I LOVE reading history through the eyes of authors like Jocelyn Green. There is so much of it that I didn't realize was intertwined or really didn't grasp the first time I learned it. The impact of Revolutions, for instance. 

This book was expertly researched, wonderfully written, and had several threads intricately woven through the story that I just loved!

Excellent read, do recommend!

This book was rich with vivid imagery and texture. Wonderfully written. As a writer, I'd love to write like that. As a reader, I was swept away.

What a wonderful story! Jocelyn Green brings history to life through her stories. When I pick up a book, I like to be entertained but I also like to learn new things. I didn’t know a lot about the French refugee’s in America or the Whiskey rebellion. Both are fascinating to read. I feel like this story could have really happened.  I could see it in my mind’s eye. All the character’s were so real, it’s hard to remember they aren’t actually real people. I liked most of the character’s because some just could not be liked.  Joceleyn Green character’s learn important truths of  forgiveness, love, second chances and hope . I think we can learn from these character’s as well.

I recommend this book to my family and friends.

I received this book from the publisher to read and give my honest opinion.

A Refuge Assured is a great Historical (being put in the time of the Civil War era.) you not only get the American revolution in this book you get the French Revolution as well.  The book mainly takes place in PA (Pennsylvania.  What a nice State.  You can tell the author really did her research into the Historical content.  How fascinating the things you learn in here your heart is pulled into this book by the characters and their lives, and you appreciate what all they had to go through - but they had GOD on their side.  What a warm, heartstring pulling book.

An excellent story full of intriguing characters. I had never considered how far reaching the effects of the French Revolution were or the large influx of French refugees that escaped to America. I was totally immersed in post revolution America and the pages practically turned themselves!

I have read most of Jocelyn Green's books, and found her 2017 Christy Award winning novel, "The Mark of the King," one of my favorite new books of 2017. I eagerly anticipated the release of her newest book, "A Refuge Assured," and was incredibly pleased to be selected by the publisher to receive an early release electronic copy of the book for review purposes. As in her other novels, the author's understanding and attention to detail regarding the historical context is excellent. She understands and beautifully paints the context in which her characters spring to life.

"A Refuge Assured" opens in Paris during the Reign of Terror and vividly portrays the heroine, Vivienne, and her perilous escape from France to the supposed safe haven of post-Revolutionary War Philadelphia. As tensions surrounding both the French Revolution and the Whiskey Rebellion arise in the New World, Vivienne seeks refuge in the French settlement of Asylum, where she discovers intrigue and danger still pursue her and those whom she loves. Jocelyn Green crafts beautiful characters who interact with one another authentically. She develops a plausible plot with historically accurate finesse, which lures readers to continue to turn pages. The relationships between characters are developed slowly, thoughtfully, and more naturally than many typical, predictable historical fiction romances. Jocelyn Green develops a delightful supporting cast of characters, as well, and weaves all of their stories together tenderly. I thoroughly enjoyed "A Refuge Assured" and would recommend it to all lovers of clean, wholesome historical fiction.

Jocelyn Green is a talented writer and one I have enjoyed reading in the past; I eagerly awaited this story both for its plot and the unique characters I was sure to find in this latest release. I was in no way disappointed. This fascinating tale focuses on a woman whose livelihood has marked her for death: she makes lace. 

The tension is so high in those first few chapters that I had to remind myself to breathe! The descriptions involving the French Revolution are disturbing; Green does a remarkable job of allowing the reader to view events alongside Vienne, experiencing the horror as the mob paraded down the street shouting, "No more king!" 

The characters are multi-layered with warring desires of hiding secrets, hurts that need healing, and simple, daily survival. For example, Vienne is an intriguing mix of pride and humility. She wants to provide for her own needs, is unwilling to accept kindness that may come with strings attached, but she is not above any honest work, as a baker or even a scullery maid. She looks to the future rather than living in the past, embracing her new life in Philadelphia, even as she cannot totally leave her past behind, try though she might. 

