Courting the Sun: A Novel of Versailles

by Peggy Joque Williams

“A rich journey through 17th century France in all its aspects—its bucolic countryside, the still-unmatched splendor of the court of Louis XIV, and the struggling French colony in Canada.” –Margaret George, New York Times bestselling author of Elizabeth I, The Autobiography of Henry VIII & The Memoirs of Cleopatra

France, 1670. On her sixteenth birthday, Sylvienne d’Aubert thinks her dream has come true. She holds in her hands an invitation from King Louis XIV to attend his royal court. However, her mother harbors a longtime secret she's kept from both her daughter and the monarch, a secret that could upend Sylvienne’s life.

In Paris, Sylvienne is quickly swept up in the romance, opulence, and excitement of royal life. Assigned to serve King Louis's favorite mistress, she is absorbed into the monarch's most intimate circle. But the naïve country girl soon finds herself ill-prepared for the world of intrigue, illicit affairs, and power-mongering that takes place behind the shiny façade of Versailles.

This debut historical novel from Peggy Joque Williams captures the vibrancy and quandaries of 17th century life for a village girl seeking love and excitement during the dangerous reign of the Sun King.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical, France

441 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 9, 2024

About the author

Peggy Joque Williams is the author of Courting the Sun: A Novel of Versailles, which was released by Black Rose Writing in May 2024 to critical acclaim. She has also teamed with Mary Joy Johnson to co-write two mystery novels under the penname M. J. Williams.

Reviews

[Noe Crockett · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book from the moment I started it. I couldn't put it down. Somewhere around chapter 45, I started to get nervous - I was getting perilously close to the end and the number of pages left didn't seem like enough to resolve everything in the way they deserved. And then the book ended. Just ended. In possibly the worst possible way.

I thought at first it was a cliffhanger and this was the first in a trilogy or series but after an exhaustive middle-of-the-night search, it doesn't appear that's the case. The way this book ended crushed my soul because I loved it so much up until that point. But then as I began to reflect more, I started seeing more flaws in the story, plot, characters.

*** SPOILERS BELOW THIS POINT ***

Boivin - from almost the onset he became one of the main antagonists, but the way his story ended felt abrupt, like an afterthought.

Rene - he was a one-dimensional character for like 2/3 of the book and then all of a sudden he was everywhere. It felt like he was a watered-down version of the villain and the way his story arced felt like a 90-degree angle, like it was way too much, too fast. While he wasn't a good husband, it felt like he should have been much darker and hateable to deserve the ending he got.

Etienne - I love Etienne. So much. I hate the way he just ghosted us at the end. WTH? What happened to Etienne???? Does he go back to the village? Does he get arrested? Does he follow Sylvienne? WHAT HAPPENED TO ETIENNE???

Sylvienne - Her ending was abrupt, to say the least. And I am not happy about it. But a couple of other things: did no one else see the revelation about her parentage coming? How is her mom so sick and she never goes back home to visit even once? Does she write to her mom once she gets to New France? Does she marry someone there or does Etienne show up and marry her? Whose baby is she pregnant with? How does that play into her future marriage. I HAVE SO MANY QUESTIONS.

Isabelle - So does she die? Does she know what became of her daughter? Also, what is she sick with? Consumption? What happened with Isabelle? Does Sylvienne write to her from New France?

This book needed an epilogue if not another installment picking up where this one left off. It's so incredibly well written and paced perfectly (except for those last dreaded chapters) and I really enjoyed the time period and plot. It's a shame that the last few chapters left such a blemish on all of that and left me with a bad taste in my mouth. I'll keep an eye on this author in the future, but I have trust issues with her now.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Courting the Sun was a sumptuous look into the court of King Louis XIV. The story focuses on a girl raised from obscurity and brought to the glittering court of Versailles, innocent of the intrigues that abound. The characters were well-developed and the author made you care for them. There was enough history to be interesting but it did not take away from the story (and the romance!). Would recommend to someone who enjoys historical fiction.

