Kerry Chaput

"I realize that courage changes with the seasons. The world requires things from us, every day is different than the one before. Courage is not a reward. It is a practice. " - Kerry Chaput.

This is one of my favorite lines in the book and I think it sums up this trilogy perfectly, as well as who Isabelle has become as a person and what she is doing to pass on her training, knowledge and beliefs to the next generation. Still fighting to save the Huguenot's, Isabelle is being tested with her most dangerous mission yet and putting the lives of those she loves on the line as well. Step-daughter Elizabeth is determined to go on a mission and swears she is ready for whatever comes her way. Isabelle still sees immaturity and impulsiveness in some of her decisions and does everything to keep Elizabeth safe at home. But when Elizabeth decides to take things into her own hands, Isabelle now has no choice but to accept that Elizabeth is now one of resistance and must do everything to keep the mission as planned while doing all she can to continue to guide Elizabeth as they work to rescue as many Huguenot's as they can. Meanwhile Isabelle's past always seems to have a hand in her life and decisions and the hunt for the red wolf has ramped up Isabelle is making plans of her own to protect the future of those she loves. This was such a great wrap up to the Defying the Crown Trilogy with some unexpected storylines and characters. Thank you to the author for the complementary novel and to Suzy Approved Book Tours for the invite. This review is of my own opinion and accord.… (más)

These pages rake through hopeless situations and seemingly endless stumbling blocks in a fight of determination and a sibling love, which inspires.

Magnolia does the best she can to keep her two brothers, dying mother, and herself fed. While they have a type of roof of their heads, she knows they're hanging on by a last, frayed thread. With the mother's death comes, at least, the chance for Magnolia to land a job. Not that it really pays the bills, but work of any kind is a blessing and rarity. A miraculous twist of fate brings her face to face with her idol, Eleanor Roosevelt, who promises to help her if ever the need. But the moment Mrs. Roosevelt travels to the next town, disaster strikes in all the worst ways. Magnolia finds herself with nothing. Even her two brothers have been taken away, but she's not about to give up and sets out on a journey to get her brothers back...if there's even the slim chance she can.

This tale is set during the Great Depression and begins in a small town, where poverty is ruining many lives. There is nothing happy about the beginning situation as Magnolia struggles to keep everyone alive. This hits with grit as she faces a verbally abusive, dying mother while trying to help two younger brothers, who aren't in a great place themselves. Plus, it sets the tone for the rest of the read, one which holds raw moments and tough paths. The reader can't help by root for Magnolia as she fights at every turn, and her mistrust toward others is more than understandable. This isn't a sunshine read, but rather drags through the dark corners of poverty and greed. Still, there are moments of light, and that's what helps Magnolia (as well as the reader) pull through.

While the plot has Magnolia in more than a few rough places, there's a constant message of inspiration and encouragement. Especially Eleanor Roosevelt's quotes push Magnolia forward and help her grasp the inspiration to continue through even the most desperate moments. The same ideals Eleanor Roosevelt publicly supported carry through the adventure and show how far women in society have come and what battles. It also promotes support for children and those less fortunate. It's a message, which urges people to continue forward and find the strength to carry on. And of course, it addresses more than a few problems, details, and personalities of that time frame, making it a rich historical journey as well.… (más)

Isabelle walks a fine line between appearing to be the perfect wife to her Catholic husband, and working underground for the Protestant cause. Set in 1667 Quebec, Isabelle was born and raised in France, where she was persecuted for her religious beliefs. Forced to convert, she was sent to Quebec to choose a husband. Chaffing under her restrictive life, Isabelle will do almost anything for the cause.

I did not realize this was a sequel when I picked up the book. Although the book was able to stand alone, I did feel like I was missing a lot of character development and back-story. I enjoyed reading about a period of history that i know little about, and will definitely pick up the first book. Overall, highly recommended.… (más)