The King's Daughter

Jeanne Chatel's life takes a dramatic turn when her grandfather's passing leaves her orphaned at the tender age of 10. Without a stable foundation, Jeanne is compelled to seek refuge within the walls of a convent, where she blossoms into an adventurous and imaginative young woman. Her penchant for storytelling and herbal medicine becomes evident as she regales her fellow novices with grand tales of romance and bravery. By the time she reaches 18, Jeanne's innate aptitude for healing has taken root, and she is offered the extraordinary opportunity to become a King's Daughter, embarking on a perilous 41-day journey across the Atlantic Ocean alongside her friend Marie (Marie). The duo's voyage is marked by Jeanne's demonstrations of her impressive healing prowess, guided by the wise Sister Bourgeoys. Meanwhile, Marie finds herself smitten with a sailor named Jean.

Upon arriving in New France in August 1672, the pair is warmly welcomed by the Lieutenant, prospective suitors, and a group of Hurons. However, Marie's heartache at the prospect of marrying someone else sets her on a path of introspection. Recognizing that her friend's happiness depends on someone else claiming the suitor she has fallen for, Jeanne makes the selfless decision to assume Marie's identity and marry Simon de Rouville in her place. Discreetly announcing herself as Marie, Jeanne slips away unnoticed before the party accompanying the bride can intervene. Initially dismayed by her husband's aloof demeanor, Jeanne resolves to make the best of her situation.

As she settles into her new life in the wilderness, Jeanne confronts numerous challenges. The constant reminders from friends and even her own husband of her uncanny resemblance to Aimee, Simon's late wife, gradually consume her sense of self-worth, driving her towards a deep-seated depression that threatens to extinguish her spark. However, Jeanne's determination to create a better life for herself, her husband, and his two children – Nicholas and Isabelle – sustains her, even in the face of adversity.

During Simon's frequent absences, Jeanne finds solace in her role as a healer, sought out by their neighbors for her exceptional skills. Moreover, she must summon bravery on multiple occasions to rescue her children from perilous situations, cementing her resilience and fortitude in the face of uncertainty.

As Jeanne (Jeanne) and Simon's bond deepens, her transformation is nothing short of remarkable. No longer confined to the boundaries of her former life, she blossoms into a confident individual, her skills as a healer flourishing alongside her emotional growth. As word of her remarkable abilities spreads throughout the community, Jeanne earns a reputation as a gifted practitioner, respected and admired by all who know her. This newfound strength, however, is tempered by her unwavering love for Simon and her unshakeable pride in their union, compelling her to take the extraordinary step of disguising herself as a boy and embarking on a perilous journey to secure his trapper's license.

In the end, the Rouville family's resilience is tested once again as they face an unexpected attack from the Iroquois aboriginals, a perpetual threat that has long loomed over New France. Amidst the chaos and destruction, the family emerges scarred but unbroken, their bond having been forged in the crucible of adversity.