“An engaging, engrossing debut.”—Greer Macallister, USA Today bestselling author of The Magician’s Lie Bound for a new continent, and a new beginning. In her illuminating debut novel, Aimie K. Runyan masterfully blends fact and fiction to explore the founding of New France through the experiences of three young women who, in 1667, answer Louis XIV’s call and journey to the Canadian colony. They are known as the filles du roi , or “King’s Daughters”—young women who leave prosperous France for an uncertain future across the Atlantic. Their duty is to marry and bring forth a new generation of loyal citizens. Each prospective bride has her reason for leaving—poverty, family rejection, a broken engagement. Despite their different backgrounds, Rose, Nicole, and Elisabeth all believe that marriage to a stranger is their best, perhaps only, chance of happiness. Once in Quebec, Elisabeth quickly accepts baker Gilbert Beaumont, who wants a business partner as well as a wife. Nicole, a farmer’s daughter from Rouen, marries a charming officer who promises comfort and security. Scarred by her traumatic past, Rose decides to take holy vows rather than marry. Yet no matter how carefully she chooses, each will be tested by hardship and heartbreaking loss—and sustained by the strength found in their uncommon friendship, and the precarious freedom offered by their new home. “An absorbing adventure with heart.”—Jennifer Laam, author of The Secret Daughter of the Tsar "Runyan debuts with what may be the ultimate marriage of convenience/mail-order bridenovel of the season. This lively adventure presents readers with a fascinatingglimpse into life in 17th centuryNew France (Canada) through the lives of three disparate women. The hardshipsand wonders of a new world come to vibrant life through Runyan's vivid proseand well-crafted characterizations, which are both realistic and romantic." - RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars "An engaging,engrossing debut. Runyan's gift transports you to the distant, frozen landscapeof 17th-century Canada, but Rose, Elisabeth and Nicole feel as real as if theylived next door. A romantic, compelling adventure." - Greer Macallister, USA Today bestselling author ofTHE MAGICIAN'S LIE "A captivating tale of three courageous women; Rose, Elizabeth and Nicole, bonded by adversity, friendship and love. In author Aimie Runyan's skillful hands, theirstories are woven together as seamlessly as were their fascinating lives.PROMISED TO THE CROWN is an unforgettable saga of strength and sisterhood, onethat will stay with you long after the final page." ~ Anne Girard, author of Madame Picasso and Platinum Doll. PROMISED TO THE CROWN is a sterling debut with carefully crafted settings, rich details, and sparkling prose. Runyan skillfully weaves her protagonists' stories,transporting the reader to the lovely and dangerous world of colonial Canada,while also painting each character's story in heartfelt, compelling detail. Awelcome and unique addition to the genre. --Susan Spann, author of the Shinobi Mystery Series In her original and well-written debut Promised to the Crown, Aimie Runyan evokes thestory of three young women who venture from France to Canada in the 17th century to marry and start a newlife. It is a heart-wrenching and timeless tale of friendship, loveand hope that skillfully blends history and romance to educate, entertain andinspire. -Pam Jenoff, internationally bestselling author of The Last Summer at Chelsea Beach "This gripping debut brings to life the saga of three courageous women from disparatebackgrounds starting over in New France. Aimie Runyan deftly guides us throughthe hardships and rewards of life on the early Canadian frontier. Promised tothe Crown is an absorbing adventure with heart." Jennifer Laam, author of The Secret Daughter of the Tsar Aimie K. Runyan , member of the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers and Women's Fiction Writers Association, has been an avid student of French and Francophone Studies for more than fifteen years. While working on her Master's thesis on the brave women who helped found French Canada, she was fortunate enough to win a generous grant from the Quebec government to study onsite for three months which enabled the detailed research necessary for her work. Aimie lives in Colorado with her husband and two children.