I am so delighted today to welcome Jocelyn Green back to the blog! During the Art of Writing conference last year, I had the privilege of staying with Jocelyn and Bethany House’s Amy Green (no relation). And I discovered Jocelyn’s delightfully subtle sense of humor – she’s hilarious, y’all. (She in turn decided that I smell good. And then we pondered over how these are things you don’t always get to know about someone from just observing them online. So there you go š lol)
Jocelyn GreenĀ inspires faith and courage as the award-winning and bestselling author of numerous fiction and nonfiction books, includingĀ The Mark of the King;Ā Wedded to War;Ā andĀ The 5 Love Languages Military Edition, which she coauthored with bestselling author Dr. Gary Chapman. Her books have garnered starred reviews fromĀ BooklistĀ andĀ Publishers Weekly, and have been honored with the Christy Award, the gold medal from the Military Writers Society of America, and the Golden Scroll Award from the Advanced Writers & Speakers Association. She graduated from Taylor University in Upland, Indiana, Jocelyn loves Mexican food, Broadway musicals, Toblerone chocolate bars, the color red, and reading on her patio. Jocelyn lives with her husband Rob and two children in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Visit her atĀ www.jocelyngreen.com.
You can also connect with Jocelyn on Facebook and Twitter.
Her new book, A Refuge Assured, released February 6, 2018 from Bethany House.
Lacemaker Vivienne Rivard never imagined her craft could threaten her life. Yet in revolutionary France, it is a death sentence when the nobility, and those associated with them, are forced to the guillotine.
Vivienne flees to Philadelphia but finds the same dangers lurking in the French Quarter, as revolutionary sympathizers threaten the life of a young boy left in her care, who some suspect to be the Dauphin. Can the French settlement, Azilum, offer permanent refuge?
Militiaman Liam Delaney proudly served in the American Revolution, but now that the new government has imposed an oppressive tax that impacts his family, he barely recognizes the democracy he fought for. He wants only to cultivate the land of his hard-won farm near Azilum, but soon finds himself drawn into the escalating tension of the Whiskey Rebellion.
When he meets a beautiful young Frenchwoman recently arrived from Paris, they will be drawn together in surprising ways to fight for the peace and safety for which they long.
Hi Jocelyn! Welcome back to the blog! I’m always honored to have you here!
Jocelyn: PIE! (Strawberry rhubarb if you have it)
Carrie: oh my goodness – YUM! I knew I liked you š
Jocelyn: Hydrangea
Carrie: I like saying that word…
Jocelyn: Easter (the whole point of everything)
Carrie: Yes! Yes! Such a celebration day. He is risen indeed ā„
Jocelyn: Oh my word, just one?? Drawing out of a hat of favorite songs here: Blessed Be the Name
Carrie: Love that one!
Q: Tell me some good books you’ve read lately.
Jocelyn: My pleasure! I will hold myself back from gushing about each one, but here are several I have read and loved recently: The Lacemaker by Laura Frantz, Burning Sky by Lori Benton, The Swan House by Elizabeth Musser, Before We Were Yours by Lisa Wingate, The Promise of Jesse Woods by Chris Fabry. . . I could seriously go on. I just started reading Portrait of Vengeance by Carrie Stuart Parks, too, and Iām hooked already.
Carrie: So many great books out lately!
Q: Whatās the weirdest thing youāve ever Googled while researching a book?
Jocelyn: Ha! When I was working on Widow of Gettysburg, I wanted to fact check something I thought Iād read somewhere, so I did a Google search for āturpentineā + āmaggotsā I did confirm that turpentine kills maggots, which was relevant for the doctor in the field hospitalā¦. But I am quite sure my editor and I decided we didnāt need to show readers quite that much truth in that scene.
Carrie: LOL!! Thank you š
Q: The Whiskey Rebellion often gets buried in the shadow of the American Revolution. What inspired you to make this part of Liamās story & what is something interesting you learned while researching it?
Jocelyn: Youāre right, it totally does get buried. I wanted to include it in the story because it shows that after America won its independence, it wasnāt a happily ever after scenario by any means. Veterans hadnāt gotten paid, and now they were being taxed in a way that felt just as tyrannical as the Stamp Act. So, how does a citizen balance law and liberty? Freedom and order? Poor Liam really struggled with these questions, and in so many ways, Americans are still wrestling with this balance.
