It’s 1792 in Marseille, France and Gilles Étienne is ready to march to Paris to aid in dethroning the monarchy when he meets Marie-Caroline Daubin, a royaliste and the daughter of his employer. Both are passionate about their beliefs, but as they grow closer, they begin to realize they might actually have more in common than they originally thought. Tensions rise and revolution envelops Marseille. When Gilles discovers a secret that could be the downfall of Marie-Caroline and her family, he must choose whether to support his political beliefs or protect those he has come to love. Can a révolutionnaire and a royaliste be together in a world where sides must be chosen?

Though the first quarter of this novel was a bit slow for me, eventually I came to really appreciate the world building and character development that was achieved and ultimately enhanced the rest of the novel. The writing was spectacular and transported me directly to Marseille during the French Revolution. It was thrilling and terrifying to not only be in the midst of so much unrest, but to also be beside two characters like Gilles and Caroline while they navigated their way through the turbulence. I also loved being able to read from both of their perspectives and absolutely loved that Caroline’s point of view was written strictly through letters. I adored witnessing the growth of their friendship despite their differences. The characters themselves were some of the most well-developed I can remember reading. Gilles’ character development in particular was a work of genius and a delight to read. He is a swoon-worthy hero to be sure. Not only were Gilles and Caroline perfectly written, but the secondary characters were just as developed and really made this world come alive. The romance was such a slow burn and oh so wonderful. I love learning about history while reading fiction and felt like I gained a much greater understanding of the French Revolution while reading this story. There were so many amazingly written passages that you just have to experience for yourself!

I cannot say enough good things about this novel and hope that you will put it on your TBR as soon as possible because it is a must-read! Beyond the Lavender Fields will be released on February 1, 2022, and I promise you, it is worth the wait!!

Content warnings: violence, death, and executions are mentioned but not detailed

(I received an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.)

"Beyond the Lavender Fields" is a compelling historical fiction novel by talented author Arlem Hawks. Well-researched and rich in historical detail, this riveting read pits Jacobins against Royalists during the French Revolution.

While events in this novel precede the Reign of Terror, the seeds of violent revolutionary tactics have been planted. This harrowing time is vividly portrayed; images of senseless executions and destruction of property are shocking. Many believe the end justifies the means.

Amid this turmoil, Royalist Marie-Caroline Daubin and Jacobin Gilles Étienne somehow manage to find lasting happiness. I found the resolution highly satisfying. Daubin repeated refrain "I do not want to kiss you" had me smiling every time she said it. Secondary characters are fleshed out as well.

Hawks' prose is beautiful and descriptive. Moreover, this book is clean. A few secondary characters deserve their own stories.

Thanks to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for an ARC of this outstanding novel.

This book wins on all levels.

Everything I could hope for in a historical romance has been fulfilled in this book. Striking, soulful, diverse main characters who create a meaningful connection. Witty dialogue, plot suspense, multi-faceted side characters. Well-researched, accurate historical information. I could go on!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It has depth and shows that it is possible to see past first impressions and political differences. What a beautiful story! One of if not the best book I have ever read that takes place during the French Revolution. Arlem Hawks has sealed a place on my “best authors” bookshelf!

I would like to thank the publisher for an eARC of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I throughly enjoyed this book! It was a different read for me, as I usually read books set in England, but it was interesting and engaging to explore France, especially during the French Revolution. Arlem Hawks' character development is on point, as always. I loved seeing two seemingly opposing characters, each with their own viewpoints about the situation at hand, find each other and come together and repeat each other. Arlem also does such a wonderful job at enveloping you into the history of the time period being presented. I could feel myself there, engaging with the events and the characters. Giles and Caroline are lovable characters. Two souls, who on the outside seem vastly different, but once they really get to know each other, they discover that they are not that different after all. I highly recommend this book and I a grateful for NetGalley and Shadow Mountain for the opportunity to read it!!

This was an interesting book. The French revolution is not something I am super knowledgeable about. I loved how this book brought to light, in a gentle way, the horror of the time, along with some who wanted to make changes, but in a better way. The history along the way of this story was good. The characters were invested in the time, and had to find a way through their differences to make their relationship work.

It was a bit slow at the beginning but did pick up in the middle.

A couple of years after the 1789’s revolution in France, politics are still not settled and the Jacobins (the révolutionnaires) are still chasing the royalists, bringing down everyone that crosses their ideals and trying to erase monarchy for good. Gilles Étienne tries to follow his brother’s ideals by being a fierce Jacobin and spread their convictions across the city of Marseille - a nice harbor city, by the way.

