While this book follows the lives of two different people in different time periods, I didn't connect with Catherine, the protagonist in the story set in the 1700s. Her decisions, and consequently, her world, revolved around herself. She did not consider others, and when Jules accused her of childish behavior, I could definitely see where he was coming from. Renee, on the other hand, was solid. She cared about people and didn't do things out of spite. She considered those around her, and that enhanced her character so much. I found myself rooting for her as she took the first steps to freedom from a traumatic event from her childhood (which is not wrapped up here but continues in the next book.)
There were some uses of modern vernacular in the 1700s story that lowered the rating for me, but other readers may not be bothered by that. ( )

While this book follows the lives of two different people in different time periods, I didn't connect with Catherine, the protagonist in the story set in the 1700s. Her decisions, and consequently, her world, revolved around herself. She did not consider others, and when Jules accused her of childish behavior, I could definitely see where he was coming from. Renee, on the other hand, was solid. She cared about people and didn't do things out of spite. She considered those around her, and that enhanced her character so much. I found myself rooting for her as she took the first steps to freedom from a traumatic event from her childhood (which is not wrapped up here but continues in the next book.)
There were some uses of modern vernacular in the 1700s story that lowered the rating for me, but other readers may not be bothered by that. ( )

Outstanding book! I loved it and hope there is more to the story in upcoming books! Two accounts of two different women in two different times are interwoven in a beautiful way. Each one intriguing on its own but they do have a connection, a family tie. The reality of the persecution of the Huguenots in France by Louis IV and their desperate migration to other countries to freely practice their religious beliefs creates the background for Catherine's story. Her family jointly owns a printing business with her fiance's family and a brochure they produce generations later is the focus of Renee's life in current time. This book contains mystery, romance, and history and its pace is perfect. As I neared the end I really did not want the book to be over. The characters were deep, well developed, and rememberable. They grow, struggle, and at times, fail.

My Brother's Crown is one of the best books I have read recently and I highly recommend it.

I received a copy of this book from Net Galley for my honest review which I have given. ( )

My book club chose My Brother’s Crown by Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould mainly because we have loved Clark’s novels. This first novel in the Cousins of The Dove series is a bit of a departure for us — we read a lot of contemporary suspense, but historical fiction is something some of us shy away from. This book was a treat for both the suspense and history fans in the group. A couple of us have pre-ordered the next book, so I think we can safely say this one is a recommended read from By The Book!

There are two story lines in My Brother’s Crown. The first is set in modern day Virginia and centers around Renee Talbot. Her family is presenting a valuable historical artifact to the Smithsonian, and Renee is heavily involved in the process. She meets a hunky security guy with the insurance agency and there is immediate attraction. A past event makes Renee wary of commitment, but with Blake’s help, Renee and her cousins confront their childhood trauma, and the stage is set for more investigation into the mystery. Meanwhile, the danger and intrigue of France in the late 1600s unfolds in the second story line. Catherine Gillet is a young Huguenot woman during the height of persecution under King Louis XIV. Catherine is torn between her faith, the enticements of the world and an ideal of safety away from France. There’s a lot going on behind the scenes that Catherine is not aware of making her unsure of just whom to trust.

To be honest, I felt that the plot and characters of the historical story were more developed. This may be because at the end of the book, Catherine’s story seems complete. Catherine was a good character — headstrong and opinionated, with a definite belief in justice. Her attitudes and personality colored the way she saw the world and interacted with events. I also enjoyed learning more about the Huguenots and the persecution they endured. We learn a lot about Pilgrims and Puritans in American History, but not a lot about other religious groups that came to America for freedom. My Brother’s Crown provided greater insight into the struggle for religious freedom. The modern story line with its mystery murder from the cousins’ childhood will continue in subsequent books. And while I want to learn more about that, I felt like I have only gotten a a brief glimpse into that story. Renee and Blake’s romance was good, but felt a bit rushed. I am hoping they will figure in the subsequent books.

All in all, we enjoyed My Brother’s Crown. We had a good bit of discussion on the Huguenots and the roles and limitations of women throughout history. We are looking forward to My Sister’s Prayer, book 2 in the series, due out in September 2016.

Recommended.

Audience: older teens to adults. ( )

Title: My Brother’s Crown (Cousins of the Dove #1)
Author: Mindy Starns Clark and Leslie Gould
Pages: 358
Year: 2015
Publisher: Harvest House Publishers
Renee Talbot is a brilliant scientist whose family has held a rare document for generations. Now, with her grandfather’s recent death, the family abides by his wishes and contacts the Smithsonian to donate the document. The document is a pamphlet written by French Huguenots for persecuted Huguenots to flee the country via hidden messages in poems and maps hidden in drawings. Renee also discovers some hidden symbols, but is unsure if they have any meaning or not. Blake Keller has been given the job of making sure the document stays safe and secure until handed over to the Smithsonian. He helps Renee decode the hidden symbols as well as put an event in the past into perspective.
Catherine Gillet is a French Huguenot in 1685 under the reign of King Louis XIV, the Sun King. He has begun countrywide persecution of Huguenots, sending dragoons to hassle them, stealing their homes, burning their churches and even torturing and killing them all in an attempt to get the Huguenots to convert to Catholicism. As Catherine and her family face more and more persecution, she begins to doubt her brother’s faith as well as wondering why he refuses to leave France and flee to safety in another country. Her fiancé, Pierre Talbot, also seems to blindly follow whatever her brother says, which serves to frustrate Catherine further. What will it take to get her brother to move their family to safety? Who has turned traitor and begun turning Huguenots over to the dragoons for profit?
I liked the switching back and forth of the chapters from modern time to the past. I thought the authors did a good job of keeping the flow of the story cohesive with this technique. Blake and Renee are my favorite characters. I could easily relate to Renee’s struggle with how she viewed herself, especially when she compared herself to her cousins. Blake was such a compassionate and caring man right off the bat in his dealings with Renee that he won my admiration. I thought the character of Jules was cold and unfeeling, even though he had his family’s best interest in mind when making decisions. Catherine seemed at times to be spoiled and immature, but she did have a caring heart for her cousin and matured some toward the end, placing her trust in God. I also enjoyed reading about the Huguenots, a people whom I knew next to nothing about. I look forward to book two in the series, My Sister’s Prayer.
My rating is 4 stars.
Disclosure of Material Connection: The above is my personal opinion. I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” ( )