Ripples in Stone: (1 Ripples in Stone)

Locked in a convent when tasked with saving her family's souls, a spirited young noblewoman chafes against a cruel abbess and stifling abbey. Lady Geneviève yearns to be free and dreams of reuniting with her beloved groom and the horses they'd trained together. Beyond the abbey's high stone walls, rumbles of revolt explode into a revolution hell-bent on dismantling the monarchy and its closest ally, the Church. When her worldly sister is inexplicably committed as well, Geneviève realizes there are family secrets to unlock. As Geneviève fights to uncover the truth, she gets swept into the tangled clash between royalists and revolutionaries. Will she remain a sacrificial lamb or find a way to follow her heart through these dangerous times? Ripples in Stone features a noble family whose lives are turned inside out when leaders of the right and left fight for dominion and the people of France fall on either side of the great divide. The French Revolution was far messier than the American Revolution; an ideological quagmire that gradually descended into madness. Ripples in Stone takes place at the beginning of this madness. It follows the misfortunes of an unlikely heroine who looks at life through a particularly clear lens which tries the patience of liars and fools.

About the Author :
Claire Harper fell in love with stories when she lived in Paris as a child. She and her sister eagerly listened while their father read aloud in his warm, deep voice. There were endless books to be discovered, transporting them into captivating new worlds. Years later, after earning degrees in Psychology and Photo Illustration, Harper worked in advertising in San Francisco. She and her husband eventually switched coasts to raise boys, bunnies, and chickens. Her mother asked her to write a family history book, and the call to bring ancestors to life was irresistible. There was one great-great-great-grandfather in particular who fascinated Harper. Louis Gargam de Moncetz's father and forefathers had worked for French kings. Having older brothers, Louis, of course, attended military school. It could have been bad timing or it could have been intentional, but he became an artillery officer in the French Revolutionary Army - during the Reign of Terror. The dilemma Louis must have faced as the son of nobility inspired Harper to write Ripples in Stone. This is a lively tale about two very different sisters, young noblewomen trying to survive the French Revolution.

Review :
Swashbuckling and atmospheric, RIPPLES IN STONE has an immersive quality to its writing and general narrative. Bearing lyrical prose and dedicated world-building, Genevieve's story is a meaningful look into a memorable portion of history and the untold stories of the French Revolution. From a character standpoint, RIPPLES IN STONE boasts a spunky, resilient heroine in Genevieve, whose harrowing experiences at the convent are both horrifying and telling. Her experiences chafing against Abbess Trista's [de Tourmont] cruelty and her quiet friendships with the twins, Sister Elisabeth, and Sister Victoria contrast well, lending the characters each an air of distinction that makes the vignettes of their experiences all the more memorable. With its backdrop of the French Revolution and its impact both on the aristocracy and laymen-and its deep dive into the systemic abuses and extremist dogma versus womanhood and coming of age-RIPPLES IN STONE has the potential to draw in fans of complex historical fiction, women's fiction, and general grounded literary fiction. The manuscript calls to mind the likes of Groff's MATRIX, Delors' MISTRESS OF THE REVOLUTION, or even Mantel's BRING UP THE BODIES. -The New York Times Black List An absolute masterpiece, Ripples in Stone transports readers to the heart of the French Revolution through the eyes of Lady Genevieve. The immersive world-building and the enchanting sceneries aside, the most worthwhile feature of this tale is the rich and robust connection I felt between Genevieve and me. She was a fully fleshed-out character from the get-go and quickly became an unforgettable heroine who I was not only rooting for but also cared for. Claire Harper masterfully weaves a narrative rich in historical detail and emotional depth. The vivid portrayal of revolutionary France immerses you fully, while themes of love, sacrifice, and self-discovery linger long after the final page. I wholeheartedly recommend Ripples in Stone to anyone seeking an enriching and captivating read. It's a gem in historical fiction that both entertains and inspires. -Richard Yang I would highly recommend this book to all the history buffs out there! I definitely drew some similarities to Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series, in terms of the scope and also the pace. There is a feeling of being continually spirited off to the next setting, it was so exciting! I truly loved the feeling of being lost in another time, but even more than any of that, I loved the protagonist. Geneviève is such a unique protagonist, she doesn't see things the way that those around her do, and it's so clearly a strength. She's a rebel and a total hero. There is a romantic element, which is so fun, but there's also so much more happening than just romance. There is also deep friendship, epic battles, terrible villains, fabulous settings...AND horses! -Elizabeth Kolenda Ripples in Stone is a swashbuckling historical novel set in France at the time of the French Revolution. Lady Genevieve, a headstrong teenager, is sent away to a convent by her cruel family and kept a virtual prisoner, separated from her beloved Jacques and the magnificent horses they both love. The fate of the two lovers, their friends and their horses is deeply impacted by the vicissitudes of war. A fast paced novel that will be enjoyed by teens, historical fiction buffs or romance readers. Highly recommended. -Sara Loyster, award-winning author