One interesting thing I learned while researching the Whiskey Rebellion was that some of the people opposing the whiskey tax were so inspired by the French Revolution taking place, an article in a Pittsburgh newspaper actually suggested the guillotine as a way to silence their opponents.
Carrie: Oh my! I’m glad that idea didn’t take off…. lol.Ā And this: “how does a citizen balance law and liberty?” So timely.
Q: One of the reviews Iāve read for A Refuge Assured mentions that the effects of the French Revolution didnāt go away just because the French fled to America. How did this shape Vivienne as you brought her to life on the page?
Jocelyn: Right. Vivienne lands in Philadelphia after she flees France, and she finds, to her surprise, that most of the city is absolutely wild with support for the French Revolution. She wants to forget about the turmoil in France, but she canāt get away from it. Things really heat up for her when a boy is put in her care whoāshoot! I almost spoiled the story. Iāll just say that Vivienneās perspective of law and order clashes with Liamās, and she really proves to have both moral and political resolve.
Carrie: That surprises me that Philadelphia was so into the French Revolution – I don’t think I ever learned that in history class! Fiction teaches too, y’all!
Q: What do you most want readers to take away from A Refuge Assured?
Jocelyn: The primary theme is that of finding refuge in the Lord, when no physical place of safety seems to exist. But a secondary theme popped up through a character I didnāt plan on creating: Armand, the father from whom Vivienne had been estranged her entire life. The two flee France together, and through their relationship, a picture of reconciliation emerged. At one point Armand says to Vivienne, āOne is never too old for a fatherās love.ā None of us are ever too old āor ātoo far goneāāfor our heavenly Fatherās love, either. And that is the greatest reconciliation story of all time. If thatās what readers take away from the novel, I will be thrilled.
Carrie: Oh yes! So thankful for His love & restoration. Amen ā„
Thank you so much for taking time to talk with me again! š Before we say goodbye for today, tell us whatās coming up next for you.
Jocelyn: Iām in the throes of writing a new novel! Itās set at the height of the French and Indian War, in Montreal, Quebec, and points between. The heroine is half French, and half Mohawk. Itās unlike any other novel Iāve written. Coming in 2019!
Carrie: EEP!! (muppet flailing) YAY! Can’t wait!
Jocelyn is offering a copy of A Refuge Assured to one of my readers (US – paperback or ebook, International – ebook. Void where prohibited by law.) This giveaway is subject to Reading Is My SuperPower’s giveaway policies which can be found here. Enter via the Rafflecopter form below.
What about you? What interests you most about Jocelyn and/or A Refuge Assured?
It sounds like she has crafted a rich story that spans oceans, so that intrigues me. I didn’t realize the US Took sides in the French Revolution. Thank you for the awesome interview and giveaway opportunity.
i’m so intrigued by the history!
Hi Perrianne! Thanks for being here! The U.S. was officially neutral during the French Revolution, but public opinion sure wasn’t. š
Fun reading all about you “behind the scenes”, so to speak. You mention things you don’t always know about someone from just observing online. Well, I guess I didn’t know how to identify you, even with a picture. I’m the one who came up to you at the Northwestern Writers’ Conference in St Paul last year and asked if you knew who Jocelyn Green was, because I wanted to tell her how much I was enjoying her book. Lol! Anyway, I’m looking so forward to reading the new one, and I can’t wait to read your French & Indian War novel. It’s one of my favorite historical periods. I have a “Voyageurs” coming out with LPC this fall that begins in Montreal as well (circa 1804) and involves a Metis girl (French/Ojibwe). From your list of faves, I’d say we have a few other things in common as well. God bless, and write on!
LOL! I remember that, Naomi! It really is hard to identify someone in a crowd when all you have to go on is a tiny FB profile picture. That was a delightful meeting. Best wishes on your upcoming story, too! Sounds great!
