Dear Readers: My Louisiana adventures continue with "Delphine" (Zebra Ballad, June 2002), the fourth book of "The Acadians" series, a saga that follows a family torn apart in exile and reunited among the bayous of a new world. A story of a people who will later become the Cajuns. Raised by Captain Jean Bouclaire, Delphine Delaronde lost her heart to his partner Philibert Bertrand when she was just a girl. But when she finally came of age and confessed her love to the dashing Louisiana smuggler, he dismissed her '"juvenile crush." Embarrassed and hurt Phiney fled to France, hoping to forget his cruel rejection, unaware that Phil had realized too late the precious gift he had cast aside. When fate brought them together again, Delphine had inherited a title, and a noblewoman's reponsibilities. Now she seems beyond Philibert's reach forever. But beneath the poise and grace of the beautiful countess beats the passionate heart of a woman who will never give up her one true love. |
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Book one, titled "Emilie" (July 2000), began the Gallant family saga in their quest to reunite their family, torn apart by the English exile from Nova Scotia in 1755. When eldest daughter Emilie Gallant arrives in Louisiana, she is determined to find her father, even if it means following her lifelong friend Lorenz Landry through the treacherous wilderness. Now, as they're thrown together, perilous days give way to sultry nights and to a love that cannot be denied. |
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The saga continues with “Rose,” the youngest sister of the Gallant family, who shocks her family when she falls for an English pioneer in the second book of the trilogy, to be released in November, 2000. Knowing a union with Englishman Coleman Thorpe is forbidden, Rose considers the hand of a rich Creole who vows to help her family. But her heart cannot resist the tender and passionate neighbor who is determined to win both her love and her family’s approval. |
The third book is “Gabrielle” (March, 2001), a story of heartbreak, separation and reunion. Here’s the back copy to give you a glimpse: “From the moment she met Captain Jean Bouclaire on the banks of the mighty Mississippi, Gabrielle Gallant felt her imagination - and her innocent heart - stirred by the sun-bronzed and dangerously handsome seafarer. And when he swept her into his arms, it hardly seemed to matter that he was a smuggler by trade...until the day he drew his sword in a duel that went tragically awry. Suddenly the bold privateer Gabrielle desired was a man on the run with a price on his head. Now it will take a miracle to bring them together...or the courage of a woman who will risk everything to be with the man she loves.” All four books in the series contain references to Cherie’s Louisiana ancestors and actual events during the French and Spanish colony’s tumultuous beginnings. “ ‘Emilie’ is based on my Acadian Braud family who lived in exile in Port Tobacco, Maryland, after being evicted from their homes in Nova Scotia by the English,” Cherie explained. “In ‘Rose,’ several characters are based on family members of mine who lived in the frontier post of Opelousas. The church on the back cover of each book is the actual St. Gabriel church in South Louisiana where my Opelousas and Braud ancestors married.” Since the series follows a similar storyline to Longfellow’s immortal poem, “Evangeline,” Cherie also placed several Evangeline references in her books. “I grew up with ‘Evangeline’ in Louisiana because the 19th century poem told the story of the Acadian (Cajun) exile,” Cherie said. “It’s also a beautiful, although tragic tale written in exquisite prose. I know most people won’t pick up my Evangeline references, but if you do, please email me and let me know.” What others are saying about The Acadians: “The beauty of Ms. Claire’s
tale is in the message that loves makes one a stronger and better person.
She leaves just enough hints to keep readers eagerly anticipating the next
two sister’s tales. As a history buff, I enjoyed learning about the Acadian
culture, as well as the story’s characters, humor and passion.”
“The characters in this novel
(Emilie) are truly remarkable. They all sparkle with vibrant life, and
they’re all lovable. I’m saving a spot for Cherie Claire on my keeper shelf!”
“Ms. Claire shows you a love
of family that will touch your hearts.”
“I think Ms Claire has a
firm grasp of what all women desire most in a man. I love her heroes! And
I look forward to reading the other two stories in this exciting trilogy.
I have faith it will be resolved in an amazing way. Fantastic story!”
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A Cajun Dream Cherie’s debut novel, a Cajun-American
love story titled “A Cajun Dream” (Zebra Splendor, July 1999) is
set in the romantic Bayou Teche region of southwestern Louisiana. The story
deals with the prejudices between cultures in post-statehood Louisiana
and a bittersweet romance that develops between an American and an Acadian
(Cajun). “What a marvelous debut!
Cherie Claire is sure to earn a bevy of fans with this charming and heartwarming
tale.”
“Ms. Claire has captured
the sweetness of falling in love the first time with the gentleness of
Dorothy Garlock and the tenderness of Pamela Morsi.”
“Claire has a bright, inviting
style that moves the plot along briskly as it builds to an impressive denouement.
The little touches of history and culture she throws in are terrific. Claire
really knows Louisiana.”
Snow Angels In December, 1999, Cherie Claire added to her Acadian repertoire “Snow Angels,” a Kensington historical anthology. In her novella, titled “The Letter,” readers were once again transported to the backwoods of Louisiana and the fascinating people who settled among the state’s cypress and tupelo swamps and bayous, including a few nationalities that may surprise some. “Cherie Claire is a new voice
in romance from the heartland of Louisiana. I found ‘The Letter’ enchanting,
original, and lyrical from beginning to end. Catch this star rising - her
talent is a gift of the Goddess!”
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To
learn more about the unique cultures, traditions and happenings in the
Bayou State (with a few spicy recipes thrown in) and to learn of Cherie
Claire’s current publications, send for Cherie’s newsletter at  |
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