A woman and young girl bonded not only by war but by a Huguenot cross they both share. This novel took me by surprise; I expected it to be rather boring and focused on the Algerian war. I was delighted to see this historical fiction novel also had romantic and suspenseful aspects to it. I thoroughly enjoyed it, although it was rather long and left me hanging in the end. I look forward to reading the sequel “Two Testaments”.

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If I had known this was the first book in a trilogy, I probably wouldn't have read it. It is a good book, however. It follows Gabriella, a daughter of African missionaries, as she studies in France. She becomes involved with David Hoffman, a teacher but also a man helping to save children from Algiers. Their story is very interesting and it is good reading the way their separate stories are unraveled. ( )

I have become a huge fan of Elizabeth Musser. She takes a story and captures the time period with such ease. This book was so intriguing I couldn't put it down. I loved the description of France and felt like I had been swept away to witness the story of Gabriella and David. There is more to the book than just a blossoming relationship as the story also takes us to a scene where a war is raging on. It's the heart of the book and brings intrigue and hidden secrets that will change people's lives.

Gabrielle is a smart young woman with fiery red hair and blue eyes that sparkle in the sun. . She wears a cross around her neck that is very special to her. I loved the intricate description of the cross and could picture it as it hung gracefully around Gabriella's neck. She has come to France in 1961 to further her studies. I loved the beautiful countryside where she stayed and the history of the Algerian war. I am not familiar with this war at all, but with the details that the author wrote , I have become very fascinated by this time period. I could hear the sounds of war as people screamed . The author did an excellent job of vividly bringing the war to life with her descriptions. Will anyone be able to survive the horrors of the war?

The secrets, deceit, intense drama and overall powerful story had me glued to the book. I found David to be quite a charmer. He is one of Gabriella's teachers and is drawn to her from the start . Can David be trusted? It was interesting to read the interactions between the two as Gabriella shared her faith with David. As an unbeliever, he really struggled to believe there was such a God who forgives and loves unconditionally.

When Gabriella learns a secret about her mother, will she turn away from those she trusts? Can she forgive those who kept the secret from her for so long? The story is intense at times and there are times I found myself gasp out loud. What is the connection to the nun who Gabriella is staying with and David? I loved how we see Gabriella praying and relying on her faith when she sees danger closing in on her. The book is very well written and l loved the reading about the orphans. Are they being hidden from someone? I am so glad to know that there are more books that continue the journey of David and Gabriella. Will David be able to find who he is looking for? Can he accept someone he didn't know existed and be able to forgive what happened in his past?

Forgiveness is not just for the offender. You're a victim , and until you forgive , you will always be a victim, locked in your hurt and bitterness. Forgiveness frees."

I received a copy of this book from The BookClub Network for an honest review. ( )

As a missionaries daughter Gabriella Madison feels out of place in France of 1961. She is taken into the underground world of the Algerian War, and the further in she is pulled the more she questions her faith.

The characters are well developed and they could be real people on the street. I enjoyed the storyline but in certain parts there was alot of descriptions which sometimes make it a little confusing at times. But all in all I would definitely recommend this book. I also intend to read the next ones in the series.

Thank you Net Galley and David C. Cook ( )

Two Crosses: A Novel by Elizabeth Musser

In 1961, Gabriella Madison moves to the small village of Castelnau in France to attend classes in an exchange program. When one of her professors, David Hoffmann, asks her out, she unknowingly steps into a world of secrets and falls in love. Across the sea, terrorist groups tear Algeria apart with their fight for freedom from France. Gabriella’s professor works secretly to bring children from Algeria to the orphanage and uses the Huguenot cross as a symbol of his group. Things get dicey when the bad guys discover Gabriella and David saves a child during a riot, while Gabriella begins working for the orphanage.

This is such an intriguing story. Musser paints beautiful pictures of France, including French phrases to add depth to the story. Musser’s characters are so realistic that they feel like old friends, as they attempt to deal with memories and grow in their relationship with the Lord. The background of the Algerian war for independence added interest since this was not part of familiar history for me. You will not want to put this one down. I would recommend it to anyone enjoying history, romance, and suspense. ( )