The Mark of the King

Written by Jocelyn Green

Narrated by Carine Montbertrand

After being unjustly imprisoned for the death of her client, midwife Julianne Chevalier trades her life sentence for exile to the French colony of Louisiana in 1720. She marries a fellow convict in order to sail, but when tragedy strikes--and a mystery unfolds--Julianne must find her own way in this dangerous new land while bearing the brand of a criminal. Sweeping Historical Fiction Set at the Edge of the Continent After being imprisoned and branded for the death of her client, twenty-five-year-old midwife Julianne Chevalier trades her life sentence for exile to the fledgling 1720s French colony of Louisiana, where she hopes to be reunited with her brother, serving there as a soldier. To make the journey, though, women must be married, and Julianne is forced to wed a fellow convict. When they arrive in New Orleans, there is no news of Benjamin, Julianne's brother, and searching for answers proves dangerous. What is behind the mystery, and does military officer Marc-Paul Girard know more than he is letting on? With her dreams of a new life shattered, Julianne must find her way in this dangerous, rugged land, despite never being able to escape the king's mark on her shoulder that brands her a criminal beyond redemption.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Jan 15, 2018
• ISBN: 9781501965890

Jocelyn Green

Jocelyn Green inspires faith and courage as the bestselling author of numerous fiction and nonfiction books, including the Christy Award-winning The Mark of the King and Drawn by the Current and the On Central Park series. Learn more at JocelynGreen.com.

Reviews for The Mark of the King

[Heather Hills · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This girl has bad luck, but a lot of Grace or others.

[cbcmedia · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This was my first Jocelyn Green novel. I’m sorry I waited so long in reading it. It was SO good. It kept my interest from the very first page until the end. I loved the history in this book and I learned so much about France and how New Orleans was started. I also learned a lot about the native American tribes in the area.

I won’t go into any details about this book, you can read the blurb yourself. But I will say that you will need tissues (and maybe a French pronouncement website). This dear sweet midwife from France went through so much. I’d find myself in shock with the history, crying from the horrors of so much that happened, and refreshed with the fact that no matter what people label us with, as Christians we are precious in God’s sight.

This book has no bad language, no embarrassing romantic sex scenes, and it is threaded with God’s love for us…no matter what others may say. There are struggles in life and I learned a thing or two about forgiveness.

Quotes:

pg 110: “Remember this, mes cheres: There is no person so small that the Lord cannot see her, no voice so quiet that He cannot hear it.”

pg. 200: With her hand pressed to her head, Julianne trapped a groan in her chest. “Does the pain ease?” she whispered.
Francoise sighed. “The pain changes, and you will change with it. The sharp edges wear away in time, but the loss remains. You’ll learn how to live with it.”

[tealadytoo · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The Mark of the King by Jocelyn Green is an historical saga set primarily in French Colonial Louisiana. Julianne Chevalier, the heroine, is a French midwife who is unjustly convicted of murder after a noblewoman she is attending dies in childbirth. She is branded with a fleur-de-lys, “the mark of the king”, so that all will know she is a murderess. Her only option to escape the horrendous French prison system is to go out as a colonist to Louisiana. Since her only relative, her younger brother Benjamin, went to Louisiana as a soldier and vanished, she eagerly accepts this fate.

Once started on this path, she quickly faces hardship. Convicts are forced to wed each other before shipping out. They realize they are basically breeding stock to populate the colony for France. The conditions in and around New Orleans are harsh. Supplies are scare, skills are lacking in the convict population, disease and vice are rampant, and the soldiers and colonists are caught in political tensions between England and France and the Indian tribes each bribes to be their allies.

This novel is a fascinating glimpse into a little known chapter of history. The history is seamlessly woven into the tale, and the tale is fascinating. Julianne is drawn into a web of secrets and lies involving her convict husband Simon, her missing brother Benjamin, and the upright French officer Mark-Paul Girard who acts as her guardian angel while hiding his own secrets.

