GIVEAWAY
GREEN, JOCELYN
THE MARK OF THE KING
Life in this new world requires more strength than she ever imagined
After the death of her client, midwife Julianne Chevalier is imprisoned and branded, marking her as a criminal beyond redemption. Hoping to reunite with her brother, a soldier, she trades her life sentence for exile to the fledgling French colony of Louisiana. The price of her transport, however, is a forced marriage to a fellow convict.
New Orleans is nothing like Julianne expects. The settlement is steeped in mud and mosquitoes and there is no news of her brother, Benjamin. When tragedy strikes, she turns to military officer Marc-Paul Girard for help, but does he know more about her brother than he will admit?
With her dreams shattered, Julianne must find her way in this dangerous land, where only grace -- and love -- can overcome the stigma of the king's mark upon her shoulder.
My Review:
Wickedly intense. Enthralling. There were times I had to set this book aside because I just couldn't take any more. But I always returned to it after a few fortifying breaths because how could I leave Julianne in that predicament? Or the next one? Or the next?
Mercy, but I'm amazed that this area got settled. Still confused as to why the French wanted to claim it in the first place when they didn't support their troops. The historical information is intriguing and frustrating and unbelievable. How did women survive childbirth? (beware to the faint of heart -- the midwifery details are...detailed!) Only the strong survived -- and then by the grace of God! And don't get me started on the lack of women's rights and the barbaric actions of some of the soldiers. Goodness, but my emotions were all over the place as I devoured this book.
Marc-Paul stands out as a man of dignity and honor. Strict, legalistic, he serves his country devoutly. But he also learns the true meaning of grace as he draws closer to the Lord. And that softens him in delightful ways.
Julianne is strength personified. Defiant. Determined. Unstoppable. She is a survivor -- and the things she survives -- truly unimaginable. How a loving author could treat a heroine so...it's shameful, that's what. :-)
Rife with drama, heavy with sorrow but lifted by faith, The Mark of the King a sweeping tale of love and loss and second chances.
Book provided courtesy of Baker Publications and Graf-Martin Communications Inc.
Giveaway Opportunity:
If you would like an opportunity to win a copy of The Mark of the King please leave a comment below or email me at kavluvstoread AT yahoo DOT ca. If you post a comment and add your email address please use AT and DOT instead of @ and . to protect yourself from spammers. If you enter the draw via email please remember to put the title in the subject line so it's easier for me to spot your entry. Draw will be held and winner announced on Sunday February 12 2017. Offer open to international readers. Good luck!