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one started as a 3 star read, improved to a 4 star about 2/3 of the way through, and then ended as a 2 star, so I'll take the average and give it 3. I think the author did a credible job of world-building and introducing Sylvienne and her fellow characters. Through the first half of the book, there wasn't a lot of conflict that drove the story, and things mostly happened TO Sylvienne. She didn't achieve much or make decisions that impacted those around her, and she served mostly as an observer of Versailles and its inhabitants. The story picked up once Etienne arrived at court and Sylvienne's history is revealed. However, that ending. My goodness. I understand and welcome that not every story can end happily - that's life, especially for women who lived in the past. But this ending was abrupt as well as disappointing. I sincerely hope the author is planning for a sequel; otherwise, the story on the whole was wasted. There is no resolution to several character's stories and no answers to some questions that arose in the last few chapters. Should the author finish Sylvienne's story, I would definitely pick it up and read it, and I would likewise try other books by this author as she continues to write. But in the end, this book was a miss for me because of the ending. Such a shame.

[chesirern · Rating 4 out of 5]

Courting the Sun by Peggy Joque Williams is a historical romance story. It has been awhile since I have read a historical romance or fiction novel but this one was fantastic. I was very impressed with how much research the author put into this book and into the history of seventeenth century France. I loved the development of the characters and how true to the time period the author tried to make it. It was a glimpse into an era of what probably happened based on snippets of facts. The world building was beautiful of course it was an era we romanticize today.
I really hope there is a book two because I feel the last parts were rushed and there so much more I wanted to read and learn. If you like historical romance definitely check this book out!

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. It was mesmerizing and I couldn’t put it down. I have read a lot of fiction centered in England, but not much about this time period. This book piqued my interest to read more. I really felt transported back into the late 17th century royalty with the dresses and parties along with the secrets and conspiracy that happens in royal court. Sylvienne was a great character and I liked how the author used her to show how the times were. She uncovered secrets her mother kept from her which landed her in King Louis’s court. IG also showed how the times were for women through her relationship with Ettienne, the shoemaker’s son.

Blurb

France, 1670. On her sixteenth birthday, Sylvienne d’Aubert thinks her dream has come true. She holds in her hands an invitation from King Louis XIV to attend his royal court. However, her mother harbors a longtime secret she's kept from both her daughter and the monarch, a secret that could upend Sylvienne’s life.

In Paris, Sylvienne is quickly swept up in the romance, opulence, and excitement of royal life. Assigned to serve King Louis's favorite mistress, she is absorbed into the monarch's most intimate circle. But the naïve country girl soon finds herself ill-prepared for the world of intrigue, illicit affairs, and power-mongering that takes place behind the shiny façade of Versailles.

This debut historical novel from Peggy Joque Williams captures the vibrancy and quandaries of 17th century life for a village girl seeking love and excitement during the dangerous reign of the Sun.

[The Page Ladies Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an entertaining story! Sylvienne was a nice main character! It was interesting to see how her character changed and developed throughout the book! I really enjoyed the descriptions of the 17th century! It was really easy to picture the dresses and the parties! There were enough interesting and entertaining facts that the story was tied down but it had plenty of secrets and conspiracy and that really made for a fun read! Thank you Love Book Tours Peggy Joque Williams and Black Rose Writing for sharing this book with me!

[Elaine Schroller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great world building and entertaining characters

Sylvienne d’Aubert's life in 17th century Amiens, France becomes more complicated than she imagined it could when she is invited to join King Louis XIV's court. Royal intrigue, politics, and family ties all become entangled in this entertaining and informative page-turner.

I also enjoyed the "Daughters of the King" thread - young women who were sent to Quebec to marry men there and help populate New France - that was woven throughout the story.

Fans of Kerry Chaput's Defying the Crown series and Aimie K. Runyan's Daughters of New France series will enjoy Courting the Sun.