This is an inspirational novel, published by Bethany House, but the inspirational aspects are handled with a light touch and the novel should have broad appeal. I received an advance copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. The opinions are mine alone.

[heatherlinc · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The beautiful front cover was the first thing that caught my eye when I saw this book and, thankfully, the novel lived up to it. I was hooked from the first scene and was captivated following Julieanne's journey from France, where she had been branded a criminal, to New Orleans as she struggled as a young bride trying to find her place in the new colony. The rich, historical detail was excellent without being overbearing and I was interested learning about the hardship the French settlers faced when they arrived in Louisiana - starvation, Indian attacks, loneliness, floods, humidity and the daily efforts to stay alive in a desolate environment.

The main characters came to life and I was totally engrossed in their stories. Julieanne was strong and resilient while Marc-Paul was a man with strong convictions and a gentle heart. I also loved Lily, the little girl of mixed breading that Marc-Paul brought into his home. She was a little sweetie.

"The Mark of the King" was not only an excellent historical read, it was also full of adventure, love and excitement.

[vintagebeckie · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Jocelyn Green has become a must-read author for me. Her historical novels are marvels of meticulous research — the reader truly feels like she has stepped back in time. I have been trying to catch up on my Green reading, and chose an audiobook for The Mark of The King. This novel took me to a familiar place — New Orleans — but an unfamiliar time in the city’s history. The beginning of the French colony is explored in this novel, especially the time period in which the French government sought to populate the area by arranging marriages and shipping the new couples to settle and multiply. I found the history fascinating, and Green does a wonderful job of supplying details to make the era and the people come to life. The story line and main characters are fictional, but the author includes historical figures to add to the novel’s authenticity. I loved main character Julianne. Her indomitable spirit and hopes for a future are heroic. She faces obstacles and hardships that ring true. Other characters, including leading man Marc-Paul, are also well-developed and so very real. You will find many to love, and many to despise. The subtle spiritual truth of being more than what the world brands us runs throughout the novel and applies to many of the characters. It is also a message very relevant to today. As stated, I listened to the audiobook. The narration was excellent — character voices were especially good.

I loved The Mark of The King. If you haven’t yet read this novel, I highly recommend it.

Highly Recommended.

Audience: Adults.

(I purchased the audiobook from Audible. All opinions expressed are mine alone.)

[carol420 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The setting and the plot is unique, and full of fascinating details about the early French settlement in New Orleans. It tells the story of grace in the middle of dishonor and despair. It creates a fascinating picture of colonial life with the believable characters at the heart of the story. It is diffidently a "must read" for all history buffs.

[beckyhaase · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

THE MARK OF THE KING by Jocelyn Green
The premise could have been turned into a great story. This isn’t it. The writing is pedestrian, the plot turns are spur of the moment and contrived, the “Christian” part seems added on to sell books to the publishers audience. Skip this one.
1 of 5 stars

[cinachilders · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

In order to regain her freedom, Julianne chooses to be one of many exiled from France to the colony of Louisiana, but even such a promising choice comes with unforeseen consequences and heartbreaks along the way even after settling into New Orleans—a place of turmoil and lawlessness. Already forced to marry a stranger before leaving the shores of France, Julianne must face one trial after another.

I was surprised with The Mark of the King because the writing did not flinch away from the attitudes and particularly vile actions of men in those times (the barn thing and Pascal in general). I haven’t read much of the French colonies, so I found Julianne’s journey interesting. Julianne, despite everything that kept happening, proved herself to be a strong, persistent woman when any other might have just called it quits. I’m glad everything worked out at the end—even if it turned out to be bittersweet.

And though I liked the story, I’m not completely satisfied with the storyline surrounding Julianne’s brother. It was just meh and not enough for me to care about, even though everything else was good.

[phdinhorribleness · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This book drew me in immediately. Jocelyn Green seamlessly weaves her fictional characters into the true history of the early settling of Louisiana. It's a very compelling story, with both likeable and non-likeable characters put together in a setting full of hardships.

