Land of Hope (The Huguenot Chronicles #3) by Paul C.R. Monk

Land of Hope (The Huguenot Chronicles #3) Reviews

• 
  Clif Hostetler

  This third book of the trilogy picks up in 1688 with the protagonist husband and wife on opposites sides of the Atlantic Ocean. The husband is in early New York City involved with the establishment of the neighboring community of
  New Rochelle with other fugitive Huguenots while also trying to arrange for a voyage to London for a hoped for reunion with his wife.
  
  His wife has been living with Huguenot friends in Schaffhausen, Switzerland, and she too is beginning her trip to London via barge down the Rhine River. The trip down the Rhine leads to harrowing experiences as she and her young son find themselves in the early phase of the
  Nine Years War and the sack of the city of Worms.
  
  Meanwhile political matters are of concern in New York where the rumored deposing of
  King James II of England is raising the question of where the loyalties of the governor of New York lies since he was appointed by the king.
  
  The husband arrives in London in the spring of 1689 before his wife. In order to establish a source of income he signs up to join the British army at the beginning of the
  Williamite War in order to drive the former king out of Ireland. The new British King William is popular with Huguenots because he is Protestant.
  
  So by the time the wife arrives in London she learns that her husband has shipped out to fight in Ireland. Meanwhile we learn of the military action which forces James to leave Ireland.
  
  All's well that ends well, and the couple eventually settle in Ireland, and their daughter who has stayed in France comes to visit them there. This book is an interesting way to learn about some of the lesser known details of that era's history. Prior to this book I didn't know about the Nine Years War and the Williamite War. I also learned about New Rochelle near New York and its origin story.
• 
  Trish

  The resilient and adaptable Delpech family finally reach some imperfect and unreliable sanctuary.
  The section describing Jacob’s experiences as an army officer fighting for William of Orange in Ireland is perhaps the most successful of the trilogy. The horror of that conflict is probably softened to some extent. Jacob matures personally as a result of realising that the Irish Catholics have also suffered. He has had to compromise with his conscience several occasions during his hazardous travels, but remains an influence for good.
  
  There are a few mistakes in the course of the three novels, some rather basic, like Bourbon France using the republican tricolour and the Pope granting a monopoly of trade with South America to Spain, whereas Portugal was also so privileged, which does undermine confidence in the narrative.
• 
  Jill

  Fascinating book!
  
  I have really enjoyed reading The Huguenot Connection Trilogy and Book 3 was just as interesting and well-written as the first two in the series. Land of Hope was aptly named as it tells the final leg of the Delpech family's journey to freedom and reunification as they relocated to a new country where they would be free to worhip as they wished . What trying times early Christians faced! It is very apparent that this book was well-researched as the details really make the story come alive. Mr. Monk writes with much description so that it is easy to envision the struggles as well as the joys of this family. I will miss the Delpech family but hope to read more of Mr. Monk's writing in future adventures.
• 
  Tam

  This novel is the culmination of a fantastical journey back in time that showcases rich details of a bygone era. The obviously copious amount of historical research that went into this book is superbly evident throughout.
  
  Monk is a master at putting you on an emotional roller coaster that you don't want to get off of. This story magnificently highlights the tragedy and triumph of the human spirit. The characters are complex, heartwarming and so realistic that it is easy to become invested in their plight. Their show of faith, strength, endurance and unity in the face of persecution and hardship is profoundly inspiring.
  
  *I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
• 
  Aighmi*

  The history in this, the final book in the trilogy, fascinated me, as it did with the other books. It was even more impactful, based as it is in a true, historical family. Mr. Monk does a wonderful job of fleshing out the characters and weaving the history in to the plot and action. My only complaint remains an occasional use of excessively flowery language, but don't let it deter you from this excellent conclusion to this series.
• 
  Kathy Stevenson

  Last of the trilogy, the title of this one suggests a hopeful resolution, but that is not without continuing struggles on the part of both Jeanne and Jacob. Jeanne uses her talents and wit to keep herself alive and Jacob is persuaded by the promise of good pay to go to battle in Ireland. Added to all this turmoil is the spreading danger of a plague. Ultimately, this is a satisfying conclusion to the three books.
• 
  Sandra Benford

  Overcomers
  
  A vast array of characters covering a period in history that I knew little about. History came to life through the turmoil. And amid the dangers and uncertainty, the resolve of the Huguenots prevailed, at great sacrifice. It helps one to appreciate the freedoms that we enjoy today. Well done!
• 
  Karen Ball

  Land of hope
  
  The last book of the trilogy.
  Jacob and Jeanne are still working to get together. Both go through many adventures as the week to meet up.
  Loved the characters and history of this trilogy.
  
• 
  Alistair Dunlop

  A wonderful insight into the lives of those who lived through this troublesome time for some. Not much has changed in the centuries since. Living conditions for some are much better, but as I read it I realised that attitudes have not. A great piece of writing and highly recommended.
• 
  Jackie

  This third book in the trilogy is so disappointing. It is so wordy and loses the depth of the characters. It is filled with needless wordy descriptions and near additional tragedies. I just didn’t even care anymore so skimmed the last 200 plus pages and had my closure, somewhat.
• 
  Nancy

  3.5 stars. This would have been better as a novel and sequel, rather than a trilogy. After a while, it was hard to care about the characters, though overall I enjoyed the series. about French Huguenots and their trials.
• 
  Jodi Reinholt

  I greatly enjoyed this series, however by the time I got halfway through this third book I felt it was beginning to drag out and so I skipped to the last couple of chapters to see how it ended.
• 
  Rick Chollett

  Outstanding finish to this trilogy!
• 
  Gregory Andis

  3rd in the series. I just love a happy ending, don't you?
• 
  Cynthia Zawojski

  I was disappointed with the ending. I felt it was rushed and without the depth of the rest of the books.