It is the early 1500s, and one little Princess is coping with the hardship of learning to be royal: separation from parents, being controlled in all her actions, no friends, and a lot of loneliness. Her Queen Mama favors the Reformers, but her King Papa hates them. It is all hard for Jeanne to understand. And then she finds that, like all princesses, she is a pawn to be married off for political reasons. Jeannes tiny, alpine Kingdom of Navarre sits at a Basque crossroads, and bears great military and political importance. But Jeanne is special, not just in the eyes of her father and his friends and adversaries, but also in the eyes of the Lord. She stands at a religious crossroads, and with a bold hand for one so young, Jeanne throws herself totally on the Lord and dedicates her land to helping the persecuted Huguenots.
A bold, enchanting story, with moments of horror, humor, and joy, Wings Like a Dove fills many niches. Historically accurate fiction, this book stands out as real, heartening, and challenging. The contemporary feminist will learn much from this woman who stood monumentally firm at a time when women were considered to be only pawns. Christians will gain insight into their own history, and learn how to face the worlds depravity with the Holy Spirits courage. History buffs will find this little bit of European history an important bridge between the better-know eras.
Journalist, poet, author of historical fact and fiction, Christine Farenhorst delved deeply while researching Jeanne DAlbert, hence this fiction bears the stamp of reality. From Fahrenhorsts love for this Queen flows an interesting story, full of adventure, well shaped characters, and poetic narrative. One of the volumes in the Chosen Daughters Series, Wings Like a Dove displays God as completely in control even when all seems to be splintering into despair. Written for youth, adults will also find this book absorbing. Donna Eggett, Christian Book Previews.com