[mizroady · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

History is among my favorite subjects; therefore historical fiction is at the top of my genre list. This book is exceptional! I never knew what a rich beginning Louisiana had. In fact, I knew very little about its beginning as a settlement. The deprivation, cruelty, and hardship of those first brave settlers shocked me. I can’t even begin to tell you how much I learned. Ms. Green weaves the historic facts and life in that era, seamlessly with her characters and their experiences.
The story begins in 1719 in Paris, France. Julianne Chevelier is a midwife and though young very skilled. An older midwife once her teacher is placed under her for the delivery of a wealthy patient which conjures up jealousy. When the mother and child die in childbirth the old midwife accuses her of murder and she is sent to prison. Julianne receives a tattoo of the Fleur de lis, which will brand her for life as a murderer. Instead of being imprisoned for life, she manages to be sent to the settlement of New Orleans. They are in great need of more people to work and establish the area. What she was hoping in the promise of new found freedom turned out to be difficulties, injustice and suffering beyond what she ever imagined.
She is forced to marry another convict and consummate their marriage in barn before leaving. She found her and the other prisoners were being sent simply to populate the colony. The details not only of their voyage to America but the beginning of their new life in Louisiana were graphic and dreadful. Lacking in supplies, food, building materials the new arrivals were expected to make a home with nothing. They lived more like animals than people, while the military was comfortable and lacked nothing. To make matters worse there were Indian wars not only with the French but also between tribes. It was a dangerous situation.
Marc-Paul Girard is a respected soldier of the King of France. Unlike the others he had character and a strong faith in God. After the death of Julianne’s husband, Marc-Paul tries to protect and help her. Romance very slowly blooms but the path it follows is not a flowery one. Instead of infatuation theirs is based on character, trust, courage and strong faith. This book will surprise, astonish, and entertain you in the very best of ways!
I was provided a review copy of this book by Chosen Books, a division of Baker Publishing Group, with no expectation of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[bookworm_lisa · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Usually when I think of the settlement of the United States, I think of the British settlers. It is easy to forget that other countries also settled here and have left an imprint in their area. This book focuses on the settlement of New Orleans. It was settled by the French.

This book takes a look at a fictional colonist. She was a convict sent to the United States, forced to marry so that France could build a colony. She has the brand of a murderer, a crime that she did not commit, but will forever haunt her and limit her abilities as a mid-wife. She is a woman of faith and strong character. No matter what is thrown at her, she rises and thrives.

The Mark of the King has a complex plot. There are many factions of government, spies, and traitors in the colony. Each is seeking to move their plans forward, often at the expense of others. The people are poor and undernourished. The colony is struggling, but there is a definite power struggle.

I really enjoyed reading this book and learning more of the history of the United States. While the characters are fictional, most of the book is based on the facts of the settlement.

This book has some violence, behind closed doors intimacy, and kissing.

Source: I received a copy from the publisher to review.

[godsgirl_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Really well written and an exciting story. The descriptions were very vivid and was a fascinating read. Had a hard time getting into it, but soon was able to be drawn in to the story. Will be passing on to friends. Thanks you.

[mandat_2 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This book was definitely interesting. There were all kinds of historical facts that I had no idea about concerning how Louisiana was settled. I liked that there was a sense of mystery surrounding Julianne's brother and his whereabouts. It kept the story moving along. Several of the characters were presented in such a way that you knew there must be more to the story than was being said. Stories with intrigue are always a winner for keeping me interested. While all these aspects of the novel were done well, I really did not like the story. I thought it was too depressing and sad for me. I typically don't read sad books. It was like the main character could never catch a break. Typically, I have loved Jocelyn Green's books in the past. I absolutely loved her Heroines Behind the Lines Civil War series. So, if you don't mind reading sad books, and love history, this could be the book for you.