The thing is, the Jacobins’ ideals are not as pretty as they make them look. Violence is too often used and justice not considered enough. Furthermore, Gilles meets this royalist that came straight from Paris (the capital!) that will soon enough break down his revolutionary's convictions, or at least their ways of applying it.

I was so thrilled to get into this historical fiction book, all the more that the French Revolution is something that is not foyer addressed (unlike the Second World War events in Paris) and it is a subject that deserves also some attention (my only reading on the subject his Victor Hugo’s Les Misérables). Also, I find Marseille to be a very attractive and romantic city, so here is another good point.

The historical fiction is built around the departure of young Jacobins leaving Marseille to go fight in Paris. Yet I felt that we were not going enough into the details and the whereabouts of the political troubles. The historical situation quickly turned into a romance with flirts and the fear of an impossible love. It scared me in the beginning because I was not here for some teenage romance.

It turned out to be mitigated - the book fits as well in the historical fiction category as in the romance one. It kind of disappointed me, because there were these cheesy parts here and there, and we could only be sure of how the situation will turn out.
Nonetheless, it was also a great story to witness and the evolution of the relationship between Gilles and Caroline can only be approved. We have some strong friendship values here, and the story really benefited from it. I am a strong friendship supporter and I loved how they showed the importance of human values (kindness, respect, justice, equality) that could rise above violence and nonsense.

Beyond the Lavender Fields is an easy read, sometimes frustrating but satisfying. Moreover, it is nice to have a light historical fiction read.

Well, I have to admit that I enjoyed it maybe a little bit more because I’m French, but anyway. Vive la France 🇫🇷

Special thanks to Netgalley and Mountain Publishing, Shadow Mountain for sharing a digital copy of this book with me in exchange for an honest review.

This book immediately sweeps you up and never once sets you down until the last page has been turned. And what a wild ride it is! The characters of both Gilles and Marie-Caroline are written with grace and depth. Each has their own struggles and Arlem Hawks did such a beautiful job weaving her characters INTO the history that was surrounding them. Wow. Just wow.
Without a shadow of a doubt, this book immediately leaped it's way to my top favorites of all time. Five stars, two thumbs up, round of applause. This is one of those reads you can't wait to reread the moment you've finished. Bravo, Arlem Hawks. You've done it again!

#beyondthelavenderfields #netgalley

This was an amazing story by Arlem Hawks! She really knows how to weave a historical romance. This one was filled with lots of swoon worthy moments. Very highly recommend!

This historical romance is set in the early time of the French Revolution, between May and September 1792, just before the removal of Louis XVI from the throne and the simultaneous establishment of the First Republic. The author thus cleverly selected a time-line that permitted her to create two main characters who, although of opposite political leanings, were able to both still show their convictions.

Thus meet Marie-Caroline, daughter of a wealthy soap manufacturer and firmly committed to the royalist cause, and Gilles, his clerk, who has joined the revolutionary Jacobins. Their first meeting is less than auspicious for a blooming romance, as Gilles behaves like a rake with few moral principles and thus utterly repulses Caroline. The plot is based as much on the two young peoples’ learning to like and respect each other and each other’s political convictions, as it is driven by the rapidly changing political climate in Marseille. Drama is thus not only added by wavering emotions of the two protagonists, but is markedly enhanced by politically driven social changes in the city. Mobs, riots, and persecution add tense moments and thrilling escapes.

Gilles’ character is skillfully developed from a carefree young man, dreaming of revolutionary ideals of freedom and equality to a critically thinking person able to evaluate the real-life impact of these ideals and his moral willingness to subscribe to them. Gilles grew in my eyes to a very likeable person, as he became this thoughtful and caring young man, much better suited to the sometimes haughty and impetuous, and often careless Caroline. Some of her escapades were incredibly silly, dangerous and, dare I write it, extremely stupid. Apart from Gilles, I was also very attracted to the character of Pere  Etienne, the crusty sailor with insight and heart – who would have thought?

This was a sweet romance to read. Its flowing prose keeps a good balance between the descriptive and narrative, steering carefully clear of upsetting and cruel images but still providing plenty of drama and excitement. Thoroughly recommended for lovers of historical romances that include a good dollop of real-life historical setting.