A prominent theme in this novel is relationships, how we interact with those we love: how we deal with disappointment, grief, and pain, the joy that comes from shared bonds and experiences, forgiveness, accepting the past and moving forward unhindered by bitterness and things that we cannot change. I found myself examining my own life, looking for ways I make my journey more difficult by not releasing old hurts to the Healer. 

There is a lot of history within these pages that I was ignorant of before reading this book, specifically, the strong reaction to and support of the French Revolution. Notable historical figures were divided on the issue, but learning Thomas Paine wrote both Common Sense, so important in our own history, and Rights of Man for the French made me curious to learn more about the overlap between the two countries. And the French restructuring and renaming of days, weeks, and even years during this time was also something I had not studied before. A trip to my library is in order, and Green has provided some helpful suggestions at the end for those of us interested in learning more. 

A Refuge Assured is a beautifully written book about a troubled time in history, peopled with characters that are relatable and realistic. Some of the decisions they face are unthinkable, and Green does not shy away from the ugly to make the reader more comfortable—but she also gives depth and meaningful motivation to the villains, helping us understand a bit more about the circumstances many lived in during this time. 

I highly recommend this novel to those who enjoy historical fiction, especially those interested in France and America's ties to that country during this time. Due to some thematic elements in those early, intense chapters, I recommend it for mature teens and up, but the difficult topics addressed are important reading for anyone willing to learn lessons from the past. 

Thank you to Bethany House Publishers for providing me with a review copy. A review was not required, and all opinions are my own.

Vivienne, a lacemaker to Queen Marie Antointette, finds herself in grave danger in the midst of the French Revolution. She manages to escape to Philadelphia only to see that the Jacobins are powerful there, and she is surrounded by untrustworthy people, except for Liam, a brave farmer,. who helps her. Suddenly she has a precious charge. Can she protect him?

This enjoyable Christian novel by Jocelyn Green has a likeable hero and heroine, interesting historical detail and a well-thought out plot.  I especially liked reading about the real people who were involved in the fascinating politics of this era of American history, such as Alexander Hamilton, and the intricacies of the whisky tax. The whisky tax was a surprise to me.

I received this free ebook through the Bethany House Reviewer Program in return for an honest review.

Jocelyn Green's A Refuge Assured is an intriguing look at the life of a woman who was a lacemaker to the court of Marie Antoinette. Although a work of fiction, it is obvious that Ms. Green has done her research. The story is well written with a believable plot. I really enjoyed the characters. Ms. Green has done a wonderful job of recreating life in Paris and Philadelphia at the time of the French revolution. I could practically smell and taste the air of the docks.  I could also imagine the fragrance of the fresh bread and French pastries, just reading the descriptions made my mouth water! So if you are a lover of well researched historical fiction grab a copy of A Refuge Assured and settle in with a cup of tea and a pastry or two for a great read.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher for review purposes. All thoughts are my own.

From Amazon:
   Lacemaker Vivienne Rivard never imagined her craft could threaten her life. Yet in revolutionary France, it is a death sentence when the nobility, and those associated with them, are forced to the guillotine. Vivienne flees to Philadelphia but finds the same dangers lurking in the French Quarter, as revolutionary sympathizers threaten the life of a young boy left in her care, who some suspect to be the Dauphin. Can the French settlement, Azilum, offer permanent refuge?

Militiaman Liam Delaney proudly served in the American Revolution, but now that the new government has imposed an oppressive tax that impacts his family, he barely recognizes the democracy he fought for. He wants only to cultivate the land of his hard-won farm near Azilum, but soon finds himself drawn into the escalating tension of the Whiskey Rebellion. When he meets a beautiful young Frenchwoman recently arrived from Paris, they will be drawn together in surprising ways to fight for the peace and safety for which they long.

