 Reviewer: Mary Hosmar When Julianne Chevalier volunteers to be part of a group of convicts to be sent to Louisiana she is promised her freedom and a new life. Reality, however, does not resemble promises. In Mark of the King, Ms Green has taken a little know fact of American history and woven a historical tapestry. She skillfully uses facts intertwined in fiction to create an interesting and compelling story. Ms. Greene’s love of both history and a good tale is obvious in the details. Much research was done to make the tale as authentic as possible. While cruelty and brutality were often displayed in the story, life in a far-off, ill-supplied and mostly forgotten outpost, was often cruel and brutal. But grace shines through, both in the life of the convicts and the deeds of the colonists. Ms. Green does a wonderful job of bringing 1700’s New Orleans to life. She is also able to intersperse her Christian beliefs as a natural part of the story. One minor problem I did have with the book was the fact that so much happened to one person in such a relatively short period of time. But such is the way of many novels. In spite of that, this is one of the most enjoyable historical fiction novels I have read in a long while.  Reviewer: Carol A. Brown I loved this book! Green puts the color and the flesh on the bones of history. It is a love story and a history lesson. Well researched, The Mark of The King recounts the raw difficulty in the 1700’s of settling the French colony of New Orleans, the capital of the Louisiana Territory. The story depicts how France populated New Orleans by scooping up the “nere-do-wells” of Paris, forcing them to marry, and then shipping them to Louisiana. The Mark of The King follows the life of Julianne Chevalier, a compassionate young woman who studied midwifery in Paris while also raising her younger brother, after their mother died. Her reputation as a brilliant and capable midwife drove her teacher/mentor to jealousy and betrayal, false accusation and conviction for murder, which resulted in her being branded—the king’s mark of a convict. Author Green has taken the bones of history, fleshed them out in the context of a story of love and belonging, deceit and betrayal as she follows the dangerous, often tumultuous circumstances of Julianne’s life as she makes a home for herself, a French colonel, and a little French/Indian girl named Lily. Against the backdrop of politics and prejudices, the manipulating of native Indians by the army, and the one upsmanship of the French and the British, Green masterfully weaves classic themes. I found several throughout this fascinating story:
Technically Green’s writing is excellent. I received a pre-publication manuscript, in exchange for a fair review, and things can change, but I surmise any changes could have only made it even better! Her plot was consistent action with appropriate lulls to give the reader time to breathe and then another twist. Her characters had so much depth you could “see” them. Another plus is that most of the characters are historical figures. Most of the events are also historical events, such as the famine and the hurricane, which leveled the town, and the caskets that floated out of the levee during flood season. Green also included links for anyone interested in doing their own research. I would absolutely recommend the book! To lovers of romance, American history, and historical fiction especially. And to anyone who enjoys a good story. This book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Reviewer: Sabrina Wade What's so amazing about grace? If you haven't experienced it in your own life, after you read this book you will know. “Wow,” was my response until the last period was placed at the end of this book. I've experienced just about every emotion from cover to cover. Soul gripping novel, painting the life of men and women is search of something outside themselves…acceptance, redemption, forgiveness, trust, hope, something better. A mingling of struggles we all face daily; when wronged to what extent will we extend grace? A must read! Don't tarry. But, rent, borrow a copy today. This book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Reviewer: Jane Daly Rarely does a novel catch my attention as much as this one. As a west coast girl from birth, I was ignorant of how other cities and states were established. Ms. Green’s extensive research was an eye-opening glimpse into the people who settled in New Orleans. These brave souls battled Native Americans, the British, and each other, to create what is now a thriving city. Her characters lived through unimaginable trials and circumstances. The story of Julianne and Marc-Paul is woven into the rich history of Louisiana. The faith element is believable without being heavy-handed. Fair warning – don’t start reading this book unless you have time to finish it. This book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Reviewer: Laura J. Davis How is it possible that I have never read anything by Jocelyn Green? I'm not sure how this author's books slipped past me, but one thing is for sure, after reading The Mark of the King I will be anxiously waiting for the next book this author puts out. This is a beautifully written book, rich in history, with a cast of characters that bring to life a turbulent time when the French first settled New Orleans. Our main character, a young mid-wife by the name of Julianne Chevalier, has been wrongly accused of murder. But she has a choice, stay in prison for the rest of her days, or marry a complete stranger and then take a ship to New Orleans where she and her new husband will be expected to "grow" the fledgling colony. The author is such a good writer that her descriptions of the humiliations and abuse Julianne endured had me feeling like I was watching a movie. This book was very hard to put down. When her husband dies, Julianne is saved further humiliation by a God-fearing man named Marc-Paul Girard. But even his protection and love for her will not save her from one evil man in the colony who masquerades as Marc-Paul's friend while intent on tormenting Julianne and he has a secret that good destroy the colony. This book also has all the excitement that a full-length movie would have and a surprise or two that will leave the reader wanting more. I highly recommend it! This book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Reviewer: Rebecca Maney
"You are a child of the King; it is His image you bear." Cruelly branded as a murderer for the accidental death of a client, French midwife Julianne Chevalier exchanges her life sentence for exile to the primitive settlement of New Orleans, Louisiana. Forced to wed a complete stranger in order to expedite "populating" the territory upon arrival, Julianne faces multiple obstacles, but manages to settle into her new circumstances with calm resignation. Captain Marc-Paul Girard curiously manages to provide Julianne and her new husband Simon with a safe perimeter, indicating that he had indeed known a soldier named Benjamin Chevalier, Julianne's younger brother, a soldier, the one person that she loves with all her heart. Marc-Paul Girard cannot imagine the kind, lovely midwife who sailed as a prisoner aboard his ship to be murderous. With an infinite amount of skill and compassion, she assumes dual roles; serving the colony as both midwife and physician upon the insistence of the local governor. Things turn ugly when Julianne's bitter past is publicly exposed and then again when unexpected tragedy strikes closer to home; driving Marc-Paul to a life changing decision. With impostors within and treachery without, Julianne and Marc-Paul cannot escape the challenges that will define them, ultimately sending them straight into the amazing arms of grace. "The Mark of the King"is nothing short of astonishing; the author beautifully weaving heart-ache, cruelty, misunderstanding, and history into a glorious, unforgettable tapestry of love. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The opinions expressed above are entirely my own. Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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2/3/2017
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