This book. Seriously. THIS BOOK. I adored it. Arlem Hawks is a historical fiction master. She manages to blend romance, history, intrigue and politics, into one of the best historical fiction novels I’ve ever read! The amount research that this book must have taken to write is commendable, and at no point did I have to google anything for clarification, which I appreciated! The upheaval of late 1700’s France is the backdrop and what a backdrop it is! The suspenseful parts were oh so well written, and the pacing of the book was spot on. I struggled with wanting to inhale it, but also wanting to savor it!


Because in the center of our story is Gilles and Marie-Caroline, in a seriously sweet and swoony romance that is at the same time very forbidden and dangerous. They both are such complex characters, on opposite sides of the conflict, but both with big hearts that just want peace in the end. They both have fantastic growth, which I loved, and a hilarious meet cute line that is repeated throughout the novel. (You’ll see!) Their draw to one another is palpable, and I just adore them both.


I also enjoyed the main perspective being of Gilles, and what we heard from Marie-Caroline was from letters she wrote to her cousin. This was a different set up but I loved it! I truly cannot recommend this enough if you love historical fiction, fantastic characters and romance, all set in the backdrop of the beginnings of the French Revolution!

What a beautiful story set in a dramatic and heartbreaking time period! I've read a lot of Regency romances, but had not thought about the French Revolution since my AP European History class 18 years ago, so I was not sure what to expect when I was selected as an ARC reader. One of the best and most unique aspects of this book is the way that Hawks utilizes the story's setting as almost a third lead character. The angst and uncertainty of late 18th century France is palpable throughout the story, thanks to Hawks' fantastic research and storytelling. I also thought she did a fantastic job with the character development in the book, especially for Gilles, who starts off as a flirt who blindly follows his friend and brother in their Jacobin zeal. Thanks in large part to his often-contentious encounters with Caroline, Gilles grows as person, as a citizen, and as a man. I really loved that his innate goodness and integrity came shining through when he was faced with difficult decisions and conflicting loyalties. I also loved that he continually showed up for Caroline when she needed him. While I found Caroline's strong-willed ways stressful to read about in certain situations, I admired her faith and her willingness to stand up for what she believed in. I also loved reading about her growing feelings for Gilles in her correspondence with her cousin. I admit, I feel in love with him, too! Overall, this was a beautiful love story inside a well-researched, compelling story. This was my first Arlem Hawks book, but it won't be my last.

A gripping, luminously researched love story featuring a time period and riveting history too rarely explored in fiction.

I will be hosting Arlem for a live Q and A via zoom/FB live on February 24 to help promote the book

Let me first say that this book caught my eye because I have been to France to see their gorgeous lavender fields, and so I was biased already by the title and the setting. I have always found the French Revolution fascinating in his absolute cruelty and the ability of people to set aside all rational behavior to create mobs that only seek to destroy. And although the monarchy was blind and wasteful, King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette actually seemed like kind people who were constantly misguided and misinformed by their ministers. So this book was fantastic, because each character had their own opinions (one a monarchist, one a revolutionary), and it was wonderful to see their beliefs and the reasons behind them, while fighting an attraction that turns deeper into love. The author did a good job at showing the violence that occurred to well-meaning people, while keeping the killing and executions off the page (in case that triggered anything for readers). Overall, this was an excellent book that was like a history lesson, but much more fun! I highly recommend it for readers not familiar with the French Revolution, because you will gain knowledge about it, because the author obviously did her research well.

I found the first 1/3 of the book slow-going but it started picking up by the half mark and the rest was much more engaging.

It's an interesting time period in which to set these characters who hardly have anything in common in the beginning.
Gilles and Marie-Caroline have opposite beliefs and political opinions, but as the social unrest climbs in their town, they find they're not so different after all.

I liked their friendship and mutual respect, and how they were able to see past their differences.

I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.

“My brother and yours, they do not apologize for their actions,” she said. Before he could dip into a gracious bow, one of her brows twitched. “Perhaps there is a spark of hope that the little brother will grow up to be the better man.”

I promised myself I would not binge read this book. I would take my time. I would relish the masterful characterization and rich history I knew to expect from Arlem Hawks. And then I promptly kept reading because this is Arlem Hawks after all. How am I supposed to put this book down?

She killed it, you guys. This story is *infinite chefs kisses*

Accepting his friend’s bet to kiss the girl waiting in his boss’ office leaves Gilles Étienne mortified. And when attempting to get back in her good graces proves to be near impossible, he hardly expects that this is the beginning of one of the most challenging and beautiful friendships he would ever experience.

Caroline is equally astonished when her brother’s obnoxious friend who failed in his attempt to steal a kiss the first time they met, succeeds in stealing her heart, instead.

