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

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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.

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.