Title: Beyond the Lavender Fields
Author: Arlem Hawks
Genre: Historical fiction
Rating: 4.2 out of 5

1792, France

Rumors of revolution in Paris swirl in Marseille, a bustling port city in southern France. Gilles Étienne, a clerk at the local soap factory, thrives on the news. Committed to the cause of equality, liberty, and brotherhood, he and his friends plan to march to Paris to dethrone the monarchy. His plans are halted when he meets Marie-Caroline Daubin, the beautiful daughter of the owner of the factory.

A bourgeoise and royalist, Marie-Caroline has been called home to Marseille to escape the unrest in Paris. She rebuffs Gilles’s efforts to charm her and boldly expresses her view that violently imposed freedom is not really freedom for all. As Marie-Caroline takes risks to follow her beliefs, Gilles catches her in a dangerous secret that could cost her and her family their lives. As Gilles and Marie-Caroline spend more time together, she questions her initial assumptions about Gilles and realizes that perhaps they have more in common than she thought.

As the spirit of revolution descends on Marseille, people are killed and buildings are ransacked and burned to the ground. Gilles must choose between supporting the political change he believes in and protecting those he loves. And Marie-Caroline must battle between standing up for what she feels is right and risking her family’s safety. With their lives and their nation in turmoil, both Gilles and Marie-Caroline wonder if a révolutionnaire and a royaliste can really be together in a world that forces people to choose sides.

The setting of this novel was a new one for me, and I really enjoyed it! I really like how both characters—but especially Gilles—grew during the course of the novel. He started off as a self-absorbed, oblivious jerk who hated his father, but he changed so much through. Their separate journeys to understanding and growth were even more enjoyable to me than their romance. This is a sweet read set against the French revolution.

Arlem Hawks graduated from Brigham Young University. Beyond the Lavender Fields is her newest novel.

(Galley courtesy of Shadow Mountain Publishing in exchange for an honest review.)

(Blog link lvie 2/14.)

All of Arlem Hawks’ books so far have been set during the Regency period, so I was surprised when I heard Beyond the Lavender Fields was set during the French Revolution. It had an interesting format and was quite contemplative as it follows Gilles as his revolutionary ideas are pitted against his sense of right and wrong. I love, love, loved Gilles and Marie-Caroline’s banter! I just loved how clever and witty Marie-Caroline is and how nine times out of ten she left Gilles speechless! Seeing the growth and development of Gilles character was so heart-warming to read. Beyond the Lavender Fields was your classic slow burn romance but oh my goodness the amount of near kisses left me nearly screaming. JUST KISS ALREADY!!! Beyond the Lavender Fields is a slower read but it has a really nice steady build and an ending you don’t want to miss! It’s a beautiful story about conflict, convictions and believing in hope.

Beyond the Lavender Fields is a historical romance set during the French Revolution by author Arlem Hawks.

Gilles Etienne and Marie-Caroline Daubin are two on different sides of the French Revolution, but the more encounters these two "enemies" have, a friendship begins to form. A friendship that slowly grows to mean more. Gilles is torn between his expectations as a Jacobin revolutionist and his moral feelings towards the political uproar around him. His love for Caroline has turned him into a better man, and he would risk everything to keep her safe, even if it means separating them from one another.

I was fully invested in Gilles and Caroline's story from the first moment they meet.
Their story is engaging with the perfect combination of risk and danger for the characters, emotion and sweet, flirty scenes. I loved that we were given both of their POVs and in a unique way. Gilles is told from the 3rd person POV but Caroline's emotion and thoughts are in the form of the letters that she writes to her cousin and eventually to Gilles himself.

It's not often that I knowingly reach for clean romance, but Arlem Hawks writing is wonderful and her characters charming. While this is a clean romance, it did not lack in love, passion, yearning and conflict over the feelings that these two characters had for each other. They go from tolerating one other to friends to hoping for a future where they could possibly be together. All their encounters and every almost kiss makes their final happily ever after moment satisfying.