About the author:

Jocelyn Green inspires faith and courage as the award-winning and bestselling author of numerous fiction and nonfiction books, including The Mark of the King; Wedded to War; and The 5 Love Languages Military Edition, which she coauthored with bestselling author Dr. Gary Chapman. Her books have garnered starred reviews from Booklist and Publishers Weekly, and have been honored with the Christy Award, the gold medal from the Military Writers Society of America, and the Golden Scroll Award from the Advanced Writers & Speakers Association. She graduated from Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, with a B.A. in English, concentration in writing. Jocelyn lives with her husband Rob and two children in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Visit her at www.jocelyngreen.com.

Borrowed from Youtube.com:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffL5VpXAAfg

Asylum PA
     Pictures courtesy of Google images
Image result for asylum township Pennsylvania

Image result for asylum township Pennsylvania

This is an excellently researched and exceptionally well written story. The reason why I don't rate it 5 stars is that I found some events in the beginning of the story too disturbing to read. I know the French Revolution was beyond anything gruesome I can possibly imagine - and this is the reason why I normally avoid reading novels written in this time period. But . . . the main character in this book fled to America and away from all the bloodshed - and so I decided to give it a try. Knowing Miss Green's excellent penmanship, I knew she could turn this into a fantastic story - and she surely did! 

The main characters have depth and are loveable. I loved to see Vivienne develop and overcome the shame of her inheritance. Liam was the perfect hero - absolutely swoon-worthy. :) Henri, Finn, Jethro, Tara, and others . . . all wonderfully developed characters with their own characteristic personality.

A Refuge Assured is a book well worth the time reading.

CAPTIVATING & SUSPENSEFUL... A DETAILED LOOK AT FRENCH ÉMIGRÉ LIFE IN AMERICA AFTER THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR. This beautiful story weaves the lives of strong, engaging characters in an exciting series of events while offering a storyline rich in historic details that is sure to delight any historical fiction enthusiast.

War, suspense, mystery, determination, faith and romance... From the gorgeous cover to the heartwarming ending, this story is sure to win the hearts of its readers. Early on in this captivating novel, the author, Jocelyn Green, introduces readers to French émigré, Vivienne Rivard,  who must flee her beloved home in France to save her own life. Vivienne faces the heartbreaking loss of her dear aunt and learns the details of her estranged mother's questionable past, while living life in a country ravaged by the horrors of the French Revolution.  We follow her journey overseas to America, where readers meet Liam Delaney, a former militiaman in the American Revolution just years prior.  Throughout the early storyline, additional characters enter and lay the foundation for exciting plot twists which add a sense of mystery to the novel. 

I enjoyed the pace of this book as well as the suspense that builds from the events taking place. The author depicts an accurate peek into the gut-wrenching perils of the French Revolution, portrays early American life beautifully and details major historical events such as the Whiskey Rebellion while bringing historical figures like Alexander Hamilton and Monsieur Omer Talon to life. In addition, the author sets forth the story in intricate details which delights reader's imaginations and brings vivid color to the sights and smells of the era.

When Vivienne finds herself as a sudden guardian of a young boy, mystery surrounds the lad who could possibly be Louis-Charles, the heir to the French throne. Readers will get a glimpse into this boy's life and his story as he and Vivienne must once again flee their home to protect their very lives.  Finding refuge in a place called French Azilum, a historically accurate place in Pennsylvania, they find their lives even more intertwined with Liam Delaney and other characters.  

Vivienne, who never knew the love of her own mother, finds herself shepherding this young boy through life, providing for him, caring for him and nurturing him as she struggles to make her own way in life. She discovers the value of family and opens her heart to forgiveness along the way. It is her admirable determination and grit that I loved most about her. Liam, who's noble character has readers falling in love with him from the start, makes his way through the story fighting moral battles and upholding what he believes to be right. As he quickly falls for the beautiful Vivienne, readers find a hint of romance that later becomes a beautiful love between two strong and independent people. 