I would say that what interests me most is the historical facts that she is including in the story. (also the romance) Sounds wonderful!
always the romance š
Hi, girls! I just love this part of American History! Jocelyn makes it so interesting! Thanks for your awesome interview. You are always so creative with your questions!
Hi Paula! Thank you š
Everything about “A Refuge Assured” fascinates me. Love the storyline, everything I’ve read about it and the author. I love the way history can be woven into suspense and excitement and not made to be the dread most associate with it. I’d just love to get my hands on a copy and excited about the prospect of possibly actually winning a copy.
Thanks for the interview. It made me smile to learn her favorite flower was the same as mine. I liked seeming that she’s not squeamish about doing the research for her books to make them accurate to the time frame.
Hello, fellow hydrangea lover! It really is the most lovely flower out there.
LOL No, I’m not squeamish about doing the research but I have learned not to start with Google Images. Yikes!!
I used to live just over an hour outside of Philly, and the city is absolutely amazing! I love all of its history, and I love that some of that has been preserved for us! Reading about the bumps and hiccups that our country has had from the beginning is so interesting to me. It’s my favorite time period!
I am in the middle of this book right now and loving it. So much history is in every page. I can’t even imagine the hours Jocelyn put into her research!!!
Carrie, this interview was so fun! Thank you for hosting me – and for making me laugh with all your responses to my responses. Speaking of pie, I had some last night. Strawberry rhubarb. It’s how I celebrate almost anything, including the launch of a book!
Speaking of strawberries… is that you I smell from here, Carrie? Mmmmm, yum!
LOL!! We need some strawberry rhubarb pie the next time we are together. I’ll bring the strawberry scent free of charge š
The historical aspect and the entire story is fascinating and captivating. Wonderful.
I’m reading this now, so need to enter me in the giveaway. I can tell you that I’ve learned so much about this period of history with this novel! I highly recommend it.
Iāve read ALL of Jocelynās fiction titles, and I love her attention to detail! It just shows how much work she puts into researching! A Refuge Assured interests me most because of the subject and time period! I canāt wait to read it!
I Enjoy historical fiction a lot! Cannot wait to read this one. My mom used to make wonderful strawberry rhubarb pie. Yum! Thx for sharing.
I love your author interviews, Carrie!
The history in this book is so good!
So excited about this new release! Mark of the King was one of my favorite books last year. Plus, I just finished Frantz’ The Lacemaker and I’m curious to know the connection between these two stories. And now, I’m intrigued about the French/Mohawk heroine of Jocelyn’s next book.Why does 2019 seem so far away?!
Wow this sounds like a great story. I read The Mark of the King, and expect no less from this author. I love reading historical fiction. There is so much to learn about that era.
I love the idea of finding a refuge in the Lord. The cover is pretty too.
I love all the rich history Jocelyn puts into her books! I’m so excited for this one, it looks absolutely amazing!
I just love reading a historical fiction novel, and learning so much about history! Jocelyn’s book excels at this–I just started reading and am so hooked)
I also enjoyed reading this interview. It’s always fun to get to know a bit more about an author.
I’m intrigued by the French Revolution!
I’ve loved everything I’ve read by Jocelyn so I am dying to read this one too. Jocelyn never disappoints!
Agreed!
I’m a history nut, so this book is so appealing to me!
Right? Me too!
The history and the fact that I really enjoyed The Mark of the King is what most interest me about your new book. For your favorite song were you referring to the old hymn? If so that is also one of my favorites. I also love The Love of God and many other oldies.
Such an incredible book. Iām a fan for life!
I love reading about the French Revolution and any history.
Marilyn
Me too!
I read The Mark of the King last year, my first book by Jocelyn!It ranks up there with some of the best historical fiction I have read. For that reason alone I am interested in this book=)
Yay!!!
I am looking forward to reading this! So my question would be- Is your ideal Strawberry Rhubarb pie latticed topped or not? And do you eat it fresh out of the oven or chill first? š We enjoy our pies in my families!
Ooo good question!
LOL, Laura, this is an important question! My ideal is not lattic topped, but regular crust, because I do love a good crust, so the more of it, the better. I enjoy warm fruit pies, but not SUPER hot and runny. It has to “set” a bit before cutting into it. š
Sounds like a very interesting book! One I’m definitely interested in reading!!
