This historical romance is set during the French Revolution and was so well done!
I loved hearing the perspectives of Gilles and Marie-Caroline who have very different political beliefs but find commune ground and build and tenuous friendship that grows to more.
The book was beautiful. It was moving and eye opening, sad and hopeful. I loved it. .

Beyond the Lavender Fields is the first book that I've read by author Arlem Hawks. First, I want to say that the cover is absolutely stunning. In fact, that's what drew me to the book in the first place and I'm so glad it did!

As far as the story, I am at a loss for words. I was sucked in within the first chapter and the exquisite writing pulled me deeper and deeper into the book with each page. I couldn't put it down.

This historically rich book is set in 1792, at the cusp of the "reign of terror" during the French Revolution when the Jacobins, were overturning the monarchy. I don't recall ever reading a book set during this time and it was so interesting to learn more about the tension between the Jacobins, the royalists, and those who wanted a middle ground between the two.

Gilles and Caroline are wonderful and I fell in love with them immediately. Caroline's adamant declaration of, "I do not wish to kiss you", every time she encountered Gilles made me smile. Throughout the book, Caroline challenges Gilles, to think differently about the revolution and how the Jacobins are handling the revolt. Although they disagree on many counts, they forge a respectful friendship.

But, as the friendship grows into something more, the riots and war draw closer to their doorsteps. How can a Jacobin and royalist be friends? Let alone anything more?

Another aspect of this book that was interesting, is we see the majority of Caroline's thoughts through written letters she pens to her cousin in Paris. I'm not sure if the author plans to make this a series, but the letters made me want to see a book about the cousin Caroline pours her heart out to.

I give this book a full 5-stars for its beautiful, historically rich text, well-developed characters, and stunning storyline.

This is a romance novel about the clash between a French royalist and a Jacobin revolutionary during the French Revolution. The setting is really where this novel shines. The amount of political and cultural detail here is astounding and so well done. My personal struggle with this novel was the characters, especially during the first half. I found these two main characters to both be incredibly unlikable and hard to relate to. The first half really dragged for me as they clashed over and over, refusing to look beyond their own point of view. The plotline is fairly predictable and follows what one would expect from this type of story. This would be perfect for those interested in the French Revolution or who enjoy the enemies-to-lovers trope.

I enjoyed going back in time with Beyond the Lavender Fields. I can not wait to get my hands on other books by Arlem Hawks. I highly recommend this one. Five stars.

I received this from Netgalley.com.

"Set in 1792 Revolutionary France, Gilles Étienne plans are halted when he meets Marie-Caroline Daubin, the beautiful daughter of the owner of the factory where he works."

A quick, light read. This falls squarely into the Chick lit genre with a little historical background.

2.75☆

"Vivre la France! Vivre la nation!"

Set in 1792 during the years of the French Revolution, this story of Gilles and Marie-Caroline explores how two very different people with contrasting political views can first become friends, then grow in their love for one another. Their friendship is a dangerous one as the revolutionary views in Marseille become more inflamed and Gilles has to decide if he will continue pursing his dreams for the nation and for his own advancement as a physician. Marie-Caroline must decide if this younger man is one she can trust with her secrets.

As one who reads books mostly set in Britain, this story of the fiery French set a much different tone. The men were passionate about the revolution and the women were not at all shy in their opinions! The banter between the two main characters was strong and decidedly French. The story was also enhanced by letters mainly written by Marie-Caroline to her cousin near Paris which gave a better insight into her thoughts and emotions.

Interspersed with French phrases and political discussions, one completely unfamiliar with the time period may have some confusion, but overall the author did well in providing a context for the reader. The storyline of the relationship between Gilles and his father was a bit muddled and did not seem to have a clear resolution, but overall I thought it was extremely well-written for this genre of proper romance. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would rate it at 4.5 stars!

I enjoyed this historical romance story. This is a new author for me which I enjoyed her writing style that has details that made the story realistic. This is a well written story that takes place in Paris and has a touch of romance to it. It is a story about two people on two different sides trying to find a way to be together.. With life in turmoil, can two people find a way to make romance work? I enjoyed being pulled into the story from the beginning. This is a hard to put down story that kept me turning pages fast just to see what would happen next. It is also an emotional read in parts that will pull at your heart strings but it is a strong that is inspirational. I enjoyed how relateable the characters are and what they brought to the story. Their growth and chemisty kept the story engaging. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author in the future. I highly recommend this book.

