This book grabbed me from the beginning. I normally don't read blurbs, but this time I did, and I knew I needed to read this. Very good story. Exciting and real.

How is it possible that I have never read anything by Jocelyn Green? I'm not sure how this author's books slipped past me, but one thing is for sure, after reading The Mark of the King I will be anxiously waiting for the next book this author puts out.

This is a beautifully written book, rich in history, with a cast of characters that bring to life a turbulent time when the French first settled New Orleans. Our main character, a young mid-wife by the name of Julianne Chevalier, has been wrongly accused of murder. But she has a choice, stay in prison for the rest of her days, or marry a complete stranger and then take a ship to New Orleans where she and her new husband will be expected to "grow" the fledgling colony. The author is such a good writer that her descriptions of the humiliations and abuse Julianne endured had me feeling like I was watching a movie. This book was very hard to put down.

When her husband dies, Julianne is saved further humiliation by a God-fearing man named Marc-Paul Girard. But even his protection and love for her will not save her from one evil man in the colony who masquerades as Marc-Paul's friend while intent on tormenting Julianne and he has a secret that good destroy the colony.

This book also has all the excitement that a full-length movie would have and a surprise or two that will leave the reader wanting more. I highly recommend it!

I had missed Jocelyn's writing. I so adored her Civil War series and was anxious to see what she would come up with next. I was not disappointed.

This book every bit as good as her previous but tackling a different time and place. It's obvious that Jocelyn has done her research when it comes to this time in history.

We are quickly endeared to Julianne. The opening scene still haunts me and the tragedy that insured.

I wasn't sure what was going to happen with Julianne marrying Simon, at first he didn't seem that bad, I thought they might fall in love. But then Marc-Paul is introduced and I wasn't sure where the story might go and had to keep reading to see.

There are many interesting characters introduced in this book that add to the depth of the story.

Jocelyn has hit another one out of the park with this newest release and I highly recommend this book. I can't wait to see what she comes out with next.

A copy of this book was given to me through Netgalley.com. All opinions are my own.

This was an amazing story of grace in the midst of failures, played out in the unusual setting of early 1700's Louisiana when New Orleans was hardly even established as a city. I have admired Jocelyn Green's Civil War series for it's accuracy and authenticity and this stand-alone book is no different. I don't want to give away any spoilers, so I will just say that as a trans-racial adoptive mother there were certain elements of this story that really touched my heart!

The Mark of the King by Jocelyn Green is an incredible story set in Louisiana when France was trying to colonize this new land. The landscape is well-described, the conditions are horrific at times, and the enemies are often unexpected. Though this is a fantastic tale of survival (both of the elements and of personal tragedies), there are many other layers to this story.

This is the first novel I have read by Jocelyn Green. I typically do not read books set during earlier times, simply because they do not tend to interest me. However, this book drew me in immediately and left me wanting more at the end of the novel.

Green's impeccable research and writing style make a winning match in this book. Each chapter unravels more of the story and plants the reader firmly in the struggle with the characters. My mind still travels back to them, and I imagine it will be a while before I let go of them completely.

I will be reading Green's Civil War series next. She has changed my perspective on historical fiction (which I was very selective about reading), and I will continue to explore these former centuries through her eyes. She is an adept guide with language so rich you almost believe you are there with them.

Don't miss this book! The plot is well-paced, and the dialogue is compelling, and the characters are courageous. The pleasure of reading it is its own reward!

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Wow this story moved me beyond words. I was swept fromFrance to the Louisiana territory with a character that was so realistic. I felt each mark and tear. Each one moment of hope. It was a great read. To be moved to re-read a book makes you truly appreciate the Author's work and passion for their book.

I know I have read something by Jocelyn Green, but dang if I can remember which book it was. But I do remember the book I finished last night that she wrote. The Mark of the King is a remarkable book taking place during the late colonial period of US History. It begins in France where a midwife allows the wife of a very powerful man to die during childbirth. Because of that death, Julianne was branded a murder and sent to prison. Her sentence was commuted to exile to Louisiana because she was willing to help populate the new French colony. Before she is allowed to leave France, she is required to choose a man from a group who were also being exiled to Louisiana, then she was required to consummate the marriage before being allowed to get on the ship to take her. She chooses Simon LeGrande because he was the most promising candidate.

