Janna R. (janna5) reviewed In the Shadow of the Sun King (Darkness to Light, Bk 1) on + 29 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 4
This book has a gorgeous cover, an enticing title and it was newly out so I hadn't heard anything about it yet - I was intrigued. I finally got my hands on this book and got really excited when I realized it is set in 17th century France during the reign of King Louis XIV and the persecution of the Huguenots. I have French Huguenot blood through my paternal grandma's side of the family, but I really don't know much about what that means. This book was an eye opener. I would say this is an excellent read for anyone studying this time period, I learned more in the 2 page Historical Perspective opening than in any other book I've read about the French Huguenots. From the viewpoint of someone that just loves a good story, it's even better. I really loved this book!
Madeline Clavell's family was once in the court of the King, quite closely, but is now married and living with her husband and children at their estate in the country. The King's troops invade their home and in an effort to save her family, Madeline travels to Versailles to seek the favor of the King in hopes they will not be persecuted for their Huguenot faith. The consequences are more than she could ever dream and as her life quickly unravels we follow her frantic efforts to save her family. Can true love really triumph?
I am glad that Golden is making this first in a series, because I can't wait to see what happens next - put it on your Christmas list - did I say that I loved this book???
Madeline Clavell's family was once in the court of the King, quite closely, but is now married and living with her husband and children at their estate in the country. The King's troops invade their home and in an effort to save her family, Madeline travels to Versailles to seek the favor of the King in hopes they will not be persecuted for their Huguenot faith. The consequences are more than she could ever dream and as her life quickly unravels we follow her frantic efforts to save her family. Can true love really triumph?
I am glad that Golden is making this first in a series, because I can't wait to see what happens next - put it on your Christmas list - did I say that I loved this book???
Christy J. (southernsassygirl) reviewed In the Shadow of the Sun King (Darkness to Light, Bk 1) on + 180 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
There are not enough words to describe how great I think this book is. I love it when I discover a new author, and their first work is a masterpiece. That was certainly the case with In the Shadow of the Sun King. It is a book rich with history and detail, and one that will be on my keeper shelf for years to come.
I have a limited knowledge of French history, and don't typically read books that are written for that point in history. I've only ever heard about the Huguenots by name, not about what they went through for what they knew was truth. I cannot even fathom what it would have been like to live then, and be persecuted for my beliefs. I also cannot comprehend the constant fear that soldiers could be nearby at any time, waiting to raid homes and separate families.
With all that in mind, my heart was deeply engrossed in this family's story. Madeleine's stubbornness is something that I see in myself, and I know I would've insisted as much as she did about making the trip to see King Louis to plead for protection from the dragoons. Francois' gentle spirit even reminds me of my own husband, who, in the face of adversity, would never renounce his faith in Christ. This is a story that you definitely want good to triumph in the end, and it does not disappoint. I am eagerly awaiting the next book in this great series, which is scheduled to release sometime later this year.
In the Shadow of the Sun King by Golden Keyes Parsons is published by Thomas Nelson and was released in 2008.
I have a limited knowledge of French history, and don't typically read books that are written for that point in history. I've only ever heard about the Huguenots by name, not about what they went through for what they knew was truth. I cannot even fathom what it would have been like to live then, and be persecuted for my beliefs. I also cannot comprehend the constant fear that soldiers could be nearby at any time, waiting to raid homes and separate families.
With all that in mind, my heart was deeply engrossed in this family's story. Madeleine's stubbornness is something that I see in myself, and I know I would've insisted as much as she did about making the trip to see King Louis to plead for protection from the dragoons. Francois' gentle spirit even reminds me of my own husband, who, in the face of adversity, would never renounce his faith in Christ. This is a story that you definitely want good to triumph in the end, and it does not disappoint. I am eagerly awaiting the next book in this great series, which is scheduled to release sometime later this year.
In the Shadow of the Sun King by Golden Keyes Parsons is published by Thomas Nelson and was released in 2008.
