This is the Best book I have read in years. Being caught up in the Paris bombing and the aftermath and how your brain protects you from the devastation. Jessica and Patrick are the best friends one could only hope for. After the bombing, Jessica decides to continue on their planned treasure hunting roadtrip, laughing and enjoying their search for treasures. One treasure brings reality to a halt for Jessica and she must learn to continue on with her life. With new friends helping her she finds the strength to unravel the last treasure she finds with Patrick. Amazing story, I could not put it down.

The Space Between Words by Michele Phoenix 5 ☆'s 

Thank you to Thomas Nelson publishing for providing me with a free copy of this book to review. All opinions in this blog are my own. 

Written about an even that is still fresh in the minds of people around the world, Phoenix takes a world tragedy and crafts a novel about healing, discovery and friendship. This story is about two women in two different time periods and how ones story helps the others keep going. I really like how this novel included French history, not only from the Paris attacks in 2015, but from a time period centuries before. Reading what life may have been life for Huguenots during King Louis' XIV and having struggles connected between the times engrossed me in the novel right away. 

Phoenix's writing is compelling. She takes one character's suffering and aftermath and convinces the reader that the narrator is okay after the trauma she endures. I like how the reader gets a firm foundation of one character set in 2015 before we are introduced to the other's story. I think this helps make the plot have a more firm foundation, which leads to the wonderful intertwining of the stories. 

Jessica's world is turned upside down after she witnesses one of the Paris terrorist attacks. She then takes a trip to southern France to help escape the reality of her situation. While there, she first struggles with reality, and then with the aftermath of what has happened to her. She discovers the Baillards family story and sets out to discover what happened to the members. While on this journey, she may find the key that she needs to move forward from the horrific events she endured.

This novel also shows how someone, in the aftermath of tragedy, can question if there is a God, and if there is how could He let this happen. I enjoyed the questioning of faith in this novel because there are moments in lots of lives that may cause questioning of God and His goodness. When and if this happens, I hope others have friends like Jessica who continue to point them to His goodness. 

This novel transported me to France during two different time periods. It helped me understand more of French history from a first-person point-of-view. I like how Phoenix crafted the story and told it. It had lots of hard parts. I laughed and cried while reading this novel. If you want to delve deeper into France and take a journey, I highly recommend this book. If you want to discover new friendships and the caring nature of people, read this book. If you want something that will make you look at the world a bit differently, read this book. There is nothing better than reading a book that you know will stick with you forever. This is one of those books for me. 

It comes out on September 5. You can pre-order it now, though!

I'm rarely interested in historical fiction, but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Its subject is one about which I knew next to, if not, nothing. It's an easy read and introduction to the Huguenot persecutions. And I am, as always, a sucker for a happy ending

What an amazing story! Jess, Patrick and Vonda are in Paris where Patrick is going to school and the girls are enjoying being tourists. Patrick is also searching for antiques and unusual items for his store back home.
One night, Patrick decides to go to an art gallery and Vonda talks Jess into going to a rock concert at the Bataclan. While at the concert, they are attacked by Muslim terrorists and Jess is violently attacked but she escapes with her life while her rescuer is killed!
Vonda escapes safely without getting hurt, while Patrick stays by Jess' side until she feels better, wearing silly outfits and comforting her.
Her parents are frantic with worry, but Jess assures them she will be fine and she will fly home ASAP.
Vonda comes to see Jess, but she is so truaumatized she has to go home to America and she cannot help Jess recover in France.
Patrick is there for Jess, he encourages her to go on living even though she feels hopeless and traumatized. He even convinces her to go with him to the South of France to find some items for his store.
They go to their bed and breakfast lodgings and are told that in the town of Passé' Compose they might find some unique things. They come to an old barn and as they are searching, Jess is led to find an old sewing box from the seventeenth century with the initials CSF on it.
This discovery leads to the second part of the story, where you will meet a family of Huguenots trying to escape from France because the king has decreed that all Huguenots must convert to Catholicism or die! This sewing box belonged to a Huguenot girl.
You will not only learn about Jess - you will find out what really happened at the Bataclan and how she and her new friends discover a 400 year old mystery!

