My Purgatory
by Rachel Elisabeth
Overall rating ⭐5/5
Spice level 🌶️ 4.5/5
Genre Historical Fiction • Historical Romance
Vibe Historical • Emotional • Romantic • Intense
Trigger warnings (author-provided)
Sexual abuse
Domestic violence
Mental health issues
Suicidal thoughts
Religious themes, including (self-)flagellation
About the Story
The story takes place in 17th-century France, a time when women were often regarded as little more than accessories to men. My Purgatory tells the story of Isabeau de Rouvelles and Father Agustin.
Isabeau lives at the court of King Louis and dreams of becoming the maîtresse-en-titre. However, because of her intelligence and strong sense of justice, she will never attain that position.
After being expelled from court, Isabeau finds herself with nowhere to go. She decides to write to the Mother Superior of the Order of the Visitation of Holy Mary, an acquaintance of her mother's. The Mother Superior grants Isabeau permission to stay at the convent as a guest.
It is there that Isabeau meets Father Agustin.
But what happened in Isabeau's life before she arrived at court? Where are her parents? Does she have any family or friends?
What will her encounter with Father Agustin be like? Who is he, and what demons is he battling himself?
To find the answers to these questions and so much more, you will have to read My Purgatory by Rachel Elisabeth.
My Reading Experience
Written in an old-fashioned style of English, this is a book that makes you feel as though you are wandering through the streets and countryside of 17th-century France from the very first page.
It is a story with a certain heaviness, yet it also has moments of lightness. A story you can lose yourself in, only to find yourself again more than once.
It explores how the power of words, sharing your own story and discussing your struggles with the right person can help not only you, but also the person sitting across the table.
At its heart, this is a beautiful love story with the necessary spice.
Final Thoughts
My Purgatory is a beautiful combination of historical fiction, romance, emotional depth and a captivating writing style.
Rachel Elisabeth takes you back to 17th-century France and makes you feel as though you are walking alongside her characters. The story carries a certain heaviness, yet it also offers moments of lightness, tenderness and hope.
What makes this book particularly special to me is the way it explores the power of words, vulnerability and human connection. It reminds us that sharing our stories and opening up to the right person can make a difference, not only in our own lives but also in theirs.
This is a story you can lose yourself in, only to find yourself again more than once.
A beautiful love story with the necessary spice, wrapped in a historical setting and filled with meaning.
A story you can lose yourself in, only to find yourself again more than once.