An epic tale of two aristocratic families poised at the brink of the French Revolution. Adele and her cousin Stephanie face their “coming of age” as plots and liaisons intertwine to trap them. Each has choices to make… which path will they choose?
A secret passage, high intrigue, a wayward maid, and the pressure of being a salonnière help Adele to grow up as society collapses around her. After moving to Paris, she and her family face class tensions, political machinations, thieves, and traitors as they seek to apply God’s principles to the often-terrifying situations around them. Adele discovers, when faced with an arranged marriage, that she loves another—can she conquer?
In contrast, Adele’s cousins embrace the godless ideals of the Revolution. Selfish, flirtatious Stephanie is brilliant and beautiful—living every girl’s dream. What happens when she encounters an unscrupulous, handsome patriot named Gaston? Her brother Leuren plunges headforemost into the Revolution—only to find his conscience reproaching him as his companions participate in murder. And what does Philip de la Noye, a handsome aristocrat (and former beau of Adele’s mother), and a sans-culotte have in common? Or Denis, the Machiavellian valet of Adele’s father—what use is he making of the Revolution?
Adele’s brother Honore and his friend Tristan find themselves drawn into the depths of midnight Paris as they seek to unravel the threads. Denis seeks revenge; the over-arching storm of the Revolution breaks over their heads, and the September Massacres loom. Will they find the answers? And if they do, will it be too late to save their own lives?
Well, I finally finished reading the final version!
This is a tale that is reminiscent of classics such as A Tale of Two Cities and The Count of Monte Cristo. It could use some tightening, in my opinion, but I was never a gung-ho reader of classics, either, so please don't use my thoughts alone!
The story is well-thought-out, with many characters, including a villain or two. There are mysteries, undercover work, and family dynamics. You will see two young ladies of vastly different sorts: Adele, a kind, patient young lady with modesty and self-control who is led by the Lord, and her cousin Stephanie, who is spoiled, flirtatious, and quite careless.
There are actual accounts from the French Revolution included in the book. There are fights, tears, aristocrats and peasants. I learned much that I never knew about the French Revolution before.
The gospel is woven into the story. The romance is sweet and non-sensual, though not without emotional struggle.
Some scenes drag a bit, but some scenes are vivid and touching. It is a worthwhile read for all above a certain maturity level, but I would especially recommend it to serious students of history and lovers of classics.
This book took me a little while to get into, but I really enjoyed it once I did! I made a character list to stay on top of who each character was. I loved how the book did not follow a predictable and perfect storyline. This is a well written book that gives you an up-close and personal look at the French revolution.