[Rosemary Hazard · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting but ultimately frustrating read. The author wrote an engaging, richly detailed portrait of life in the Sun King Versailles court. The main character of Sylvienne was intriguing and, due to her youth and country upbringing, was unprepared for the nest of vipers that was court life. It was interesting to see the Monsieur character more sympathetic than in other characterizations.

Now, with all of these good points that kept me interested, here's where I was frustrated and why I gave this a favorable but meh rating. SPOILER The why Sylvienne was important to King Louis was thrown in we are just to go with it, we get glimpses of him being kindly as if to a cousin but then- hold the phone- she's his daughter. Okay. And whereas she was just a young, nubile courtier, now she's a useful pawn. Wait, what? And we will marry her off to a good looking but cruel nobleman. But her heart belongs to the shoemaker craftsman that was missing in action for 1/3 of the story, but he's her true love. And suddenly her spidey sense of self preservation and good judgement flies out the window with good s#x. Um...okay, and of course she's indiscreet while being married to the nobleman who can sniff out her clues. And so there's a confrontation, almost duel, and a quick knife to the back. Husband dead, craftsman on the first horse out of le Dodge and Sylvienne given the choice between convent and exile in the New World. I guess we are to believe Etienne will go to the New World and they'll be reunited. The entire single ladies go to Canada to get husbands was in the first part of the story but is kind of put aside for Versailles. It just came off as rushed and kind of a disappointment. That the author notes that her own family ancestry has members who were in this program leads me to wish she'd written about characters in it finding their way in a new place with strangers. I'd give this author another if she wrote THAT story.

[Niamh McAnally · Rating 5 out of 5]

What is wonderful about this book is that although it is historical fiction, and there are plenty of interesting historical facts and characters and new insights to learn about the period, it flows like a novel should and doesn't bog the reader down in a history lesson.

There is just the right amount of detail of the fashions, customs and locations, but what kept me turning the page was the story — the character of Sylvienne and her journey from a country town to the royal court of King Louis XIV. She feels real, so too does her mother and entourage.

As someone who has lived in Paris I appreciated the occasional phrase in French but for those unfamiliar with the language the context makes the meaning clear.

A wonderful book that will leave you pondering about the lives and impact of women in societies across the ages.

[Linda Stasi · Rating 1 out of 5]

This reads like a retired teacher who went on a group tour and wrote a book report of everything she learned about Versailles and the royalty of the time. A literal bodice/ripper with zero tension and needless minute descriptions of gowns and meals that sound like they were written by wanna-be food influencers.
The heroine (doesn’t deserve to called a “protagonist”) is a country girl swept up in the royal court and is admired by all for her wit and brilliance and yet she’s as dull as a napkin. The smarmy dialog is cringey enough to make you wish you were illiterate.
Meantime the king never has any responsibilities
other than dancing ballet and having mistresses. No political intrigue, no foreign wars — NOTHING. Stay away or you too will be trapped in a book report not a book.

[Danielle Sassine · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5-ish ⭐️

A work of historical fiction set in the 17th century during the reign of Louis XIV. We follow a young French girl, Sylvienne, from her provincial life in a small village to her call to the court of the Sun King. But after some time, the parties, glamour, and gossip have her longing for simple life she once knew and the love she left behind.

I really enjoyed this story and grew quite fond of Sylvienne’s character. The only reason I gave it mid-ranged rating is that I found the last part of the novel to be rushed and the ending quite abrupt. Hopefully, the author will continue this story in a second instalment where we will learn more about Sylvienne’s life beyond the royal court.

[Joyce Yarrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This riveting historical novel from Peggy Joque Williams captures the adventures of a spunky 17th century village girl who is swept up in the intrigues of King Louis XIV’s court when her mother turns out to be an old friend of the king. Beautifully written, the author’s attention to detail pays off by creating convincing settings and adding the historical details that captivated this reader. Looking forward to the sequel!

[Book Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peggy Joque Williams' debut novel, Courting the Sun, is an exceptional work of fiction that captivates readers with its rich narrative and compelling characters. Drawing inspiration from French history, this novel weaves a tale of ambition, adventure, love, and intrigue, immersing readers in a world where tragedy, politics, and personal struggles are intricately entwined.