This is a really great read. The plot twists and interwoven theme add layers of interest and humanity into it. The contemporary setting and events will strike a chord with readers. Michele Phoenix creates a beautiful balance between reconciling the events of this world and holding to our faith. It is a story of loss, hope, and the human need for connection to each other.

The Space Between Words by Michele Phoenix
Jessica has lived through a terrible terrorist attack on Paris. Though her world is shattered, her friend Patrick encourages her to continue with the trip they have planned through France. While exploring the countryside, she discovers an antique box containing the pages of a Huguenot girl’s diary. The pages create a desire for Jessica to discover more about the girl’s story and the persecution that drove her from France. As Jessica learns Adeline’s story of persecution, she moves towards her own healing.

This book introduced me to a part of history that I knew nothing about. It gave me a new respect for those who have been persecuted for their faith. It also exposed me to the pain that victims of trauma experience.
After the attack, Jessica’s relationship with Patrick left me very confused, but that may be what the author intended. Other than that part, the story unfolded very smoothly and kept me wanting to know more about both Jessica and Adeline.
Despite beginning on a very dark note, the book offered hope. The way that Jessica’s character grew and developed showed me that she would heal from her attack. Despite their setbacks, all the characters grew and came to accept and find the best in their lives.
This is the second of Michele Phoenix’s books that I have read. She writes about wounded characters in need of healing. Her writing conveys their emotions clearly and powerfully. Her heart for those who suffer is evident. In their pain, she offers them hope. Many readers will be able to empathize with her characters and perhaps find a measure of healing for themselves.
I enjoyed this book and think others will, too, especially those who can understand what Jessica experienced. I received this book free from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Space Between Words was not at all what I expected, it surpassed my expectations by a mile. It brings to light some unexpected things that will leave you stunned. Author Michele Phoenix deals with the themes of terror, grief, loss, fear and overcoming immense obstacles. It's a journey through the unimaginable, where one asks, "why?"

Jessica's journey to healing and to trust again is hard won. This book will leave you thinking about your priorities, and examine the value of the relationships of those close to you.

Michele Phoenix effortlessly had me glued to the pages, devouring each word. What a masterpiece.

I really enjoyed this contemporary novel. It starts off with three American backpackers planning their last night in Paris which ends in disaster. The tale is told in the first person by the protagonist, Jessica. We watch her cope with the aftermath of an event where she barely survived and how she processes guilt, grief and the traumatic stress of a survivor.

This book also deals with the topic of platonic friendships between people of the opposite sex. Patrick is an exuberant and flamboyant character who has an eye for antiques and often finds valuable Objet d'art in flea markets and online auctions. He persuades Jessica instead of heading back to her parents to take one last roadtrip. They drive, in his dilapidated 2CV to the south of France in search of junk shop treasure. It is never implicitly stated that Patrick is gay but he reminded me of some gay guys I have known.
Once in the south of France Jessica is drawn to this sewing box a junk shop and once she gets it home discovers it has secrets and a history relating to a family Heugonauts. This family where persecuted for their religion and forced to flee to the UK whilst one daughter remained and she wrote the account that Jessica finds hidden. Jessica is then drawn to find answers to the outcome of their plight and travels to the UK for research.

The pacing of this book is very nicely done, it is a gentle sort of book in a way but there is always something happening to drive the plot forwards. There is a romantic subplot, which in many ways seems a little bit contrived and a little bit unnecessary.

This book has been listed as a Christian book, which would probably have put me off reading it had I noticed this, because I am not Christian. This would have been a shame as the religious aspect with the present day characters is very downplayed and did not detract from the story. If however the reader was religious it may add something to the feeling of the book.
This is an interesting book, and well worth a read. I enjoyed it, and the element of the historical research where fascinating. There are enough twists and turns to keep the plot engaging.