“Gilles. Who always follows his brother in everything—giving up life at sea, pursuing medical school, joining the Jacobins, playing their kissing games. I can hardly believe it.”

Gilles’ character development was downright heartwarming. The story arc took him from a careless boy to a thoughtful young man. In a world where there exists more division than reconciliation; where disagreeing with someone's politics can make you a lifelong enemy; where associating with the wrong people can cost your life—and theirs, he finds himself longing for more.

“Can we call ourselves good men if we cannot be civil toward our enemies?”

In many ways, Beyond the Lavender Fields, spoke to today's issues—perhaps because history does have a tendency to repeat itself—where it often feels like we are unable to have heartfelt conversations from opposite sides of the table. Gilles and Caroline learn that for them, what is most important is not where they stand politically, but that they can see past that and build bridges to the hearts of the people on the other side of the issue.

The rich and vivid way that Arlem Hawks presented this story, stole my heart within just a few pages. The setting took on its own life and I learned much about the dynamics of the French Revolution without being overwhelmed—testament to the incredible amount of research that went into this story.

Five stars just isn't enough for this one🥰

Beyond the Lavender Fields by Arlem Hawks is a stunning historical fiction novel that takes place during the French Revolution. It is divine.

I have been a fan of Ms. Hawks is the past, so I was excited to read her new novel. This book has it all: history, romance, suspense, intrigue, revolution, and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout due to several gripping and pivotal moments.

I loved the painstaking research that must have taken place to create such a visual feast for the reader. I really felt as if I was there in France in 1792 in the thick of it.

The characters were so well-drawn. They were so real, so complex, and had such fantastic qualities that really let each one shine in their own right. The contrast in life stations and circumstances for Gilles and Marie could not have appeared more extreme, yet both yearned for the same things: love, stability, safety, family, faith, purpose, and each felt that they had the “right” path. One for the downfall of the monarchy, the other for a different path for change. I loved that the characters grew, progressed, and changed. I always find it wonderful when there is a positive improvement as the story goes on despite the outward events. I also loved the ending. Just perfect.

I will leave the rest of the plot for the reader to discover so that I do not spoil this gem, but let me just say that there were a few tense moments, a few twists, turns, and surprises, and a gripping pace that led me to devour this book in less then two days…and enjoy every minute of it.

I cannot recommend this book enough and I have to say that it is truly unique and memorable. Please read this!

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Shadow Mountain Publishing for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately (as of 8/14/21 no BB listing has been created) and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication.

BEYOND THE LAVENDER FIELDS by ARLEM HAWKS is a well researched novel which takes place in Marseille in 1792 during the French revolution. The cry for liberte, egalite et fraternite is drowning out the horrors that are being perpretated by revolutionaries, consisting of the Jacobins and the sans-culottes.
Gilles Etienne is a member of the Jacobin Club and his employer’s daughter, Marie-Caroline Daubin, is an avid royalist. Their friendship starts off on a teasing note but things get very dangerous when Martel, Gilles’ Jacobin “friend”, suspects both of them and also looks down on Gilles for not joining the fighting in Paris with his brother Maxence and friend Emile Daubin.
it is a time full of senseless killing and bloodlust, showing a certain hypocrisy as the revolutionaries, in their search for freedom from oppression from the arisros, end up taking away the choice of others. In fact Gilles’ mother says “Will my sons be caught up in taking away the choice of others, all for the cause of liberty”, and “But are you really going to defend la patrie, or are your leaders sending you to defend their Club’s hold in the government?
I like the characters, especially Gilles and Caroline, whose changing emotions and conflicting convictions are well brought out. Although both of them belong to bourgeois families, Gilles’ works at the Daubin’s savonnerie, where he keeps coming across his boss’s rather aristocratic daughter, while his father is a privateer on his ship, le Rossignol.
I am not going to tell you any more as I do not want to spoil things for you.
The story is not only exciting but also reminds us of the depravity of human nature and that “ doing what is right is more important than who is right.
I highly recommend this novel as a most enjoyable read.
I was given a free copy of the book by NetGalley from Shadow Mountain Publishing.The opinions in this review are completely my own.

Beyond the Lavender Fields is the story of Gilles, a clerk at a soap making shop in Marseilles in 1792, and Marie-Caroline, the shop owner's daughter. The French Revolution has began, and The Troubles are starting, with the guillotine making its introduction into the world. Marie-Caroline has returned to Marseilles to escape the unrest in Paris. She is a loyal royalist, and Gilles is a Jacobin (a club of revolutionaries), making them on opposite ends of the political spectrum.

