Ippy Winner for Best Adult Fiction E-Book (Silver)**
In 18th century France, the choices for a young black woman of modest means are slim.
Véronique Clair loves her parents and their small home in the countryside of Burgundy but dreams of using her talent for sewing and embroidery to make her own way, without having to rely on a man.
When Véronique's well-meaning parents find her a suitor of elevated station their happiness turns into her despair. Véronique must make the difficult choice between agreeing to an arranged marriage--with its promise of elevated status in society--or embark upon an unpredictable journey across France and into a world she's never known.
...for a young woman of honor, only the heart can guide the way.
This story is a 19K-word novella.
In 18th century France, the choices for a young black woman of modest means are slim.
Véronique Clair loves her parents and their small home in the countryside of Burgundy but dreams of using her talent for sewing and embroidery to make her own way, without having to rely on a man.
When Véronique's well-meaning parents find her a suitor of elevated station their happiness turns into her despair. Véronique must make the difficult choice between agreeing to an arranged marriage--with its promise of elevated status in society--or embark upon an unpredictable journey across France and into a world she's never known.
...for a young woman of honor, only the heart can guide the way.
This story is a 19K-word novella.
78 pages, Paperback
Published September 1, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
May 1, 2023
"Véronique’s Journey" is a historical fiction novella set in France in 1788. Véronique is a Black woman whose parents are getting increasingly desperate to find her a good match, something that is difficult given that they are straddling class and racial lines in a way that leaves them without peers in their town. While her parents bring a variety of suitors home for Sunday dinner, Véronique is dreaming of making her own way in the world as a seamstress. When she receives an invitation to study housekeeping at the former King's mistress's estate she has to make some hard decisions about how she wants her future to unfold.
I was quite impressed with how invested I became in Véronique as a character given the relatively short length of the novella. The author also managed to weave in many social topics such as racism, classism, and sexism in a way that felt organic to the story while also being interesting and educational. Having a story that revolves around a free Black family in 18th century Europe is a unique insight into an underrepresented experience in historical fiction.
In the author's note at the end of the story, she indicates that this novella is the set up for a larger series in which Véronique will make an appearance. I'm definitely intrigued to continue on with future books and learn more about Véronique's story. Given that this novella is set just before the French Revolution and Véronique is on the road to join the household of the King's mistress, I see a lot of opportunity for a dramatic historical fiction series!
*DISCLAIMER: I received an eARC of this book from Gilded Orange Books, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) through NetGalley for the purposes of providing an unbiased review.*
I was quite impressed with how invested I became in Véronique as a character given the relatively short length of the novella. The author also managed to weave in many social topics such as racism, classism, and sexism in a way that felt organic to the story while also being interesting and educational. Having a story that revolves around a free Black family in 18th century Europe is a unique insight into an underrepresented experience in historical fiction.
In the author's note at the end of the story, she indicates that this novella is the set up for a larger series in which Véronique will make an appearance. I'm definitely intrigued to continue on with future books and learn more about Véronique's story. Given that this novella is set just before the French Revolution and Véronique is on the road to join the household of the King's mistress, I see a lot of opportunity for a dramatic historical fiction series!
*DISCLAIMER: I received an eARC of this book from Gilded Orange Books, Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA) through NetGalley for the purposes of providing an unbiased review.*
July 18, 2023
“I'm no wilting violet but I am a human being."
This is only the beginning of Véronique’s story, and I can’t wait to continue.
We are transported to Burgundy, France in 1788. Véronique is a free black 23 year old woman who lives with her parents. They are hard workers who farm for a living, but need Véronique to marry immediately to someone of higher class. But, she’s not having it. Véronique knows she’s meant for more and refuses to confine to societies plan for her. Her parents taught her that love transcends all, and marrying a man just to pop out babies is not on her bucket list.
Véronique works for noblewoman who offers her a gift that she can’t refuse, but will she take it? Will she truly follow her heart instead of plans already set in stone for her? And that’s where we leave off, until the next chapter in her story.
