Promised to the Crown

Daughters of New France Series, Book 1

By: Aimie K. Runyan

Narrated by: Esther Wane

In her illuminating debut novel, Aimie K. Runyan masterfully blends fact and fiction to explore the founding of New France through the experiences of three young women who, in 1667, answer Louis XIV's call and journey to the Canadian colony. They are known as the filles du roi, or "King's Daughters" - young women who leave prosperous France for an uncertain future across the Atlantic. Their duty is to marry and bring forth a new generation of loyal citizens. Each prospective bride has her reason for leaving - poverty, family rejection, a broken engagement.

Despite their different backgrounds, Rose, Nicole, and Elisabeth all believe that marriage to a stranger is their best, perhaps only, chance of happiness. Once in Quebec, Elisabeth quickly accepts baker Gilbert Beaumont, who wants a business partner as well as a wife. Nicole, a farmer's daughter from Rouen, marries a charming officer who promises comfort and security. Scarred by her traumatic past, Rose decides to take holy vows rather than marry. Yet no matter how carefully she chooses, each will be tested by hardship and heartbreaking loss - and sustained by the strength found in their uncommon friendship, and the precarious freedom offered by their new home.

©2016 Aimie K. Runyan (P)2018 Tantor

Enjoyable

Liked the historical nature of the story. Wished the narrator would’ve paused between chapters more.

Three lovely stories in one of the King’s Daughters

I wanted to find a novel based on the Kings Daughters and was happy to find this. I felt that the author did a great job telling and weaving three stories in one of three women who would depend on each other for strength and comfort as they set off on a journey of the unknown, and the journey of marriage and life. There are many great themes of overcoming fear, anger, and resolving the past. It was a very good performance as well!

Brings an important period in history to life!

A must read for anyone descended from a daughter of the king. The lives of the characters express the possibility of our own ancestors.

Quite the story

It took me a minute to get used to the accent, but the story was wonderful. It took lots of twists and turns, linking the 3 women. From the heartbreaking moments to the moments where they found forgiveness for those in their pasts, and found happiness, you’re hooked in. It’s not all joy and happiness but gives a much better, truer story. I really enjoyed this book.

Not especially historical, but enjoyable

I really enjoyed the storylines of this book, but as has been mentioned, I feel like the author missed an opportunity to make it much greater by not including much historical context. I love learning about different times and cultures by seeing them through their people’s eyes, and this novel didn’t have much of that. There were a few token details that I savored, but other than that, just not much information to give you a feel of what life and society was like in that particular time and setting. I still really enjoyed the book, however, and immediately read the sequel.