As I’ve stated here before, Jocelyn Green is one of my top favorite authors. I’ve read or listened to five out of seven of her books now, and I can’t wait for her 2020 release! Her writing is superb, and so far, not a single book has disappointed me.
Between Two Shores is Jocelyn’s 2019 release. It centers around Catherine Stands-Apart, a half-Mohawk, half-French woman living near Montreal during the French and Indian War. Running a trade post alongside her French father, she finds herself torn between the two races that run through her veins, the two conflicting sides of her family, and the two nations waging brutal war all around her. She doesn’t quite fit with her Mohawk people, or with the French, and struggles beneath the unpredictable affections of her alcoholic father whom she longs to please.
When her childhood friend and one-time fiance, Samuel Crane, unexpectedly shows back up in her life, she and those she loves most are whisked away on a risky mission that could but an end to the war–and change their lives forever.
As always, Jocelyn’s historical research and detail was impeccable. I learned so much interesting history from this story! American schools teach very little about Canadian history, and tend to briefly mention the British/American contributions to the French and Indian war, then skip on to the American Revolution. But thanks to this book, I realized just how big and pivotal of a war this was. The French and Indian War was actually part of the Seven Years War, which spanned from North America across parts of Europe and even Asia! The outcome of this conflict could have greatly altered our own American existence. If France had won the war instead of Great Britain, the French would have taken over all British colonies, and who knows if we would have even had the American Revolution less than twenty years later.
This story does start off a little slow, I found, but once the real adventure begins, it’s hard to put down! There’s danger and conflict at every turn, and several surprising twists and revelations you may not see coming.
Just as the title alludes, the theme of being caught between two shores, unsure of where you belong, and being a bridge between conflicting individuals features strongly throughout the story. The further I got in the book, the more I realized how beautifully Jocelyn wove these ideas throughout her writing. You just might be brought to tears!
Every character in this book came alive in realistic detail, but the one I liked the most was Catherine’s younger brother, Joseph Many Feathers. Though I’d say he’s featured the least of any of the main characters, he grabbed my heart with the way he took care of Catherine and their older sister, Bright Star. Until the very end of the story, he loves and protects them, being the supportive rock and diplomatic bridge between two very different sisters.
It’s also important to note that, despite how it may sound, this is NOT a love story. I thought it was going to be one until I saw a post from the Author where she explained that it’s not. At first, I was disappointed and worried the ending would be an unhappy one, but as I continued to read, I decided I didn’t have anything to be disappointed about. The book focuses instead on familial love, whether between blood relatives or family of the heart–which was refreshing and touching. Though there are some bittersweet moments, the ending ties the story up beautifully, and I finished the book satisfied with how everything turned out.
Overall, I give Between Two Shores 5/5 stars. I encourage you to check it out for yourself, and I hope it touches your heart as it did mine!
Happy Reading!
