4.0/4.5 stars

This is a true enemies to lovers story that takes place in France around the time of the French Revolution. Gilles Étienne, works as a clerk in a savonnerie (soap factory) to earn money so he can attend medical school. He's a Jacobin, a révolutionnaire, who wants equality for all, but his employer's daughter, Marie-Caroline Daubin is a royalist and doesn't agree with the révolutionnaires. Gilles finds her infuriating because Caroline doesn't understand why he supports the cause, so can't he get her out of his mind? Will these two be able to get along or at least find common ground?

I love when I can learn some history while reading. It adds to my enjoyment of the story. Gilles and Marie-Caroline are both great characters who are steadfast in their positions at the beginning of the book, but gradually come to realize that both sides of good and bad points. I really liked that they put aside their differences and decided to be friends "Friends do not have to agree, only to support."

I especially liked watching Gilles develop his own views apart from those of his so called "friends", some of whom held such extremist views. He really was a good person and wanted only change, not violence. “Doing right is more important than who is right, I believe.” I also liked that Caroline stood up for her religious convictions but was I so scared she would get caught. I don't think I would've been that brave at her young age. I enjoyed the letters to her cousin as it gave the reader her point of view and what was going on in her head.

This is a wonderful historical read. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Shadow Mountain, via NetGalley to review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

First off, I was to say that I really hope the French Terms and Names at the back of my ARC (kindle) copy are put at the front of the book. I wish I had known about these BEFORE I read the book. They would have been sooo helpful!!

That being said, this is as my first read by Arlem Hawks and I thoroughly enjoyed it!! Admittedly, it took me a bit to get into, but the writing from the beginning was so vivid and beautiful, I stuck with it; I’m so glad I did! The story that unfolds is spectacular and heartbreaking. I don’t know much about the French Revolution, but Hawks’ writing made me feel like I was there. I also really enjoyed Caroline’s letters and how the tone changed as her relationship with Gilles evolved. This story also highlights how taking one side on a matter isn’t so black and white. There are definitely grey areas and that realization was most evident in Gilles’ thoughts and actions. There are so many layers to this beautiful story both heartwarming and heart wrenching. I think people who love stories rich with history, romance, and a little suspense won’t be able to put this down.

Thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing for an early copy. My thoughts are my own.

I was incredibly intrigued by this novel for several reasons.

1. The French Revolution setting
2. Protagonists on opposite sides of the struggle
3. I enjoyed Hawks' novel "Georgana's Secret" so I was excited to see how she created this story

This book started slow and then became a book that I couldn't put down. As the action intensified, our star crossed lovers found everything they believe in questioned. And their decisions became more about doing what they felt is right regardless of what others believed the consequences should be.

Marie-Caroline was a fascinating protagonist. Her deeply held royalist beliefs were intriguing to learn about. I have found that the French Revolution has often been taught as an obvious, one sided war. If you sided with the King you must be entitled and incredibly wealthy yourself. While Caroline is well off, she also believes in true justice, freedom of religion, and rights to the common man--regardless of their beliefs. I appreciated learning more about this side of the conflict. And I admired how she fought for what she felt is right. From her desperate attempts to practice her Catholic religion to her understanding of her father's fine soap factories processes, Caroline is intelligent, strong, and passionate. I admired her character and her deep beliefs.

Gilles is in some ways her opposite but in others quite similar to Caroline. He also holds strong beliefs for freedom and a new democracy. He wants equality for all and power to the common man. His journey is fascinating throughout the story because his beliefs are questioned and debated. He must grapple with the choices and actions of the Jacobins as they differ from his ideals. I loved how well he takes care of his mother and how his relationship with his father changes as the story progresses.

Their love story is passionate and beautifully difficult. It seems obvious that they can't be together from the moment they meet (in a rather hilarious and witty awkward encounter). They see the world so differently. They value different things. How can they fall in love? But of course, they do. I appreciated the slow build of their relationship. As they get to know each other better, they understand that they aren't as different as they expect. They want a free France. They want equality for all men and women. They love their families. They want to learn and make the world better. I loved how they both start to realize how far their feelings have come as they struggle to stay true to what they thought they believed. Their kiss in the lavender field is magical and the ending brought tears to my eyes.