I’d say more like 4.5 stars 😊 Such a suspenseful and intriguing novel! It took me a bit to get into it but once I felt curious about the story, about the relationship of the main characters, and about the time period, I became immersed in the events. The writing flowed well and the characters were described with enough flaws yet hope to make them feel real. Kissing is a thread throughout the story but in a clean, cute way. Yet, there’s a good amount of tension in this book that keeps you on edge and rooting for the right side - the side of truth. Many times while reading I wondered: what would I do in that situation? How can those of opposing political ideologies even get along yet find a middle ground and treat each other with respect and dignity? Definitely a timely read. Highly recommend!

I only finished half of this book. I just could not get into it. The story just dragged and dragged.

Marseille, France 1792

Magnifique! This novel brings readers into the French Revolution with a spotlight on the Reign of Terror (following creation of the First Republic).

Caroline, a Royalist, grudgingly returns to her family home in Marseille where she belongs to an aristocratic family that owns a soap making factory.

Gilles (JEEL), a supporter of equality and liberty is a clerk for Caroline's father. Gilles is an experienced sailor like his father yet yearns to be a doctor.

As their paths cross, Gilles begins to question the methods his group is taking to remove themselves from the monarchy. "When had liberty meant only liberty for like-minded Frenchmen?"

The tale is told from Gilles' point of view, however, readers get Caroline's feelings through her letters. Her letters are primarily to her cousin Sylvainne.

Beautifully written sophomore novel steeped in history with a heart tugging romance. A dash of humor. And the cover...beautiful. Spectacular all around.

Gilles and Marie-Caroline believe in different things during this sweeping French Revolution era. Gilles works for Marie’s father, who is a Loyalist, while he is looking for a a new government. These two clash together time after time, but Gilles is also sensible to know that destruction and death isn’t a way to win people over. This causes problems between his friends who doubt his loyalty. And as he falls more in love with Marie, he starts to doubt himself and his true intentions. But-the two come together to save not just each. Loved this book, and I thank NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC, I have recently started reading about the French Revolution and stories like this one, are inspiring.

First book read of 2022! Beyond the Lavender Fields was a slow starter for me because no French Revolution novel ever comes close to Orczy. However it warmed up really well and I ended up thoroughly enjoying it. A charming historical romance with good suspense to start the year. At the risk of getting political, I also felt that some of the comments on the excessive fanaticism of the Jacobins made interesting parallels with woke culture today - it sometimes feels like people are fighting for equality but only equality for the people who agree directly with them. And yet the book leaves you with the reminder that growth takes time and sometimes hurts. We must persist in trying to make a better world.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in return for my review.

After reading Georgana's Secret, I was excited to read Arlem Hawks' latest release Beyond the Lavender Fields. The story revolves around the French Revolution, making the setting almost a character in itself. Both the main characters are on opposite sides of the conflict, Marie-Caroline, as part of the aristocracy who want to preserve their lives of privilege, and Gilles Etienne of the working class who wants equality for all.

The story starts with a great scene, setting the tone for the relationship between Gilles and Marie-Caroline. Then the pacing seemed to slow down and it took a while to get going once again. The author skillfully brings up the political tensions of the day and how it affects both sides. I really liked Gilles' character. He was hard-working, loved his family, respected his mother, and was chivalrous. Marie-Caroline, on the other hand, was not as likable to me. She seemed very aloof and flaunted her views without realizing how dangerous that was. I never quite knew what she was really thinking unless it was through some of the letters she wrote to her cousin.

However, once the book picks up, there is plenty of action. Marie-Caroline faces the reality of her situation that makes her see things with different eyes. Gilles realizes that the means to an end are not always justifiable even if it leads to freedom. The French Revolution was a terrifying time in history and we see how patriotism and desperation could make zealots and oppressed people act like madmen. This was certainly an interesting book especially since the main characters were on different sides of the revolution.

Fans of historical fiction will be pleased with this new release. Well-written, fraught with internal and political conflicts, Beyond the Lavender Fields showcases star-crossed lovers who discover that doing what is right is more important than who is right.