***I received this complimentary book from Library Thing. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions are my own.

[veragodley · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

If you're a history buff, you will love this book. If you're not really "into" history, this story will grab your attention and give you a new appreciation for the people who came before you and I and settled in this land of the free.

In 1719 life in Paris, France was either good if you had the money, or terrible and inhumane if you had no money. Being accused of dastardly crimes took only the word of a jealous person to land you in prison and marked for life. There was no recourse, until, the King wanted to populate the Louisiana (named after King Louis) area. So prisoners were given the choice to stay in prison or go to Louisiana but the catch was they wanted to populate the land so that meant as a Catholic nation that the settlers must be married. So prisoners were matched, chained, married, and shipped.

Life in Louisiana was as hardscrabble (or mud-scrabble) as it could get. There wasn't enough food, there was war with the British and war and terror from the Indians. There was corruption amongst the French which caused their problems to magnify. And there was love and there was life.

Jocelyn Green is a consummate storyteller and a persistent historian who researches tenaciously the times and settings of her stories. The result is a choice read that doesn't disappoint.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Litfuse Publicity Group on behalf of the author and publisher, Bethany House, to facilitate a review of my own opinions. I was not compensated.

[lamb521 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Title: The Mark of the KingAuthor: Jocelyn GreenPages: 416Year: 2017Publisher: Bethany House PublishersMy rating is 4 out of 5 stars.I read Jocelyn Green’s Civil War Behind the Line Series where she explores heroines who faced insurmountable odds to bring aid, comfort and more to the war effort. Now, the author brings to life a time where women were selected, forced to marry and then transported across the ocean to populate the colony of Louisiana. Julianne is a midwife who had apprenticed for a long time before she worked as the main midwife women required. Her assistant now was once her mentor. When together they attend a birthing that goes horribly wrong, Julianne is not only sent to prison but marked for life as a criminal. Julianne has more than one reason to go across the ocean and that is to locate her only family member, a brother.As I read, I couldn’t imagine being marked as a murderess for life and anyone who saw the mark would recognize its meaning. The shame and living without any hope of redemption is unimaginable and yet it was so at that time in France. I loved how Jocelyn did such an enormous amount of research that as a reader I easily picked up on as I kept turning pages. There are facts about New Orleans I had no idea of as well as history of the prisons long ago and in a different nation. I knew something about the mark as it has been portrayed in movies, but reading the novel made me more aware of the depth of shame attached to the irremovable brand.Being forced to marry and choosing someone not knowing who they were and knowing that if Julianne didn’t choose one she was told one would be chosen for her, is unthinkable. Then, the way the guards would make sure the marriage was consummated before the couples left France was horrible. Simon was a character that I am sure was written to be a cad, though at times he seemed nice. While the time period isn’t one of my main choices for reading, I enjoyed the story more for its history.It would have moved faster for me if there was some action and adventure like the author put in her other series. If you like a novel that has romance, history and a tale about grace that covers all marks of sin, then look no further!Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. 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.”

[jaymewill-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I loved this book! I have heard of the author, Jocelyn Green, but have never read her books. This was a great story with wonderful characters. I didn't want it to end. I will also add that it is very hard to make me cry. But I cried like a baby toward the middle of the book. Read this with a box of tissues nearby.

I love historical fiction and I enjoyed reading this little known part of history. I highly recommend it!

[harley0326 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I have read very few historical fiction books set in the colonial days. After reading this book, I think we need more set during that time. I found the book to be extremely fascinating and the details were very well defined . I was swept back to a time where life was very hard and people were treated with little respect. I couldn't believe the conditions that people endured during that time period. The colonists worked hard and had to overcome lack of food, horrible weather conditions, danger from others and diseases that seem to rapidly spread throughout the colonies. Some of the men in the colonies were rough, stole from others and tension was thick among the people.

