Her Own Legacy

"...multifaceted...sustained intrigue...effervescent... A compelling wine tale... " — Kirkus Reviews

"A beautifully written novel. Borchert makes you want to read the next book in her series." — Historical Novels Review Magazine

A Woman Fights for Her Legacy as the French Revolution Erupts

Headstrong Countess Joliette de Verzat prefers secretly managing her family's Loire Valley château and vineyards to the cut-throat politics of Versailles. For nearly three centuries, generations of families have toiled to produce Château de Verzat wines, and their homes and livelihoods depend upon Joliette. But ancient laws block her from inheriting property—unless she is widowed.

Revolution erupts. Thousands of women march on Versailles. Caught in the battle, Joliette risks her own life to save her lover's. She flees to Paris, blazing with hatred for aristocrats, where she discovers her illegitimate half-brother, Henri—the secret rightful heir who disdains the nobility to which he unknowingly belongs.

As insurrection mounts, Joliette faces heartbreaking choices. She must risk all that she loves and trust the people she has saved to save her.

"Readers who love stories of determined women seizing opportunities history too often denied them will relish Joliette's story. " — Publishers Weekly BookLife Editor's Pick

"Charming, gracefully written, with moments of true excitement, Borchert's historical work is a marvel." — The Indie View

"One of the Top 5 Paris-Based Books We Can't Wait to Read!" — Parisian Niche

"This accomplished historical novel finds a young woman making her own choices as revolution sweeps France. With an equally eloquent and dynamic tone, the novel is an immersive piece of historical fiction—both thorough and concise in historical detail—which stands up against other works of this storied time. Charming, gracefully written, with moments of true excitement, Borchert's historical work is a marvel." — Independent Review of Books

"A wonderfully written story. Her Own Legacy is a hidden history lesson as well as a beautiful read. Perfect for those who love history, romance and well written stories—and I can't wait for the next one." — The Good Life France

"Countess Joliette de Verzat is determined to preserve the legacy of her family's vineyard in Debra Borchert's captivating novel, Her Own Legacy, the first book in the Château de Verzat series. The young Countess fearlessly navigates the obstacles of her destiny - duty to the Queen, laws prohibiting her inheritance, a forbidden love, the discovery of an illegitimate brother, and war. When the French Revolution erupts, armed and hungry citizens march towards the Versailles palace - leaving the formidable Joliette to battle for her Verzat legacy, life, and love. With an equally eloquent and dynamic tone, the novel is an immersive piece of historical fiction - both thorough and concise in historical detail - which stands up against other works of this storied time. Charming, gracefully written, with moments of true excitement, Borchert's historical work is a marvel." — SPR Book Awards Finalist

Indie Author Project, Runner-up, Historical Fiction

"I highly recommend the whole series." — Historical Novels Review