The end of the story wraps up with an exciting, climactic turn of events and a heartwarming ending.  I don't want to give too much away in the details but suffice it to say, the ending will not disappoint.  I truly believe historical fiction readers will love this book as much as I did. It is indeed a five star book, in my opinion.

* I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts above are my own.

The French Revolution... As much as I love learning new things through fiction, some of the historical events included in this story are simply shocking. How do people (even revolutionaries) justify things like guillotines?!!

Fortunately, Vivienne Rivard makes her way out of France before she is sentenced for her "crime" of lace making. Vivienne is a strong, brave, and independent heroine. Her work ethic, determination, compassion, and authentic faith propel her through uncertain circumstances.

Liam Delaney may not be financially rich but he possesses everything that matters. This militiaman is well versed in integrity, intellect, devotion, and hard work. Liam's ax and plow are just as sharp as his mind and his heart is his greatest strength.

Don't misunderstand me, I want the grit of history! As a people, we need the three-dimensional historical truth and Green delivers in a fictional experience that far outshines any textbook or encyclopedia account. I highly recommend this story!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.

I was drawn in by A Refuge Assured from the very start, and my interest did not wane at all through the entire book.  The writing style was very engaging, the story enthralling and the characters were very likable.

The story was filled with people who weren't what they seemed.  Not knowing who was friend or foe added to the interest.  And then there was Henri, the orphaned boy Vivienne ended up caring for.  Was he the son of Marie Antoinette or not?

While I enjoyed Liam and Vivienne and the way they were portrayed, my favorite was Henri.  The author did such an amazing job in writing his character.  The sections of the book that conveyed his thoughts and emotions were masterfully done so that you really felt like it was an 8-year-old boy relating them.  My favorite scene for that was when he was at the farm and going around trying to conquer his boredom.

While I have read books and seen movies that deal with the French Revolution, I have only been vaguely aware that there even was such a thing as the Whiskey Rebellion.  It was fascinating to learn about this time in my country's history. As these were dark and gruesome days, there were some elements in this story that was as well, however, the overall tone and mood of the story were hopeful and faith-filled.

The author's notes at the end of the book mention that there is a tie between this story and The Lacemaker by Laura Franz other than just that the main characters made lace.  I didn't make the connection as I read, but maybe you will.


This review was originally posted on AmongTheReads.net

I am grateful to Bethany House Publishers for giving me a copy of this book. The fact I received this book for free does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

A Refuge Assured
by Jocelyn Green
Bethany House
Bethany House Publishers
Christian
Pub Date 06 Feb 2018
I am reviewing a copy of A Refuge Assured through Bethany House Publishers and Netgalley:
Lacemaker Vivienne Rivard never imagine her craft could threaten her life, but in Revolutionary France, that is exactly the case. It is a death sentence for the nobility and all associated with them. They are forced to the guillotine. In order to escape with her life Vivienne flees to the French Quarter of Philadelphia only to discover the same dangers apply their. Revolutionary sympathizer end up threatening a young boy left in her care, a young boy some believe is the Dauphin. Can they find a permanent refuge in the French settlement of Azilum?


Militiaman Liam Delaney proudly served in the American Revolution,  but now the government has imposed an oppressive tax that impacts her family, he barely doesn't recognizes the democracy he fought for.  He wants to cultivate the land of his hard won farm near Azlium, but soon finds himself drawn into the escalating tension of the Whiskey Rebellion.  When he meets a beautiful young Frenchwomen who recently arrived from Paris, they are drawn together in unexpected ways, to fight for the peace and safety that they Long for.


I give A Refuge Assured five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!

Wow! What a story!
I finally finished this book, and it was incredible!
It's a book that the reading of it is bittersweet- I really wanted to finish it, because it is so good, and yet, I didn't want to finish, because that meant I'd reached the end of the story!
It is so chock-full of historical details and facts, I find myself fumbling around to find the best words to describe it properly.
This is one of those books that you can't read too quickly, because there's just so much here! The author, Jocelyn Green, is so talented when it comes to researching and then describing historical scenes.
As I was reading, I felt as though I was right there, experiencing the happenings along with the main characters. The food, the smells, the sights, the places, all are described in perfect detail, allowing you to experience those days for yourself!
There is even a bit of mystery involved, I wasn't quite sure just what was going on until the last chapter.
In reading this book, I learned about the terrible French Revolution. The new world. The results and after effects of that revolution, our own American Revolution, and more, and how it must have been a very unsettling time and place to be living in.

