CHERIE CLAIRE

My Cajun Series begins with an Acadian (Cajun) family being expelled from their home in the Maritime Provinces of Canada, now Nova Scotia. These Acadians were put on ships and sent throughout the 13 Colonies, England, France and the Caribbean, and many found their way to Louisiana. In "Emilie," the first book in the series, the Gallant family is first sent to Maryland. Then, upon hearing of Acadians in Louisiana, they head for the colony and hope to join other Acadians settle

Many people have asked me where exactly in Louisiana does the Cajun Series take place. Since the family saga begins in 1765, many of the towns in Louisiana no longer exist. Most, however, do. And some are confusing. Take Natchez, for instance. In Emilie, the family travels to the Spanish fort at Natchez located miles upstream from New Orleans. When I first learned about this site in my historical research, I had assumed it was Natchez, Mississippi, on the other side of the ri