Between Two Shores
Jocelyn Green
3 stars
I've always loved this author and all her historicals. But for some reason it took till halfway through this book before it really caught my attention. The author does do a very good job of historical detail, character arcs, and human redemption.

My first thoughts while still in the first few chapters were of frustration because I could not keep up with the timeline and characters. The characters names went between their Mohawk names and their Catholic names and I couldn’t keep them straight. Also in the first few chapters the dates changed from August 1759 in the first chapter to eleven years ago in the second and kept switching back and forth. Once I got through that, the story developed beautifully and I as able to keep up.

Without divulging any spoilers, I will say this story will keep you on the edge of your seat and be prepared for a plot twist. Strong female characters abound in this story despite the time period. The main character is a young female that takes a stand, knows what she is capable of and never backs down.

It is historical fiction with Christian themes throughout. The author (Jocelyn Green) doesn’t hold back, it is not a fluffy storyline. It is messy, descriptive and raw. It doesn’t cross any lines, but also paints a realistic picture of the time period.

When reading a book I am all in, I can hear, see and feel what the characters are going through. Towards the end of this book, reading the pages took my breath away. I felt angry, sad but also understanding of the twists and turns. If you are one who doesn’t like a predictable ending – this one is for you!

Quebec 1744. Nach dem Tod ihrer Mutter entscheidet sich die 10-jährige Catherine nicht bei den Mohawk zu bleiben sondern zu ihrem geschiedenen, französisch-kanadischen Vater Gabriel Duval zu gehen. Sie lässt ihre ältere Schwester, die gegen ihre Entscheidung ist, und ihren jungen Bruder beim Stamm zurück. Ihr Vater hat bei einem Unfall mit einer Falle eine Hand eingebüßt und trinkt seitdem zu viel. Sie will ihn unterstützen und hofft auf Besserung.

August 1759. Schon seit Jahren führt Catherine für ihren Vater den Handelsposten, auch wenn sie dafür von ihm kaum Anerkennung erhält. Es herrscht Krieg zwischen Frankreich und England. Mit ihrem Pelzhandel lebt und arbeitet sie zwischen den zwei Fronten des Krieges. Sie bleibt neutral und will keine Seite wählen, doch dann quartieren sich zwei französisch Soldaten ein, die Befehl haben die Kornernte zu beaufsichtigen.

Eines Tages taucht ihr Vater mit ihrem gefangengenommenen, britischen Ex-Verlobten Samuel Crane auf. Er bittet sie um mithilfe bei der Flucht, da er wichtige Informationen, die den Krieg beenden könnten, weitergeben muss. Quebec und New France drohen an die Engländer zu fallen aber dann wären auch der Krieg, das Sterben und der Hunger zu Ende. Catherine ist hin und her gerissen.

Die Autorin streut immer wieder Rückblicke auf die vergangenen Jahre ein. So erfährt man, dass ihr Vater sie auf eine Mädchenschule geschickt hat und diese beauftragte, ihr die Indianerin auszutreiben.

Catherines Vater ist ein wirklich übler brutaler Charakter. In der heutigen Zeit wundert man sich, dass sie sich das immer weiter antut, trotz ihrer Alternativen. So konnte ich mich mit der Protagonistin kaum identifizieren.

Als Nicht-Kanadierin ist es mir etwas schwer gefallen, mich bei den am Krieg beteiligten Parteien und Ansichten zu orientieren. Aber sicher ist es eine historisch interessante Zeit, die die Autorin da ausgewählt hat.

Catherine und Samuel müssen manche Abenteuer und Katastrophen überstehen, bis der Krieg enden kann und jeder wieder ein zu Hause findet. Für mich handelt es sich hier nicht um einen Liebesroman, man sollte keine falschen Hoffnungen auf das Ende setzen. Es ist wohl mehr ein historischer Roman.

This book by Jocelyn Green is reminiscent of books by Lori Benton. The characters include Native American during Colonial Days of the United States and Canada, as well as the colonists.

