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Bitesize Biographies
Renée of France
The influence of the Protestant Reformation still
permeates much of our Western culture. At the same
time, our popular perception of that complex, fluid, and
transformative time is often rigid and simplistic. Perhaps it
might be easier to grasp if we try to experience it through
the struggles, desires, perplexities, convictions, and quests
of someone who lived though it — in this case, a vocal and
inquisitive woman — Renée of France. Although Renée
belonged to the nobility of that time, the course of events
kept her focused on some basic questions of faith — the
same ones that many of us face. Is faith a private matter?
Can we just believe secretly in our hearts? What harm is
there in a little pretence?
permeates much of our Western culture. At the same
time, our popular perception of that complex, fluid, and
transformative time is often rigid and simplistic. Perhaps it
might be easier to grasp if we try to experience it through
the struggles, desires, perplexities, convictions, and quests
of someone who lived though it — in this case, a vocal and
inquisitive woman — Renée of France. Although Renée
belonged to the nobility of that time, the course of events
kept her focused on some basic questions of faith — the
same ones that many of us face. Is faith a private matter?
Can we just believe secretly in our hearts? What harm is
there in a little pretence?
128 pages, Paperback
First published January 8, 2013
3 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
Simonetta Carr
34 books132 followersSimonetta Carr was born in Italy and has lived and worked in different cultures. A former elementary school teacher, she has home-schooled her eight children for many years. She has written for newspapers and magazines around the world and has translated the works of several authors into Italian. Presently, she lives in San Diego with her husband Thomas and family. She is a member and Sunday School teacher at Christ United Reformed Church.
Awards - First prize (Best Biography) in the 2014 San Diego Book Awards Association (see book Anselm of Canterbury)
First Prize Athanatos Ministries - Best children's book (see book Anselm of Canterbury)
Awards - First prize (Best Biography) in the 2014 San Diego Book Awards Association (see book Anselm of Canterbury)
First Prize Athanatos Ministries - Best children's book (see book Anselm of Canterbury)
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 26, 2013
A complimentary review copy was provided to me by Cross Focused Reviews (A Service of Cross Focused Media, LLC). I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
A short account of Renee of France who lived during the 1500. The region was strictly Catholic and with that any reform in Christianity was not met favorably and that is saying it lightly. Renee's life is not well documented, however with letters from John Calvin and others, Simonetta Carr did very well in bring her life to light for our current age. Renee's marriage was arranged for political and religious reasons and little love was in the marriage. They were at odds with each other in many issues, however, Renee fight for the truth prevailed. In reading this account, that is what struck me the most, was her fight to know the scriptures and to know God's will. She did "cave" in the pressures of confirming her Catholic heritage, however, John Calvin's letters and encouragement brought her back to the truth of God's word.
I think we are in that battle today for truth of who God is and God's will for mankind. Redemption and the knowledge of Him.
Interview with the author...
http://biblegeekgonewild.com/2013/02/...
A short account of Renee of France who lived during the 1500. The region was strictly Catholic and with that any reform in Christianity was not met favorably and that is saying it lightly. Renee's life is not well documented, however with letters from John Calvin and others, Simonetta Carr did very well in bring her life to light for our current age. Renee's marriage was arranged for political and religious reasons and little love was in the marriage. They were at odds with each other in many issues, however, Renee fight for the truth prevailed. In reading this account, that is what struck me the most, was her fight to know the scriptures and to know God's will. She did "cave" in the pressures of confirming her Catholic heritage, however, John Calvin's letters and encouragement brought her back to the truth of God's word.
I think we are in that battle today for truth of who God is and God's will for mankind. Redemption and the knowledge of Him.
Interview with the author...
http://biblegeekgonewild.com/2013/02/...
March 12, 2018
The author did a decent job telling this story considering the lack of first hand information, and I did enjoy getting more details about a side character in the Reformation era who I was previously unfamiliar with.
To be honest though, I really didn't find Renee to be that interesting of a person. She appears to be a sincere Christian who did some good things and some ill advised things, and experienced some hard times, and was just not that inspiring to me.
To be honest though, I really didn't find Renee to be that interesting of a person. She appears to be a sincere Christian who did some good things and some ill advised things, and experienced some hard times, and was just not that inspiring to me.
