This review is scheduled to appear on my blog and Goodreads next Monday. I've already shared my review on Amazon, CBD, and Barnes and Noble.

"Let us be instruments of grace in the lives of others for as long as we're able."
-Tante Rose, A Refuge Assured

Jocelyn Green makes history come alive each time I pick up one of her novels. Whether she is writing about the Civil War, French Colonial America, or émigrés of the French Revolution—history, human struggle, and God’s sovereignty are key elements of her stories. Sure there’s romance, but it’s only one part of a much bigger puzzle. THIS is exactly how I like historical fiction.

A Refuge Assured opens with the attack on the Tuileries (August 10, 1792). Like the aristocracy itself, those who supplied silk or lace were growing just as unfashionable as the monarchy that wore them—dangerously so. Following the death of her mother, Vivienne Rivard narrowly escapes the guillotine that claimed her aunt and flees to America. Unfortunately, Philadelphia was not quite the refuge she was seeking.

As I mentioned, God’s sovereignty is always apparent in the lives of Green’s characters. You’ll see it in Liam and Henri’s story, although not as prominently as you do with Vivienne. Green really plucked my heartstrings through Vivienne’s relationship with her parents, longing for acceptance, and the loss of her Tante Rose. Through it all, Green shows how God can use our pain to mold and shape us, soften our hearts towards Him, and stir us to compassion for others. Despite her desperate attempts at self-sufficiency, it’s only through surrender that Vivienne finds peace. 

My trip to Paris and Versailles in 2013 strengthened my familiarity with French history. However, through Vivienne’s story, I learned of the plight of the lacemakers and the existence of French Azilum in the US. Additionally, I discovered more about the conflict involving Alexander Hamilton and the Whisky Rebellion. It’s discoveries like these that make me a loyal fan of both the author and this genre. A Refuge Assured is a fascinating story full of history, hardships, and heroism.

Zu Beginn der Französischen Revolution ist die 28-jährige Vivienne Rivard Spitzenmacherin und Schneiderin für die Aristokraten und die Königsfamilie, mit eigenem Geschäft. Doch dann beginnen auch bei allen, die Einsatz für den Adel gezeigt haben, die Köpfe reihenweise von der Guillotine zu rollen. Auch als Lieferanten der Königsfamilie ist man in Gefahr. Viviennes Tante und auch angestellte Arbeiterinnen werden getötet. Sie selber kann sich mit ihrer dementen Mutter verstecken. Als diese nach langer Krankheit verstirbt, hält sie nichts mehr. Sie bricht todesmutig und verzweifelt auf und will nach Amerika.

Aufgrund eines geheimnisvollen Briefes trifft sie im Hafen auf den ehemaligen Geliebten ihrer Mutter. Sie war Armands langjährige Mätresse. Vivienne will nichts mit ihm zu tun haben, aber nach zwei Wochen Wartezeit tritt er die Reise auf dem gleichen Schiff an und lässt sich nicht abschütteln. Er hält sich für ihren Vater, aber sie
geht ihrer eigenen Wege und will sich in Amerika ein neues Leben aufbauen und sehnt sich nicht zurück nach Frankreich.

Nach ihrer Landung trifft sie in den French Quaters von Philadelphia zufällig auf den irischstämmigen Liam Delayne. Der 38-Jährige will seine Schwester mit aufs Land auf seine Farm nehmen, aber diese ist nicht begeistert. Liam ist ein ehemaliger Lehrer, hat aber vor einem Jahr Land erstanden. Er ist regelmäßig bei seiner Schwester in der Stadt, da er von Zeit zur Zeit den vier Tage dauernden Post Ritt übernimmt. Vivienne findet Anstellung in der Küche der Taverne seiner Schwester.

Doch drohende Unruhen bezüglich der Whiskey Steuer, das Gelbfieber und die Wirren um den verschwundenen Königssohn Louis bedrohen ihre Zukunft. Nach vielen Irrungen und Verwicklungen und Gefahren für die Existenz bekommen die beiden dann doch noch ein Happy End. Zum Ende hin gibt es einen sehr romantischen und gefühlvollen Antrag, gefolgt von einem freudigen und hoffnungsvollen Epilog.

Das Buch „A Refuge Assured“ von Jocelyn Green ist nicht zu christlich, nicht aufdringlich. Die Protagonisten sind sympathische, nachvollziehbaren Charaktere. Es werden sehr interessante historische Einblicke gewährt. Manchmal ist die Erzählung etwas langatmig oder zu detailliert.