This is only the beginning of Véronique’s story, and I can’t wait to continue.
We are transported to Burgundy, France in 1788. Véronique is a free black 23 year old woman who lives with her parents. They are hard workers who farm for a living, but need Véronique to marry immediately to someone of higher class. But, she’s not having it. Véronique knows she’s meant for more and refuses to confine to societies plan for her. Her parents taught her that love transcends all, and marrying a man just to pop out babies is not on her bucket list.
Véronique works for noblewoman who offers her a gift that she can’t refuse, but will she take it? Will she truly follow her heart instead of plans already set in stone for her? And that’s where we leave off, until the next chapter in her story.
August 28, 2022
3.5/5 stars. This novella is apparently a prequel to a series of novels. Well, I think Flinn is off to a good start, and you can read more about how I felt about this story on my blog here https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2022/08/2...
May 20, 2023
Very Good! A short story about Veronique, a free young African woman, living in 1700s Burgundy, France. She is the daughter of a free woman and a former slave of the French colony of St. Domingue, who both are eager for her to marry. However, she has her own dreams and also a lack of suitors for her hand.
This coming of age story has history, drama, and a clean romance. The author includes discussion questions at the end that would be good for a book club. An enjoyable read!
🌷Book Quotes:
"Who said marriage is safe?"
"Wealthy black men were a different story."
"He will beat or breed her to death."
"A blossom of light started in my chest and radiated outward."
This coming of age story has history, drama, and a clean romance. The author includes discussion questions at the end that would be good for a book club. An enjoyable read!
🌷Book Quotes:
"Who said marriage is safe?"
"Wealthy black men were a different story."
"He will beat or breed her to death."
"A blossom of light started in my chest and radiated outward."
August 4, 2022
Veronique’s Journey by Patti Flinn is a classic historical fiction where the past meets the present. It is a short novella that introduces a vibrant free young lady with plans for her future that does not align with her parents in France during the 18th century. Her parents have been in a loving relationship for years and want the same for their daughter. They feel marriage equals security. As Veronique grows older with no prospects of marriage her parents feel that she may have miss her opportunity. Veronique’s desire to have what her parents have is found in the last person she suspects. Her father’s family was not born free thus limiting what he sees as a suitable husband for his daughter.
The one thing that I found interesting in this story and chuckled at is a childhood memory of a saying that my grandmother and other elder women in the church use to say. I had not thought about this for a long time. I am amazed that this saying and thoughts transcends time and space. A man and an unmarried woman could go out to a party on Saturday night, but come Sunday morning the man could put on a suit, go to church and be a clean and upstanding man, the same woman that was with that man would be considered unclean and not able to wash off her tarnish.
I was torn as to what Veronique was going to do, marry or follow her dreams. I was very unhappy with the ending until I read that is the first book in a series. I am looking forward to the next installment. This is an excellent fast read. I recommend this story to historical fiction fans that likes young women finding their place in the world.
4 stars
Thank you to Gilded Orange Books for a complimentary advanced digital copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving this review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The one thing that I found interesting in this story and chuckled at is a childhood memory of a saying that my grandmother and other elder women in the church use to say. I had not thought about this for a long time. I am amazed that this saying and thoughts transcends time and space. A man and an unmarried woman could go out to a party on Saturday night, but come Sunday morning the man could put on a suit, go to church and be a clean and upstanding man, the same woman that was with that man would be considered unclean and not able to wash off her tarnish.
I was torn as to what Veronique was going to do, marry or follow her dreams. I was very unhappy with the ending until I read that is the first book in a series. I am looking forward to the next installment. This is an excellent fast read. I recommend this story to historical fiction fans that likes young women finding their place in the world.
4 stars
Thank you to Gilded Orange Books for a complimentary advanced digital copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving this review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
July 13, 2023
I'm ready for the next installment!