Catherine Duvall and her father run a trading post for the colonists and the Mohawks in the area. They have two ransomed captives working an indenture for them. Samuel has run off with only one year left on his indenture. Thankful has worked out her indenture but because she was the only surviving member of her family after the Abenakis raided her village and killed her parents.

The book takes place during the French/Indian War and many of the settings and activities in the book are historical. The trials of the Canadians and the Native tribes during this time meant hardships due to lack of food for just about everyone.

From the title, it would seem that the book takes place between France and the Colonies, but the two shores are the shores of a river. While the book has some romantic leanings, it is not a romance novel with a happily ever after ending. It does end well, but not in all the expected ways. I think this is what makes the book a compelling read. A Solid Four Stars.

My thanks to Bethany House and NetGalley.com for providing the galley I read for this review.

Compelling characters, engaging plotline, and beautifully captured setting. I was captivated by the story, the history, the characters throughout. Highly, highly recommended.

I enjoyed this book, though I must say I was terribly disappointed by the knee jerk in the end.
I liked how Catherine's native siblings were portrayed--strong in mind and body, and loyal to the end.

Not a quick read, but hard to put down. So interesting. Lots and lots of depth to this; masterfully written storytelling. Set near Montreal, which is just north of where I grew up and not that far away. It's during the French and Indian war, and Catherine, their ransomed British indentured servant and a French soldier play a big part in ending the war in the fall of Quebec. Catherine is half Mohawk, her father was from an upper crust white family but chose to leave and be a trader. They shipped and traded in an area near Albany, again not far from where I grew up and near where I had lived for a time. Also, my husband's Dutch ancestors were involved during the war and grew food on his land near Albany that supplied the British. The relationships between the diversified characters twist and turn with emotion, and give the reader a glimpse of how different factions of people in this war felt, and how much all are alike. Catherine is a strong girl, growing up on the pages and learning about herself. Being a half breed brings challenges as well as advantages, making her uniquely qualified for her role. The love story is excruciating at times, yet is quite natural in the way it's told. This was a gruesome war. Indians massacred villages and took people, children, to replace people in their families who they lost, raising them, making them slaves and sometimes selling them. They could be ransomed for sums of money. There is deep faith in the story too, bringing home how Jesus ransomed us. Brings history and different peoples to life!

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Catherine Stands-Apart, the middle child of a Mohawk mother and French-Canadian fur trader father, has wavered between two worlds for as long as she can remember. When her mother and siblings deserted her abusive alcoholic father, she alone remained, yet refused to fully submit to his desires to form her into a proper French madamoiselle. She attempts to bridge these worlds, factoring trades and employing her sister and other Mohawk women to transport furs along the rivers which form the borders between nations, despite the hostilities between the French, English, and their respective native North American allies. That conflict, which has expanded from raiding parties into full-blown war, has brought famine to their doorstep. When her father ransoms a hostage, however, she is forced to face a buried pain far greater than an empty belly.

Set during the backdrop of the "Seven Years War" (which we Americans know as the "French and Indian War"), "Between Two Shores" captures Catherine Stands-Apart's longing to find her own place in the constant tug between two disparate words and yearning for peace and security. She embarks on a perilous journey, and the crossing ripples of her past and her present will pull readers into her bateau's wake. I was captivated by the depth of character developed in this single perspective story, which allowed Catherine's voice to shine like sunlight dappling the ripples of her oar strokes. While the events surrounding her voyage form a fascinating tale, readers will find her emotional and spiritual journey as tumultuous and ultimately satisfying, despite the river's bends and turns.

Award-winning author Jocelyn Green has crafted many memorable heroines, but none quite so vivid and fiercely vulnerable as Catherine. Readers who love Laura Frantz's novels about the early American eastern frontier and Jane Kirkpatrick's sweeping stories of westward migration will be enchanted by this new classic in Christian historical fiction. While I would have previously listed "The Mark of the King" as my favorite book by Jocelyn Green, "Between Two Shores" may take it's place!

*Mini spoiler alert* Some readers who long for a traditional, predictable "happily ever after" may be disappointed by the ending, but I found it refreshing and satisfying. Sometimes the road less taken is exactly the right path - especially when the road is along the shadowy edges of a silver highway down a moonlit river.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.