In the end , Beyond the Lavender Fields by Arlem Hawks was a stunning historical romance that brought me through a range of emotions and left me with my heart full. I would add this book to my bookshelf in a heartbeat and can't wait for future books by the author

Sweet romance set during the French Revolution

The French Revolution was a dangerous time for a revolutionnaire and a royaliste to be friends. How would you know if you could really trust the other person and their families and friends when spies are everywhere, and people are even turning in their relatives and those they work with? Violent mobs loot, destroy property, and kill people based only on a rumor. Gilles and Marie-Caroline start out practically enemies but progress to friends and lovers despite their opposing political opinions. They come to realize that friends don’t have to agree, they only need to support each other - an important lesson for us as well.

Gilles loves the sea but gave up being a mariner with his father to work for Marie-Caroline’s father in a soap factory while earning money for medical school. The author describes his connection to the sea in a powerful way, “Nearing the ocean always quickened Gilles’s breath, though he’d tried to suppress such excitement the past two years. It was as if, in his core, he knew he belonged to the sea. Generations of mariners before him had engraved the paths of ocean currents into their bones and infused its waters into their blood, passing the inhuman pull to each rising generation. Try as he might, he could not run from it. The sea had written its vast expanse into his soul.” (Ch 2)

I liked the main characters and the plot, but I struggled a little with this book in the beginning because there are a lot of French words and phrases throughout that slowed me down. I didn’t realize until the end that there is a glossary of French terms at the back of the book! There is also a pronunciation guide for the French names. That would have been useful. Instead, I ended up googling some of them, especially how to pronounce Gilles - the main character’s name.

I liked that some of the story is told through the frequent detailed letters Marie-Caroline writes to her cousin Sylvie. The author did a great job with character development, especially for Gilles. He grows a lot throughout the book and learns to stand for what he believes, not what his father, brother, or friends believe. Surprisingly, my opinion of Pere changed the most. He started out being very unlikeable but by the end he is actually a really great guy.

I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. It is very well researched historical fiction and a sweet romance. Thanks to Shadow Mountain Publishing for an ARC to use for my review.

Marseille, France, 1792. Civil unrest and tension grip French society as revolution becomes more and more likely. Marie-Caroline--a royalist, and Gilles--a Jacobin, are caught in the middle of the uncertainty. Though technically in the same social class, they see things very differently and cannot help but feel like oil and water around each other. That is, until circumstances require that they learn trust each other or suffer dire consequences. Can a precarious relationship survive between Marie-Caroline and Gilles when betrayal and violence between their respective political parties seem to swirl around them?



I was very impressed by the character development in this book. It felt to me like Marie-Caroline had it all figured out from the beginning and her character development wasn't nearly as stark as Gilles'. Gilles, however, began the story as a young revolutionary who allowed others to think for him, and grew into a man, dedicated to his family and friends, who could think for himself. This was satisfying to witness as the story progressed.



The historicity of the book was also impressive to me. I am no expert in French history or culture, but it definitely appeared that Arlem Hawks did her fair share of research on French culture, language, and history in order to give her book a good, accurate foundation. It rang authentic to me.



On a similar subject, I didn't know a lot about the French Revolution before reading this book. I think I had learned some things before but it has been at least a decade since I took a Western History class, so I have forgotten a lot of it. There were a lot of thought-provoking moments in this book where you really question the actions of the revolutionaries while also questioning just how many royalists were as bad and self-centered as they were painted at the time. These passages prompted me to take a step back and try to see others' viewpoints in my own life. Definitely worthwhile and thought-provoking.



The romance in this book was sweet and sincere. I appreciate that one of its hallmarks is self-control, which seems to be rare in books and other media. Likewise refreshing about their relationship is that it is founded upon mutual respect and trust, in addition to self-control.



In summary, this was a good read. Refreshing and thought-provoking and squeaky-clean.