Set in the 1660s, the story begins in the serene countryside of Amiens before transitioning to the opulence of Paris and Versailles. Williams masterfully portrays the social life of 17th-century France, offering a vivid glimpse into the era's vibrant and tumultuous society. The protagonist, Sylvienne, is a young village girl with a thirst for knowledge and dreams of a grander life. Her journey takes an unexpected turn when a secret about her heritage propels her into the lavish court of Louis XIV and the bustling streets of Paris.

Sylvienne's initial enchantment with court life quickly dissipates as she confronts the harsh realities and complex politics of the nobility. Williams' eloquent prose and immersive settings bring to life the salons, balls, and galas, capturing the ever-changing dynamics of court life where ambition and power play pivotal roles. Sylvienne's narrative is a poignant exploration of love, yearning, and grief, as she finds herself betrothed to one man while her heart belongs to another.

The novel's conclusion is both bittersweet and satisfying, marking the beginning of a new chapter for Sylvienne as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Williams has crafted a magical and enthralling tale that resonates with readers long after the final page. Courting the Sun is sure to entertain, intrigue, and mesmerize anyone who delves into its pages. Highly recommended for those seeking a richly detailed and emotionally engaging historical novel.

[Vickie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In her historical novel, Courting the Sun, author Peggy Joque Williams spins a well-written, fast-paced, thoroughly engaging story of love, honor, and duplicity. Readers will hold their breath as the royals, courtiers, mistresses, and ladies-in-waiting jostle for power in the court of King Louis XIV. Williams delivers a plot with rewarding twists and turns. I read her novel in two days because I had to know what happened next. I loved being surprised, but at the same time realizing, “Of course, it all makes sense now.”

Connoisseurs of historical fiction will appreciate Williams’s devoted research of King Louis XIV’s era. Her realistic characters, dynamic dialogue, and evocative settings animate the world of the King and his royal court, giving readers the chance to experience a great story set in a realistically rendered slice of history. As Sylvienne’s carriage enters Paris for the first time, readers smell the stench of the overcrowded city. They hear the deafening noise of never-ending construction in the growing city. They witness extreme poverty and outrageous wealth among the people who traverse the streets. Throughout her novel Williams brings seventeenth-century France to life for her readers.

William’s book has what every good historical novel should have – wonderful writing that firmly entrenches readers in another time and place, surprising but believable twists, and characters readers care about. But most importantly readers want to trust that the writer has done impeccable research, and on this point, Williams earns our trust.

[Elizabeth John · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peggy Joque Williams’ Courting the Sun is a richly imagined historical novel that rewards readers with its intricate detail and emotional depth. While the slow-burn start may require patience, it thoughtfully lays the groundwork for Sylvienne d’Aubert’s journey from countryside to court, ultimately drawing readers into a vividly crafted world and a deeply personal story of growth and resilience.
The heart of the novel lies in the evolution, which feels authentic and heartfelt. Sylvienne’s maturing perspective forms the emotional core of the book, with a mix of triumphs and stumbles that make her both relatable and profoundly human. Experiencing the world through her eyes creates moments of genuine resonance, immersing readers in her challenges and victories.
Williams’ attention to historical detail is remarkable, bringing the setting to life with vivid descriptions of its sights, sounds, and textures. This meticulous world-building enhances Sylvienne’s personal transformation, creating a backdrop that feels as real and layered as the story itself.
The ending, while polarising, fits the narrative’s tone and themes. Though some may wish for a more extended resolution, its emotional impact remains strong, leaving readers with much to reflect on after the final page.
Ultimately, Courting the Sun is a compelling and rewarding read for fans of richly detailed historical fiction that focuses on character development. Despite its uneven pacing, the novel’s depth, authenticity, and vibrant storytelling make it memorable. I hope that a sequel is planned.

