Wednesday, February 13, 2019

BETWEEN TWO SHORES by Jocelyn Green, Reviewed by Rebecca and Paula

Rebecca's Review:
"If I've learned anything from you, it's that life is about far more than equal exchange."

Managing her father's trading post along the St. Lawrence River, Catherine Duval is accustomed to making smart decisions; her bi-racial heritage as the daughter of a Mohawk Indian and a French trapper granting her distinct advantages and disadvantages as a business woman. While the French and Indian War ravages the countryside near her Montreal, Quebec home, Catherine has managed to remain as neutral as possible in order to trade on both sides of the contentious battle for control of the region. Suddenly everything changes, nothing stays the same.

When Samuel Crane, the one man who managed to conquer Catherine's seemingly impenetrable affections, suddenly re-appears in her life, he brings the raging conflict to her doorstep with an uncompromising request. Now, not only does Catherine have to straddle two geographic shores, her heart appears destined to travel the same path.

Stunning is the only possible way to describe the lovely literacy of prose that Jocelyn Green brings to this story; showcasing her ability to write vivid descriptions amidst finely tooled historical references; introducing complex characters whose heartstrings every reader will long to play.

"Creator God, create in me a clean heart, one that shows loyalties to You above armies and empires and allies.

I received a copy of this book from the author and publisher. The opinions stated are entirely my own.

Paula's Review: 

Between Two Shores by Jocelyn Green is an epic tale set in Montreal, Quebec in 1759. It tells of Catherine Duval a half Mohawk, half French daughter of a trapper, Gabriel Duval. Other players include Catherine’s sister, Bright Star; brother, Joseph and two ransomed captives, Thankful and Samuel and several antagonists. It depicts the fighting between the French and British.

It is not a story for the faint of heart. It tells of Catherine caught between two worlds and vividly describes the hardships of war. Catherine has conflicting emotions ever since she left her half brother and sister to go live with her father at his trading post. Will aiding one side or the other help put an end to the war?

Jocelyn Green brings to life the struggle of diverse characters during the French and Indian War. The research is impeccable, revealing such customs as Indians capturing English as substitutes for relatives who had died and how such captives were ransomed. This illustrates the spiritual truth that Jesus has ransomed all of us. I was especially touched by the waterfall scene near the end with Catherine, Bright Star and Thankful. It paralleled baptism and washing away hurts granting forgiveness.

With Ms. Green’s beautiful descriptions and exemplary prose, it was easy to get caught up in the story. It seemed very real. The deep spiritual lessons permeated the book. I could feel Catherine’s inner turmoil as she tried to please her father and put aside her own wants and needs for the good of others in many situations. The story showed the hardships and sacrifices of the times. You could see how the characters matured both in their walk with God and their interaction with those close to them.

I recommend this book for those who love Historical Christian Fiction and appreciate exceptional writing.
 

*I was given a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher on behalf of the author. I was not required to give a favorable review. All opinions are my own. *

BackCover Blurb:
The daughter of a Mohawk mother and French father in 1759 Montreal, Catherine Duval finds it is easier to remain neutral in a world that is tearing itself apart. Content to trade with both the French and the British, Catherine is pulled into the fray against her wishes when her British ex-
fiance, Samuel Crane, is taken prisoner by her father. Samuel asks her to help him escape, claiming he has information that could help end the war.

Peace appeals to Catherine, but helping the man who broke her heart does not. She delays . . . until attempts on Samuel's life convince her he's in mortal danger. Against her better judgment she helps him flee by river, using knowledge of the landscape to creep ever closer to freedom. Their time together rekindles feelings she thought long buried, and danger seems to hound their every mile. She's risked becoming a traitor by choosing a side, but will the decision cost her even more than she anticipated?


Available in digital ebook, paperback and hardcover:
Buy Between Two Shores at Amazon.com
Buy Between Two Shores at Christianbook.com

 

3 comments:

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  2. I loved this book! It's definitely going to be on my top reads list for the year! Thanks for the lovely reviews!

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  3. I'm really excited to read this one. We've had so many great reads already this year! Wow!

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