I really enjoyed this book. The characters had a chance to grow and learn. They had to deal with chaos, grief, and danger. They also had to question what they thought they knew. The time period for the entire novel is over the course of several months so the entire French Revolution is not covered, and if you are familiar with that part of history, you'll know that it takes many years for the wars to end and life to return to a semblance of normalcy. This story is about the characters, not the Revolution.

The book's main theme is on people learning to live in harmony even when they have widely different beliefs, in this case political and religious beliefs. Both Gilles and Marie-Caroline believe they are right, and they have to learn to understand the other's viewpoint even though they don't share it. This is a timely book in view of today's political and social landscape. The novel shows the extremist of both sides and the damage they cause. How Gilles and Marie-Caroline learn to see the other despite their differences is something we all need to consider.

A minor theme running throughout the book is the treatment of women. Gilles and his comrades treat them as playthings. Marie-Caroline refuses to be treated that way. Conversations with her and several other character, including Gilles' mother and father, cover the respect women should be given as fellow human beings. This is not a treatise on feminism, equality, or suffrage, but rather on women being respected and respecting themselves.

Neither theme is very subtle. At times, it seemed a little preachy. That's really the only thing that keeps me from giving it a five star review. The author did an excellent job of conveying the horror of the times - people dragged from their homes and executed simply because they disagreed with the opinion of the people in power. Houses and businesses burned to the ground after being looted by the "oppressed" mob of peasants. Employees turning against employers and spying on them, even employers who paid a fair wage and cared for them when they were sick. Priests and the religious were persecuted, either killed or driven from France. Lessons that we seem to never learn.

Family friendly. While violence is referred to, it is rarely shown and no executions are detailed. This is a romance but quite chaste. An excellent book for our times. Read and enjoy!

4.5 Stars!!

This book was so great.

The Setting
I know very little about the French Revolution; however, the author did a great job explaining the setting and the world around the characters in a way that someone like me (with limited knowledge of the French Revolution) can catch on pretty quick to the setting. The writing was beautiful. Imagining the the characters and scenes was easy, and the author paints such a beautiful settings.

The Plot
I feel like this book is more character centered than plot centered (which is what I personally prefer), so the characters really did the work of moving the plot. This is a story less about the French Revolution and more about how people lived through it.

The Characters
The characters were so wonderfully written!! Each had their own motives and questions. It is very rare that I read a book and I feel like each and every character is more than a two-dimensional figure there to simply advance the story, but this book delivered in so many ways. I loved how Gilles and Caroline respected each others' thoughts and opinions. I love how Caroline explains their love: "not a fiery passion that consumes us both, but a mutual respect and unspoken attraction". (how lovely is that??. I also want to mention how much I loved Gilles' mother's character. She is such a strong and brave woman, and I loved it every time she was on page.

Other Thoughts
I love how the characters show grief and loss. One of my favorite quotes from the book is "how dare the world keep on existing as before, when all our light has been snatched away?" The author really blew me away with the characters' feelings.

I subtracted 0.5 stars from the overall rating because I felt the book lagged a little in the beginning. At around the halfway point it really picked up, and I could hardly put it down!

Vive la France! Can I book a ticket for tomorrow please?

Arlem Hawks has created a beautiful story set in the city of Marseilles during the French Revolution. There we meet royalist Caroline and revolutionary Gilles who both love their country and want what is best for it but see "what is best" in two wholly different lights. Or do they?

I loved how both Gilles and Caroline were committed to their beliefs but were still able to form a friendship based on mutual respect. I loved that they both stood up for what they believed was right and against what they believed was wrong. And I loved that over time their perspectives changed. And my favorite line: "I still do not want to kiss you."

It was interesting to read a book with two different points of view where one is all written in letter form. But I found it worked well and I actually enjoyed it.

My favorite side character surprised me by being Gilles' father who in the beginning I thought was going to be an unredeemable character. Imagine my surprise when he was better than redeemed!

The history and insight into the revolution was well done without being an information overload or over my head. This book was advertised as historical fiction but it really was a romance as well. I'm actually surprised it wasn't advertised as being part of the Proper Romance series produced by Shadow Mountain because it would fit in beautifully with those stories. Maybe it still will be? The romance was just as good as the history and the combination of the two was a perfect blend.

I would have loved to isten to this as an audiobook to get all the pronunciations correct but was happy to see a guide at the end of the book.