Content Guide:

Sex & Affection--Kissing, a man is described as having dishonorable intentions toward a young woman
Language--Insults and threats are directed toward multiple people
Drugs, Alcohol, & Substance Use--Coffee is consumed, some alcohol consumption
Violence & Crime--Vandalism, ransacking, and arson are committed. Victims of violence are described in general terms, a guillotine is used but the incident is not described in detail.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.

I'd give this 4.5 stars. Excellent writing, historical fiction around a time period I've read little about, sweet love story. Very enjoyable read. I really enjoy Arlem Hawk's writing style. Thank you for allowing me to read and review this book!

Giles Etienne is the head clerk for the soap factory and Jacobin. He has been saving up to go to medical school. He is not interested in what his father does. He is the captain and owner of a small
shipping company. He feels his father is cruel and does not care about the people or even his family.
He has two brothers, like him they are trying to figure out where they fit in this dangerous and scary atmosphere.
Marie-Caroline Daubin has come home from visiting her family in Paris. She is a royalist. She believes priests should be allowed to say mass and aid the hungry. If they show their face, they will be hunted and hanged. There seem to be a lot of political opinions and tension and fear are on the increase. I must admit this really isn't my kind of story. I hate the tension caused by all the fear. The things they must struggle through. Can they trust each other? This is for people with knowledge of the awful time in Paris called the Reign of Terror, the Guillotine, the republic, and the other awful things happening.

I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.

A dreamy romance in the midst of a rising political turmoil in French history. This book had me singing Les Misérables and snacking on my favorite macarons. Immerse yourself on the French seaboard and dive into a beloved culture with Gilles and Marie-Caroline. *I received a copy from the publisher, all thoughts and opinions are my own*

After reading Georgana's Secret, I knew I wanted to read Arlem Hawks' next book and the next and the next... :)
This woman can write and draw you into the story with wonderful description of the characters and scenery. I was not disappointed!

Every once in a while a book comes along that goes beyond the 5 star review. It moves you, it makes you think, it breaks your heart, and stitches it back together. It teaches you, while bringing you on a sometimes hard, but worthwhile journey that you need to know about. This book opens your eyes to a chapter in history that is hard to see, but through that is interwoven a story of hope, of realizing the need to see humanity, to appreciate others perspectives even when they are different from your own. That even when all seems lost, love can still be found.

Everyone today should read this book. It will forever be burned in my soul as an unforgettable tale. Arlem has masterfully woven us a story that is rich with history but never boring. The topic is heavy, but she doesn’t overwhelm you with that. It has balance and lightness too. She has created characters that show so many sides of the French Revolution. The beauty of her words stayed with me and I found myself highlighting so much that I wanted to remember.

I loved watching the growth of both Gilles and Marie-Caroline. They start out a bit immature, but inevitably bring out the best in each other. Through falling in love they learn to grow and each become a better version of themselves. They challenge each other, and find solace in a chaotic world in their friendship. When you fall in love, that person should push you to be the best version of yourself, I love a story that really showcases that.

If you loved Les Miserables, this story is for you. During the French Revolution, you had those that favored the royalists and those that ran with the revolutionists, could anyone cross those lines for love? I must admit, I started this book once, I was having a hard time focusing enough to enjoy it. I gave up and read something else. When I came back and started again, it started to make sense and click. But I still struggled with enjoying it. I read some other reviews and some suggested it was a bit slow, but was worth reading til the end. I persevered and was pleasantly impressed with the story. The author obviously did her research well and was able to weave a story from the multiple events that were ongoing. From smuggling ships to harboring non conforming priests, sons going to take down a king to protecting those you love. The characters were intriguing and the story suspenseful. If you are struggling through the first half, continue on you won’t be disappointed. I think I will reread this later on and enjoy it from the beginning even more.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The word that keeps coming to mind to describe this book: beautiful. The language, the setting, the characters, the relationships, the growth, the story… So many beautiful elements. It is beautifully written. I felt like I was in the streets of Marseille. I learned many things about the French Revolution- I love when historical fiction books can hook me on a topic and make me want to learn more. I also love when there is noticeable character growth- Gilles and Caroline come into their own by the end of the story, and I love the way they expect the best in each other. I enjoyed the style of the point of view- mainly from Gille’s point of view, with a peek into Caroline’s thoughts through her letters to her cousin. The plot is full of depth without losing the reader, and the descriptions and language are truly lovely. I love that it was a good balance of romance and plot- not too heavy on either, and weaving them together beautifully. See? I can’t stop using that word! It’s the perfect description. I have so many good things to say about this book!