I also appreciated how much I learned about the French Revolution from these characters and this novel. The details were compelling and thought provoking. From seeing a guillotine used in front of you to the desecration of a Catholic church to the mob violence in civilian homes. These images were chilling and intense. The complexities and ethical dilemmas are fascinating. How far should you go to achieve revolution? Who is your enemy? Do people deserve to die because they believe differently from those in power? Should religions be banned or condemned? Can you quench faith through law? How does obsession, power, love, or desire fuel your actions? And is there a limit to how far you should go for power, love, or revolution? I loved the potential discussions this book creates. And I thought Hawks' writing style lends itself well to these complex debates.

I have read a lot of proper romances set in especially the Regency England time period. This was my first proper romance set in the French Revolution and I loved it! Hawks' does a superb job balancing a complex time in French history with a slow burning romance. I especially enjoyed the well developed characters and fascinating time period. A great addition to this genre!

To say I LOVED Beyond the Lavender Fields would be the biggest understatement of the year (and yes, I'm aware the year has only begun). Arlen Hawks is definitely a master storyteller, and she not only had me hooked but invested in her story and characters from beginning to end. No, this doesn't mean it was a "read it in one sitting" kind of experience (even though it could have easily been one), but it definitely was hard to put down.

This book follows the most beautiful and memorable enemies-to-lovers story I've read in a while. Gilles Étienne and Marie-Caroline Daubin couldn't be more different from each other, especially in their beliefs, since one is a révolutionnaire and the other a royaliste, yet their story never suffers from all the political discussions, and I'd venture to say it's made even richer by them. I loved that they held strong to their POVs, while at the same considering the other's opinion (to the extent they could). The representation of their society, and even country, was well done through them, as well as their brothers.

Yes, this is a Historical Romance with one of the slowest burns I've read in a while mixed with (a bit of) star-crossed lovers, but even though I loved every second of it, I also truly appreciated it as Historical Fiction. French History and especially the French Revolution have been an interest of mine since I was in HS. Yet I've never ventured into reading a book set in that time period for fear of it being too gruesome since we all know what it's best known for. I didn't have to fear that with this book. The way History is woven throughout this book seems so effortless yet I definitely enjoyed all the bits and pieces the author wrote in it. Marseille (yes, a French Revolution book not set in Paris) is brought to life in such a way that the reader can't help but get immersed in the comings and goings of that city. One can almost smell the sea when Gilles and Caroline are near the docks, or smell the different scents of the soaps from Monsieur Daubin's savonnerie. The first time the Marseillaise was sung pretty much gave me goosebumps (while at the same time it was a lightbulb moment for me). And even though the reality of the times they're living in is never sugar-coated, the reader is sometimes shown, sometimes told, the leading up to or the aftermath of the public executions.

The writing is phenomenal in its pace as well as the way it's narrated. I loved that the story is pretty much told from Gilles POV (I've always wanted a book told from the male's POV), while also giving us Caroline's, get this, in epistolary form(!!!). Seriously, in my book that's genius, and I loved it all the more for it. The mix of serious moments interspersed with light-hearted as well as heart-tugging ones was on point and made for a hard to put down story. I also enjoyed watching Gilles' character growth throughout the book and how he certainly wasn't the same lad he had been in the beginning. Just as fun it was following Caroline's change of heart about Gilles and all the preconceived ideas she had about him simply for his being a Jacobin, as well as his disastrous first impression on her. Truly, theirs is a love story I won't soon forget.

Overall, this is a delightfully deep and captivating Historical Romance perfect for fans of the author, the French Revolution, enemies to lovers or star crossed lovers tropes, and/or people who are looking for superb writing and pace, as well as a historically accurate story mixed with a swoony romance, hold your breath action and heart-stopping suspense all the way till its satisfying conclusion. ~ 5+ stars and completely recommended!! Vraiment, c'est magnifique!!

Many thanks to #Netgalley and the publisher for contacting me and providing me with an ARC copy of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given voluntarily.

"Perhaps he could share his life, whatever it ended up being, with the one person whose fiery passion brought a light to his existence more brilliant than any he'd ever dreamed of."

This book was fantastic....I consumed it! So many historical fictions are around WWII and don't get me wrong, I'll read those all day. The French Revolution doesn't seem as "main-stream" as WWII time period. And why not? One may ask. I HAVE NO CLUE! This was soooooo good. A slow burn romance between a Revolutionnaire and a Royaliste, polarizing ideologies deep in the throughs of the French Revolution. Where violence with the Jacobins is plentiful and chaos is rampant. This puts Gilles and Caroline at pretty close to forbidden love. Both not looking for love, especially with each other. But sometimes love is where (and with whom) one would least expect it.

