Historical Fiction / Christian Fiction
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 fiance 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
Saving The Marquise's Granddaughter is the first novel I have read by Carrie Fancett Pagels but it most definitely won't be the last. She is not a new novelist, in fact after looking up her works I would have to say she is quite prolific. I'm not sure how I have missed reading her books up to this point.
The story takes place in France during the mid 1700s. During this time-period it was not a good thing to be a Huguenot. In fact it could get you arrested and possibly put to death. Suzanne Richelieu's family are Huguenots and as such have put into place an escape plan but they are hopeful that it will never have to be used.
But inevitably the plan had to be enacted. Suzanne's harrowing escape through the help of the handsome German Johan Rousch takes up the majority of the novel which makes the novel proceed rapidly. At several points it looks like all is lost. But Providence has more in store for the two.
I really enjoyed this story of two strong families from completely different backgrounds, one of privilege and the other of meager means. While their circumstances were different they each loved their families deeply. And as a die-hard romantic the budding romance between Suzanne and Johan is just beautiful. At the end I just wanted to cheer, "Love wins!"
If you enjoy a lovely romantic story set in an historic time period you really should check this one out. Carrie Fancett Pagels has done her research so even the little details will educate you as you are enjoying the overall story. I know I came away from it both entertained and feeling like I learned more about Huguenots and their plight.
Connect With The Author
Wow what a fabulous review!!!! Thanks so much for reading and reviewing Johan and Suzanne's story!!! God bless!
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