Review: "A Refuge Assured" by Jocelyn Green

Jocelyn Green does a remarkable job of writing page-turning historical fiction with ample action and romantic interests. She accomplishes this while still allowing her strong personal faith to shine through the actions and thoughts of the characters. Her new novel, A Refuge Assured, follows this tradition. Vivienne Rivard is a lace maker in France during the French revolution. She is forced to flee for her life to America. She is creating a comfortable life for herself in America when custody of a small boy is forced on her. Her life is once again in danger when the lad appears to be Louis-Charles, the “Lost King”. Ill equipped to take care of a small child, she struggles to make a home and protect him in this new country.

Although the people in this story are fictional, the places, events and emotions are real. The plot is sufficiently complex to keep you engaged but not so much as to confuse you. It is well thought out and there is enough unpredictability to keep you turning pages. The three main characters are well developed and you are engaged with them, feeling their hopes, fears and sentiments.

I loved this book and couldn’t stop reading. Ms. Green writes a wonderful novel that can be enjoyed by all ages, young and old and I highly recommend it.