The rich descriptions and details pull you into this historical novel. They attest to the fact that the author did extensive research. She’s a great storyteller and didn’t shy away from difficult subjects (loss, suffering, war). It’s what I would call a more realistic book. It’s not your typical happy ending. There are losses in love and life but it’s about how the main characters weather these storms and still come out stronger.

This book is hard to rate. I would give this four stars for historical background, research, and world building. But as far as characters and actually keeping me engaged with the plot, this book would be more like a two star read for me.

There's not much more I can say about it. I didn't hate it, it wasn't a horrible read. I found the historical details about a time period and location I know virtually nothing about to be interesting and informative. However, as a work of fiction, I was also looking to be entertained/moved and make a connection with the story and/or characters, and that just didn't happen this time around. Because of the way the story was laid out, this felt like it moved very slowly, which was especially difficult for me to get through when I wasn't given much motivation to care about the characters. I would also say that I absolutely don't need a romantic subplot to enjoy a book, but with this one I was left a little disappointed for two reasons. One, I expected there to be one just based on the prior works of this author and the genre. And two, because of the big disappointing twist,

I enjoyed Mark of the King by this author, and I do feel she has some serious historical fiction writing talent. I enjoy historical authors who are able to include accurate but unique historical content. I will check out more for her books in the future. Unfortunately this one just didn't really work for me.

I really enjoyed this book! In the beginning when I realized it was about Native Americans, I wasn't sure it would be good. Many times they are represented in books like the old westerns with very stunted speech, etc. But this book was completely different. I was pleasantly surprised.

I had never read any fiction or historical accounts of the French and Indian War. So the whole backdrop of Canada, and the reasons for the war were not something I was familiar with. I enjoyed the author's descriptions of the ways of life of the people, and the realistic way things surrounding the war were portrayed. I had no idea they forced the women left behind to gather and store all the wheat from the fields, and yet keep none of it even though people were starving. War is an ugly thing indeed.

I found the relationship between Catherine and Samuel interesting and frustrating. Until I found out why he was being so stand-offish. The relationship between Catherine and her father was also frustrating. I don't know why she chose to leave the tribe and go live with a father who had never shown her any love or interest, and then chose to stay with him once it became clear that he was an alcoholic. But I supposed I might have done the same if I knew my father were alone in the world.

I'm not sure I fully understand how the Native Americans came to believe in the Good God, or when Catherine's faith truly became real and personal to her, so that perhaps could've been a little clearer. It was good to see growth in the characters throughout the book, and I do wish we had seen the relationship between Catherine and her father in a positive light earlier in the storyline, since it was a beautiful and healing thing to happen.

I admit that near the end some of the author's descriptions and storytelling became cumbersome, and I skimmed pages to get through the end of the war, and then the epilogue. I do have a horrible habit of racing through epilogues once the action is over. If they are drawn out, I don't want all the details. The end of this book did feel as though it dragged a little, though I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.

I told you, I’m not staying.” Catherine Stands-Apart drew back from her sister’s touch and planted her feet wide at the edge of their mother’s grave. The freshly turned soil pushed between her toes. “I only came to say good-bye.”

Opening lines of Between Two Shores by Jocelyn Green
The back cover describes Jocelyn Green as inspiring faith and courage and that shines through her latest historical novel Between Two Shores. My shallow understanding of the war between the British and the French fought in Canada didn’t prepare me for the brutality. As is often with wars, poverty, disease and the denial of human rights is rife and Jocelyn exposes all of these.

Catherine is the leading lady representing both the Mohawk and French perspective and her former fiancé Samuel stands in defense of the British as a born American. Ethnic, religious and political lines are drawn and crossed as the novel progresses. The pain of loss echoes through all of the characters and the horrors inflicted by solidiers on all sides highlights the similarity of the innocents caught in the fight rather than their differences. The goal of ending the war supersedes sides for our leading characters as they fight to save the ones they love.