The main character, Vivienne, is a lovely heroine. Her determination, her love for young Henri, her efforts to move on with her life, make the most of her past to better her future.

One quote in particular that I really liked: "God is the Creator, is He not?" she had said with a smile. "So when we create, even if it is a mere length of lace, and not the stars in the heavens, we honor Him. We bear His likeness when we work."

Realizing what people in the past, people that have only been known to me "in the history books", really understanding more deeply things that happened that helped in forming our country into the place it is now, this is only one of the reasons I really like reading historical fiction. And I consider this book to be riveting, historical Christian fiction at it's finest. It caught and held my attention to the very end!

I received an early copy of this book, all opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Do you like historical fiction? Are you interested in the French Revolution? If so, you will truly enjoy this book. While it is fiction, it was based on a novel idea. I did not know that lacemakers were condemned to death during the French revolution. This book takes that fact and creates a most interesting story.  The book is a little bit history, a little bit intrigue, a little bit romance, and a whole lot about God's grace and forgiveness. 
The story is well developed, the story flows well. It kept my attention throughout. The main characters are also well developed. 
You will not be disappointed in this book. I highly recommend it.

This book took me a good two weeks to finally finish -- but not for lack of desire, just book length. The size means it can't be read in an afternoon, but also that the author does the characters and plot justice. So much occurs throughout that anything shorter would not be sufficient.

A Refuge Assured combined many of my favorite things into one: French revolutionary history. Louis XVI and the Dauphin. Adventure. Romance. Mystery. YAY. I half expected the Scarlet Pimpernel to show up at any time -- and routinely reminded myself that he wouldn't!

Truly, though, Sir Percy aside (especially since he doesn't actually exist in A Refuge Assured), this book is wonderful. Recommended for fans of the time period (or those who want to know more about it). Also great for anyone looking for a book they can truly deep-dive into.

I received a free copy of the book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

Once again Jocelyn Green has written a book filled with intrigue, romance and historical fact. How do I know it is a fact? Because I trust the author and I know she has done her research.

Vivienne Rivard has escaped from France because her life is in danger for the simple crime of being a lacemaker. She flees to Philadelphia and finds that the threats of the revolution have followed her. Vivienne is a likeable character with a backstory that is sad in that her mother rejected her at birth, so her aunt raised her. Vivienne carries this rejection with her all her life so when her mother dies, and she discovers who her father is, she is embarrassed and ashamed. Her growth at her discovery of the reasons for her mother's abandonment is very satisfying in the end.

The character of Liam Delaney was everything you want your hero to be, and the love story between him and Vivienne blossomed in a tender moment that was swoon-worthy.

The only thing that I found confusing about this book was that right at the start the author called her main character both Vivienne and Vienne. At first, I thought another character had entered the room and wondered why the author would have two characters with names so alike. And then I thought it was a spelling mistake. It wasn't until many pages into the book that I realized it was a nickname for Vivienne. I was so frustrated by this that I almost stopped reading the book! Also, it would have been nice to know what some of the French words meant. I'm still trying to figure out what a "pension" is and no it isn't what you get when you retire. But, don't be put off by these little warbles. This is an excellent book and one worthy of investing your time!

This has to have been one of my favorite books so far this year.  I did not want to put this book down.  I did not know much about the French Revolution or the refugees that made it to the United States.  This taught me a lot about this time period in the United States.  I knew nothing about the Whiskey Rebellion until I read this book.  I loved the characters.  I look forward to many more books by Jocelyn Green.  I received this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.