"Estranged siblings fighting to have the lives they want in the tumultuous eve of the French Revolution."
Available in Kindle or Paperback from Amazon.
Joliette is raised by her Maman to become one of the Queen’s ladies in waiting, but her Grandmaman’s tutelage in the vineyards of her family’s Château de Verzat is where her heart and passion lies. Henri is brought up without a father, with little education and helping his Maman in her tasks as a washerwoman, dreaming of escape and a better position. As Henri and Joliette grow up, their lives take paths they can’t control. Eventually the siblings are brought together, but with the sparks of disquiet and revolution catching, will they and their loved ones survive unscathed?
This is a twisting historical fiction novel that uses the dual narrative of Joliette and Henri to show a broader perspective of France in the 1780s. The narrative is filled with opportunities for context and it is very clear that the author has put a lot of time and work to root this narrative in history. Both Henri and Joliette are ambitious and likeable characters, keen to leave their mark on the world, with Henri aspiring to a government job to help better the lives of the people he grew up around, and Joliette wanting to be at the helm of the Château de Verzat wine business regardless of marital status. There are plenty of obstacles in the way of both characters finding love and happiness however there are moments of peace and joy amongst the loss and sorrow. This is an entertaining read for historical fiction fans.
| Primary Genre | Historical Fiction |
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Available in Kindle or Paperback from Amazon.
A Woman Fights for Her Legacy as the French Revolution Erupts
Headstrong Countess Joliette de Verzat prefers secretly managing her family’s Loire Valley château and vineyards to the cut-throat politics of Versailles. For nearly three centuries, generations of families have toiled to produce Château de Verzat wines, and their homes and livelihoods depend upon Joliette. But ancient laws block her from inheriting property—unless she is widowed.
Revolution erupts. Thousands of women march on Versailles. Caught in the battle, Joliette risks her own life to save her lover’s. She flees to Paris, blazing with hatred for aristocrats, where she discovers her illegitimate half-brother, Henri—the secret rightful heir who disdains the nobility to which he unknowingly belongs.
As insurrection mounts, Joliette faces heartbreaking choices. She must risk all that she loves and trust the people she has saved to save her.
Her Own Legacy features in the following genres: Historical Fiction, Indie Author Books, Indie Books We Love, Family Drama, Romance / Relationship Stories, Sagas, Fiction, Recommendations
Her Own Legacy is available in Paperback
Her Own Legacy was written by Debra Borchert and published by Le Vin Press
