The Mark of the King – My Review

I hardly know where to begin with reviewing this novel. I was blown away by the storytelling and historical depth to its pages. The hardships that Julianne faces broke my heart for her. She is such an inspiring and resilient heroine, continuing to fight through her trials and sharing that bravery with her fellow characters and the readers.

I couldn’t get over the richness in the details. Every scene was described so well, allowing the reader to feel the waves rocking the ship, or step onto the swamplands of New Orleans, or hear the war cries of the native people. This book will ignite all your senses.

Marc-Paul – in his compassion, bravery, and leadership – gripped my heart. He was a light in the darkness to me. I was grateful for a few other secondary characters that brightened Julianne’s life too. Occasionally, the story was hard for me to read, due to the sad historical happenings of the time. I was surprised to learn that such unbelievable events actually occurred, but I appreciated the author sharing these unique accounts with us. I came away feeling like I’d learned a lot about the time period. And even through the heaviness and heartache that overshadow the story, there is beauty and mercy to be found. I was continually surprised by the plot twists along the way too.

Readers of historical fiction will love this book. It reminded me of Lori Benton’s stories too, if you’re familiar with her work. I was very impressed with this story. Its message was grace-filled. A very, very well-written tale.

I received a free copy from the publisher. No review, positive or otherwise, was required—all opinions are my own.

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ABOUT THE BOOK:

Sweeping Historical Fiction Set at the Edge of the Continent

After being imprisoned and branded for the death of her client, twenty-five-year-old midwife Julianne Chevalier trades her life sentence for exile to the fledgling 1720s French colony of Louisiana, where she hopes to be reunited with her brother, serving there as a soldier. To make the journey, though, women must be married, and Julianne is forced to wed a fellow convict.

When they arrive in New Orleans, there is no news of Benjamin, Julianne’s brother, and searching for answers proves dangerous. What is behind the mystery, and does military officer Marc-Paul Girard know more than he is letting on?

With her dreams of a new life shattered, Julianne must find her way in this dangerous, rugged land, despite never being able to escape the king’s mark on her shoulder that brands her a criminal beyond redemption.

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Award-winning author Jocelyn Green inspires faith and courage in her readers through both fiction and nonfiction. A former military wife herself, she offers encouragement and hope to military wives worldwide through her Faith Deployed ministry. Her novels, inspired by real heroines on America’s home front, are marked by their historical integrity and gritty inspiration.

Jocelyn graduated from Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, with a B.A. in English, concentration in writing. She is an active member of the Christian Authors Network, the Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, American Christian Fiction Writers, and the Military Writers Society of America.

She loves Mexican food, Broadway musicals, Toblerone chocolate bars, the color red, and reading on her patio. Jocelyn lives with her husband Rob and two small children in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Visit her at www.jocelyngreen.com.

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