Beyond the Lavender Fields by Arlem Hawks: A Review
Set in 1792 France, “Beyond the Lavender Fields” explores the swirling rumors of revolution in Marseille, a lively port city. Gilles Étienne, a clerk at the local soap factory, is passionate about the quest for equality, liberty, and brotherhood. He and his friends are determined to march to Paris to overthrow the monarchy, but Gilles’s plans take an unexpected turn when he meets Marie-Caroline Daubin, the factory owner’s captivating daughter.
Marie-Caroline is a royalist from the bourgeoisie, returning to Marseille to escape the chaos in Paris. She dismisses Gilles’s advances and firmly believes that freedom achieved through violence is not true freedom. As Marie-Caroline takes risks to uphold her values, Gilles stumbles upon a dangerous secret she harbors, which could jeopardize her family’s safety. Despite their initial differences, as Gilles and Marie-Caroline spend more time together, they begin to realize they share more common ground than they first thought.
With revolution engulfing Marseille, causing death and destruction, Gilles faces a heart-wrenching choice: supporting the political change he believes in or protecting the people he loves. Marie-Caroline must decide whether to stand by her principles or prioritize her family’s safety. Amidst this turmoil, they both grapple with the question of whether a revolutionary and a royalist can truly be together in a world that forces them to take sides.
Review of Beyond the Lavender Fields
“Beyond the Lavender Fields” offers a gripping historical fiction tale about enemies turning into lovers during the French Revolution. The story pits a Jacobin, Gilles, against a royalist, Marie-Caroline, as they navigate their contrasting political ideologies and the challenges of their tumultuous time.
The novel is richly detailed with historical accuracy, filled with action, and features a touching love story. Set against the backdrop of 1792 Marseille, the book follows Gilles, who attempts to woo Marie-Caroline, the daughter of his boss, only to be met with her cold rejection.
Gilles and his fellow Jacobins are plotting to dismantle the monarchy and Catholicism in Marseille, while Marie-Caroline, a devout Catholic, yearns for peace. As they grow closer, both characters start to question their initial beliefs about each other. Gilles soon discovers Marie-Caroline’s dangerous secret, forcing him to choose between his revolutionary principles and his affection for her.
Romance in the Midst of Revolution
The romance between Gilles and Marie-Caroline is set against the dramatic backdrop of the French Revolution. Their relationship is intense and believable, although their youthful flirtations sometimes make them appear a bit immature. Despite this, the story will appeal to a wide audience, including teens.
The narrative is filled with moments of tension and beautiful scenes, culminating in a satisfying ending that readers will enjoy.
Final Thoughts
Arlem Hawks’ historical romance novel surpasses expectations, making it a great read for those who love historical fiction and wholesome love stories. Known for her previous work, “Georgana’s Secret,” Hawks excels at creating suspense. While the book starts slowly, it picks up pace midway through, making it hard to put down.
Overall, “Beyond the Lavender Fields” is an engaging read that immerses readers in the heart of the French Revolution, leading to an exciting and suspense-filled climax. It would make an excellent period drama for streaming platforms like Netflix.
Content Note: The romance is sweet and wholesome, with nothing more than kissing. A few violent moments and discussions of the revolution lend the book a PG/PG-13 feel, but nothing graphic.