Thank you to the publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

An amazing story from Arlem Hawks! Beyond the Lavender Fields is the perfect blend of history and romance. The slow burn romance is written well, and I enjoyed seeing Gilles again after meeting him in Georgana’s Secret. I’m excited for Hawks’ next work. 4.5/5 stars

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

1792 early in French history, shortly after the revolution, there was another uprising in Paris that physically removed the king. It pulled revolutionaries from all over the country, including Marseilles where this story is set. Giles works in a soap factory and is friends with the owner's son. They are fellow revolutionaries with his brother and are major flirts as well as dedicated to the cause. His employer is a monarchist, although he keeps it low key. The employer's daughter returns home since it is becoming unsafe in Paris. She does not believe this revolutionary movement is good since there is so much violence and killing. One of the mottos is that they are ridding the country of impure blood - one similar to what Hitler would promote many years later. She is beautiful and a strong woman, easily putting Giles to shame when he tries to kiss her on a dare. As the story moves along, they try to be friends, each learning from the other. The situation becomes more and more dangerous. Interesting story and characters, looking into different perspectives of this time in history and what the people were trying to accomplish as well as just plain live. Gives you depth of feeling from both sides. The danger and story become more fast paced, as does their relationship. Pulls on the heart strings! I'm hoping there is another to follow.
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.
#BeyondtheLavenderFields #NetGalley

Very well written historical fiction set during the French Revolution. I wasn’t sure how the author was going to give the story a satisfying ending, but it’s remarkably well done. It was interesting to see the main characters Gilles and Caroline go from enemies to love. They had a lot to overcome, Giles is part of the Revolution and Caroline is a Royalist. The romance was sweet despite the struggles they go through during this turbulent time. If you’re a fan of historical fiction, you’re going to want to add this to your TBR list.

I received an eARC from Shadow Mountain Publishing via NetGalley. A positive review was not required and all opinions are my own.

This is a historical novel, but I found it so very relevant to today’s issues. Two people on polar opposite sides of an issue, but they’re attracted to each other. They are forced to find common beliefs in order for their relationship to progress.

We see zealotry of varying degrees from characters on both sides of the issue, and it’s destructive in one form or another—every time. A good lesson for today. I know I keep saying that, and I have no idea if Hawkes meant to be making current political commentary, but it is there nonetheless.

Apart from that, I found the book well-written, the characters interesting and believable. There are some of the usual romance tropes, but nothing overdone. The meeting of our two main characters is cute, and comes up as a running sore-point (or joke, depending on the day) between them.

The conclusion is a little unexpected, in a good way. I also like that there is some reconciliation between Gilles and his not-always-law-abiding father.

I am only sad that Shadow Mountain Press books don’t generally hit the mainstream market, and I think as many people as possible should read this book.

Possible Objectionable Material:
Some violence and vandalism. People’s homes are burned, people are injured and killed.

Who Might Like This Book:
Those who are interested in the historic time period. Those who like romance. Those who like complicated relationships.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This book also reviewed at https://biblioquacious.blogspot.com/2022/02/february-1-releases-part-2.html

do not have a lot of background on this time period in France… just what Les Mis, a few books on Marie Antoinette and the tidbits in a few England-based books have taught me! So, I definitely appreciated the historical background that this romance is set in.

As for the romance - the historical portion played out in such a way that the romance was not rushed, thankfully. When two people have such differing views, they need time to have their eyes opened by the other in believable ways. It was very well-written!

