The Meeting Place, by Janette Oke and T. Davis Bunne (book one of a 5-volume series: Songs of Acadia)

The story begins in 1753, in the disputed lands of New France, north of the New England colonies, where French settlers had lived for 150 years in their “beloved home” of Acadia.  With the arrival of the British, tensions arose, as France and Britain had battled as enemies for over 600 years in Europe.  Although there were no open conflicts, both groups lived in constant fear and suspicion, avoiding contact with their “enemies.”

One summer day, in a secluded flowery meadow, two young women met by chance, one British and the other French.  In time they became close friends, but secretly, for fear of retaliation by their families and compatriots.  When their secret was discovered, and at the same time the French refused the British demand to swear allegiance to the King,  tempers flared.  Without warning, British troops were ordered to force the peaceable  French villagers to leave everything except whatever they could carry, and to board ships in the harbor that would take them to unknown lands in separate destinations.  To prevent them from returning, their goods were confiscated and their homes were burned.  We can  imagine the fear and pain and heartbreak they suffered as they ran for their lives, not only losing home and possessions, but also being separated from neighbors and friends, and even from family members,  brutally forced into a totally unknowable future.

The subsequent volumes in the series continues the incredibly sad and at times heroic saga of these banished French Acadians and their eventually settling in hostile lands. Look for the Songs of Acadia in your library. They are a fast and enjoyable read.