Jocelyn has put together a book with a lot of action, some romance, some betrayal, a bit of kidnapping, secrets, and a few storms. Julianne survives many hardships, and even though she loses Simon, she does find love. The author has included incredible descriptions of the landscapes and the surroundings of all the activities. These descriptions help the reader engage more fully into the story and gain more understanding of how life worked. This is so hard to put down and easy to get lost in. Five Stars, Two Thumbs Up, and a hurricane to shake things up.

Midwife Julieanne Chevalier has been branded a murderer and imprisoned for the death of a patient. Her only chance at life is to emigrate to Louisiana as the wife of another convict. Jocelyn Green has done a wonderful job of creating a fictional account of a true story. Although the main characters are fictional, many characters are actual residents of the New Orleans colony. It is quite evident that Ms. Green is a student of history, and I love the fact that she weaves Faith throughout the story. She truly brings the New Orleans colony to life.

From Amazon:
Sweeping Historical Fiction Set at the Edge of the Continent

After being imprisoned and branded for the death of her client, twenty-five-year-old midwife Julianne Chevalier trades her life sentence for exile to the fledgling 1720s French colony of Louisiana, where she hopes to be reunited with her brother, serving there as a soldier. To make the journey, though, women must be married, and Julianne is forced to wed a fellow convict.

When they arrive in New Orleans, there is no news of Benjamin, Julianne's brother, and searching for answers proves dangerous. What is behind the mystery, and does military officer Marc-Paul Girard know more than he is letting on?

With her dreams of a new life shattered, Julianne must find her way in this dangerous, rugged land, despite never being able to escape the king's mark on her shoulder that brands her a criminal beyond redemption.

About the author;

Jocelyn Green inspires faith and courage as the award-winning author of numerous fiction and nonfiction books, including Wedded to War, a Christy Award finalist in 2013, and The 5 Love Languages Military Edition, which she coauthored with bestselling author Dr. Gary Chapman. Jocelyn lives with her husband and two children in Iowa.

I was given this book by Netgalley.com for review purposes. All thoughts are my own.

An incredible novel looking at the lives of those who lived during the eighteenth century both in France and New Orleans. France wanted to colonize it’s towns in North America – so instead of sending over willing individuals, they populated their colonies with convicts whether by choice or not. A practice that was actually quite frightening (not because of their criminal history or choices in life) but more so for the fear that these individuals must have gone through. They were sent with little choice into the unknowns and some were forced to wed in order to further populate the colonies. I can’t even begin to imagine the fear, uncertainty and anger they must have felt.

Julianne is one of these individuals but her criminal history almost blows your mind. She was imprisoned and branded over the death of her client! At a time when child birth was quite dangerous, it is hard to believe a midwife could be held responsible for the death of the Mother and further branded a criminal and imprisoned. Julianne felt her only way to escape the life that was now imposed on her was escape to New Orleans. I don’t think she could even imagine what she would have to deal with once she arrived.

There is little order, little rules and crime rules in this new world. Through Julianne, we uncover a harsh world, mysterious discrepancies and dangerous world. Marc-Paul is a man that she meets when arriving in New Orleans – after her marriage to another convict. Marc-Paul is there to provide support, guidance, care but also harbours his own secret that is tied to Julianne’s family.

The Mark of the King is well written and fabulous novel. I could not put it down in fear of missing what was going to happen next. I loved the rich history, culture and strong character development. This was one amazing novel that you will cherish over and over again.

Readers, prepare to be completely captivated by this story… WOW!!! The rich cultures and customs from France to the dismal conditions across the sea in Louisiana are fascinating. However, it was the challenging experiences of the characters within this book are what kept me turning page after page long into the night and early morning!