December 15, 2017
Hugely impressed with both books I've read by Simonetta Carr. I love this story of Renee of France, and it was a vital resource for creating my own lesson on her life as I wrote a set on Women of the Reformation.
January 29, 2013
Renee of France was royalty in France during the Protestant Reformation, a period of time in church history renown for men such as Luther, Calvin and more. Of particular interest to Simonetta in her book titled Renee of France is the correspondence of John Calvin, that great Reformer to Renee. As the author weaves the history of the Protestant Reformation with the story of Renee, she masterfully highlights in narrative form a great need for Christians today, which is for Christians to speak the truth in love to one to one another and to stand up for our convictions by the grace of God in a culture that is increasingly hostile to and intolerant of biblical Christianity. The great contribution of this book is the insight it provides into the great Reformer John Calvin as pastor and theologian. This engaging and insightful biography not only provides insight into John Calvin the theologian and pastor but also John Calvin, the Christian who spoke the truth in love to Renee just as Christians today are commanded to do so because of the great love of God that has redeemed us and enabled us to fulfill the command to love one another by His grace through His Spirit, and for His glory.
February 23, 2019
3 1/2 stars
Following the heels reading Bonds historical fiction on Luther made this book seem much more dry and less engaging. I probably would have liked it more had I read it after a different book. As it is I can appreciate the good and straight forward account given of Renee's life. The history and insight to her instability to stand firm on all fronts portrayed her as very human. She was not a heroine that inspires great feelings to do more, but you can sympathize with her, even if she comes across a little wishy washy.
The author gives a good report of her life considering the lack of readily available first hand sources. A quick light read. I especially appreciated the portrayal of the friendship between Calvin and Renee.
Worth reading. Not as good as I was expecting. I've read some of her young reader biographies and really enjoyed those. This is available on kindle unlimited.
Following the heels reading Bonds historical fiction on Luther made this book seem much more dry and less engaging. I probably would have liked it more had I read it after a different book. As it is I can appreciate the good and straight forward account given of Renee's life. The history and insight to her instability to stand firm on all fronts portrayed her as very human. She was not a heroine that inspires great feelings to do more, but you can sympathize with her, even if she comes across a little wishy washy.
The author gives a good report of her life considering the lack of readily available first hand sources. A quick light read. I especially appreciated the portrayal of the friendship between Calvin and Renee.
Worth reading. Not as good as I was expecting. I've read some of her young reader biographies and really enjoyed those. This is available on kindle unlimited.
February 26, 2013
“Renée of France is little known today, but this fascinating and often controversial woman was a correspondent of Calvin. She loved the Reformation, but in sixteenth century Italy such a position could not be lightly held. Add in a husband (the Duke of Ferrara) who served the pope and was determined to oppose Renée, plus the complexity and intrigues of Italian society of the time, and you have all the ingredients for a gripping biography.” (From the EP Books Website)
About the Author: Simonetta Carr was born in Reggio Emilia, Italy. Besides her busy job as a mother of eight, she has written for several newspapers and magazines and has translated the works of several Christian authors into Italian. She is the author of the series, Christian Biographies for Young Readers (Reformation Heritage Books) and the fictionalized biography Weight of a Flame – The Passion of Olympia Morata (P&R). She lives in Santee, California, with her husband Thomas and family and is a member and Sunday school teacher at Christ United Reformed Church in Santee, CA.” (From the back book cover)
My Thoughts About the Book: I don’t know about you but once in a while I enjoy things that are “bitesize.” Not too big…not too small…just the right size for the occasion. And the book “Renee of France” – one of the biographies in the “Bitesize Biography” Series published by EP books fits the bill to be sure.