Anticipating a historical romance, I expected the facts to be cushioned in pockets of happiness and a triumph for the characters we come to love. Jocelyn is more true to life. The journey taken is harrowing and devastating for characters and readers alike and whilst mercy, grace and hope come to life in the end, they do so covered in blood sweat and tears. Gritty stories are not my forte, too deeply do I feel the emotions of those I read of and so, there was little enjoyment for me in this one, a three out of five on the en-JOY-ment scale, The writing is beautiful, the characters walk off the page and the history, accurate. If you are looking for realism and heart with Christianity threaded through, I highly recommend it.

Between Two Shores is a riveting and powerful story of restoration, belonging, and courage. Jocelyn Green once again portrays atmosphere and culture in a manner both immersive and informative. In this case, the setting and intriguing facets of what we call the French and Indian War unfold from the perspective of Catherine Duval, a French-Mohawk trader caught in the middle.

The attention to historical detail and vivid characters come to life through a riveting story that surmounts both external dangers and the inner growth and emotional turmoil of Catherine. While the story is told from her singular perspective, the depth of each character’s personality was stunning and constant. This storytelling method impressed me with the way it allowed a slow unfolding of some details (like Samuel and his heart) and an immediate sympathy concerning other characters (like Catherine’s father and siblings).

While this is most definitely a historical fiction piece, a hint of a romantic thread is referenced near the beginning of the story through a series of flashback chapters. For my romance-loving heart, this was satisfying AND important to the deeper themes of the story. Green takes this relationship and goes beyond the draw of romantic love and portrays a more meaningful, yet changing, nature of love: true love is selfless in the face of pain or unknown consequences. And it never fails, even while human imperfections remain.

The action and history in Between Two Shores are fascinating, but the relational transformation and themes are the most significant. Catherine learns her place in the world and where she stands with her siblings (and her father) through the decisions she must make and their consequences. Most importantly, she finds her place as a child of God and knows the forgiveness and grace extended to her — actions she must reciprocate and pass on.

Thanks to Bethany House for the review copy. This is my honest review.

This is an entirely enjoyable book that I couldn't put down! The main character is Catherine, and the entire story is told from her point of view. A friend from her past comes back unexpectedly and she has to decide whether she still loves him or not. They take a journey together and he reveals a secret to her that changes everything. Near the end of the story I cried, which is unusual for me, but I completely enjoyed the story! I highly recommend it!

Unpredictable! Violent! Famine! True Love! Jocelyn Green has written an unusual tale of the Seven Years' War. Catherine Duval is a strong female protagonist as she attempts to care for her French father while maintaining contact with her mother's Mohawk tribe. Catherine wants peace and food for the starving people in New France. I learned much about the Seven Years' War when England and France battled for Canada. I would have enjoyed the book more if had been written in chronological order but it was very interesting and kept my attention! I recommend Between Two Shores to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. I received a complimentary copy of Between Two Shores from the author and Bethany House Publishers. This is my honest opinion.

Set during the French and Indian Wars in 1759 in Montreal and Quebec, this story follows Catherine Duval and her sister and brother. They have a French father and a deceased Mohawk mother. Catherine chose to live with her alcoholic father at his trade post while the brother and sister chose to live with the Mohawk village.
The author gives a great deal of history in the story, including as the main setting a time of starvation for the French trapped in Quebec. So many of the British, French and Indians really just wanted an end to the war so they could resume their lives without all the devastation of war.
The relationship between Catherine and her sister and brother develops during the trip to Quebec, coming to a turning point with an attack on their small travel party. Another relationship in the story is Catherine and her long-lost fiancé Samuel Crane. It is another person with whom she must make peace.