Fazit: Historisch sehr interessant, stellenweise etwas langatmig oder zu detailverliebt.

4,5 von 5 Punkten

I loved this book! The characters are rich and layered. I love that I learned so much about The French Revolution and The Whiskey Rebellion. I studied both of these events in high school, but I have forgotten so much over the years. The main character is a lace maker which makes her a traitor to the new French government. She flees the country for America where she thinks she will be safe, but there is a lot of anti-French Monarchy sentiments in the states at this time. Alexander Hamilton makes an appearance as well as several lesser known historical figures.

I loved the faith thread that was woven through out the story. Vivienne is always looking for a literal and spiritual refuge and finally finds it in the end. I highly recommend this book to lovers of historical fiction.

I obtained this book for free for the purpose of review.

I appreciate the in-depth research Jocelyn Green did in preparation for writing A Refuge Assured. In her final notes, she helps the reader separate fact from fiction, which is also appreciated. Green’s writing piqued my interest, and as I was reading I did google searches on Alexander Hamilton’s role in the Whiskey Rebellion, the French aristocracy fleeing the French Revolution for the safety of the United States of America, and on Asylum, Pennsylvania. All of which was quite interesting and aligned with Green’s well written tale of Vivienne Rivard and William (Liam) Delaney. 
     Vivienne, a resident of Paris, France and a lace maker to the queen, finds herself alone and in danger as her known family have died and being a lace maker has become a capital offense under the new regime. It would appear that her only hope of survival is to approach a stranger who had been willing to see to her mother’s escape, but circumstances make her only too aware that she must be the director of her own destiny. Arriving in the country that had only recently seen its own revolution, Vivienne is determined to make her own way. Little did she know that she would also become responsible for making the way for another.  
     Liam Delaney once served as a soldier in the War of Independence, now he is torn between allegiance to the new nation and allegiance to his own conscience. Are those protesting the excise tax on distilled spirits write in their claims that they are once again being unfairly taxed or are Washington and Hamilton right in their extreme measures of enforcing the tax? While Liam much prefers time on his farm away from such political controversy, his job as a postal carrier brings him into Philadelphia, the nation’s capital, on a regular basis. The opportunity to visit his tavern-keeping sister made the trip and its nuisances worthwhile, and now there was also the opportunity to see the tavern’s new baker, Vivienne Rivard.       
     Fans of historical fiction will gladly spend time between the covers of A Refuge Assured, and will hope for future stories about the Delaney family. I thank NetGalley and the Bethany House Publishers for providing me with a copy of A Refuge Assured in exchange for my honest review. I received no monetary compensation for providing this review.

Travel with Vivienne from Paris to Pennsylvania. Come along for a journey that will sweep you off your feet and plant your imagination firmly in the pages of this epic tale. This story is a delightful kaleidoscope of  vibrant picturesque phrases, abundant in historical details and a rich depth of emotion. In short, a veritable pleasure to the senses.

I enjoyed learning new details about the French Revolution as seen through the eyes of a royal lacemaker. I gained a deeper understanding of what the French Revolution looked like. Jocelyn brings history to life by putting you right in the thick of the action. The story and the people became real, not just another story on the page in history.

The characters are authentic and they draw you into their story, I felt a wide-range of sweeping emotion, from elation to sadness and everything in between. No stone is left un-turned. I felt fully immersed in the story and in the lives of Vivienne & Liam.

This story is a delight to any history loving bibliophile. You won’t want to miss out on this exceptional story! I give A Refuge Assured 5-stars and highly recommend it to any who enjoy reading historical fiction.

 (I receive complimentary books for review from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)

"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."

I am embarrassed to say that this is the very first book I've read written by Jocelyn Green.  I am so glad that I read this book, for she has now become one of my favorite historical authors.  What a riveting tale of human folly, repercussions of sins, second chances and redemption, and God's love and faithfulness.

Ms Green is a master story-teller who weaves a delicious story infused with historical events, unforgettable characters, a generous dose of intrigue, a subtle hint of romance, and a firm undergirding of faith and prayer.  The plot is propelled by real history that blends seamlessly with fictional events.  The intrigue that surrounds the young boy Henri's identity  and the trouble that follows him definitely adds a spark of adrenaline to the storyline.  