I absolutely fell in love with Julianne right away. I can't imagine being accused of a crime you didn't commit and know you have no hope to prove your innocence. She is a sweet person with a compassionate heart and is known as a great midwife. The decision she made to gain freedom came at a harsh price. Would you do anything to gain your freedom? I loved how the author wrote her as a strong woman determined to make a better life for herself regardless of her circumstances.

There are some very emotional moments in the story that really captured the essence of the struggles of the colonists . I can't say enough good things about how beautifully written this book was. Julianne wants to be loved and sometimes she felt that would never happen. When Marc-Paul was introduced into the story , I was quite intrigued by him. Being a French military officer is prestigious and I thought his character was wonderful and especially loved his faith that he drew strength from.

The book captures perfectly a time period in Louisiana during the early colonial days. I was mesmerized by the history and culture during that time. I don't know if I could have survived fighting off mosquitoes, going through swamp land, facing enemies and having to find ways to get food . I encourage everyone to grab a copy of this emotionally charged historical book that touches on faith, forgiveness, survival , betrayal and love.

I received a copy of this book from LitFuse. The review is my honest opinion.

[becky_l-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Jocelyn Green has made herself a new fan for life with her book, The Mark of the King. Green's description of the Parisian prison, Salpêtrière, causes the reader to cheer mightily for Julianne's release, only to have hopes dashed as we see the conditions upon which she may depart for Louisiana. Eyebrow-raising, hair-tingling;replete with historical detail of English, French and Indian interactions, we see New France as it really was. Not as the king's regent portrayed it, but as a battleground of intrigue, sabotage, misery and starvation. When drawn with an artist's brush intermingled with hope, faith, and love, what an incredible saga emerges from the pen of Jocelyn Green. This was my first book from her, but I will be adding Jocelyn Green to my all-time favorites.

I received a complimentary copy of the book to review from the publisher, but that did not influence my review. My opinions are solely my own.

[sarah_gruwell · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

While more Christian-laden than expected, I still found that I enjoyed this work for its setting originality and engrossing story. The author explores a setting not often seen in historical fiction, making it live with vivid characters and a strong story. This is a book that will suck you in.

I’ve read works set in colonial New Orleans before, Christian ones in fact. Yet, I've never come across anything this early into the development of the colony. Seeing the harsh conditions and trials faced by the early colonists made for a gritty story. The author does a fantastic job in bringing this harsh world to life, giving our characters a horrifying backdrop to tell their story. Disease, famine, swamps, alligators, and betrayal all show their ugly faces.

I grew to appreciate Julianne and Marc-Paul as individuals; both are faced with possible scenarios that require grit and courage to overcome. I found myself especially drawn into Julianne’s story as it just goes to prove that being a woman in past eras was rarely a good thing. She has injustice after injustice heaped upon her; yet, she faces each challenge with courage and a calm dignity that I grew to admire. Marc-Paul was also as lovely. I admired his loyalty and his unwavering faith in her and God in a society that seems to discredit such. Both together are pure magic!

The one area of this book that fell down, for me personally anyway, was how heavy-handed the Christian elements could be used at times. Now, I know this is a Christian work, elements such as those are to be expected. However, there were a few times where I felt like I was being preached to; the Christian elements and themes weren't interwoven with the narrative and overall story as well as it could have been in some places. However, to another reader, especially a Christian one, this particular aspect of the book probably won't be as glaring. So take this part of the review with a grain of salt.

Despite the overarching Christian tones at times, I found this book to be an engrossing look at early colonial New Orleans and the harsh time its inhabitants had trying to settle such an inhospitable place. Marc-Paul and Julianne's journey made for engrossing reading; their evident chemistry was beautiful to behold against such harshness. I would definitely recommend this book to Christian readers, an audience that probably won't mind the overly Christian elements. Even non-Christian readers though, like myself, will find something to enjoy in this book, if only for our leads and their suspenseful story.

Note: Book received for free from the publisher via a Librarything giveaway in exchange for an honest review.