I intend to publish this review on the

Oh my!!! What a wonderful novel—gripping from the opening pages. The story opens in 1695 then moves to present day France. The narrative shifts between Adeline’s story during the Huguenot persecution to a present-day terrorist attack suffered by Jessica. A sewing box is the link between the 2 stories. A few plot twists keep you on your toes in the early portion of the book, then it settles down into a lovely story of “enduring with courage, resisting with wisdom, and persisting in faith.”

This was a well written book with two story lines that just didn't fit for me. The Huguenot piece seemed very random to place with a French shooting. I get the emotional connection and loved Grant but in the end, this book just didn't do it for me. I'm rating it a 3.

The story grabs the reader from the prologue, where we learn about Adeline Baillard, a French Huguenot in the 17th century France whose life hangs in the balance.
Fast-forward more than three hundred years to the eve of the Paris attacks, where we meet Jessica, an American tourist. She and her housemate Vonda have come to visit their other housemate, Patrick, who has taken time from his business to attend art classes. Things go terribly wrong the night before they leave Paris for a week of flea market shopping for Patrick’s store.

Phoenix masterfully weaves the two stories together in ways that will surprise the reader. I don’t want to spoil anything by saying more about the story. I can assure you that Jessica and Adeline’s stories will make you question what you know about grief, recovery, relationships, friendships, and loyalty.

This is one of my favorite books of the year. The haunting stories will linger long after you turn the last pages.

Enjoyed this story from page one...my attention was held until the final chapter. Have shared this novel w/ all of my reading friends....

A very well written book with a good plot and character development. I enjoyed the writing and will be reading more of this author's work.

This story is told in two separate time periods. The historical aspect was gripping and I wanted more of Adeline's story. Jessica's story was interesting but in my opinion, the stories were unbalanced. The story of the Huguenots' persecution was full of depth and reliance upon the Lord during some horrific times and it seemed to overshadow Jessica's story. I wanted more spiritual depth from Jessica than was given. Adeline stood strong in the Lord yet Jessica seemed lukewarm. It was a good book that could have been fabulous yet, wasn't...

This book wasn't quite what I was expecting, but that ended up being good. Set amidst two historic events, the Huguenot Persecution and the much more recent Paris Terrorist attacks, Phoenix delves into the PTSD and survivoring such horrific trauma. Both stories took twists I wasn't expecting, and I was very invested in all the characters.
My only complaint is I wish we had more of the Huguenot story. But it wasn't needed for the book.
I sat down and read this book in one setting. It is that good.

I really loved the title of this book as well as the cover. The characters are written well. I would highly recommend this book.

This wasn't listed as Christian Fiction, which it definitely should be as it's for a certain group of people. The beginning reads as a history lesson with extensive scene description that doesn't really pull you in. The writing is adjective-heavy with a lot of repeated dialogue and ellipses usage that pulls you out of the story. Overall, not a fan of the writing.

5 plus stars

Our book opens in 1695 with a woman named Adeline Baillard who is recounting the history of her family in the Protestant movement in France. The Edict of Nantes allowing for the tolerance of religion in France is overturned. This leads to the ongoing persecution, torture and killing of the Huguenots (Protestants.) The remainder of her family has escaped to make a life in another region of France.

We then meet Jessica in the present day as she narrates her story. She and her roommates are going to Paris at last! One their last night there, Jessica and Vonda go to a concert. What Jessica really wanted to do was to go to the art show with their other roommate Patrick. Jessica and Vonda’s world explodes as terrorists begin shooting into the crowd at the concert.

The description of what happened to Jessica the night of the terrorist shooting was very real and horrifying. The reader is there with Jessica as she both hides and crawls along the floor trying to escape the shooters. I almost cannot take in what the poor woman suffered.