This story was done so incredibly well. So many stories of the French Revolution start right in the middle of the Reign of Terror without giving you the backstory you need. I loved how early, historically, Arlem’s story starts. The ground work she lays gives a well-researched representation of both sides of the conflict. She was able to create in Gilles and Caroline, a great juxtaposition of their opposing ideals, while also giving them both understanding and humanity. Painting such a fabulous picture of the good and bad on both sides.

I loved that Marie-Caroline’s thoughts and feelings were conveyed through letters. It was an interesting writing choice that ended up carrying more weight than I initially expected. Her letters were filled with emotion, moving the plot along without added unnecessary scenes or repetition. The book was made charged with clever metaphors, beautifully worded descriptions and intelligent commentary on the historical climate of the time.

The sense of hope Arlem wove through the story was in stark contrast to the terror that she so expertly conveyed without being graphic. It made for a well written tug of war with your heart.

The one and only problem, was knowing where Gilles ended up years later. Prequels kill me! Please tell me we find out what happens to Gilles right before and right after Georgana’s Secret, I’m dying here! Then again, that is the mark of an exceptional writer. Characters who become part of your heart and soul. Times and places that you are invested in even long after you close their pages. And this book gives you all of that.

Beyond the Lavender Fields by Arlem Hawks

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
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Story Notes

A love story set at the beginning of the 1792 French Revolution that will leave you pondering it long after you finish the last page.

Some books have the power to get down deep inside you and stay there a long time. This latest story by Arlem is certainly one of those. Set in Marseille at the the beginning of the French Revolution, two young people are brought together by a casual wager between friends. Gilles Etienne is the clerk for a well- known soap factory owner in Marseille. He, his brother Max and his friend Emile often place wagers on whether or not they can steal a kiss from a charming miss they happen to meet. With the dare to kiss the young woman in his employer's office, Gilles thinks to make quick money, but he soon finds himself outwitted by Caroline who is aware of the "game" they play and calls him out on his roguishness. So begins a story towards love that is fraught with contention and sarcastic flirting. Gilles is a devoted Jacobin, convinced that a change in government must come if the French are to be truly free. Caroline is a staunch Royalist with no love for the oft violent Jacobins who have no love for those who believe different from them. With their tightly held beliefs enclosing each of them, there is little hope of a future together, no matter the giant sparks of attraction flying between them whenever they speak. Will they let this revolution drive them apart forever or can they find a middle ground to meet on? That answer is found when you come read this amazing story, #sorrynotsorry.

There was so much about this story to truly enjoy, from the clearly long-researched history, to the descriptions of the soap making and the city of Marseilles, to the highly realistic characters and their strong opinions. Even the "bad guys" were well developed with just enough vengefulness to them to make you despise them entirely. I got a dreadfully real sense of terror towards the end of the book when everything was falling apart in Marseilles. And the sweet moments between Gilles and Caroline were at precisely the right moments to relieve the incredible tension building with each successive chapter. My favorite lines were, "I do not wish to kiss you" and "Jaimas en vain (Never in vain)". They played such a great role in the telling of the story, despite the shortness of them. And they are just the kind of lines you want to put on a sign on the wall in your reading spot or a t-shirt to wear. Please do yourself a fantastic favor and go get a copy of this moving and inspiring book. There is much to learn from it and I promise you won't be sorry you read it.

I received a complimentary ARC of this story from Shadow Mountain Publishing. I am not required by anyone to write a positive review but am most pleased to do so. I will receive no fiscal compensation for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.

I love France and its history, but the French Revolution was a terrible time to be alive. I like that this book didn't shy away from the ugliness, but really allowed us to experience what it may have been like from a royalist and révolutionnaire perspective. I enjoyed the slow development of Gilles and Caroline's relationship. It was a lot of back and forth, up and down, but very understandable for their situation. I loved these characters and really ached for them and the situations they were in. I can't imagine living at such a scary time. They were strong characters though and stood for what they believed, no matter how scary and dangerous that was at times. They were really good for each other.

I lived in France for a time and Provence was my favorite area. I loved the fields of flowers and the parfumeries. It was so beautiful. I loved being able to revisit the area in this book.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through Netgalley and this is my honest review.