[virginia51-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I can't think of enough good things to say about this book. It grabbed me from beginning to end. I was glad I had the day off because I did not want to put this book down. I did not know what this book was truly about when I started to read it but I was so happy with it. I have not read much about the early time of New Orleans. I did not know that New Orleans was started with criminals. This would have been a very difficult time and you had to be strong to survive. I loved the characters of Julianne and Marc-Paul. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion.

[chrirob · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Julianne was a prospering young midwife in 1700s France, until one fateful mistake brought these dreams crashing down around her. In order to start her life anew, Julianne agrees to emigrate to the new colony of Louisiana and help sustain and build a new stronghold for France. She also hopes to find her long, lost brother who went missing in the fledgling colony. However, in order to emigrate to Louisiana there is one catch, she must marry the night before sailing...to a complete stranger...who is also a convicted felon.

This was a really good book with so many twists, turns, and surprises that I found myself not wanting to put it down! This was my first book to read by Jocelyn Green and I am eager to begin more! Thank you LibraryThing and Bethany House for the advanced copy of this wonderful book!

[milibrarian · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

When Julianne is wrongly convicted of murder, she receives the mark of King Louis XV--a fleur de lis branded on her shoulder. Her life becomes haunted by loss. First she loses her freedom and is condemned to life in prison, Then in order to leave the prison, she agrees to leave her beloved France for early eighteenth century colonial Louisiana. However, in order to be eligible for the trip, she is forced to marry a man she does not know. He is killed just as she learns that she is pregnant with their child, who is born too prematurely to live. She is also led to believe that her brother is dead. Marc-Paul Girard, a French military officers, shows Julianne the meaning of grace. Despite her many difficulties, Julianne learns to depend upon the King of Kings for her survival.

This story portrays a time and place not often explored in fiction. While Julianne's problems seem unending (and some of the resolutions unrealistic), we also see her character grow in her faith. This is an enjoyable read, but at times it can be difficult to keep all the minor characters straight. There were also a few typographical and editing errors which will hopefully be corrected in the final printing.

[kaykwilts · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Julianne Chevalier is a midwife in France. When a woman tragically dies in childbirth Julianne is blamed for the woman's death and is thrown in prison. She receives a reprieve from prison but it comes with conditions. She will be forced to leave France and travel to New Orleans. One of the conditions for being able to travel to New Orleans is that she marry a complete stranger and immediately start procreating. She picks out Simon. If Julianne thought she would be escaping her troubles in France she would be wrong. Many trials ahead for her.

I did not know very much about the history of Louisiana even though I have lived here since marrying my husband. I suppose had I grown up here I would have learned all about the history. The author does a very excellent job of educating the reader on historical facts that happened.

The storyline kept me engaged. I loved it that there were twists and turns in the story that I did not expect. This is the first book I have read by this author but look forward to reading more of her works.

This book is to be released on January 3, 2017. Thanks to Bethany House and LibraryThing for providing me a copy of this book to review.

[alekee_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

We follow Julianne Chevalier from the prison in Paris to the shores of Louisiana, as she journeys with her new husband, a man she has just met. Made me think of Nazi Germany, trying to make a pure race, Aryan for Germany and French for the King of France.
Julianna has been marked by the King of France, on her shoulder, as a murderer, which we witnessed and saw the injustice, made me glad I didn’t live in the 1720’s, and I don’t think it was much better in America, or the territories.
When she and her new husband arrive in New Orleans, they meet evil head on, and it continues through out the book, and though the action, we wonder if anyone is going to survive. We also experience a hurricane, as if these poor starving people needed more devastation, but greed is in control, or so it seems.
A page-turner for sure, as there is non-stop action from the beginning to the end, and you find yourself walking in the new French colony in American, and traveling the bayous and the Gulf of Mexico, as well as the marshes. Will the people that we have started to care about be able to survive, and what will become of them all.
A great insight into the early people who lived in this unsettled country and helped make it what it is today. Highly recommended.