Vivienne and Liam are incredible characters.  Vivienne is a French lacemaker fleeing the Reign of Terror, who ends up in Philadelphia with emotional scars that haunt her.  She is a strong, capable woman with a great talent but feels unworthy of love due to her past.  She holds a disdain and grudge against her father whom she meets early in the book.  Liam is a former officer in the American Revolutionary War and a recently retired schoolmaster, hoping to build a farm and love the land he worked so hard to obtain.  He is loyal, compassionate, hard-working, faithful, and steady in his beliefs.  Such a swoon-worthy hero!  I love his solid faith - "I want you to remember something while I'm gone.  That boy upstairs is a child of the King - the only King that matters - no matter who his parents were.  And so are you."
The secondary characters of Henri, Armand - Vivienne's father, Tara - Liam's sister, and Finn - Liam's cousin, add deeper layers to the storyline to reveal how forgiveness, redemption, and healing can come from and through God.

I didn't know much about the Whiskey Rebellion or the Frenchmen coming to this country to escape the Terror until this book.  Although it's a work of fiction, I learned an incredible amount of history through the book.  And, as always, was struck by the cruelty of war and the evils of men, whether driven by greed, mistakenly directed ideals and ideas, or substance like alcohol.  It was also interesting to see Alexander Hamilton and George Washington portrayed in a slightly different light from what we're taught in elementary school.

What an incredible journey!  Anyone who enjoys a well-written gripping historical fiction would LOVE this book.  I was given a copy of this book by the author and publisher and NetGalley.  I was not required to write a favorable review.  All comments and opinions are solely my own.

From France to Pennsylvania your life is in danger because you make lace? This is brought about because of a frenzy of people who hate the monarchy, and will go to extremes to get rid of all chances that it will return to power, killing young children, and innocents.
With a heavy heart the author has brought our lacemaker Vivienne Rivard actually running for her life, and puts in her path a young mother and child that will forever change her, and a hurt American Revolutionary, and Irishman, Liam Delaney. Soon I was googling for information about the happenings of the French Revolution and the child King.
We watch with horror as injustice seems to follow our hero across the ocean, and we cringe when those we admire through history are responsible for doing some of these same things that brought them to the War of Independence. We learn that some we trust cannot be trusted, and what they do is beyond my imagination.
A historical story that is full of information that I did not know, and once started I could not put it down. Enjoy!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.

Rich in historical detail and abounding in fascinating characters, A Refuge Assured is the perfect blend of intrigue, suspense, history, and romance. Jocelyn Green has crafted a spectacular tale that kept me spellbound from the first page to the end. Set against backdrops in France and Pennsylvania in the late 1700s, the history of those areas was integral to the story and seamlessly combined with the fictional tale. I enjoyed learning more about the happenings during that time period. 

The main characters, Vivienne and Liam, were endearing and memorable, and they hit me right in the heart as they struggled to overcome their difficulties. With tender messages of forgiveness of self and others, along with faith and hope, this book has earned a spot on my keeper shelf. I would recommend this book to those who enjoy clean historical fiction. I will definitely be looking forward to more books from this author.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publishers/NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Wow! What a story. If you get the chance to read this, do it. A historical fiction that takes you through the French Revolution and into America during the Whiskey Rebellion all the while reading of fictional characters that make you believe you’re reading the journal entries of your ancestors. Wonderfully written!

This is a great book about a young Lacemaker in Paris. She makes lace for the royal court and other nobles. She has many who help her in this venture, including her aunt who raised her. Then the French Revolution happens. And even the Lacemakers are in danger of the guillotine. She makes her way to Philadelphia. And a French community there. Then to Asylum, a community set up for those who left France during the Revolution. There’s the Whiskey Revolt also in the book. It’s just filled with history. All the while being a wonderful story of survival, adapting, and forgiving. So much growth with the main characters. You’ll fall in love with all the characters involved, well a few you won’t! There’s conflict, danger, and heroism! This book lives up to the high standards you expect from this author. It’s well researched, well thought out and well written! I highly recommend it! I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All views expressed here are my own.

History lovers, grab your essential reading comforts then settle in for an enthralling story of revolution, rebellion, and the longing for refuge. I had no idea that lacemaking could make one worthy of the guillotine in Revolutionary France, but that is the ‘crime’ for which Vivienne Rivard, lacemaker to the Queen of France, is in danger of losing her life. And not even the newly-formed United States of America is far enough to escape revolution’s clutches.

This story has everything a history lover could ask for. The setting is ripe with both political and personal tensions, and the characters are perfectly poised to explore them to the fullest. Still riding the wave of their own revolution, many Americans are cheering on the French Revolution: “Shall we Americans, who have kindled the spark of liberty, watch the bright flame burning in France go out?” But as Vienne rightly points out, “It’s not a bright flame of liberty. It’s a raging wildfire of bloodthirsty discontents.” Do the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity justify rebellion every time the government doesn’t act the way you want it to?