Yay!
I just recently read Laura Frantz’s The Lacemaker and since this is also about lacemaking, I want to get to know more about the history. And I just love historical fiction so there’s that too š
Thank you for the giveaway chance!
So great!
A Refuge Assured is definitely going to be on my top reads list for the year! It is amazing! Do yourself a favor and read it–soon!
I knooooow. Lol.
What an interesting time in history! Would enjoy reading this book.
I feel so behind other readers not having read a Jocelyn Green book, but I plan to rectify that very soon. I read The Lacemaker and I believe I also read somewhere Frantz’s character and Jocelyn’s know each other because of their lace making, but that’s the only connection between the books, still fun.
Thanks for a chance to win this intriguing book!
I love that they connected their books even in just that small way!
Our library readers love Jocelyn’s books especially Miss Betty who will be thrilled to get this book, if I win it.
Aww yay!
I love history and this book looks so good I would love to read it!
Sheās such a great writer!
I’ve enjoyed all her books, so I’m sure I will enjoy this one!
Yes!
I did not realize Jocelyn wrote the book Widow of Gettysburg until this interview. I read it in 2013 and somehow forgot who wrote it. I also recently read The Mark of the King by Jocelyn and enjoyed it. I love historical books. I love history. Thanks for the interview and the giveaway. Good luck everyone.
Yay!
I absolutely loved The Mark of the King and I will admit to checking my USPS Informed Delivery dashboard at least once a day, keeping an eye on the package that I think is my copy of A Refuge Assured (it has made it to the West Coast…just a few more days!). š
Haha!! Love it
I’ve heard a lot of good reviews about this book!
Everything Jocelyn writes is gorgeous!
I havenāt read anything set in this time period, so that really interests me. I didnāt like history classes in school, but I love learning about it through well researched novels. Iām just not a fan of memorizing dates, times and facts.
I’m in the middle of the Wedded to War right now, the first book from Jocelyn that I have read. I love the history!
Such a great series!
I really enjoyed the description of “Refuge Assured”. I enjoy reading historical fiction and this sounds like a great read. Jocelyn is a new author to me and would like to read her book.
You will love her books!
I love historic details. As an adult and since home-schooling my kiddos, I fell in love with history. So much more than when I was in school. Jocelyn is amazing with the historical details. Her books are an education with so much more than is ever taught in history classes.
I would love to know from Jocelyn if the concurrent releases of A Refuge Assured and Laura Frantz’s, The Lacemaker were intentional? Both of your previous releases were concurrent, as well.
Oh, interesting question!
Hi Terrill! Our publishing houses decide our release dates. So, Bethany House chooses mine and Revell chooses Laura’s, and once we are in a groove, so to speak, having a year between release dates is pretty typical. The fact that our releases come out at the same time was not our (the authors) intention but it sure is our delight. We love to cheer each other on. I have found that most authors are the same way–extremely generous of supporting one another in their work! It’s a wonderful community.
This book sounds intriguing! I love reading books about the French Revolution and have read previous books about lace makers during that time. I am interested to see how Jocelyn approached that tumultuous time.
Yes!
The book sounds like a great book to read. It sounds so interesting when you learn about things that happened in the past.
I agree!
I read The Widow of Gettysburg and enjoyed it. Historical fiction rarely covers this time period, so I can’t wait to read it.
I loved that book!!
I loved her book The Mark of the King, so I would like to read this one.
Everything she writes is great!!
Thank you for the interview and the synopsis of this book, which sounds very intriguing. I love the primary theme of finding refuge in the Lord. Thanks for the giveaway! ??????
Amen!
This book sounds so interesting. I can’t wait to read it. Thank you for the blurb.
Youāre welcome, Penny
I love historical fiction. Lacemaking is fascinating. Jocelyn Green is a MUST read author!
agreed! š
I like the history I learn in historical fiction. I always found history intriguing, but having it come to life in a story makes it seem much more real. The clean romance doesn’t hurt either. š
This seriously sounds like the coolest book, I need to look into it more! Thanks for sharing about it, Carrie š
you’re so welcome š