em_err's review
4.0
This book was really great. With the way it switches between modern and historical worlds, it has a lot to boast of. This book contains humor, mystery, and romance while also talking about faith in modern and historical worlds (it really makes you think about what religious persecution was like in the 17th century and is still like today). It also has characters that are memorable and relatable, but I wish they had been developed slightly more (perhaps I'll get my wish considering that it is the first of a series). While I found myself wanting more of both women's stories and definitely cannot wait to read more, I also felt like the story in general could've been developed a little more. It was almost like there wasn't enough information, like it was missing something. I really cannot wait to see what the next books in this series have to offer and I hope it answers some questions that remain.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
lmbartelt's review
4.0
I'm a big fan of split-time novels, and Mindy Starns Clark is one of my favorite authors. Paired with Leslie Gould, who has written some of the only Amish fiction I will read, this series gave me high expectations.
From book 1, it mostly delivered. (Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the publisher. Review reflects my honest opinion.)
The stories center on the Talbot family, whose generations trace back to France in the late 17th century and who are Huguenots, French protestants. This first book sets up the background both for the contemporary storyline and the historical one. In it, we learn about Catherine Gillet and her struggle to do what is right at a time when protestants were being persecuted for their faith. The contemporary storyline introduces us to four Talbot cousins who become involved with solving a decades-old mystery.
I appreciated the pace of the novel. There were good chunks of the historical storyline balanced with several chapters in a row from the contemporary line. Sometimes books like these bounce back and forth too much and it's hard to keep the action and POV straight. It also helped that the contemporary storyline was written in first person while the historical one was in third person. It worked for me. And this first book provided a great start to an enjoyable series.
From book 1, it mostly delivered. (Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the publisher. Review reflects my honest opinion.)
The stories center on the Talbot family, whose generations trace back to France in the late 17th century and who are Huguenots, French protestants. This first book sets up the background both for the contemporary storyline and the historical one. In it, we learn about Catherine Gillet and her struggle to do what is right at a time when protestants were being persecuted for their faith. The contemporary storyline introduces us to four Talbot cousins who become involved with solving a decades-old mystery.
I appreciated the pace of the novel. There were good chunks of the historical storyline balanced with several chapters in a row from the contemporary line. Sometimes books like these bounce back and forth too much and it's hard to keep the action and POV straight. It also helped that the contemporary storyline was written in first person while the historical one was in third person. It worked for me. And this first book provided a great start to an enjoyable series.
kristi518's review
5.0
When I picked up this book I wasn't sure what to expect. I like historical fiction, but I wasn't sure if I would like a book that went all the way back to 1685 France. My concerns were quickly laid to rest as I became immersed in the stories of two women from very different time periods.
I really enjoyed all of the historical details in this book. They were woven into the story in such a way that I feel as if I received a history lesson without every being bored. In fact, there is no time to be bored reading this book. There are several plot twists that keep the reader engaged in the story.
Adding to the wonderful historical detail in this book is the character development. There are many characters in this book and each is well-developed and multi-faceted. Catherine was my favorite character in the book. I instantly liked her and could sympathize with her in her feelings about her relationships with her brother and boyfriend.
The authors did a fantastic job of weaving Catherine's and Renee's stories together. I loved how the story was told in both present-day Virginia and 1685 France. I usually shy away from books that are co-written as I think the story isn't told as well. This is so not the case in this book. This book is so well written that is is easy to tell the authors are from one mind and one heart with this story. The writing is seamless and strong. I can't wait to read the next book in this series!
If you like fiction wrapped in historical detail you will love this book. This book would be as equally enjoyable for anyone who enjoys good clean fiction. Happy reading!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I really enjoyed all of the historical details in this book. They were woven into the story in such a way that I feel as if I received a history lesson without every being bored. In fact, there is no time to be bored reading this book. There are several plot twists that keep the reader engaged in the story.
Adding to the wonderful historical detail in this book is the character development. There are many characters in this book and each is well-developed and multi-faceted. Catherine was my favorite character in the book. I instantly liked her and could sympathize with her in her feelings about her relationships with her brother and boyfriend.
The authors did a fantastic job of weaving Catherine's and Renee's stories together. I loved how the story was told in both present-day Virginia and 1685 France. I usually shy away from books that are co-written as I think the story isn't told as well. This is so not the case in this book. This book is so well written that is is easy to tell the authors are from one mind and one heart with this story. The writing is seamless and strong. I can't wait to read the next book in this series!
If you like fiction wrapped in historical detail you will love this book. This book would be as equally enjoyable for anyone who enjoys good clean fiction. Happy reading!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
longtimereader's review
4.0
Two women, in different time periods are connected. France in 1685 gives us one story, while the other one is in current Virginia. Persecutions, test of Faith, a good bit is happening in book that is like a double feature! The stories are tied together via a pamphlet that transcends the years to current time. The pamphlet is from the Hugenots, which you will learn a great deal about during the course of this book. This book was very well tied together.
My copy came from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review and nothing more.
My copy came from Net Galley in exchange for my honest review and nothing more.
shelfesteem's review
4.0
My Brother's Crown by Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould is a split-time-period historical fiction novel. The way the authors bounced between 1685 and the present day really kept me on my toes. I especially enjoyed how the events in both Catherine and Renee's stories would vacillate between foreshadowing each other and filling in the gaps in the other's narrative. While the character Renee and I share a remarkable number of personality traits (uncanny), in time I became more engrossed in the historical storyline. It served as my introduction to Huguenots, which surprised me since just 4 years ago my husband and I visited Paris and Versailles. During our trip we heard a lot about Louis XIV, but nothing at all of the Huguenots. If we were to go back again I would seek out this portion France's history.
Clark and Gould spin a web of mystery and intrigue within both eras. For me, Catherine's story had a definite ending with an uncertain, yet hopeful nod to the future. Renee's, however, was a can of worms that had just been opened. I'm hooked! The release of My Sister's Prayer (Cousins of the Dove, Book 2) cannot come soon enough.
I received My Brother's Crown as a member of the Harvest House Book Club. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Clark and Gould spin a web of mystery and intrigue within both eras. For me, Catherine's story had a definite ending with an uncertain, yet hopeful nod to the future. Renee's, however, was a can of worms that had just been opened. I'm hooked! The release of My Sister's Prayer (Cousins of the Dove, Book 2) cannot come soon enough.
I received My Brother's Crown as a member of the Harvest House Book Club. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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