And of course, none of this is merely hypothetical for these characters. Liam’s cousin, Finn, is caught up in the Whiskey Rebellion, a situation that is rapidly escalating, and Liam finds himself caught uncomfortably—and sometimes at a cost to his personal safety—between the law-makers and the rebels. Henri, a young boy who ends up in Vienne’s care, struggles with his memories of the Revolution and the dear playmate whose fate remains unknown, even as his own life becomes threatened once more. And Vienne just wants to find her place in this new country she’s been forced to seek refuge in. Will they ever find true asylum—beyond the place on the map?

Jocelyn Green’s writing is an absolute pleasure to read—as natural as breathing and rich in historical details that blend seamlessly into the narrative—and her characters will hold you in their grasp from the first page until the last. Not to be missed historical reading!

I received a copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not influenced the content of my review, which is my honest and unbiased opinion.

Wow! This book really left me searching for words. Simply said, it is so good! It's a book that stays with you long after you've read the last page. 
The amount of history in this book is astounding, I learned much from it yet it doesn't feel like a textbook. 
The characters and scenes are so richly written, I felt like I was watching a movie as I was reading. I could see everything as it was happening. The romance between Vivienne and Liam was very subtle and natural. 
I will definitely be recommending this book to everyone I know.

French history is not a place I venture that often and I have become picky with books I read revolving around the French Revolution. It's mostly my own ignorance and lack of understand of the French court.  With A Refuge Assured while it begins in France the majority of the story takes place in the US but still centers around French history.

Thinking she is leaving France behind Vivienne still faces danger in unexpected places.  Meeting others that fled overseas should create a common bond but not everyone has the same feelings when it comes to the Revolution.  There are those waiting to return to France and others ready to rebuild their lives in the New World.

Without going into detail of what takes place here (the synopsis above does a great job there).  A Refuge Assured is a well written book of new beginnings, heartbreak, forgiveness and determination (just to name a few).  The author has cleanly done a ton of research here as I could feel so much of emotional and visual side, her author's notes at the end were wonderful.

Definitely a book and author I highly recommend.  Thanks to Bethany House (via Netgalley) for an advanced copy in exchange for honest review.

A Refused Assured (it.), by Jocelyn Green, is an absolutely brilliant novel.  From the first word, of the first paragraph of the first page, I was immediately transported. My favorite period of history is that of the eighteenth century (primarily Colonial and Revolutionary American, British and Continental European history).  And, when a novel can transport me, I consider such a book one I never want to end.  I love reading history books about the American Revolution and the French Revolution; a Refuge Assured had a confluence of both.  Each scene was presented in vivid detail.  Every word seems meticulously, purposefully chosen, with the entirety of the text creating a moment in time that seems altogether real. The stresses, the pains, the joys and celebrations...the characters were like people I want to know. And the love story...my favorite part...Vivienne/Vienne (her name is presented in full and as a nickname throughout) is a wonderfully-crafted heroine, and Liam is one of the quintessential romantic heroes. I wanted more at the end, as I wanted to see more progression with the two as a family, but, in all, the ending was quite sweet. I loved Jocelyn Green's Mark of the King (it.) and thoroughly recommend a Refuge Assured (it.).

After reading Jocelyn Green’s Mark of the King last year, I knew I had found a treasure. Waiting for her next release, A Refuge Assured, was something akin to torture. With a knack for writing rich historical novels, Green has shown, once again, her love of history and her special talent for writing; qualities that earn the title, “storyteller”.

  In A Refuge Assured, travel to revolutionary France, 1792, Marie Antoinette, queen. A time of unrest and beheadings by guillotine had become the norm for those seen as supporting the monarchy in any way, even those employed by the queen down to those charged with the most menial tasks. Any association with the monarchy was grounds for the guillotine. As a result many lived in fear, in poverty they had never before experienced, starving to death, contracting illnesses for which no doctor would treat if one was not supportive of the revolution. 

Vivienne Rivard is a lacemaker, creating delicate and much sought after lace, lace that adorned the aristocracy, even the queen. Lacemaking was a time consuming hand crafted art often leaving its artists with bent swollen fingers and bent shoulders. Vivienne Rivard learned the art of lacemaking from the aunt her raised her.  