Ultimately some decisions are made that put each couple and their respective families in danger. It tests loyalty: loyalty to your beliefs and loyalty to a person.

The polarization brought up a lot of similarities to the political polarization in today's climate. Reminds you that history always repeats itself and you have to decide if "doing what is right is more important than who is right."

This book deserves far more discussion than it could possibly be getting!

I read this book several months back and it still hasn’t left me. I’ve started to reread it because I loved it that much.
You know those books that have you anxious, excited, sad, feeling every feeling for the characters? There was a point in this book that I was quite literally on the edge of my seat. I could feel their anxiety in the situation and it was perfect.
This book envelopes the definition of a perfect historical romance. There is political intrigue, a forbidden romance between two people on opposing sides, and strong characters that you want to support. I love that Arlem Hawks created these characters that you could feel for both sides of the Revolution. They definitely had their flaws, but you wanted what was best for the two sides.
I can’t convey how much I love this book. I received an advanced copy, but I had to buy it in hardcover too. It’s too beautiful to miss out on that luxury. I promise, if you’re a fan of historical fiction or romance, you will be a fan of this story.

“Jamais en vain.” Never in vain. Arlem Hawks’ Georgana’s Secret is definitely a favorite book. So when I saw Beyond the Lavender Fields on NetGalley, I jumped at the chance to read it. Set in Revolutionary France in the 1790’s, this story captivated me from the beginning with its enemies to lovers premise. Can a royalist and a Jacobin ever be friends?

Caught up in the revolutionary fervor, Gilles Étienne wants to leave behind his father’s profession of a privateer/pirate and his current job as a clerk in a soap factory to become a doctor all while pushing for a new free France. A silly bet proposed by his brother, upends his world when he tries to steal a kiss from a stranger who turns out to be none other than his boss’ daughter who’s also a royalist.

Both Gilles and Caroline are attracted to each other from the beginning. Where other silly girls would welcome a kiss from Gilles or laugh off his attempts, Caroline clearly puts him in his place. As their relationship grows from enemies to friends, Gilles begins to question everything he thought he knew about the revolution and what it means to be a Jacobin. With heart-pounding action and suspense, Gilles and Caroline try to navigate the dangerous situation they find themselves in where one wrong word or association can get them killed.

I loved this unique love story set against the backdrop of the French Revolution. The historical aspects were so interesting and so deftly woven into the story. I loved the banter back and forth between Gilles and Caroline and the way they discussed their philosophical differences. I loved how Caroline would always say “I do not wish to kiss you,” each time she sees Gilles as a teasing reminder of how they first met. They grew together, challenging each other and I enjoyed seeing their relationship progress.

Caroline was such a brave, strong character despite her losses. I loved how she fought for her religious convictions and yet was willing to change her perspective. Gilles was such a caring, thoughtful young man who was humble enough to question his beliefs and his future. I loved his grandmother’s ring with the “never in vain” inscription. It was a great reminder throughout of what was truly important and not to regret showing love and humanity.

Highly recommend this epic story! Historical romance and historical fiction lovers will especially enjoy this amazing book. I received an advanced copy from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions are my own and I was not required to provide a positive review.

The whole book I had Les Mis in mind. But this stands on it own beauty.

Marie-Caroline and Gilles are on very different sides of the French unrest. He's a rèvolutionnaire Jacobin and she's a royaliste. Yet they find themselves in an interesting friendship that slowly deepens over time.

I love that they both knew their minds and kept to their principles (I did like that Gilles wanted no part in the harming of people or properties when his compatriots did).

I could clearly see the happenings of this book in my mind. The vivid detail of the country and it's people at this time. I liked the letters throughout that Caroline writes to see more into her mind and the reason she takes up the cause that she does.

This book is a winner!! It's beautifully written, weaving fact into fiction that makes it an outstanding read. I loved how the author brought the book to life with her words. You could feel all the emotions and it was wonderful to see how the characters changed. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Historical fiction.
I received a complimentary copy from Shadow Mountain Publishing via NetGalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Thank you, Arlem Hawks, NetGalley, and Shadow Mountain Publishing for the opportunity to read this book. It releases on February 1st, 2022.