Beyond the Lavender Fields b y Arlem Hawks, 368 pages. Shadow Mountain Publishing, 2022. $27.
Language: PG (0 swears, 0 “f” + French swears); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG
BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE
AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE
Gilles takes no thought when he accepts his friend’s bet to kiss the woman waiting in his boss’s office – not even when Gilles realizes that the woman is a royalist, on the opposing side of the French Revolution than him. The woman surprises him when she reveals herself to be his boss’s daughter, and Gilles practically runs away due to embarrassment. Driven to apologize to the royalist, Gilles starts to wonder if the eyes he can’t seem to forget haunt him for reasons beyond chagrin and guilt.
Character arcs are always important to stories, but Gilles’s story focuses on that struggle of changing one’s character. Once he realizes that the way he is acting contradicts what he believes to be right, Gilles has to decide how he wants to move forward and who he wants to become – as a brother, as a son, as a friend, as a revolutionist, as a man. The decisions that he has to make are not easy, and readers will ache with him even as they hope for the same courage to change as Gilles does. The mature content rating is for innuendos.
Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Beyond the Lavender Fields explores the lives of two people on opposite political views of the French Revolution at the height of political upheaval in the country. When Caroline returns to her family's home after two years away with her cousin near Paris, she's disappointed to discover Guille and his brothers in arms are planning and preparing to revolt against the monarchy. As Guille and Caroline are forced into each other's company, first on the whim of a bet, at family gatherings and on travels throughout the city, the two discuss their opposing views and find some common ground between them. The poignancy of the political commentary and upheaval was both beautifully written and relevant to political differences in today's society. The message of peace and listening to both sides fairly was a meaningful and profound theme throughout the book. This book was a slow burn, especially given the gravity of the tensions in France at this time in history, but the romance was sweet and delivered a sweet and heartfelt happily ever after. Much different in style to the author's debut novel but nonetheless a very beautifully written romance. Many thanks to netgalley and Shadow Mountain for the advanced copy of this book, all thoughts are my own.

#BeyondTheLavenderFields #NetGalley

A book that isn't your typical historical novel, set during the French Revolution. Gillies longs to become a physician, and is saving money so he can go to school. Caroline is home from Paris, and isn't afraid of sharing her opinion.Two strong characters, make for an interesting book.

I loved the imagery and authenticity of this book.  It allowed me to step back into time and walk the streets of Marsaille and surrounding countryside during the turmoil of the French Revolution.  The way the dual point of view was presented was clever and the characters' opposing political opinions allow the reader to step back and examine both sides of the issues at play.  The message from this story will stay with me for a long time!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are completely my own.

Wow! This book is fantastic! It is gripping, powerful, moving, suspenseful, thought-provoking, romantic, and so much more. Whenever I picked up "Beyond the Lavender Fields", I was whisked back in time to the era of the French Revolution, and went on such an emotional journey with this story.

Arlem Hawks is one of my absolute favorite authors! Her writing style is visceral, vivid, and detailed. I can only imagine the amount of historical research Ms. Hawks must have done for this book, as each and every moment feels authentic to the time period it is set in. I often forgot that I was on my couch reading, and felt like I was right there with the characters watching events take place. I feel like I learned quite a bit about this era in history by reading this book, and Ms. Hawks seamlessly blends history and fiction. She brings the past to life with such specificity and complexity. I found this book very difficult to put down.

Gilles is a Jacobin, and Marie-Caroline is a Royalist. They have different beliefs, but, throughout the story, come to realize that perhaps they want some of the same things. As their relationship develops, they grow as individual people as well, and Ms. Hawks has written incredible character arcs for them. I do not want to spoil anything in this review plot wise, so, I will simply say, this book is a must-read. As I mentioned above, it is very thought-provoking and has many important themes throughout.

If you enjoy historical fiction, I highly recommend this book! I found myself turning the pages to see what would happen next, and I so look forward to reading what Ms. Hawks writes next.

Thank you so much to Shadow Mountain Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC of this book ,and to Shadow Mountain Publishing for sending me a physical ARC as well, it is amazing. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I enjoyed this story of two very different people falling in love in the early part of the French Revolution. It was interesting to have opposite viewpoints: that of a royalist and that of a Jacobin. It was also interesting to see how the ideals that began the revolution quickly became so corrupted.

I didn't know how to feel about Gilles at the beginning of the book as he seemed very immature. However, he grew a lot through the course of the story. Marie-Caroline's perspective was presented through letters. I liked how this allowed us to understand her thoughts and see her softening as the story progressed.

Revolutionary France was really brought to life, and I found this book quite suspenseful. I enjoyed the characters and their journey and hope to see them again in a future book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Shadow Mountain Publishing for the early read.

I’d like to thank NetGalley, Shadow Mountain Publishing, and Arlem Hawks for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review! This book is a well-researched story that takes place in 1792 France. It follows Marie-Caroline and Gilles who have differing beliefs in terms of the French Revolution. One believes in the monarchy, while the other believes in a change for the country. They develop their feelings throughout the story as they interact with one another and learn more. I thought it was interesting to read how they try to find common ground. I also really enjoyed certain parts of the writing a lot and how the characters are described. It’s obvious that the time period was studied a lot before writing and the book is very well put together. I enjoyed this book and it’s a must-read for fans of this time period!