Uncertain Legacy: Part II

In 17th century France, where women have virtually no rights or legal protection, the all-powerful Church is determined to root out heresy and witchcraft wherever it can find it. Life is doubly dangerous for one young girl, unwilling to take vows of chastity and obedience, and preparing to leave the Convent of Montmartre. Alone at 15 years old in 1659, Elisabeth Osborne is beautiful, naive, and easy prey. She fancies she can manage on her own in Paris, but a chance meeting with the madam of a gentlemen's club changes her mind.

At the club, she receives protection, an unconventional education, and the freedom to practice her skill with herbal remedies without fear. However, she struggles to keep her unusual knowledge and extraordinary abilities a secret. She also experiences recurring visions of a house calling to her and soothing her in times of difficulty.

Blessed with good looks, education, and an aristocratic air, Elisabeth is quickly pursued and swept up into high society. There, she learns that women who wish to be independent need to be clever, as choices are limited in a patriarchal society where the law is against them. As she grows older, wiser, and richer, Elisabeth realizes that there is still unfinished business to attend to. She sets out to find answers about her mother's English family, her mysterious father, and her unique abilities which set her apart from others.

Her journey takes her to Brittany and across to plague and fire-ridden London. But is Elisabeth prepared for the answers she seeks? That’s the question… A perfect book club read for fans of Kate Morton, Rachel Hore, and Katherine Webb.

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