Thrown to the Wind, Jacketed Case Laminate

Thrown to the Wind, Jacketed Case LaminateGold Metal, Best Children's Book 8 12 (2023) Gold Metal winner for Children's Fiction (2024) Gold Metal for Young Adult Religious Theme (2024); 5 Star Review Silver Metal, Audiobook Children's Young Adult Fiction (2023) Award winning novel based on a true story. Etienne's family is fleeing La Rochelle in the dead of night to avoid arrest, but his cousin has offered him a safe haven. Now he must choose stay and pursue his dream of becoming a musketeer

Gold Metal, Best Children's Book 8-12 (2023)
Gold Metal winner for Children's Fiction (2024)
Gold Metal for Young Adult-Religious Theme (2024); 5-Star Review
Silver Metal, Audiobook Children's/Young Adult Fiction (2023)

Award-winning novel based on a true story. Etienne's family is fleeing La Rochelle in the dead of night to avoid arrest, but his cousin has offered him a safe haven. Now he must choose - stay and pursue his dream of becoming a musketeer or leave and face an uncertain destiny. Both choices are fraught with dangers. Either way his life will never be the same.

In October 1660, Etienne Gayneau rushes through the cobblestone streets of La Rochelle, France, to meet his cousin at the harbor. A ship carrying King Louis XIV's elite musketeers is docking. This story traces one boy’s journey from France to America as he finds the courage to save himself and those he loves. 

Etienne Gayneau's family is fleeing La Rochelle in the dead of night to avoid his father’s certain arrest in the morning, but his Catholic cousin has offered him a safe haven. Now he must choose. If he leaves with his family, he will have to abandon his only true friend along with everything he has ever known, and he never become a musketeer to face an unknown furture. If he stays, he will never see his parents and sisters again. Both choices are fraught with dangers and uncertainty. One thing is sure – his life will never be the same again.

“The vivid story of a boy discovering his value on the perilous voyage of early American settlers.” – BookLife Review

“… a twisting, suspense-filled, highly accessible tale as the young boy attempts to protect his family from the many dangers they face. A skillfully plotted, coming-of-age story with a memorable cast of characters. Highly recommended!” The Wishing Shelf

“A beautiful coming of age story about a young boy who flees religious persecution, leaving everything behind but his faith.” – Readers’ Choice Awards

“One of the themes that stand out in Thrown to the Wind by Amanda. M. Cetas is the role of religion in society. The dynamics of power and control also become apparent, and one can't help but question to what extent governments should get involved in religion and the role of religious leaders in interpreting the scriptures. This thought-provoking work also aroused my curiosity about history and Calvinism. I cannot wait to read more about the Huguenots. The characters were well-developed, and the author subtly ensured that the narrative was effective in passing on the intended message without alienating anyone. All the events and places were vividly described, which helped to capture my imagination. I also loved the steady narration, which kept me intrigued.” – Readers’ Favorites Review

Download sample chapters here.