New World, New Love

by Rosalind Laker

A spellbinding novel of enduring love, set in 18th century America and France Daniel Lombard falls in love with Louise de Vailly on the day she arrives in New York, a refugee from the French Revolution which has destroyed the lives of Louise, her sister Delphine and so many other French aristocrats. Though unsure of what they will find in the New World, Louise is a brave and determined young woman, not one to wallow in self-pity. Soon she has found work for Delphine and herself in a millinery, where she uses her innate talent and French flair for fashion to make herself indispensable. Though attracted to Daniel, Louise is equally determined that she will remain independent, not tied to any man. Fatefully, she has made that mistake in the past...

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical

320 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

A pseudonym used by Barbara Øvstedal.

Barbara Øvstedal was an author previously writing under the pseudonym Barbara Paul and Barbara Douglas. She wrote a few books under this pseudonym but later changed to Rosalind Laker when Barbara Paul gained recognition. Her many books include The Sugar Pavilion and To Dance with Kings.

Reviews

[Misfit · Rating 3 out of 5]

New World, New Love is the story of Louise de Vailly, a refugee from the French Revolution, as she arrives in New York with her sister Delphine. Although recently widowed, her marriage had not been a happy one and Louise is ready to strike out on her own and establish her independence, but self-centered Delphine would rather let themselves be supported by wealthy friends and fellow refugees. Louise also meets two men she is attracted to - silk merchant Daniel Lombard and Doctor Charles Noiret - but due to her previous disastrous marriage she keeps them both at arms length. When she is finally able to establish a successful career at millinery and commit to a marriage the changes in French politics facilitates a surprise return from her past that forces Louise to return to France and her family's estate and leave her newly found happiness behind her.

Other than that, this is pretty much the standard Rosalind Laker formula. Beautiful woman strikes out for a career and financial independence against all odds, finds true love that wins out in the end all of which is set in an historical setting and well sprinkled with historical details and facts to give the reader a good sense of time and place. Definitely not Laker's best book (that would be To Dance With Kings, but I would only recommend this for die hard Laker fans or for those looking for a light, easy read. I was going to give this 3.5 stars, but the abrupt ending left me wanting just a few more pages to round the story out -- all those near misses just for that!!! Three stars.

[Karoline · Rating 1 out of 5]

Rosalind Laker has written some very good books in the past, but this is definitely NOT one of them. The character of Delphine is a complete idiot. Daniel's "love" for Louise is absolutely terrifying. And the out-of-left-field return of Fernand is just stupid. Terrible waste of time.

[G Gadus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Escapism.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fast, easy chick lit read with the backdrop of the aftermath of the french revolution. Nothing heavy, but fun!