The Chambermaid

By Dorothy K. Fletcher

In 1564, the teenage girl Ellie is given the opportunity to leave her home in France, traveling to the unknown New World of Florida, to serve as the chambermaid of René Laudonnière at the remote outpost Fort Caroline. Ellie must bravely face the mysterious indigenous people of Florida, rebellious French settlers, and violent Spanish soldiers who consider the French Huguenots to be heretics as well as invaders on Spanish property. During her often harrowing adventures, Ellie finds dedication, purpose, faith, and love. This work of fiction is largely based upon the real-life journals of Fort Caroline commander René Laudonnière, and mapmaker and artist Jacques Le Moyne de Morgues.