[Shaina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Peggy Joque Williams for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Courting the Sun coming out May 9, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

France, 1670. On her sixteenth birthday, Sylvienne d'Aubert thinks her dream has come true. She holds in her hands an invitation from King Louis XIV to attend his royal court. However, her mother harbors a longtime secret she's kept from both her daughter and the monarch, a secret that could upend Sylvienne's life.

In Paris, Sylvienne is quickly swept up in the romance, opulence, and excitement of royal life. Assigned to serve King Louis's favorite mistress, she is absorbed into the monarch's most intimate circle. But the naïve country girl soon finds herself ill-prepared for the world of intrigue, illicit affairs, and power-mongering that takes place behind the shiny façade of Versailles.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I was really interested in the Versailles aspect of the book. I love the history of France in the 1600s. This was a story that I wasn’t familiar with. I thought Sylvienne was a really interesting character. She’s thrown into high royal society and has to find a way to survive. There were a few parts I didn’t enjoy like the men always going after vulnerable girls. But I’m sure that was true to history. Overall, I loved the writing and I feel like it was well researched.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys books about Versailles in the 1600s!

[Frances-Marie Coke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovers of historical fiction, spiced with intrigue, and the best “coming of age” elements will take to Courting the Sun, A Versailles novel by Peggy Joque Williams. The title’s multiple meanings provide clues to the many layers explored by an author who obviously did her research to produce authentic, yet engaging details about a time and place many readers will feel at home in, even with no attraction to history. Young protagonist Sylvienne did not set out to court “the sun” (nickname of King Louis IV, who embraced the sun as his emblem), but signs and secrets about courting are everywhere, and in one instance created “the big secret” behind the king’s visit to her lowly home, followed by Etienne’s call to the court. This turning point exposes the young, impressionable Sylvienne to a dream-like world in which she rubs shoulders with royalty, receiving unprecedented attention and praise as she twirls through exotic evenings with her name on the lips of important people.

So why does she yearn for the simple life she left behind? Why does she long for her mother’s consolation and advice? And why do new shoes bring her the joy not experienced even after being elevated to the rank of duchess? Awaiting the answers will keep readers turning the pages, but the author’s character portraits, lush descriptions, and reproduction of charming old-world settings will entertain throughout the journey.

[Lily · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this incredibly detailed and immersive historical fiction novel, readers travel to seventeenth century France where Sylvienne d’Aubert receives an invitation to attend Louis XIV, King of France, at Versailles. This invitation, however, reveals a secret her mother has kept from Sylvienne and the King. In Paris, Sylvienne quickly discovers the romance, decadence, opulence, and artistry of court as she takes on a position in the household of Madame de Montespan, Louis XIV’s preferred mistress. However, there is a dark side to the beauty and wonder of the royal court, and Sylvienne must adapt to the intrigues, affairs, and power-grabbing of court politics for her own good. With a vivid historical setting and a host of historical and historically inspired characters, readers will explore the depths and complexities of French court life during Louis XIV’s reign with Sylvienne. Sylvienne is an excellent protagonist and heroine, and Williams brings all of her characters to life with detailed backstories, unique personalities, and complex motivations. With such a vibrant setting and brilliant characters, readers are sure to enjoy Williams’s book about life at Versailles in 1670 when everything is beautiful but also dangerous if you know where to look and how to play the game.

Thanks to NetGalley and Black Rose Writing for the advance copy.

[Diane Nagatomo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peggy Joque Williams’ historical novel “Courting the Sun” is an absolute page turner that I finished in just two days. Set in the time of the French Sun King, Louis XIV, we follow the adventures of Sylvienne, a country girl who reads the tabloids (of that time) and dreams of living a fairy tale life. One day, she returns home to find the King sitting in her salon and having a deep conversation with her widowed mother. How was that possible? Her mother had never shown the slightest interest in anything to do with the royalty. But after that meeting, Sylvienne is summoned to court, and her fairy tale life begins. Or does it? Despite the luxury of the palace and the non-stop entertainment all the nobility enjoys, most people she meets are insincere and seek only to gain power for themselves. After the secret that Sylvienne’s mother had been keeping all these years is revealed, Sylvienne begins to discover what is really important in life.

