Wednesday, November 26, 2008

"In the Shadow of the Sun King" Book Review and Giveaway!

I am thrilled to have some time apart
from my scheduled blog tours to share
with all of you some of the other books
I've been reading. Some will be giveaways -
this one is...

"In the Shadow of the Sun King"
by
Golden Keyes Parsons

I saw this book at ACFW and almost bought it - it 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 - if you do not win this book from me, then put it on your Christmas list - did I say that I loved this book???

For a chance to win a copy of it, leave a comment (with your email) telling me what you know of the Huguenots. Good luck!

Check back tomorrow for more reviews and giveaways and it is not too late to enter those on the left side of the blog - they will be drawn for winners on December 3rd!

21 comments:

Cara Putman said...

I just picked up this book -- so don't enter me LOL. Can't wait to get into it.

windycindy said...

I have French blood in me, but only because my paternal grandmother came here from Calais, France when she was 14. I have been to France and the Palace of Versailles is magnificent!
Please enter me in your delightful historical book drawing. Many thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

Merry said...

The Huguenots are heroes of the faith who were persecuted and killed for standing for Biblical truth. I'd love a chance to read In the Shadow of the Sun King. Thanks!
worthy2Bpraised{at}gmail{dot}com

Carol M said...

The Huguenots were French Protestants who were members of the Reformed Church which was established in 1550 by John Calvin.
Thank you for the chance to win this book!
Carol M
mittens0831 AT aol.com

Anonymous said...

When I was in school I loved reading books about the Huguenots. Their bravery and their faith was really encouraging. There was one young adult book that I read over and over: "The Escape" by A. Van der Jagt.

Thanks for the chance to win! I've had my eye on this book for a while, too.

author_erin(at)lycos(dot)com

Stacey said...

Thanks for the education, Janna. I used to think that the Huguenots were the French middle class. Boy, was I wrong. I learned that they were French Protestants of the 16th and 17th centuries.

Please enter me in the drawing. Thanks.

stacey_dale[at]yahoo[dot]com

traveler said...

This wonderful book that you have featured is fascinating.
I know that the Huguenots were Protestant French who were persecuted for their beliefs. Thanks for this giveaway.
saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

anne said...

Amazing book which interests me greatly. Thanks for this chance. I read about the Huguenots in Canadian History since they are not Catholic and this was unusual.
rojosho(at)hotmail(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I'm very intrested in this time period and I would love to get this for Christmas so if i don't get a copy it's going on my wish list.

anx5_family(at)yahoo.com

Carole said...

I know very little about the Huguenots, but I do know that they played an important part in suffering for their faith and passing that faith down to us. I would love to read this book and appreciate the giveaway.

cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net

Lora Lease said...

I don't know a whole lot about the Huguenots, other than the little bit I have read about them over the years.
asyouwiiiiish@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

I haven't read about the Huguenots in a long time, but I know that they were French Protestants who were persecuted and killed for their Biblical beliefs.

Anna
writer(_)weaver(@)yahoo(.)com

Pamela J said...

I can't believe all the comments already of people who know something about Huguenots. I haven't got a clue what to even begin to say except what I've read here but this book sounds like a great place to learn about them. Please enter my name in your drawing. Thanks.
Pam Williams
cepjwms at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

This book sounds absolutely incredible!

I have some French Huguenot's in my ancestry.

I know they were French Protestents, that were persecuted, for their faith, and beliefs.

They were very brave people, and I admire them very much.

Please enter me in the contest.

Thank you,

Becky C.

rec(at)hiwaay(dot)com

Mimi N said...

please enter me to win Golden's book. I met her briefly at the ACFW conference and she seemed so wonderful! her book sounds so fascinating. thanks for this offer!

Blessings,
Mimi B

mnjesusfreak at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

I don't know much about them, but this book sounds like a great way to learn about them. Please enter me.

rcmjrobertson[at]sbcglobal[dot]net

Anonymous said...

I have heard of the Huguenots but know very little about them and would love to learn more. I like history. My email is marcijean02@yahoo.com

Jill said...

I'm quite illiterate about the Huguenots and would love to learn.
Enter me in the drawing, please.


j4fortner(at) att (dot) net

Anonymous said...

I only know i tiny bit of the Huguenots. But here's a little bit They were Follower of John Calvin's Ideas and were therefore highly persecuted and many of them became immigrants!

please enter me for this book!

hippmom said...

Love historical fictional!

Please enter my name!

Janna said...

And the winner is...

Jill

Congratulations!