“Doing what is right is more important than who is right, I think”

BEYOND THE LAVENDER FIELDS
Beyond the Lavender Fields by Arlem Hawks begins in Marseille, France in the year 1972. The revolution has been going on for a few years, but France is getting more and more polarized. Gilles Etienne follows his brother into the Jacobin Club. The Jacobins are a group of radicals intent on bringing new order to France and bringing down the aristocracy. Gilles is set in his beliefs until he meets a royalist named Marie-Caroline. She is called home from Paris and Gilles works for her father. He tries to charm her but their differences make any chance impossible. When violence escalates, Gilles sees how the revolution is losing its focus. Their society is forcing people to choose sides, and any doubts could mean death. So how could a royalist and a revolutionary come together in a time of much turmoil?

For those who love the enemies-to-lovers trope…this book is for you! Think of Romeo and Juliet but it wasn’t love at first sight. It was heartwarming to see their love bloom. I love how the setting of this book isn’t in Paris. We see the growing tensions of the revolution from a distance and how it affected the cities outside of Paris. When we think of the French Revolution, the first thing that comes to mind is the guillotine. The French Revolution actually lasted for 10 years. The timeline of this book begins with Austria and Prussia declaring war on France, three years into the revolution. The radicals retaliated by joining the military. With rising power, the call for executions begin and the guillotine is introduced. The author does a fantastic job at discussing all of these historical events with wonderful accuracy. Readers will see the progression of nationalism, unrest, unease, and fear all leading up to the Reign of Terror.

The pace does move nicely and the transitions from Caroline’s letters to her cousin to Gilles’ point of view. I think we can all agree how the polarizing of society is extremely relatable. I loved the characters, but my favorite character was Gilles’ father, Pere. He is a pirate–Oh, sorry, a privateer with a letter of marque. He was the star in my opinion and I would like a book just about him. I did have one issue with the book and that is the ending.

SPOILERS AHEAD.

That ending was way too happy. It was too happily ever after. It even felt a little far-fetched.

Overall I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars.

I absolutely adored Georgana's Secret and was excited for Gilles's story, but this book completely blew away my expectations! It is absolutely stunning! Arlem Hawks does incredible things with her writing and I'm eagerly waiting for whatever she writes next! Gilles is such an intriguing character and his character development is remarkable! Caroline is also wonderful. I thought it was super interesting that we mostly get to know her through letters she writes which worked really well in this story. I'm just blown away! This story is truly a masterpiece and it is definitely a must read!

Beyond the Lavender Fields is a reader's ticket to travel back in time. The book is well-researched and allows readers to immerse themselves in the Reign of Terror, showing the intricacies and complications of different factions trying to reform France. With so much at stake, the characters' emotional depths allow readers to consider the realities of the French Revolution.

Although I was tripped up on a lot of the French verbage and descriptions, the author's love and respect for France came through on every page.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and author for an advanced reader copy. All opinions are my own.

In this story set in Revolutionary France, Gilles Etienne is a clerk in a Marseilles soap factory. It is 1792 and King Louis XVI is still hanging on, but many people are Jacobins and want to do away with the Monarchy. Gilles' employer M Daubin is a Royalist, but Gilles is a Jacobin, as his friend Emil, Daubin's son. More importantly, Daubin's beautiful daughter, Marie Caroline is also an ardent Royalist and devout Catholic - at a time when the churches have been closed up and priests are in hiding. Over the weeks as storm clouds gather, the prickly relationship between Gilles and Marie Caroline develops into flirtation and finally love. The story has a sweeping epic scope, with vivid descriptions of the country's descent into near-civil war, with young men forming themselves into battalions to march on Paris and force through more radical measures.. Gilles is a well-described character, quite sensitive and prey to regrets about the course his life has taken (he has previously tried working for his father, a domineering sea captain.) Marie Caroline's character is cleverly portrayed through both the way she presents herself to Gilles and the inner thoughts she reveals in letters to a cousin. My only reservations are that the first half of the book could have been a little more concise, and that the simple French phrases which occasionally appear are , to an English reader, a little too obvious to be believably idiomatic. However, this is a very enjoyable escapist read, with increasing jeopardy and danger but a happy ending - although the worst of the Revolutionary years are still ahead. I would like to see Hawks take Gilles and Marie Caroline through the Reign of Terror period. Meanwhile, this is a book I definitely recommend.