Julianne’s journey as a midwife, convicted criminal, and early settler of Louisiana kept me absolutely rivetted from beginning to end. Simon LeGrange is a passionate and defiant man who is more than a little rough around the edges yet full of compassion and chivalry. Marc-Paul Girard is an exemplary military officer forced to navigate the bleak and tenuous state of affairs in the early French settlements of Louisiana.

The history behind this story is simply incredible yet Jocelyn Green’s artistic storytelling shines through as the truly captivating feature. I highly recommend this novel and now I am determined to read her previous books as well!

I requested the opportunity to read and review this title through NetGalley, the author, and the publisher. The opinions expressed are my own.

In “The Mark of the King” by Jocelyn Green, midwife Julianne Chevalier is imprisoned and branded after a client accuses her of murder after the death of a new mother. Julianne knows that she is not guilty, but nevertheless she is sentenced to life in a women’s prison in France. Her parents died and she was left to raise her little brother, Benjamin. He left home to join the French army and she thought him to be in Louisiana, a new French colony in the New World. When she was offered a chance to trade her prison sentence for transportation to the new colony, she accepted and hoped that she would find her brother. In order for the female prisoners to be able to sail to the New World, they first had to marry. Male prisoners who also were to be transported were their choice. The man Julianne chose for her “mate” tried to be a good husband. However, tragedy struck and Julianne’s life was turned upside down again. Conditions were harsh in this new community. Humidity, insects, swamp animals, Indians and lack of food and shelter combined to provide a miserable existence. However, Julianne was determined to survive.

I do not want to spoil the reader’s enjoyment of this novel, so I will just say that I read this book in record time because I could not put it down. I found the historical references to be well researched and presented. Although this is a work of fiction, the reader is treated to well-written descriptions that provide an almost visual understanding of this time in history.

I was sent a complimentary Kindle copy by NetGalley.com.

Jocelyn Green makes history come alive in ways that cause the reader to rethink what was learned in history class. When I read her books, my eyes are opened to aspects of life that are almost incomprehensible -- the smell of death on a battlefield, the gut-wrenching hunger of a famine, the reality of people who will stop at nothing to get ahead, the cries of those who have gone insane from captivity. But she doesn't stop with the dire realities, her characters demonstrate the American spirit that allows us to overcome even the worst atrocities to live meaningful lives.

The Mark of the King follows the life of Julianne Chevalier, a midwife who is wrongfully imprisoned and is given the 'opportunity' to travel from France to begin populating the new territory of Louisiana, specifically New Orleans. Long before there was a town, she arrives and works to build a life in this new world.

Green creates a story based on historical facts, many not told in our generic history books. She's searched records and journals to find out what really went on in those early days and she's created characters who robustly recreate those humble beginnings.

This book was really hard to put down -- I wasn't interested in taking a break to eat or sleep! It is a fascinating story that left me wanting to find out more about the lives and times of the development of New Orleans. Each of Green's books has had this effect on me -- awakening a renewed love for the early history of our country.

I have read some of Jocelyn Green's previous novels in her Heroines Behind the Line series (Civil War). Her attention to detail in that series carried over to this novel. One has a sense of stepping right into a place and time in history. I personally didn't know much about the settling of Louisiana, so that was a definite point of interest for me as I read the novel. I appreciated that although the characters were fictional, Green based her story on true events.

This novel was action-packed. From Julianne's experience that branded her a murderer to the events surrounding her marriage to a convict, there is constant transition from one event in Julianne's life to another. Life in Louisiana was nothing like she thought it would be; it was much more difficult and filled with the constant fight for survival. Many did not make it through the hardships. Julianne's strength and will to survive helped her to persevere through severe emotional and physical traumas.

My impression from the book summary was there would be a romantic element, and there was. The romantic tension in the novel did build at times, but then fell a little flat for me. Especially her marriage to the convict. I couldn't quite grasp how she truly felt about this man. There was a moment in their first meeting that was very high tension, and emotionally traumatic for the characters, but I was left hanging....wondering how Julianne or her husband felt about that initial encounter. That aspect, as well as future moments of romantic tension, seemed to build and then come to a stop. I wanted to get into the characters' heads a little more.