Author Simonetta Carr in her masterfully written biography of Renee of France in just ten short chapters beginning with a timeline of her life reveals how this captivating and polemical woman, who communicated with the esteemed church reformer John Calvin, contributed greatly to the Reformation and its success during her lifetime. And her contributions came at great peril and price personally as she was the wife of Duke Ercole II of Este, the Duke of Ferrara, who was a vassal for the very Pope himself. Because of her Christian faith and practices the book reveals that her enemies who opposed her favorable disposition for the Reformation and for the prince of Reformers himself, John Calvin, were not only of her own household but also many who lived in the country of Italy itself during the time in which she lived. The factual historical account of Renee of Frances’ life as written for us by Author Carr is interesting, encouraging and also convicting for it challenges us to consider what we would do if we were living in her situation. For those people who favor the teaching of John Calvin a bit of a different side of him is revealed in Author Carr’s book through the several letters he wrote to Renee in regards to her Christian faith, beliefs and practice. If you are interested in the people and events that occurred during the time of the Reformation you will find the book. Renee of France, to be an insightful and enjoyable read not only about her life and role in the Reformation but also about John Calvin and the Reformation itself.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the book at no cost from EP Books/Cross Focused Reviews for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
About the Author: Simonetta Carr was born in Reggio Emilia, Italy. Besides her busy job as a mother of eight, she has written for several newspapers and magazines and has translated the works of several Christian authors into Italian. She is the author of the series, Christian Biographies for Young Readers (Reformation Heritage Books) and the fictionalized biography Weight of a Flame – The Passion of Olympia Morata (P&R). She lives in Santee, California, with her husband Thomas and family and is a member and Sunday school teacher at Christ United Reformed Church in Santee, CA.” (From the back book cover)
My Thoughts About the Book: I don’t know about you but once in a while I enjoy things that are “bitesize.” Not too big…not too small…just the right size for the occasion. And the book “Renee of France” – one of the biographies in the “Bitesize Biography” Series published by EP books fits the bill to be sure.
Author Simonetta Carr in her masterfully written biography of Renee of France in just ten short chapters beginning with a timeline of her life reveals how this captivating and polemical woman, who communicated with the esteemed church reformer John Calvin, contributed greatly to the Reformation and its success during her lifetime. And her contributions came at great peril and price personally as she was the wife of Duke Ercole II of Este, the Duke of Ferrara, who was a vassal for the very Pope himself. Because of her Christian faith and practices the book reveals that her enemies who opposed her favorable disposition for the Reformation and for the prince of Reformers himself, John Calvin, were not only of her own household but also many who lived in the country of Italy itself during the time in which she lived. The factual historical account of Renee of Frances’ life as written for us by Author Carr is interesting, encouraging and also convicting for it challenges us to consider what we would do if we were living in her situation. For those people who favor the teaching of John Calvin a bit of a different side of him is revealed in Author Carr’s book through the several letters he wrote to Renee in regards to her Christian faith, beliefs and practice. If you are interested in the people and events that occurred during the time of the Reformation you will find the book. Renee of France, to be an insightful and enjoyable read not only about her life and role in the Reformation but also about John Calvin and the Reformation itself.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the book at no cost from EP Books/Cross Focused Reviews for review purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
February 11, 2013
As a lover of biography and a father of two beautiful daughters, I’m always eager to find good books about women that my daughters can read. Renée of France didn’t disappoint. It was short, to the point, and packed with interesting tidbits. Carr explains the core emphasis of this biography,
Although Renée belonged to the nobility of that time, the course of events kept her focused on some basic questions of faith — the same ones that many of us face. (p. 13)
It’s true I’ve never faced many of the struggles she did as a royal but I did connect with Renée on the “basic questions of faith.” She struggles with leaving the tradition and faith of her family and youth. I’ve been there. She struggles with living out her faith publicly. Me too. It’s much easier often to answer important questions of faith in our own life when we see those same questions played out in other’s life in history. Renée of France provides this.
One of those interesting tidbits I mentioned is the relationship between Renée and the Reformers, especially John Calvin.
A major element in Renée’s life is her correspondence with the French Reformer, John Calvin, which continues for most of her life and opens a window on less familiar aspects of his soul. Of all his correspondence with women, his letters to Renée are unique, revealing a close bond of friendship. Calvin often feels free to reveal his struggles to her in a way he would not do with others, and she talks openly and trustingly about her puzzlement, fear, and exasperation. In the background, the distinctive struggles of the Reformation in Italy and France evolve rapidly before our eyes. (p. 14)
Their correspondence provides the map to constructing her story and provides a glimpse into the pastoral heart of John Calvin (pp. 73, 121).
The story is told well. I was engaged throughout this short read and will be reading it to my daughters shortly. If you’re seeking biographies for your children or supplemental reading for the exploration of history, Renée of France would be a valuable addition to your library.
