Promised to the Crown (Daughters of New France)

"An engaging, engrossing debut."--Greer Macallister, USA Today bestselling author of The Magician's Lie Bound for a new continent, and a new beginning. 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... This debut historical novel tells the story of three bold, young women in 1667 who answered Louis XIV's call to help France settle the New World. 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.Praise for Promised to the Crown “An engaging, engrossing debut.” —Greer Macallister, USA Today bestselling author of The Magician's Lie “An absorbing adventure with heart.” —Jennifer Laam, author of The Secret Daughter of the Tsar'An unforgettable saga of strength and sisterhood, one that will stay with you long after the final page.”--Anne Girard, author of Platinum Doll “A heart-wrenching and timeless tale of friendship, love, and hope that skillfully blends history and romance to educate, entertain, and inspire.”--Pam Jenoff, author of Last Summer at Chelsea Beach Follows the lives of three young women who journey to New France in 1667 as filles du roi, French women who traveled to Canada in order to marry soldiers and settlers