Williams has crafted a world that was so believable, I almost felt like I was seeing 17th century France with my own eyes—the countryside, the fashion, and the food. Oh, the food! I do hope that a sequel is in the works because I’m dying to see what Sylvienne will do next.

[Corinne Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Historical fiction at its finest! Every page felt like I was immersing myself in France. The attention to detail was one of my favorite things about this novel.

Sylvienne has grown up as a peasant, and then out of nowhere she is whisked away to Paris by King Louis himself. A relation to the king, Sylvienne is thrown into the melee that is court intrigue and is swept away by the life she could lead.

There were moments I wanted to reach through the pages and give Sylvienne a solid shake for her actions and in some cases her inaction, but I had to remind myself she was young and not privy to the realities of court.

This is a story of young love, of found family, of intrigue and the perceptions of power. I found myself rooting for romance to champion the pages, and acquiescing to the historical truth that directs the pawns.

The characters were multifaceted — and many of the characters tugged on my heartstrings throughout the novel. I was overwhelmed with emotion reading, so I cannot imagine how Sylvienne navigated as well as she did.

The ending has left me with questions, the need for more, and a burning desire to know what becomes of these characters after I turned the last page.

[Laura Acock · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Review: LBT Historical
Courting the Sun
Peggy Joque Williams
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

What an amazing novel, and a fantastic debut. I was hooked from the moment I opened the first page. The story was intriguing and mesmerising, capturing the sumptuousness of King Louis the XIV the Sun King’s court expertly. The multiple meanings of the title gave a plethora of clues to the well researched novel and the themes contained within.

Courting The Sun is a coming of age novel, an awakening and a rebirth. It tells the story of an impressionable young girl Slyvienne. The novel details her journey from obscurity and safety through to the intrigues, scandals and dangers of the French court, and her rise from living in relative poverty to become a lady in waiting to the King’s mistress to her rise to the lofty heights of duchesse.

The writing style was so rich that I almost felt as though I was there in the 17th century court watching the tale unfold. I really hope that there will be another novel as I want to know more about what Slyvienne will do.
#ad #lbtcrew #bookstagram #freereview #freebookreview #historicalfiction #blackrosewriting #womenshistoricalfiction #LouisXIV #France #fillesderoi #winsconsinauthor

[Michelle Caffrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elegance and Intrigue in 17th-Century France

Peggy Joque Williams’ “Courting the Sun” is a masterful blend of historical detail and romantic intrigue set against the backdrop of 17th-century France. This engaging novel paints a vivid picture of a world of opulence and ambition, woven with the personal struggles and triumphs of its well-developed characters.
Sylvienne d’Aubert, is a young girl whose village life takes a dramatic turn after the death of her father. The novel’s plot is well-constructed, with several unexpected twists that maintain suspense and engagement throughout. Sylvienne’s character development, along with the gradual revelation of her mother’s backstory, adds depth to the narrative of life in the court of the Sun King.
“Courting the Sun” is a must-read for those who enjoy richly detailed historical fiction and romantic tales. Peggy Joque Williams has created a novel that is both educational and entertaining. For readers disappointed by the surprise ending, here’s a quote from Williams’ website: “My work-in-progress, “A Tangled Dawn,” takes my” Courting the Sun” heroine, Sylvienne, on the next chapter of her life journey.”
I look forward to reading the continuation of Sylvienne’s adventures.

