A #1 BESTSELLER IN RENAISSANCE FICTION
A French Huguenot apothecary’s legacy of secrets, a mystic healer’s inspiration, a fateful decision.

IN THE MYSTERIOUS CÉVENNES MOUNTAINS OF LANGUEDOC, FRANCE, 1695, Jehan BonDurant, a young nobleman forcibly held in a Dominican prieuré as a child, comes of age only to inherit a near-derelict estate and his Huguenot family’s dangerous legacy of secrets. While he cherishes his newfound freedom apprenticing as an apothecary, his outrage mounts over religious persecutions led by King Louis XIV’s Intendant Basville, who is sent to enforce the King’s will for “One King, One Law, One Faith”.

The ensuing divisions among families and friends and the gradual revelation of his own circumstances lead Jehan to question his spiritual choices. He embarks on an odyssey, in pursuit of his life’s purpose and the meaning of love, that unfolds in a way he least expects. Deep in the enchanting Gorges du Tarn, he discovers his muse and soul mate, Amelia Auvrey, a free-spirited, mystic holy woman who offers guidance, revealing ancient healing practices and spiritual mysteries. Together, Jehan and Amelia quest for peace and spiritual freedom by aiding the persecuted until they are forced to make a fateful decision—recreant, rebel, or refugee.

Inspired by the true story of Jean Pierre Bondurant dit Cougoussac, distilled and blended with Cévenole magic lore, this is a vividly told coming of age adventure and family saga of courage, tenacity, and the power of love: a thrilling and obscure slice of French history.

Winner of New Voices Award by Writers & Publishers Network 2022Finalist in the Global Book Awards 2022Highly Recommended Five-star Award of Excellence 2022, The Historical Fiction Co.Reader's Favorite Five Star Award 2023