The Mark of the King by Jocelyn Green

This is the first Jocelyn Green novel that I have read, and it won't be the last. Green writes a very moving story, filled with sadness, humor, mystery, love, and grace. 
Julianne Chevalier has lost much in life, and when her time as a midwife is cut short, she again wrestles with despair and hopelessness. Branded by the king and sent to a new colony, she is forced into a marriage she doesn't want, and tasked with helping care for new mothers and soldiers in Louisiana. This all comes with a price, though she doesn't know it yet, and despite her frustration with her status in the colony, she does her job to the best of her ability.

Green's writing is at times gritty, and more than once I shuddered at her vivid descriptions, but it is necessary to the novel. Without experiencing the pain and suffering Julianne and others go through, it's hard to become attached to the story or its characters. The backdrop for the story is, at times, as bleak as Julianne's life, but at other times, it comes alive through Green's pen. 

Multiple characters are introduced throughout the novel. At times, it was difficult to remember who belonged to whom; however, as the story progressed, I was able to keep better track of this. Despite how other novels set in this time period may portray women, Julianne is not a weakling. She faces some incredibly horrifying situations (that I felt to my core), but each time she experiences a measure of grace. She even pays it forward, though at times she truly struggled. I appreciated the "humanness" of her character. and so many others.  

Overall, I think this book is a must-read for fans of Christian and historical fiction, romance, and mystery. You won't be disappointed.