During the 17th century religious struggles in Europe, French Protestants or "Huguenots" are obliged to flee their Catholic homeland or face execut...
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reviews
Apr 20, 2010
Cheryl-Lynn
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3.5 stars I won this through the first reads goodreads program. First time I've received a signed copy (to me!) of the book- a nice touch. A historical fiction that takes place primarily in Amsterdam during the 1640's. The characters were believable and as a lover of history I really enjoyed learning more about this time period in Amsterdam. Certainly, life for most was basic survival and finding joy in the basics. I don't understand it's title because only 1/3 of the book took place in th
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Dec 14, 2010
Jenna
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First, I want to thank the author for sending me a signed copy of the book along with two bookmarks. I greatly appreciate it!
I thought the book Plowshares in the Palatinate was overall a good read. It kept my interest throughout the book and gave me insight on how life was in the 17th century. I would like to know what happened to Gilles and Elsje when they went over to New Amsterdam and if they found the religious freedom they were looking for.
I recieved the book for free from goodreads.com More...
I thought the book Plowshares in the Palatinate was overall a good read. It kept my interest throughout the book and gave me insight on how life was in the 17th century. I would like to know what happened to Gilles and Elsje when they went over to New Amsterdam and if they found the religious freedom they were looking for.
I recieved the book for free from goodreads.com More...
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Apr 21, 2010
Jane
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History books have wonderful information but are not always written in an interesting manner. Novels are typically very interesting in their structure, but fail to provide truly accurate background information. "Historical novels" is a genre that captures the best of both of these types of literature, wrapping a wonderful story into an accurate historical setting of the times.
Phyllis Harrison's historical novel, "Plowshares in the Palatinate" describes life in E More...
Phyllis Harrison's historical novel, "Plowshares in the Palatinate" describes life in E More...
Apr 23, 2010
Louise
rated it:
The author tries to do too much in this book. She has some wonderful historic knowledge about the period and tries to cram everything she knows (including some non-pertinent information)into chapters up to 124 pages long. This tends to slow down the reader. She also writes most of the story from a third party perspective. This keeps the reader from really identifying with the characters. She has some real abilities as an author if she can correct these problems.
Jan 31, 2010
Anita
rated it: 
Here we are again with book # 2, I give this two thumbs up!!
I was so drawn into the story that i could not stop reading. And Francois.........we'll meet again.
This was a quick read, yup couldnt put it down, from start to finish, total days 5.
I am ready for book # 3
To all my dear friends, dont miss this Novel!!!!
I was so drawn into the story that i could not stop reading. And Francois.........we'll meet again.
This was a quick read, yup couldnt put it down, from start to finish, total days 5.
I am ready for book # 3
To all my dear friends, dont miss this Novel!!!!
Jun 13, 2011
Theresa
rated it:
If you are looking for a short, quick read, this isn't the book for you. Plowshares in the Palatinate is a nice long involved read that keeps the reader both interested and entertained. It is packed with lots of historical facts and woven into a story that brings the reader to realize what is most important in life.
This is the second book in the series, the first being "The Fires of Europe". I didn't read the first, but found that this book easily is easily followed. I did More...
This is the second book in the series, the first being "The Fires of Europe". I didn't read the first, but found that this book easily is easily followed. I did More...
May 16, 2010
Jackie
rated it:
I just finished reading "Plowshares in the Palatinate" by Phyllis Harrison. I won this book on a 'Goodreads' giveaway.
The story centered around a French man named Gilles, his Dutch wife, Elsje, and their expanding family, living in Amsterdam in 1640. Their adventuresome spirits took them to settle in the Palatinate (thus the title) briefly before narrowly escaping with their lives back to Amsterdam.
I enjoyed reading this book, as I love historical novels, thou More...
The story centered around a French man named Gilles, his Dutch wife, Elsje, and their expanding family, living in Amsterdam in 1640. Their adventuresome spirits took them to settle in the Palatinate (thus the title) briefly before narrowly escaping with their lives back to Amsterdam.
I enjoyed reading this book, as I love historical novels, thou More...
Feb 26, 2010
Phyllis
rated it:
A forgotten story of the ancestors of Paul Revere, John Jay, and millions of Americans. Germany's Rhine River Valley offered refuge to anyone escaping miserable conditions or persecution in their own countries. The newly-emerged French middle and merchant classes are looking for a place where they can keep their language, traditions, and emerging religious beliefs. A young newlywed and his Dutch wife have much they are looking for and much they would like to leave behind. Is this the promised la
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Dec 02, 2010
Nicki
rated it:
It took me a few pages to get into this book initially, but after that I enjoyed it.
The story follows Gilles, a Frenchman on the run, as he takes his new wife and children from their Netherlands home to try a find a new start in the Palatinate.
This piece has great historical detail and the characters are very likeable and alive. The writing style is excellent and the story is well paced.
A good, pleasant read.
Free copy won through Goodreads First Rea
The story follows Gilles, a Frenchman on the run, as he takes his new wife and children from their Netherlands home to try a find a new start in the Palatinate.
This piece has great historical detail and the characters are very likeable and alive. The writing style is excellent and the story is well paced.
A good, pleasant read.
Free copy won through Goodreads First Rea
Jan 22, 2011
Wendy
rated it:
This is an interesting book - there's lots of history in it and so the reader is transported to a different time and place, which I enjoy. I get the idea that it's a sequel and I hadn't read the earlier book, but it still was easy enough to follow. It's not a book that I read very quickly through - because I'm not familiar with the area and the history of that area, I had to read more carefully but it was still a very enjoyable read.
Apr 05, 2010
I just received this book from the author, nicely inscribed, as a GoodReads giveaway. I am looking forward to reading it!
Dec 14, 2010
William
rated it:
I won this book from goodreads and I enjoyed reading the book. I found details about life in the 17th century interesting. I recommend this book.
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