Véronique's Journey takes us to 18th century France. An interesting period in time where France faced a mounting economic crisis. It's food supply being rapidly outpaced by a rapidly growing population. While a work of fiction, this novella sets the tone for life in that time period and in that climate, very well. Especially for main character Véronique whose choices are limited as a young black woman on a journey of self-identification and discovery.
Véronique is not as young as many of the women she knows in society who have successfully married and elevated their family's social status. She is 23 years old, a Black woman, and the daughter of a free Black woman born in France and a freed Black father from Saint Domingue. And yet, there is nothing typical about Véronique: she can read, is educated and is one of the best seamstresses around. She dreams of one day using her talents to make her own way, but that is not her parents wish. So when their matchmaking skills finally land on a suitor who is interested in her, it becomes the cause of her angst and grief.
This novella is tight, concise and beautifully rendered. It reads like a screenplay and while it is short, it is neither too fast nor too slow in its pacing. I love historical fiction done right and I look forward to continuing on and reading Véronique's Moon as she journeys into the culmination of her choices, in search of true love and happiness.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
Véronique's Journey takes us to 18th century France. An interesting period in time where France faced a mounting economic crisis. It's food supply being rapidly outpaced by a rapidly growing population. While a work of fiction, this novella sets the tone for life in that time period and in that climate, very well. Especially for main character Véronique whose choices are limited as a young black woman on a journey of self-identification and discovery.
Véronique is not as young as many of the women she knows in society who have successfully married and elevated their family's social status. She is 23 years old, a Black woman, and the daughter of a free Black woman born in France and a freed Black father from Saint Domingue. And yet, there is nothing typical about Véronique: she can read, is educated and is one of the best seamstresses around. She dreams of one day using her talents to make her own way, but that is not her parents wish. So when their matchmaking skills finally land on a suitor who is interested in her, it becomes the cause of her angst and grief.
This novella is tight, concise and beautifully rendered. It reads like a screenplay and while it is short, it is neither too fast nor too slow in its pacing. I love historical fiction done right and I look forward to continuing on and reading Véronique's Moon as she journeys into the culmination of her choices, in search of true love and happiness.
Thank you NetGalley for providing me an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review!
October 17, 2022
An exceptional well written novella. The story is set in the 18th century in a small town in France. Woman in this time do not have many opportunities and a black girl has even fewer. Veronique is a black young lady whose parents are not wealthy. Her parents want her to marry so she will be safe and cared for.Veronique’s dream is to be independent utilizing her sewing talents.
Her father is looking for men that are available to marry Veronique and invites these suitors for dinner. He has found a man of a higher class who wants to marry her. He treats her very nice when around her parents but does not respect her desire and becomes verbally abusive to her, bringing up an incident that happened at her employer’s house . Veronique is offered an opportunity that may open up options for her and she takes it.
I really enjoyed this novella and will read the next installment which I hope is a full novel .I received this book in exchange for a review.
Her father is looking for men that are available to marry Veronique and invites these suitors for dinner. He has found a man of a higher class who wants to marry her. He treats her very nice when around her parents but does not respect her desire and becomes verbally abusive to her, bringing up an incident that happened at her employer’s house . Veronique is offered an opportunity that may open up options for her and she takes it.
I really enjoyed this novella and will read the next installment which I hope is a full novel .I received this book in exchange for a review.
April 5, 2023
In 1800s France Veronique will soon be considered a spinster at twenty three. She is unwed with no viable prospects. After tragedy strikes, she must determine the future that she wants for herself and if she has to courage to grab it.
I enjoyed this book. It gave me a glimpse into a era history that I was not knowledgeable of.
Veronique must set her own path, no matter the judgement of others.
I am looking forward to more of Veroniques journey.
I enjoyed this book. It gave me a glimpse into a era history that I was not knowledgeable of.
Veronique must set her own path, no matter the judgement of others.