As the revolution becomes more intensified, to the point Vivienne cannot leave her apartment, she is in hiding with her very ill estranged mother. No one will buy her lace for to buy lace from the queen’s lacemaker could surely risk beheading.  Vivienne knows she must escape France and sail to America, a feat that could lead to her death should she be caught. 

Once in Philadelphia, Vivienne soon realizes the revolution in France has made its way to her new country. Struggling to make her way, she finds herself the subject of much curiosity and contempt. There were those who would befriend her yet, were they really her friends or were they trying to determine if the child left in her care, was indeed the Dauphin. Marie Antoinette’s young son. The future king of France. 

America is experiencing its own growing pains and finds itself running headlong into the Whiskey Rebellion; a rebellion fomented by the high taxes imposed on those who manufactured whiskey. Liam Delaney, a militiaman, served in the American Revolution and does not want to see yet another war on America’s shores. 

Liam and Vivienne are searching for the same thing; a place to live their days in peace. A chance meeting and escalating tensions finds Liam and Vivienne becoming friends by necessity, with a lot of sparks flying. Together, they must find a way to protect themselves and the boy who might be the king, and establish a place of peace in which to live. 

Enthralled with this novel, I lost a lot of sleep reading way past my bedtime. Curious, I conducted a little research of my own, both to learn more about the French Revolution in France and the tensions in America. History books can be very dry reading, but put some flesh to the history and for a little while it is almost like history lives again. Jocelyn Green is a champion at creating novels that bring history alive. 

 And now the waiting begins once more, but this time…I’m going to read A Refuge Assured again. 

I obtained an e-copy of this novel from the publisher through Net Galley.  All thoughts herein are my own and freely expressed.

As a lace maker to French nobility, Vivienne Rivard straddles two worlds. While she works to earn her living, it is her connection with royalty that could end her life during the revolution. She flees to the safety of America. A country just beginning to find its way after their own revolution.
What I loved most about Vivienne is her willingness to learn. She is unlike those who were once a part of the royal court who expect everything to be handed to them. If she can’t sell her lace, she is determined to find another way to pay for her room and board. And when she takes on the care of a child, she does so fully invested.
Liam Delaney has found peace and contentment after fighting in the American Revolution, yet his cousin’s role in the Whiskey Rebellion just might pull him back into service.
Jocelyn Green vividly portrays the horrors of The Reign of Terror in France as well as the bustling and growing city (though still small) of Philadelphia on into the countryside of Western and Northern Pennsylvania.
As Liam’s and Vivienne’s paths continue to cross, the two slowly grow admiration for the other. Their friendship builds with each meeting—in a believable and engaging way. When Vivienne’s life is threatened, Liam comes to her rescue.
As someone who is not a huge history buff, I find any book that drives me to learning more about that time period has done its job well. And in A Refuge Assured, I turned to find out more about several things—the lost Dauphin, the Whisky Rebellion, and the French Revolution included.
A strong story line, lots of conflicts, believable and likeable characters, and exquisite descriptions all combine to make this book one to savor.
Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.

A Refuge Assured brings to life the struggles America faced as a fledgling country still trying to lay its foundation and the difficulty in establishing "what's best for the majority." As multiple cultures and values clash, both Liam and Vivienne fight to survive while clutching to the hopes and dreams they have for their new lives in this newly freed country. As multiple trials draw them together a mutual attraction grows, but a clerical mistake threatens to topple not only their friendship but also the chance of any romantic developments. I was a little surprised at how easily- although begrudgingly- Liam acquiesced  in the dispute. I expected him to take the issue further in the very least demanding that he be recompensed more. Meanwhile, I truly felt for Vivienne's turmoil in coming to grips with Armand's place in her life (and whether or not he deserved one), and adored her developing relationship with Henri. I think my favorite part of the book was the Epilogue many year's in the future because it gave a glimpse of what happens to Liam, Vivienne, Armand, and Henri. Nice story that gets you thinking about the liberties we enjoy and what it took for us to have them.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. A review was not required but was voluntary and contains my own thoughts and opinions regarding this literary work.

Once again another well researched, outstanding historical fiction by one of my favorite authors! The care and research she puts into each book is amazing, really bringing history to life. The characters are complex and intriguing and as always the romance is spot on. Well written and utterly engaging I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

This is an absolutely incredible historical novel!

The characters are fantastic. They are so well developed and so varied that I was captivated and felt like I really knew them. Some of them I wished that I could just wrap them in a big hug and comfort them for all the heartache and loss that they had suffered.

I know that I had heard about the French Revolution in school. This book set me in the middle of it and I saw the horrors and felt the terror through the lives of these characters.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.