In the Shadow of the Sun King

I was tagged for the Bookworm Meme by Paige at The Road I'm Traveling and like her I had a book review to do so this happened at a great time. Here is how this meme works.

 

Open the book closest to you, not your favorite or most intellectual book, but the book closest to you at the moment, turn to page 56. Write out the fifth sentence, as well as two to five sentences following there.

 

I just finished reading the book  In the Shadow of the Sun King by Golden Keyes Parsons.

 

"He took the saddle and bridle into the interior of the livery and was fetching brushes to curry down the animals when Commander Bovee' approached from the back of the barn.

Henri maintained his composure. " Yes, just as we suspected, I found them grazing in the orchard.They like to forage the apples that fell to the ground last fall."  He moved to the large door, brandishing the curry brushes in his hands. "May I help you, sir? Were you looking for something in the barn?"

 

The book takes place in Seventeenth century France. It is an unsafe time to be a Huguenot (Protestant). By order of King Louis XIV, all French Protestants must immediately convert of face imprisonment - or death. The king's dragoons ferret out the  nonconformists, pillaging villages and destroying homes.

 

When the king's soldiers descend on the Clavell estate, the family's fate hangs in the balance. Quickly, quietly they send their two sons into hiding, trusting that the young age of their daughter will guarantee her protection. But the dragoons will not be dissuaded; they hold the manor hostage looking for clues of their guilt or innocence. However, Madeleine Clavell, the lady of the manor, holds a secret - one possible chance to save the family. She and the king share a past.

 

Once a beautiful young lady in the French courts whom Louis loved, Madeleine travels to Versailles to plead for mercy from the fickle king, hoping to regain his favor and save her family. It's a gamble, but she is left with no other choice. Madeleine soon faces an agonizing decision- one that changes her family forever.

 

This book was based on historical fact and the author's family genealogy. It is her version of what it was like living in an age where Christians were persecuted severely. It's a story of a mother's love for her children and husband and the hardships and anguish she faces as a child of God.

 

I loved this book. I was on the edge of my seat wondering what's going to happen next. I had a very hard time putting the book down to get my stuff done. If you like historical fiction this is a book you need to get. It would make a great Christmas gift.

 

I'm not going to tag anyone because I know you all are very busy. So if you would like to play along please do.  I'm interested in knowing the books you are reading too!

 

 

Tiffanie