Historical Fiction Book Review: A Refuge Assured

Publisher's Description

"Lacemaker Vivienne Rivard never imagined her craft could threaten her life. Yet in revolutionary France, it is a death sentence when the nobility, and those associated with them, are forced to the guillotine. Vivienne flees to Philadelphia but finds the same dangers lurking in the French Quarter, as revolutionary sympathizers threaten the life of a young boy left in her care, who some suspect to be the Dauphin. Can the French settlement, Azilum, offer permanent refuge?

Militiaman Liam Delaney proudly served in the American Revolution, but now that the new government has imposed an oppressive tax that impacts his family, he barely recognizes the democracy he fought for. He wants only to cultivate the land of his hard-won farm near Azilum, but soon finds himself drawn into the escalating tension of the Whiskey Rebellion. When he meets a beautiful young Frenchwoman recently arrived from Paris, they will be drawn together in surprising ways to fight for the peace and safety for which they long."

My Review

A Refuge Assured, by Jocelyn Green, is historical fiction at its absolute finest. Every single word and phrase within this outstanding novel is rich with deep meaning and thoughtful purpose. The extremely well-researched details and the remarkably stunning descriptions ensure that every moment spent reading this book is a profound experience to be savored and treasured. 

With an intensely compelling plot that flows effortlessly through intricate scenes of adversity, suspense, intrigue, romance, sacrifice, and redemption, this novel holds nestled within its pages everything a reader wholeheartedly desires. It is most certainly a novel worthy of copious compliments, continuous attention, and frequent re-readings. 

A Refuge Assured has truly left a lasting impression upon my heart and in my mind. That a story so full of tragedy and loss could be told so beautifully and be infused with such hope is a testament to the phenomenal writing talent the author possesses. This is the first book I have read by Jocelyn Green, but with it she has easily secured a place among my most favorite of authors. It is with sincere enthusiasm and great pleasure that I recommend this unforgettable novel to all readers. 

My Reflection

Forgiveness and reconciliation are significant themes within this novel. Yet, this book does not minimize the journey the characters must endure as they endeavor to heal, recover, forgive, and restore. The characters grapple with their duties and their decisions. They face consequences from their choices and opinions. As they struggle through trials, they learn and adapt and become stronger. They grow in wisdom, compassion and perseverance. Their faith is made stronger as they come to understand that their uncertain future is made secure in the hands of a loving, unchangeable God.

The historical realities and situations presented in this book reflect meaningfully upon the fact that God is the ultimate restorer who so very often crafts beautiful things out of the broken fragments and damaged pieces of our lives. With unconditional love and infinite grace, he repairs and softens the fractured shards, redeeming them and remaking them into treasures that have purpose and value. I found it very tender and encouraging to journey with the characters in this novel as they found healing for what had been shattered, forgiveness for what had been harmed, and restoration for what had been lost.

About the Author 

"Jocelyn Green is a former journalist who puts her investigative skills to work in writing both nonfiction and historical fiction to inspire faith and courage.

The honors her books have received include the Christy Award in historical fiction, and gold medals from the Military Writers Society of America and the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association.

Complex and nuanced characters, rich historical detail and twisting plots make her novels immersive experiences. Her fiction has been praised by Historical Novel Society, Romantic Times, Library Journal, historians specializing in her novels’ time periods, as well as popular and acclaimed authors Laura Frantz, Lori Benton, Jody Hedlund, Sarah Sundin, Joanne Bischof, Julie Lessman, and more.

Jocelyn loves Broadway musicals, the color red, Toblerone chocolate bars, Mexican food, and well-done documentaries. She lives in Iowa with her husband, two children, and two cats she should have named Catticus Finch and Purrman Meowville.

Visit her at jocelyngreen.com, and receive a free gift when joining her e-newsletter mailing list at jocelyngreen.com/subscribe." -- From Jocelyn Green's Author Page on Amazon.com

Click here to purchase a copy of this book for yourself. 

 *I was given a copy of this book from the publisher. A review was not required. The review I have written contains opinions that are entirely my own.