I am looking forward to more of Veroniques journey.
October 23, 2022
**I received this book as part of the LibraryThing Early Reviewers Program - thank you to the author and publisher!**
Véronique's Journey was a short and sweet read set in Burgundy, France in the late 18th century. Véronique is a highly educated black woman of Francophone descent, struggling with her standing in a predominantly white society. Her parents are eager for her to make an advantageous match, preferably with a wealthy, cultured, and educated black man, but Véronique has little interest in marrying - she has seen the toll marriage (and often, the associated abuse) has taken on her childhood friends. Instead, she is content to work as a housekeeper/maid for a wealthy white family. When a white man attempts to assault her, a chain of catastrophic events lands her in the employment of another woman, who offers her the opportunity to make a new future for herself.
A "prequel" novella for a future series, Véronique's Journey is a quick and enjoyable read, offering a unique and interesting perspective on social class, race, and one woman's experience in 18th-century France. This was a very engaging historical fiction novella!
4/5 stars
Véronique's Journey was a short and sweet read set in Burgundy, France in the late 18th century. Véronique is a highly educated black woman of Francophone descent, struggling with her standing in a predominantly white society. Her parents are eager for her to make an advantageous match, preferably with a wealthy, cultured, and educated black man, but Véronique has little interest in marrying - she has seen the toll marriage (and often, the associated abuse) has taken on her childhood friends. Instead, she is content to work as a housekeeper/maid for a wealthy white family. When a white man attempts to assault her, a chain of catastrophic events lands her in the employment of another woman, who offers her the opportunity to make a new future for herself.
A "prequel" novella for a future series, Véronique's Journey is a quick and enjoyable read, offering a unique and interesting perspective on social class, race, and one woman's experience in 18th-century France. This was a very engaging historical fiction novella!
4/5 stars
March 5, 2023
I want more and I want more now! The story ended too soon without finding out what happened next! More!
May 30, 2023
I throughly enjoyed reading Veronique’s Journey.
I was invested in the characters and story line but it all ended far to quickly for me. I was ready to turn to the next chapter and was saddened to find it was the end,
An intriguing glance at an era I have not read much about with a strong and well developed lead character.
The author does state that this novella is the beginnings of a larger series that I cannot wait to read,
Veronique has left quite a mark in the short time we have come to know her and I absolutely MUST find out what happens next!
Thanks to Netgalley and Gilded Orange Books for the advance copy.
I was invested in the characters and story line but it all ended far to quickly for me. I was ready to turn to the next chapter and was saddened to find it was the end,
An intriguing glance at an era I have not read much about with a strong and well developed lead character.
The author does state that this novella is the beginnings of a larger series that I cannot wait to read,
Veronique has left quite a mark in the short time we have come to know her and I absolutely MUST find out what happens next!
Thanks to Netgalley and Gilded Orange Books for the advance copy.
March 11, 2023
An empowering and heartfelt tale about a young woman with a dream in eighteenth century France.
The very concept was intriguing and refreshing: personally, I have not come across many literary works set in France with protagonists of African descent much less said protagonists being a working-class woman. I was particularly delighted by the author's prowess in creating such nuanced characters with remarkable development in under 70 pages while gracefully tackling social issues like racism, sexism, and classism. This is quite the promising begining and I can't wait to read more of Véronique's adventures.
Thank you to Netgalley and Gilded Orange Books for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
The very concept was intriguing and refreshing: personally, I have not come across many literary works set in France with protagonists of African descent much less said protagonists being a working-class woman. I was particularly delighted by the author's prowess in creating such nuanced characters with remarkable development in under 70 pages while gracefully tackling social issues like racism, sexism, and classism. This is quite the promising begining and I can't wait to read more of Véronique's adventures.
Thank you to Netgalley and Gilded Orange Books for providing this eARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 15, 2022
A short novella which left me wanting to read more about Veronique's life; what happened after her decision to not marry, and to follow her dreams. Story ended too quickly. I hope more follow.