I am loving this book, but I want to finish it in book form! It is filled with so much awesome info, I want to take my time. But I will say that I am loving this storyline and as a history major and french minor, it is right up my alley. Thank you for a beautiful filled book! Enjoy!

I really enjoy historical fiction, especially when it ignites a desire to learn more about a particular time or event as Beyond the Lavender Fields did.

I did struggle initially with this book with all the French terms and names. It’s a pet peeve of mine when a book is already “translated” if you will into English but words or phrases that could be in English are still in the native language. It doesn’t read smoothly when you have to keep flipping back and forth to the back to see if the word is included in the Term or Name Guide. Eventually I just went with whatever way my brain wanted to interpret or pronounce these so it could flow more smoothly.

I liked the main characters quite a bit. Even though Gilles and Caroline had different political views they were good people to their cores. I very much appreciated that they didn’t get sucked into the politics that turned so many around them into vile criminals in the name of their party. It actually felt like quite a parallel to the political mess we find today (minus the guillotine, thank goodness).

I also liked the transformation Gilles had. He took Carolines’s words to heart, along with that of his parents. He hadn’t realized the flirting games he’d been playing weren’t just innocent fun. It was so good to see that and how he was able to look deeper with what is party was doing. And it was heartening to see the relationship with his father mend.

Arlem Hawks has created a masterpiece in writing. Beyond the Lavender Fields brings to life the realities and the and tragedies of the French Revolution while keeping the hope and force of love that can change anything. There is so much that Hawks is able to weave into this story. The introduction of the guillotine, the storming of the palace, the cruelty and hatred that comes from the Jacobins it is all within the pages of this story. The nitty gritties are within the pages of this story but that isn't all it is there. Love is there. Love that defies all else- all the separation that different political ideas can bring. This was a heavy story. Such a well-written and enchanting love story but definitely heavy.

Beyond the Lavender Fields is brimming with history, hope, and romance. Admittedly, this is one area of history I did not know a lot about. Arlem Hawks did her research and more. She brought the turmoil of this time period to life. She invited the reader to see both sides of the revolution, without judgement. The beginning is a little slow as there is a lot of detail provided regarding the state of the union, so to speak. Once the character development and relationships really develop, the story picks up significantly and becomes impossible to put down. The tension was portrayed so well I began to wonder if love would truly be able to find a way. However, the friendship that was established up front was so genuine and heartfelt, the relationship progressed beautifully. The supporting characters added a lot of dimension and depth to both sides of the Revolution. The depravity of humans and the insistence of being right, no matter the cost, is portrayed very well. There are so many poignant quotes to capture the unrest and powerful words of truth and love to supersede all ignorance. Arlem Hawks has a way with words that brings the images to life and involves the heart. I highly recommend this to all lovers of clean, historical romance.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

I easily fell in love with this historical fiction featuring an enemies to lovers trope. I adored every moment. This showcased a troubling time in France’s history while also pulling at my heartstrings.

I absolutely loved how this book is set up! We follow Gilles’ perspective but sprinkled throughout we see an occasional letter primarily written by Caroline to her cousin and how she felt during and after her encounters with Gilles. It was so great to see inside both Gilles' and Caroline’s head this way.

The enemies to lovers romance was such a slow burn, but I loved every minute of it! Caroline put Gilles in his place and made him work for her affection. I was silently cheering her on whenever she would tease Gilles and make him act right. And I loved seeing the growth for Gilles’ character, growing into a better man from the immature playboy he acted like in the beginning. I couldn’t get enough of them.

This was such a beautiful read. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical fiction and slow burn romances! Especially one that’s an enemies to lovers!

"Two days ago, he'd had the world at his feet. Now he found himself once again gasping for breath in the narrow alley between love and duty, wishing for the open, intoxicating air of lavender fields."
Wow- this was such a beautiful story of love, hope and friendship. Opening this book is being swept away to France during the time of the revolution. The writing made the characters and the setting completely come alive. I was totally caught up in the meeting of Gilles, a Jacobin who believes in an overhaul of the monarchy and Caroline, who stands more for what used to be, as she has seen the darker side of the revolution. When they meet, Gilles and Caroline seem to dismiss each other as a nuisance but as they grow to knowing each other better, and as their perspective grows and changes, they are faced with a difficult question of can you share a life with someone who you stand on different sides of a country divided? I loved the characters in this story. I loved how they changed and grew throughout the story. I loved the themes and the beauty of hope during dark times, banding together to help friends despite where they stand on issues, and choosing love over division. You will not want to miss this wonderful story!

