Christophe St. Laurent has witnessed his entire world shatter around him. He and his sister hid while men overran their home and systematically guillotined the rest of their family just for the aristocratic blood that ran through their veins. Surviving the ordeal should have been enough, but he underestimated the cunning and determination of Robespierre, the man bent on bringing utter annihilation to his family. Now he has nothing left as he could not even save his sister, and he must find a way to escape the madness of Paris. He seeks refuge in the ruins of an ancient castle at Carcassonne where his ancestors once thrived. There he befriends a widow and her family who brings some color and hope back into his life until he learns about their benefactor. Will his past catch up to him and the love he seeks be beyond his reach? Is happiness even an option or is revenge his only recourse?

Scarlett Robespierre is a young, expecting widow living with her mother and her sister. Her husband died for the cause of the Revolution and their only hope for survival is through her husband's relative, Maximilian Robespierre, who sends them flour with which they make bread to sell. When he informs them that he can no longer send them flour, they have to make other plans for their livelihood. Scarlett meets a man who captures her interest with his unique look at the world. Even her mother and sister seem to be besotted with Christophe, yet he cannot help them with their financial situation. He harbors the terrible burden of a name and a noble birth which is a death sentence if the wrong person discovers the truth. Will her family be able to climb their way out of poverty under the protection of Maximilian in Paris? Will Christophe be part of the future that they must carve for themselves?

Jamie Carie has written a dramatic inspirational romance. Christophe is a brilliant young man who only has his faith left to hold onto, and even that grasp is wearing thin. Scarlett's hopes and dreams died with her husband, yet she is ready to begin anew with the life growing inside her. Together, they wade through their assorted differences and try to start fresh. Ms. Carie takes us on an uphill climb as many obstacles are placed in their paths, and many unforeseen challenges appear to keep the story going. I was quite taken with this amazing and uplifting tale. LOVE'S FIRST LIGHT is a daunting test of faith with the promise of love set amidst the horror of the French Revolution. It is truly a grand read and Ms. Carie will definitely be on my list of authors to keep an eye out for.