Although Renée belonged to the nobility of that time, the course of events kept her focused on some basic questions of faith — the same ones that many of us face. (p. 13)
It’s true I’ve never faced many of the struggles she did as a royal but I did connect with Renée on the “basic questions of faith.” She struggles with leaving the tradition and faith of her family and youth. I’ve been there. She struggles with living out her faith publicly. Me too. It’s much easier often to answer important questions of faith in our own life when we see those same questions played out in other’s life in history. Renée of France provides this.
One of those interesting tidbits I mentioned is the relationship between Renée and the Reformers, especially John Calvin.
A major element in Renée’s life is her correspondence with the French Reformer, John Calvin, which continues for most of her life and opens a window on less familiar aspects of his soul. Of all his correspondence with women, his letters to Renée are unique, revealing a close bond of friendship. Calvin often feels free to reveal his struggles to her in a way he would not do with others, and she talks openly and trustingly about her puzzlement, fear, and exasperation. In the background, the distinctive struggles of the Reformation in Italy and France evolve rapidly before our eyes. (p. 14)
Their correspondence provides the map to constructing her story and provides a glimpse into the pastoral heart of John Calvin (pp. 73, 121).
The story is told well. I was engaged throughout this short read and will be reading it to my daughters shortly. If you’re seeking biographies for your children or supplemental reading for the exploration of history, Renée of France would be a valuable addition to your library.
February 10, 2013
"Renée of France" is a biography about a noblewoman, Renée of France (1510-1575). She was a princess of France who was married to a duke of Italy, and she lived during the Protestant Reformation. She wrote to and received letters from John Calvin about some of the questions of faith that she was dealing with.
Renée used her wealth and influence to provide a refuge to Protestants while she was in Italy and, after she returned to France, during the French Wars of Religion. Still, some Protestants were concerned that she didn't seem to hold strong in her faith. She would sometimes make compromises in order to keep her lands and her freedom to act. She dealt with issues like: Is it okay to believe in private rather than make a stand in public? How much influence should a patron have over the church that they protect? Should we hate someone who persecutes members of our faith?
The biography mostly covered Renée's adult life and discussed the theological issues that Renée struggled with related to the Reformation. The book contained many quotes from John Calvin's letters to Renée.
Due to the "bitesized biographies" series title, I assumed this book was targeted at teenagers, but it's written with a scholarly tone and targeted at adults. This book is one good way for someone who knows little about the Reformation to learn about some of the theological and political issues involved. It's also an interesting look at a noblewoman caught between several strong, opposing forces and how she dealt with it.
Review copy provided by Cross Focused Reviews.
Renée used her wealth and influence to provide a refuge to Protestants while she was in Italy and, after she returned to France, during the French Wars of Religion. Still, some Protestants were concerned that she didn't seem to hold strong in her faith. She would sometimes make compromises in order to keep her lands and her freedom to act. She dealt with issues like: Is it okay to believe in private rather than make a stand in public? How much influence should a patron have over the church that they protect? Should we hate someone who persecutes members of our faith?
The biography mostly covered Renée's adult life and discussed the theological issues that Renée struggled with related to the Reformation. The book contained many quotes from John Calvin's letters to Renée.
Due to the "bitesized biographies" series title, I assumed this book was targeted at teenagers, but it's written with a scholarly tone and targeted at adults. This book is one good way for someone who knows little about the Reformation to learn about some of the theological and political issues involved. It's also an interesting look at a noblewoman caught between several strong, opposing forces and how she dealt with it.
Review copy provided by Cross Focused Reviews.
September 4, 2014
I love these little biographies! I had never heard of Renee.....a 16th century Protestant nobelewoman living in Catholic Italy who had a longstanding pastoral relationship with John Calvin. Their letters survive.....Sheds much needed light on Calvin, a warm hearted pastor who is much maligned by an unfair caricature.
February 15, 2013
I love to see that good, substantive, engaging church history is being written for a popular audience!
A more extensive review can be read here: http://awonderfulprovidence.blogspot....
A more extensive review can be read here: http://awonderfulprovidence.blogspot....
December 27, 2016
Renee of France will not be one of my "heroes" but it is a good reminder that God uses even weak people. And I am thankful for a biographer who admits those weaknesses instead of pretending they don't exist, choosing to give us an inspiring, but ultimately dishonest, look at their subject's life.
October 9, 2013
This Bite Size Biography of Renee of France was just enough to sink my teeth into and get a taste of an amazing Housewife Theologian from the 16th century. I highly recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews