Debra Borchert

The title says it all! Geneviève dressing as a man to attend university and often to complete other tasks has decided she is going to find a way to get passage to America, the new land where her love Henri sailed off to. But she needs funds and has to pass as a man, as no woman alone would be able to get passage or be safe unaccompanied by a male. Getting approval to work under her father in the public prosecutors office, under the condition she marries whomever her step-mother chooses, Gen sees many things come across her desk and she makes the decisions to take the fate of others into her own hands when she recognizes some of the names and knows they are innocents who should not be sent to the guillotine. But suspicions are soon brought about and Gen knows she is going to be caught, determined to not make things any worse for her family she decides to become the male known as Jean and finds that someone she unexpectedly saved may be the one to save her. There is so much more to Gen's story. This was such a great read and I loved all the history. Thank you to Books and Wine Lovers for the invite and to the author for the free complementary book. This review is of my own accord and opinion.… (mehr)

In the period leading up to the French Revolution, the King’s law requires taxation on salt per person. The tax collector has come to the boulangerie to collect. Thankfully, Madame Dumont knows the law exempts children under the age of 8. Otherwise, the tax collector could have cheated her by charging her for a family of five, 2 adults, 3 children, but one child is 2 years old. Madame Dumont is also grateful to her sister-in-law Adelle for coaching her on a way to smuggle salt across the river. Creativity, courage, and determination are needed. Each trip puts her life at risk.

The portrayal of a woman’s strength in fighting for her family's survival is heartrending yet illuminating and inspirational.

Having read “Her Own Revolution” by the author earlier this spring, it was impossible not to remember Geneviève Fouquier-Tinville selecting clothing based on her activities, courage, and enterprising ways. When selecting the novel to read as available on NetGalley, I didn’t realize it was Book 2 in a series at the time. I wanted to read this short story prior to reading Book 1, “Her Own Legacy,” the story of Countess Joliette de Verzat as the French Revolution erupts.

Debra Borchert’s writing immerses the reader in another time and place, blending her meticulous research with the strength of atmospheric writing and featuring strong, independent women. I highly recommend adding titles of her work to your tbr list.… (mehr)

1793. Paris. Geneviève Fouquier-Tinville selects her clothing based on activities. Frustrated by restraints on women's rights, Geneviève dressed as a man to attend university. She also knows just how to dress and act to charm her father and appease her stepmother at dinner when she wishes to convince her father, a Public Prosecutor, that she can be helpful as a court clerk and delay another diatribe from her stepmother about eligible suitors and marriage. Little did Geneviève realize that her desire to earn money for passage to join her lover in America would instead have her dressing as a man to help save lives from the guillotine. Committed to the quest to save the innocent Geneviève begins "Her Own Revolution."

Geneviève is a selfless young woman, putting her dream on hold because she cannot turn away from those who need her assistance, some who do not even know she will help them. Courageous, compassionate, self-reliant, enterprising, a woman that inspires and a woman one aspires to be. This is historical fiction at its best. Descriptive in immersing the reader in another time and place, building the tension of suspense, and showing the humanity of individuals willing to sacrifice for the greater good. Regardless of how little they have, they will do all that is possible. The addition of the romantic thread sparkled.

When adding my review on GoodReads, I realized that this title is Book 2 in the series. I became so entranced and immersed in this well-written novel that I must read Book 1, "Her Legacy," and I hope the author has started writing Book 3.

A map of Paris at the time of Geneviève's story precedes the story. The Author's Note helps clarify decisions following conflicting facts discovered during research. I found that research to be meticulous through the strength of atmospheric writing in setting, plot, character development, and dialogue.

Readers will be appreciative of the "cultural events and websites helpful to my (the author's) research and cultural understanding" as provided in Acknowledgements. "Uncle Louis's Lentil Soup, a soup of Chateau de Verzat," and Discussion Questions are available at the novel's end. I encourage visiting the author's website to enjoy many delights, including more tempting soup recipes.

Thank you to Debra Borchert, Le Vin Press, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an eARC of this book.… (mehr)

Her Own Legacy (Château de Verzat Book 1) by Debra Borchert is an elegantly written book. This is a riveting story taking place during the French revolution, highlighting the tumult and challenges of that time. Within the context of social upheaval and war, the author has constructed an appealing story with plenty of historical detail and challenges for the characters. You get a sense here of the two sides to the Revolution, both for the wealthy and the less fortunate. The characters are so well rendered, the scenes are well-described, giving you a true sense of time and place, while the pace of the story is solid and keeps you engaged. Joliette de Verzat is a great character, one you will empathize with. Overall, a great historical read.… (mehr)