Read
October 6, 2022Thank you to LibraryThing and the publisher/author for an advanced copy to provide an honest review.
Transport yourself back into late eighteenth century Burgundy France into the world of a Black women and her family. In this absorbing historical novella, the reader will be taken on Veronique’s journey of her life’s decisions as women of eligible marital age. She must decide whether to marry the suitor her parents decided upon or follow her own dreams. The reader participates in the decision process because of the author’s writing style and becomes a part of Veronique and her parents’ life as well as that of her potential suitor. The reader receives a sense of place and time and structure for people of color during the late 18th century in small towns in Burgundy. This novella captures the reader’s emotions and interest up to and through the end, when Veronique’s decisions are revealed which might show her determination and independence.
Transport yourself back into late eighteenth century Burgundy France into the world of a Black women and her family. In this absorbing historical novella, the reader will be taken on Veronique’s journey of her life’s decisions as women of eligible marital age. She must decide whether to marry the suitor her parents decided upon or follow her own dreams. The reader participates in the decision process because of the author’s writing style and becomes a part of Veronique and her parents’ life as well as that of her potential suitor. The reader receives a sense of place and time and structure for people of color during the late 18th century in small towns in Burgundy. This novella captures the reader’s emotions and interest up to and through the end, when Veronique’s decisions are revealed which might show her determination and independence.
October 9, 2022
Interesting novella on people of color in 18th century France. A most determined young lady, Veronique Clair, wishing to be her own person, rejects a suitor her parents have chosen for her, and strikes out on her own--to be a servant in the household of Mme. DuBarry, ex-mistress of the late Louis XV. The final lines of the novella: "I had made the first step... [of living my life on my terms]. Pray God it was the right decision..." The author intends to write a series continuing Veronique's further life at that palace and during the French Revolution, of which I'd consider this a kind of prequel. I thank LibraryThing for sending me an ARC.
May 16, 2023
I really liked Veronique, a strong, independent black woman, well read who wanted more than traditional role of wife and mother. Wanted respect that was her due from her employers and society. Not ready to settle even even for an advantageous marriage/status without love. Learned that France accepted freed slaves, unlike colonies who still practiced slavery. I look forward to reading Veronique's Journey.
June 14, 2023
I loved the story from Véronique’s POV. It’s not often Historical Fictions are about POC’s in the 18th century. It was heart wrenching and a great coming of age story. I really enjoyed it.
April 24, 2023
Finding your way
A woman of color boldly finding her way to the life she wants and needs. I hope to hear more about her journey to finding herself.
A woman of color boldly finding her way to the life she wants and needs. I hope to hear more about her journey to finding herself.
December 16, 2023
It’s 1788 and Véronique Clair is living a simple but happy life in rural Burgundy, France. Her parents plan to find her a well-to-do husband so that she won’t have to work, preferably someone black, like themselves. She is a sassy character, an ambitious young woman who is determined to get what suits her best in life. But what is that to be? Will she fall in with her parents’ plans for marriage or keep her independence and follow her passion to create lavish clothes for the women of the French court? She is wary of marriage, fearing that it might turn out to be another form of the slavery from which her father has escaped.
The book is a fascinating depiction of what life might have been like for a black girl of modest means in eighteenth century France. It should be said that Véronique’s attitudes are rather modern but that just makes her more relatable. This lovely little novella was written as a prequel, and it certainly whets the appetite. The characters are engaging, and I definitely want to learn what happens next for Véronique.
The book is a fascinating depiction of what life might have been like for a black girl of modest means in eighteenth century France. It should be said that Véronique’s attitudes are rather modern but that just makes her more relatable. This lovely little novella was written as a prequel, and it certainly whets the appetite. The characters are engaging, and I definitely want to learn what happens next for Véronique.
