Review + GIVEAWAY: Saving the Marquise's Granddaughter

Saving the Marquise’s Granddaughter
By Carrie Fancett Pagels
Pelican Book Group, 2016


Summary

In a land fraught with religious strife, they must break the barriers between status and faith to forge a fresh future in a new world…

After her Huguenot father is arrested, aristocrat Suzanne Richelieu escapes Versailles. Handsome German peasant, Johan Rousch, risks his life to bring her to the safety of his family’s farm in the Palatinate duchy, but when Suzanne’s brother and the French army arrive with a warning that they plan to burn the area, she and Johan are forced to flee.

With no money or options, both become indentured servants in exchange for safe passage to Philadelphia. Suzanne falls gravely ill aboard ship and marries Johan, only to survive with no memory of the wedding—a reality made worse when Johan spots the “priest” who married them working as a surveyor and later in Quaker cleric garb. Are their wedding vows valid? When Suzanne’s former fiancé arrives in port, planning to abduct her, Johan must save her again—but can he do so before Suzanne is lost to him forever?


My thoughts

Beginning in the year 1742, Saving the Marquise’s Granddaughter gives us a glimpse into a turbulent time in history, one that I’m not all that familiar with, and that is one of this novel’s strengths for me. Hidden faith, persecution, betrayal, indentured servitude, and class distinction are just a few elements readers will find – as well as courage, friendship, romance, and intrigue.

Aachen Cathedral, Germany

The story is extremely well researched and rich with historical detail that vividly conveys settings and scenes from France, Germany, and colonial America. There’s good character depth, and gradually getting to know more about Suzanne and Johan – a couple who couldn’t be more different on the surface – was very enjoyable. I loved the unfolding of their friendship, attraction, and spiritual growth.

Carrie did a great job in conveying the realism of something I’ve never understood, and that’s intolerance and persecution in the name of religion. The courage of both the Huguenots and those who helped them at personal risk was moving.

I recommend Saving the Marquise’s Granddaughter to all who enjoy historical fiction.

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Carrie Fancett Pagels is a multi-published award-winning author of Christian historical romance. Twenty-five years as a psychologist didn’t “cure” her overactive imagination! She resides with her family in the Historic Triangle of Virginia, which is perfect for her love of history. Carrie loves to read, bake, bead, and travel – but not all at the same time!

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Thank you to Carrie Fancett Pagels and Celebrate Lit for providing a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Tour landing page

Link to purchase book: http://amzn.to/1TeU3h9

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TWO GIVEAWAYS!!

Carrie has graciously offered an ebook copy of Saving the Marquise’s Granddaughter to one of you. To enter, please click on this link to share my Facebook post, then leave a comment and also mention that you’d like the ebook. In addition . . .

To celebrate her tour, Carrie is giving away a Kindle Fire 7, one signed copy of Saving the Marquise’s Granddaughter along with Postcard & bookmark and Fleur de Lis Earrings.