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“More like 4.5 stars
MichelleSutton wrote this review Thursday, September 3 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
This was a great debut novel and one that I would definitely recommend. I enjoy reading about this time period and the author did a great job putting me there. The only reason I didn't give it five stars was the fact that I could put down. However, I also kept wanting to pick it back up, which makes it an excellent read because I am surrounded by books that need to be reviewed.
I found the conflict in this story to be believable and engaging. My heart went out to the family and all that they had lost. The intrigue and peril combined with the desperate attempt to reunite the family while remaining true to their faith was also inspiring. The same goes for the characters resisting the temptation to deny their faith to protect their loved ones. That was well done.
The best part of this story for me was probably the romantic tension and several characters having to suppress the desire for forbidden love. My favorite person in this story was Pierre. He was an amazing secondary character. I really hope he returns in the second book.
While this first book in the series had a heart warming conclusion, it's obviously not the end of the Clavell family's suffering. This novel does an excellent job of showing how their trials do strengthen their faith. ”
“Very good historical book, made me want to know more.”
Corrie Beth wrote this review Sunday, July 5 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
“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.
SouthernSassyGirl wrote this review Wednesday, February 18 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
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.
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“In The Shadow of The Sun King
BookReviewsByDebra wrote this review Saturday, January 3 2009. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
A Darkness to Light Novel – Book 1Reviewed by Debra Gaynor for ReviewYourBook.com, 12/085 starsEntertaining Christian Fiction…When King Louis XIV threatens the Clavell family, Madeleine tries to persuade the King to have mercy on her family. Golden Keyes Parsons illustrates French history in In The Shadow of The Sun King. The Protestants were persecuted in Catholic France. The author draws on her own family history in the telling of this story. In The Shadow of The Sun King is a fast-paced, high-action read. I love this story. Parsons is a talented author, and I will be watching for more of her books.”
“When King Louis’ soldiers descend on the Clavell estate, Madeline Clavell and her husband, Francois, send their two sons into hiding to protect them from the soldiers. Madeline, once a close friend of the king, travels to Versailles to persuade him to protect her family. But Louis demands a price far too dear and Madeline refuses.
Jill Williamson wrote this review Monday, December 8 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
Enraged, Louis orders the Clavell estate burned, the servants executed, and Francois sent to the Bastille. Madeline tries to race the soldiers home to protect her family from Louis’ wrath before it is too late.
I knew little of church history between the Catholics and the Huguenots, so I found that part very interesting. The book got off to a bit of a slow start, but once things got moving, I couldn’t put it down. The characters were complex and the storyline was gripping. The book leaves some unanswered questions for a sequel that is coming out soon. I look forward to what happens next with Madeline Clavell. Recommended.
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“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!
Janna R wrote this review Wednesday, November 26 2008. ( reply | permalink ) Was this review helpful? Yes | No
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???”
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