Patrick tries to convince Jessica to stay in France with him while Vonda has gone home to the States. She agrees and off they go on a “treasure” hunting trip to Southern France. In an old barn/shop Jessica finds a small wooden box that appears to have been a 17th Century sewing box. It speaks to her and she wants to have it badly. After she buys it, she examines it more closely and finds a very old notebook and some documents.

Jessica learns through the translation of the document that it was written by Adeline Baillard who was introduced at the start of this novel. She goes on a quest to learn what happened to the Baillard family following the persecution of their relatives and friends in 17th Century France. Indeed, she is almost driven to learn what happened to them.

Accompanied by her new friends, Mona and Grant, brother and sister and Connor, Mona’s 5-year old son they journey around France and to England looking for clues and seeking what happened to Charles and his family after they fled France.

This is a remarkable novel. I absolutely loved it! It is both very well written and plotted. There is not one wasted word. The desire to find out what happens is such that the reader wants to ignore all else in the world. The suspense is built slowly and one almost doesn’t realize it. This is my first Michele Phoenix novel, but it won’t be my last. Upon finishing it, I immediately went to Amazon and checked out her other books. I am going to heartily recommend this to all my friends.

I want to thank Netgalley and Thomas Nelson for forwarding to me a copy of this most wonderful book to read.

I really couldn't wait to read The Space Between Words by Michele Phoenix. I enjoy a good treasure hunt to follow some aspect of history and making it come to reality for me. When I read the synopsis to the book, it caught my attention, so naturally, I wanted to read the complete novel to see what would happen. Unfortunately, this novel really didn't do it for me.
In the beginning, Phoenix has the main heroine, Jessica, roaming through the story after a huge terrorist attack at a local concert. Yes, the novel is relevant for the crazy world we live in with all the terrorist attacking people. This time I got an inside look for someone who had to survive and relive the attack after it happened. From the first chapter, I am introduced to the Ballard family who left France while being prosecuted for their faith. The past is the clue to the treasure hunt in the present.
There were moments that made me question the plot. First, Patrick is so important to Jessica, but I found out that he was not really there after the attack. He appeared to be there, but only in Jessica's imagination. The rest of the story focused on finding out if Adeline Ballard is still alive. Her letters, which were found in a sewing box at a flea shop, left a lot to be desired. While Jessica and Grant, who I suppose is the hero of the novel, run across France and England trying to solve the mystery, the ending left much to be desired. I wasn't happy with where the novel ended up.
As for the forced romance between Grant and Jessica, it didn't seem realistic enough for me. Even Jessica denied they were in a relationship for the most of the novel. Grant had feelings toward Jessica, but Grant's sister kept trying to make it more than it was. I think the romance shouldn't be in the story. It didn't fit the type of story that Phoenix was going for.
Overall, The Space Between Words by Michele Phoenix left a lot to be desired for the type of story she was trying to write. The characters were lackluster and really not defined enough for me. As for the plot, it had a wonderful premise, I believe Phoenix really didn't deliver what she promised to the reader. I don't recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy of The Space Between Words by Michele Phoenix from Thomas Nelson Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.

This beautifully written book would be perfect for fans of "Sarah's Key" or "What She Left Behind." The narrative is split between a modern day survivor of the terrorist shootings at the concert in Paris, and a French Huguenot family escaping from religious persecution in 17th century France. There were several plot twists that happen fairly early in the book that were surprising, and I enjoyed the quest the MC took to solve the mystery of what happened to the family from centuries earlier. Like "Sarah's Key" and "What She Left Behind" this novel's narrator also finds an object in present day that leads to a discovery of someone who lived long ago. I find that I enjoy this type of story telling as it reveals parts of the story little by little.
Each of the characters in the story were well developed and likable. The author draws comparisons between modern day Syrian refugees in Europe with the Huguenot refugees as a natural part of the narrative without sounding preachy about it. Also, the struggles Jessica has with nightmares and facing reality portray PTSD that survivors of these sorts of massacres have to deal with.
I definitely recommend this book.