Jocelyn Green is a new-to-me author. Between Two Shores is my first read by this author. I’ve wanted to read one of her books ever since A Refuge Assured released and I finally took the opportunity. I’m so glad I did.
Between Two Shores is an in-depth look at the “Seven Years War” or better known in America as part of the “French and Indian War.” I knew little about this war before I began the story and I learned so much along the way. This book took a different approach to the historical time-period, by giving us a look at it through, not the British, but a woman born of a Frenchman and a Mohawk woman. It gives us the story of a young woman caught between two worlds and struggling to find her place in either.
I was touched by the spiritual message of Between Two Shores, taken from the passage in Isaiah 43:1-2 (KJV), “But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.”
I loved the character arc as Catherine Stands-Apart discovers where she belongs and to Whom she belongs. Her personal struggles will bring you to tears through the decisions she is forced to make and the burdens she is required to bear. This book is an adventure story, but it is slow of pace. It took me a while to absorb all of it.
Between Two Shores includes moments and descriptions that may not be for those who are squeamish or faint-of-heart. This book speaks of Indian warfare and war in general, which at times could be too much for those affected by this subject matter.
I was disappointed that Between Two Shores is not a romance. It is a full historical, in every sense of the word. I recommend this book for those who are looking for something without a romantic story-line. I also recommend those who love to pour themselves into history, as this book goes deep into the historical elements.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and was blessed by the story. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. A positive review was not required. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

What is it that makes you want to read this book? For me it was the gorgeous cover...well, that is of course second to the author's name. From past experience, I already knew that anything written by Jocelyn Green is a treat not to be missed. Her attention to detail and research is what makes her books stand out from all the others. This one is her best yet.

The richness of this story reached way down deep inside me.

Catherine is a “half-breed” and has never known exactly where she fits in. She grew up with The People...her mother’s family. After her mom dies, she leaves them and goes to live with her French father.

She is not really accepted in either world and struggles to find herself and accept herself for who God created her to be.

Then there’s the war. And she meets up with Samuel again...the man she was once engaged to.

The war...French and Indian that is...was bitter...and she finds herself rather caught in the middle.

I loved all the specific details, the setting, and the history lessons that were found woven into this story.

It’s an absolutely beautiful historical fiction novel.

Disclaimer: I receive complimentary books from various sources, including, publishers, publicists, authors, and/or NetGalley. I am not required to write a positive review, and have not received any compensation. The opinions shared here are my own entirely. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

There are some books that are so rich in detail and so moving, they require savoring. Between Two Shores by Jocelyn Green is one of those.

Catherine Stands-Apart is aptly named as she straddles two worlds. With a Mohawk mother and a French-Canadian father, Catherine is already torn between the two. When the man she once loved—the one who had asked her to marry him then disappeared—returns to her life, Catherine once again has to make a difficult choice. A choice that could lead to prison…or death. One that is made all the more difficult with the bitter news Samuel delivers.

Set during the Seven Years’ War (aka the French and Indian War), readers are immersed in Catherine’s world, given an inside look at both Mohawk customs and life and Canadian life. The vivid details of the land, the rivers, the battles, and the trade world that are all pieces of Catherine’s life come to life within these pages.

Catherine is a strong woman, living with a father who repeatedly disappoints her but caring for him and running their trading post, nonetheless. Yet, there is a vulnerability to this woman that made me sympathetic for her situation (and that continued to build throughout this book).
This is not an easy read. Green does not diminish the realities of war or life. But is a beautiful one that should not be missed.

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.

Review Between Two Shores
Great story. Great characters. Rich in history. Rich in truth. Loved the way the title perfectly fits the story. Catherine, daughter of Mohawk mother and French Father, is named Stands Alone by her mother. Her alcoholic father names her Catherine. The setting is Quebec during the French and Indian war 1740-1760. When her mother dies, Catherine goes to help her father, leaving her brother and sister in the Indian Village, not far from her Father’s trading post. Thus, she begins to stand between two words. Two worlds that are at war. She could have been named Stands Strong too, since throughout the story she remains resilient, by faith she is steadfast- Catherine is genuinely standing on two shores and standing fast. The focus becomes a trio of women, all with different challenges that work together to accomplish a task. There are some brutal descriptions of war, yet the author does not send you to bed nauseous, but aware of how dangerous life was during those times. My favorite aspect was the author’s ability to craft words with beauty. I went back and studied how she made a sentence ”sing” as it painted a picture of the times. If you are looking for a romance, you might be disappointed. If you are looking for character-driven historical novel you will enjoy. Write on Jocelyn Green! Beautifully done. This book was provided by the publisher. No review required. Review Between Two Shores