To be honest with you, I don’t read Christian fiction often. Yes I am a Christian, and yes I do like fiction. But the two blended together frequently frustrate me so I tend to avoid it. However, after enjoying Nancy Moser’s books (see my reviews of Washington’s Lady and Mozart’s Sister by Moser) I couldn’t HELP but want to read In the Shadow of the Sun King
This series is set in seventeenth century France under the reign of King Louis XIV (the “Sun King”). The main protagonist in this story is Madeleine Clavell, a former lover to King Louis and who is now married to a Huguenot. Louis despises the marriage because it, of course, took Madeleine away from him. When dragoons come to the Clavell property and take over it, Madeleine goes to Versailles in hopes of appealing to her former love and obtaining a decree from the king himself that her family will not be harmed.
This story was interesting and even as I am writing this review I’m not sure what to think of it. I think Golden Keyes Parsons (oh yes!) is an intriguing writer who knows how to weave a good story and draw her readers into it. The book ends on something of a cliffhanger, paving the way for Book Two. I’m highly curious about what happens to the Clavell family, that’s for sure!
I don’t want to spoil the book in anyway so I’ll just say that if you appreciate historical fiction, and you don’t mind it resting more on the romantic side of things as you learn your history, then this is probably a book you will love!
Carrie comes by her book obsession honestly, having descended from a long line of bibliophiles. She blogs about books regularly at Reading to Know.
I’m kind of “over” Christian fiction for what I suspect are the same reasons as yours. This one sounds good, though!
I’m so glad you enjoyed “Sun King,” and thank you so much for the great review. Book #2, “Prisoner of Versailles” will be released in August 2009. The adventure of the Clavells continues!