Review: : "My Brother's Crown (Cousins of the Dover #1" by Mindy Starns Clark & L

This is a two-fold story. The first involves Rene Talbot, a scientist whose grandmother owns the famed pamphlet known as the Persecution Pamphlet created in 1685. Her grandmother is slated to turn it over to the Smithsonian Institute after one last viewing at the yearly family reunion. The second involves Catherine Gillet, an eleven-greats-grandmother of Rene who lived during the persecution of the French Huguenots during the reign of King Louis XIV and whose brother had printed the pamphlet and left a secret message in it.

I loved the historical story about the pamphlet, although it is fictional. The detailing of the persecution and what the families had to go through was fascinating. I am always amazed when I read about the faith and strength that was demonstrated in order to worship as one believed. The story was intriguing and full of suspense and kept you turning pages. Catherine’s character was well thought out and fully developed. The modern day story was also captivating. Rene is a scientist that hides behind her profession. Although very adept at her job and all things scientific, she struggles with personal relationships, especially with the opposite sex. This story involves a blossoming love story. It also involves an unsolved murder, witnessed by her and her cousins at a very tender age. The resolving of this aspect of the story is saved for the next book.

This book can be read and enjoyed by all ages and I recommend it. So many times we take our faith for granted and need to be reminded that people were persecuted for what we take for granted. The violence and romantic aspects are written in such a way as not to be offensive to anyone.