About The Muse of Freedom: a Cévenoles Sagas novel:
Languedoc 1695. A young noble training as an apothecary unravels his Huguenot family’s legacy of secrets and embarks on an odyssey in search of his spiritual identity and the meaning of love. In the Gorges du Tarn, he meets a mystic holy-woman who reveals ancient healing mysteries and inspires his quest for freedom. But persecutions force him to make a fateful decision—recreant, rebel, or refugee.
“Larimore tells an engrossing story about fiercely independent people… This absorbing tale of religious strife creates a vivid world that will draw readers in… Along the way, readers learn a lot about the natural remedies of the times and come to realize how Jehan and Amelia’s apothecary practices could drift easily into spiritual healing, prayers, and amulets.” Kirkus Review
“Brilliantly told, it’s a story that will stick with you long after you’ve turned the last page . . . a story that is fresh and compelling and as relevant now as it was then.” Janet Wertman, award-winning author of the Seymour Saga trilogy
“Jules Larimore’s lush, vibrant prose and sharp eye for historical detail at once transported me back to Occitan haunts and castles. This is a must-read for anyone who loves novels set in that alluring region of southern France.” Glen Craney, award-winning author
“This story will capture you and not let go. History and deftly-crafted storytelling rolled into one.” Rozsa Gaston, author of the award-winning four-book Anne of Brittany Series
“Jules Larimore has cast a spell on her readers with this wondrous first novel. She is an alchemist, drawing on the poetic power of words, assembling a colorful combination of characters to authentically explore the landscape of the human heart; it’s yearnings, boundaries, expectations and limitations. The protagonist has embarked on an odyssey in pursuit of his life’s purpose, hoping to discover his destined place in the world.” Elijah Alexander, actor
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Author Bio:
As an author of emotive, literary-leaning historical fiction bringing past cultures to life, my mantra is to impart hopeful human stories that are not only entertaining, but also inspire positive change and encourage an intimate relationship with the natural environment.
In my writing, I add a dose of magic, myth, and romance, distilled and blended with captivating settings — bucolic hamlets set in majestic mountains and dramatic river gorges, rolling plains, seaside ports, rustic inns, exquisitely crafted châteaux, flamboyant soirees, colorful markets and fêtes, mysterious carvings and symbology, ancient menhirs and dolmens. These all come together as inspirational backdrops for the journeys of those who had the courage, tenacity, and transcendent vision to overcome oppression and danger arising from greed in the name of “the” church, “the” ruler, “the” tradition. I tell stories of divisions, rivalries, and love — of hard choices and hard lessons learned. I hope you will enjoy the twists and turns, and revealing of secrets as you read my novels.