Beyond the Lavender Fields was stunning historical fiction that revolves around 1790s French revolution and slowly building relationship between main characters supporting opposing political views. The story is about political unrest, revolution, war, and its impact on people and life, opinions, blind beliefs, injustice, family, friendship, and love.

Writing is vivid, atmospheric, and captivating. The story is written in third person narrative mainly from Gilles and Marie-Caroline’s perspective. Caroline’s perspective is through letters she wrote to her cousin. The setting of Marseilles, France is as interesting as plot.

The story started with character introductions. Caroline has her own mind and opinions as royaliste and strongly opposes revolution while Gilles is part of Jacobin club of revolutionnaire. With humiliating first meeting for Gilles and opposing beliefs, no matter how much they try it is hard to avoid each other as Gilles is head clerk at savonnerie owned by Mr Daubin, Caroline’s father. As they gets to know each other more they find they want same thing for France even with their different political views. Gilles is prepared to march to Paris to fight monarchy and free the France but after meeting Caroline he starts to have second thoughts. And when he finds she has secret that can endanger her and her family he has to take stand he is afraid of.

It was interesting to see where things are going with revolution, can Gilles and Caroline be together with their different beliefs, what Caroline is hiding and what Gilles will do about it, and if they will listen to their heart or let go of their feeling with growing tension in town.

The Beginning and the first meeting of Gilles and Caroline is fun to read but soon the story turns tense and serious and I liked that amid the tension author managed to add a little humor, banter, and some lovely moments.

Characters are interesting, especially Caroline and Gilles. Caroline is more developed character. She is spirited lady who has her own mind and isn’t afraid to be open with her opinion against revolution and all injustice happening all over France. She holds on to her beliefs and no one can win her in argument over politics even when her brother and his friends think women can’t know what is right when it comes to politics. It was amazing to see the risks she took to adhere to her beliefs, standing against injustice, and showing support to helpless people who didn’t support revolution but at the same time her action were also reckless and foolish. I liked the way her thoughts towards Gilles changed and the way she admitted all her feelings in letters and with Gilles as well.

Gilles is most interesting. I liked reading about his family and his life on sea, what motivated him to leave that life and work at savonnarie to earn enough money for medical education. He is total flirt and playboy. It was fun to see him humiliated first time in his life by Caroline and how he listened to his mother and tried to be better man and gentleman for his mother and then for Caroline. His developement is great and I liked how true he was to himself, saw Caroline for what she is, understood her beliefs, and realized he wished the same for France and how being with Caroline changed his mind about Jacobins and war they are fighting. His proposal is amazing and I fall in love with him after his little chat with backer’s daughter near the end. I’m just surprised it took him so long to take a stand.

Secondary characters are also interesting. I loved Gilles’s parents and their cook, Florence. Caroline’s family is also lovely to read. Only both main charatcers’ brothers are idiots and I’m surprised even fighting didn’t change their hearts. I hated Martel. He truly is son of devil. It is easy to see his actions are personal vendetta than love for the country. I’m disappointed to see he didn’t get punched by Gilles or his father.

Best part is history, the way author represented revolution through different perspectives, how it affected people and France both financially and emotionally, and how blind belief in something only leads to destruction. I didn’t know they imprisoned the king near the end of the revolution and I agree with Caroline’s thoughts- famine and bad weather was hardly king’s fault and Jacobins shouldn’t take credit of good weather and crops. It was just terrible to see what people did in zeal and rage.

Romance is slow burn with opposite attracts arc and I liked seeing how Caroline and Gilles’ dislikes turned into friendship and respect. It was great to see how slowly it blossomed to love and how revolution tested their love and hope.

Twist and turns are good. Most of them I could see coming but some are interesting. I was surprised by letter at climax. It was tragic and heartbreaking moment and what happened after that was predictable but also tense and action packed. End is lovely and perfect.

Why 4.5 Stars-

My only issue is slow pace. I liked the build up in initial chapters and perfect representation of revolution and time period but it took a lot for story to pick up the pace which happened at 60% of the book.

Overall, Beyond the Lavender Fields is unique, spectacular, and well-written historical romance set during French revolution.

I highly recommend this if you like,
Book set before WWI and WWII
Set during French Revolution
interesting and layered characters
slow pace
opposite attracts arc
unique story
well written historical elements