Beyond the Lavender Fields by Arlem Hawks -Book Review and Trailer

                                                                          Product Details

Publication Date: 2/1/21 

Hardcover 

ISBN: 9781629729350 

Retail Price: $26.99 

Page Count: 368 

Historical Fiction 

Cover Art: © Matilda Delves / Trevillion  

Images; Photos.com / Getty Images; Daniel  

Balakov / Getty Images 

Book Design: © Shadow Mountain 

Design: Heather G. Ward 

Art Direction: Richard Erickson

                    ***I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own***

Book Summary

1792, France 

Rumors of revolution in Paris swirl in Marseille, a bustling port city in southern France. Gilles Étienne,  a clerk at the local soap factory, thrives on the news. Committed to the cause of equality, liberty, and brotherhood, he and his friends plan to march to Paris to dethrone the monarchy. His plans are halted when he meets Marie-Caroline Daubin, the beautiful daughter of the owner of the factory. 

A bourgeoise and a royalist, Marie-Caroline has been called home to Marseille to escape the unrest in  Paris. She rebuffs Gilles’s efforts to charm her and boldly expresses her view that violently imposed freedom is not really freedom for all. As Marie-Caroline takes risks to follow her beliefs, Gilles catches her in a dangerous secret that could cost her and her family their lives. As Gilles and  Marie-Caroline spend more time together, she questions her initial assumptions about Gilles and realizes that perhaps they have more in common than she thought. 

As the spirit of revolution descends on Marseille, people are killed and buildings are ransacked and burned to the ground. Gilles must choose between supporting the political change he believes in and protecting those he loves. And Marie-Caroline must battle between standing up for what she feels is  

right and risking her family’s safety. With their lives and their nation in turmoil, both Gilles and Marie Caroline wonder if a révolutionnaire and a royaliste can really be together in a world that forces people to choose sides.

Book Trailer: 

My Review

Beyond the Lavender Fields is a historical fiction novel set in 1792 France as the revolution is starting. The research done on this book is amazing. This is one era in time that is not as familiar to me. As a history lover, this was fascinating to learn so many details about the start of The French Revolution.

The novel has a slow start as characters are introduced and information is given about the state of the country. After 50 or so pages this story takes off and never lets you off for a break. Of course, my favorite character is Gilles Étienne who is pulled back and forth between both sides throughout the novel. His strength of character far surpasses those of others his same age. As soon as he meets Marie-Caroline Daubin, his life is never the same.

I liked the conflict between family members, the tests of courage and morals that the characters faced. The author does an outstanding job fleshing out her main and side characters. The villain is not only evil but very crazy too. I also grew to love the anti-hero in the story, Gilles's sea-captain father. This novel does an excellent job of showing both sides in this conflict. The romance between Gilles and Marie is not heavy but slowly blooms as the story progresses.

Beyond the Lavender Fields is a must-read for fans of Les Misérables (musical), history buffs, and anyone interested in French history. This novel is an overall good read and one I recommend you pick up.

****Meet Author Arlem Hawks****

ARLEM HAWKS began making up stories before she could write.  

Living all over the western United States and traveling around the  

the world gave her a love of cultures and people and the stories they  

have to tell. She has a bachelor’s degree in communications, with  

an emphasis in print journalism, and she lives in Arizona with her  

husband three children. 

For author interview requests, please contact Callie Hansen at  

chansen@shadowmountain.com 

Purchase Beyond the Lavender Fields HERE: https://amzn.to/3tFcB1d

Advance Praise: 

“With each successive encounter, Gilles has with Marie-Caroline...makes him realize that people, like politics,  are full of complexities and nuances. Historical fiction fans will revel in Hawks' (Georgiana's Secret, 2021)  refreshingly different, perfectly evoked period setting that seamlessly captures both the drama and danger of  revolutionary-era France, while romance readers will appreciate the sweet love story the author expertly threads  through the plot.” —BOOKLIST 

“The writing was spectacular and transported me to Marseille during the French Revolution.” —ALEX C. “The rich and vivid way that Arlem Hawks presented this story stole my heart.” —RENAE S. “A well-told tale that sweeps you off your feet and through the streets of France.” —TRISTAN R. “Captivating and engaging to the very end.” —JESSICA M. 

“Well-researched and rich in historical detail.” —PATRICIA W. 

“This one has it all: history, romance, suspense, intrigue. . . . It does not disappoint.” —JULIA D. “A beautiful story! Arlem Hawks has sealed a place on my ‘best authors’ bookshelf!” —JESSICA M.