June 17, 2022
The synopsis of this book seemed really interesting to me, and pretty unique in comparison to the historical fiction books I typically read. It’s a short novella, and I worried that it would be hard to fit a full story in so few pages, but I decided to give it a shot anyways. Initially I was a bit annoyed as it seemed that Véronique was just listing complaint after complaint about her life (which is fair, considering the time period and her situation) but it wasn’t all that interesting to me. Eventually it got so much better though, and I started to actually care about Véronique (but only her, not any of the other characters). By the end of the novella, I was glad to find out that this story is going to be a full series with a different setting and characters. It left me curious to find out about what will happen to Véronique as the French Revolution approaches!
January 25, 2024
Goodreads Giveaway Win: It took me longer than it should have to read 70 pages. I couldn’t figure out what the point was when nothing really seemed to be happening and the wrap up was….anticlimactic. The afterword makes it clear that this is a prequel/set up to a future novel but also implies that perhaps Veronique will be a side character and not the main, which means we probably didn’t need to know this story in the first place.
I would read a novel about Veronique set in Louveciennes, but these 70 pages will be forgotten before the novel is written, it sounds like.
Edit: it looks like the book was indeed published in July of last year. I will download a sample, didn’t love the writing style of this novella but Veronique is an intriguing character.
I would read a novel about Veronique set in Louveciennes, but these 70 pages will be forgotten before the novel is written, it sounds like.
Edit: it looks like the book was indeed published in July of last year. I will download a sample, didn’t love the writing style of this novella but Veronique is an intriguing character.
July 3, 2022
A short historical fiction story. If this becomes a full series, I’ll be waiting anxiously for it. The main character is faced with a dilemma, embark on a journey to follow her dreams or abide by her parents wishes. Her parents wants her to go through with an arrange marriage. The story takes the reader through France in the 18th century. Veronique is a great character.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 29, 2022
This book was short to the point and an interesting read. I learned more about a group of people and an era in history that I did not know about. Do I wish it was a bit longer and more detailed, yes; but on the other hand I think that the book accomplished what it needed to in the short span of the book. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 24, 2022
The story was indeed great. I started reading it because the blurb & cover were so appealing. It's a short novella, I rarely read short ones but was quite impressed by this one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 31, 2022
The book was very interesting a good book to cuddle up with n enjoy the great characters . I enjoy reading the book very interesting.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 8, 2023
3.5 stars I received a copy of this ebook in a Goodreads giveaway. I liked this story for what it was, a fairly simple story about I woman trying to get any semblance of autonomy in a time when she had none.
July 30, 2023
Another rec from Dear Author. Short novella with a second one out now.
February 8, 2024
beautiful!
I loved Veroniques independent mindset, especially in that time period. The way her father and mother loved her, and accepted for who she was, is so refreshing.
I loved Veroniques independent mindset, especially in that time period. The way her father and mother loved her, and accepted for who she was, is so refreshing.
May 23, 2024
History in France
A very short historical fiction book set in France. Interesting but I was left feeling that the characters were only partially developed.
A very short historical fiction book set in France. Interesting but I was left feeling that the characters were only partially developed.
June 19, 2023
I absolutely loved this short novella! I'm a huge fan of historical fiction, but I especially love books of fiction and nonfiction alike that talk about subjects in history that people tried to cover up. For this book, Veronique's Journey explored the lives of freed Africans living in France before the French Revolution. Although I could not find exact dates and more information about slavery in French colonies, I liked how the author highlighted how Afro-french citizens were treated while leaving in France before the big revolution. Similar to America after ending slavery, the characters were not treated with respect but their society was much easier with acceptance compared to America in the past. I loved reading insight characterization of how this time period would be for those who were newly free, but I am more happy with how strong and independent the main female character became despite the societal norms that were stacked against her. In a lot of ways, the author included many sad parts, but I think it was necessary to show the development of the character and how she came to her final decision in the book. I cannot wait to see where this will lead us in the future, and I'm dying to read more from the author.
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