Overall, this what I would call a historical Christian fiction novel with elements of romantic tension. There is never a dull moment as there were many twists and turns in the story. If you are a fan of this genre, Jocelyn Green is definitely an author to take notice of.

*I received a free copy of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley in order to give an honest review, which I did.*

A young, unmarried midwife, imprisoned and branded as a murderer, requests to be sent to New Orleans in 1719 with hundreds of other convicts to populate the new colony for France, just to escape the prison she would spend the rest of her life in. What she didn't know what that she was expected to marry another convict before even setting sail. How will she learn to love and respect her new husband, will she find her brother who left for New Orleans at the age of 15, and what other mysteries and expectations does the New World hold?

I have to be honest. I was excited to read this book, based on the Title, description and the cover design. I enjoy historical fiction and don't know much about the French or New Orleans, so I was hopeful this book would bring it to life. However, once I got just a few pages in, I was slightly turned off by the graphic descriptions of childbirth and several being forced to wed, not just in the ceremonial sense, but the physical sense while soldiers watched. I realize it was likely realistic, it was just too much for me and something I wouldn't really want my teen daughters to read.
Because I agreed to read this book and write a review, I felt I needed to keep going. I got 30% in and it was just dragging for me. The scenery wasn't much to imagine, I couldn't keep the extra characters straight, I just wasn't emotionally invested in the main characters. Some exciting events started happening about 40% in, but I'm just not sure I'll be able to finish it.

I received an ARC from the publisher. No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions are my own.

Oh, I love when something new, different and interesting comes up for review. This book is all of those things! The characters are strong, well-developed and engaging. The story is deep, difficult and full of real life. I love how history was blended together with enough fiction to really keep the reader interested in every page. This is a book I continued to think about long after closing my kindle. Very worth-while read!

The Mark of the King

I highly recommend this new book by Jocelyn Green. I loved the setting and the characters. You don't get a lot of historical fiction set in the deep south. This one is set during colonial times in New Orleans. Lots of swamps, mosquitoes, and gators. It's also very hot. The author does a great job of setting up the exotic atmosphere.

It is set during a fascinating time in history. France is trying to colonize their part of the new world, and they're using convicts to do it. The main character finds herself in a difficult situation. She chooses exile and marriage to a complete stranger to start a new life. I love marriage of convenience stories. This one has a lot of hope and heart break. There is also a mystery surrounding the main character's brother that adds a lot of suspense to the plot.

The faith elements are woven in very well. Redemption and forgiveness are important themes, as is prayer and sacrifice. I would recommend this books to readers who enjoy historical fiction.

Jocelyn Green is hosting a giveaway. Check it out here.

*I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for a review.

A story rich in details and full of intrigue and hardship. One doesn't often equate New Orleans with mud, mosquitos, and murder--but during the city's formative years as a colony of France, that's exactly what one could expect. The author chronicles Julianne Chevalier's fall from grace as a skilled midwife to a prisoner forced to marry the convict of her choice to a perilous journey to New Orleans, where she hopes to find her long-lost brother. Along the way Julianna learns about grace--both giving it and receiving it.

A sumptuous, spell-binding evocation of life in 1720's Louisiana will keep you riveted. The compelling characters and alluring plot take as many twists and turns as jutting river. I truthfully didn't know what to expect. Each third of the book pivots in another direction with a welcome surprise. This is far more than a run-of-the-mill CBA historical romance: Green puts poetic pen to an oft-forgotten seminal part of American history. To add, she infuses history with a natural sense of verisimilitude. Everything from dialect to circumstance will have you living and breathing the 18th Century in its rough-and-tumbly rudimentary world.

But more than just the pitch-perfect historical realization, Green proves adept at weaving a story defined by stark emblemization. Recalling Dickens or Hugo, Green does well at influencing her characters with a swift and soft encounter with Christianity and there is not one paragraph that smacks of inaccessible evangelism.

Gorgeous language, a stirring romance ( fully realized with all of highs and lows of human fallacy), forgiveness, redemption and a chilling villain, The Mark of the King is one of the finest reading experiences I had in 2016.