Hold Me Close
Book One of Revolutionary Faith
Time: Fall, 1772 – Spring, 1773
Setting: Charles Town, South Carolina
The leisurely life Louis has intended does not include Revolution.
Charles Town, South Carolina, 1772—Louis Lestarjette arrives from France without purpose or plans beyond reconnecting with family and making a profit. Finding the town questioning its alliances, Louis must make decisions about the direction in his life, even as he tries to avoid all political conflict. He wonders if he will be able to stay neutral in a battle for independence. When decisive events confront him, Louis finds himself torn between staying with the woman he loves or escaping the coming conflicts.
Elizabeth Elliott trusts that God will hold her close in uncertain changing times. Faced with difficult decisions about her loyalties, she finds comfort in close friends, a devout sister, and her music. When the mysterious Frenchman with no commitment to God or Charles Town enters her life, he challenges her role in the political battle. She must decide what actions she can take for the cause, if any at all.
Hold Me Close Quotes
“Keep your eyes open, young man. This New World is about to become a major figure in the lives of your king and mine.”
“His heart told him to take hold, find a firm grip, and not let go. ”
“It seems so simple here where the roots of families don’t go back centuries. The money is new, the land abundant, the dress less formal.”
“Just listen and wait. The masks may not be behind wigs and makeup and fashion, but nevertheless, they are there. Beware.”
“Something has to change, Father, and it will.”
“This new George in my life is a sore spot.”
“The crèche. The birth of Jesus. So simple but what a life changing event for everyone.”
“Dashing isn’t all it is cut out to be when I couldn’t be myself.”
“Was he a Patriot or a Loyalist? Neither. He was a Frenchman with no country, no roots, no loyalists…and no struggles. ”
“At least I’m honest and say I support neither cause.”
“This won’t be easy, Elizabeth. The obstacles are great.”
“He was more loyal to the Wilsons, Christopher, and Elizabeth than to a king. Any king—Louis XV, George III, or King Jesus.”
“My love for you hasn’t changed. But you need to know where I stand on this issue.”
He waved goodbye to a place he now called home, Charles Town. To a life and to a world he had never expected to cherish.
Research for Hold Me Close:
Research began in 2005 with determination to find out about my eight times great grandfather from France who lived in Charles Town, SC as an adult. So many questions! Why did he leave France for the colonies? What did he think about the brewing conflict? Why would he stay? I spent a week in Charleston by myself walking the streets and researching. As I wrote about my finds, a story formed in my imagination: The story begins in Hold Me Close. After reading 25 resources, I wrote this installment and considered a series. Louis and Elizabeth’s story continues as did my research.
I spent hours in the South Carolina History room at the South Carolina library in Charleston, St. Philip’s Church, and the South Carolina Historical Society Library. More trips and research occurred with each additional novel.
I LOVE Charleston!
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