[Christine DeSmet · Rating 5 out of 5]

This beautifully written and edited historical novel set in 17th century France is so well-researched and full of adventure that it goes beyond any Cinderella comparisons, despite it being about a poor country girl invited to live in the castle and attend the court of King Louis XIV. Sylvienne, 16, matures swiftly amid witnessing skullduggery, illicit affairs, and the desperations of the rich and poor. Her own secret romance with a commoner weaves in and out of the story like a silken thread ready to pull apart her rich life. The attention to detail about the facets of life for commoners and those of the court creates a satisfying layering, helping a reader climb right inside the story. It was eye-opening witnessing Sylvienne participate in the games and salons, where discussions of writers, poets, and philosophers became part of her right-of-passage. Desires and danger lurk at every turn, with jealousy and greed building as Sylvienne’s enemies conspire against her. The ending may make a reader gasp—and such perfect endings are why we read great books. This is the author’s first historical novel. Highly recommended. 5 stars.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

17th Century France isn't a period of history I know much about. In fact I had to Google which King Louis it was (the one from The Man in The Iron Mask, not the one was was beheaded) so I can't vouch for the historical accuracy of the book. Although the mention of dancing "en pointe" was about 160 years too soon. However, that did not diminish my enjoyment of the book in any way.

I really enjoyed this story. King Louis XIV certainly matched up to what I do know of him, and other than having multiple mistresses and illegitimate children, which seemed to be acceptable at the time, I quite liked him. Prince Phillippe is definitely the more interesting of the brothers though!

However, this book was mainly about the women. I can't imagine how hard life was for women then, even the upper classes lived in some kind of gilded cage. Marriages were often arranged for them, and their main purpose was to look pretty and have children. With no pain relief.

I loved following Sylvienne from ger school days in a convent in Amiens, to the court of The Sun King and the grand palaces of France. I'll definitely be looking out for more books by this author.

[MaryAnn Shank · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a splendid tale! From a country village in France to the court of King Louis, this story resonates with strong characters, opulent description and a heroine who simply grabs your attention. While her life is not always easy (she is even banished from the convent school), it is intriguing. Her mother reads stones, telling her that there will be storms in her life, and there are. But there is also passionate love, and forever friendships. When presented at Court, she instantly becomes the intrigue du jour, the curiosity from the country, whose sassy wit and sharp tongue land her in more humiliation than her youth and inexperience can handle. We can only stand aside as she fights to regain control of her own life.

In terms of writing, I especially enjoyed the rich description and strong character development. Each character is etched with the precision of an artist. The story itself presents a number of wonderful plot twists and discoveries. All in all, a most enjoyable read. I understand that this is to be a trilogy, and I can't wait for the next chapter!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[DL Heim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am generally not a fan of historical romance, but I found Peggy Joque Williams’ novel Courting the Sun absolutely captivating. As other reviewers have noted, the world is meticulously researched, but the extensive detail actually would have been a distraction for me if not for the sheer gumption of the heroine Sylvienne d’Aubert and her mother. As her storyline draws us from a small village to the King’s court, Sylvienne’s initial enchantment with palace intrigue quickly sours as she realizes she has fewer choices than she did as a peasant girl badgered by the nuns in Amiens. The author skillfully captures the oppressive constraints on all women, whether high- or low-born, in an overtly patriarchal system. The social brutality of the aristocracy had an oddly modern feel, with caricatures of nobility in gossip magazines the tweets and memes of the day. Sylvienne comes to appreciate why her mother escaped from a life in the royal court, but she is determined to wrest control of her future amid treacherous circumstances. And you root for her as she does. A lovely read.

[Larry F. Sommers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peggy Joque Williams, known as a mystery writer, plants her flag in the realm of historical fiction with this tale of a village girl plunged without preparation into the glittering life at Versailles under Louis XIV, the Sun King.
Sylvienne d’Aubert, torn from family and friends in her teen years, is dazzled by the very artists, courtiers, and royals she has only known from books, plays, and scandal sheets purchased in the alleys of Amiens. The puzzling ups and downs of the aristocracy give her a whole new set of friends—and menacing foes—from the moment she arrives at court.
Likewise, the reader is swiftly engaged in Sylvienne’s life as she steers her course from hope to sorrow and back again. The prose is unerring and fast-moving. Williams’s sharp dialog, realistic characters, and rich descriptions of Bourbon court life keep you entralled in ever-changing developments. The end of the story is more a beginning than an end, and one is left impatient to read the next chapter.
Thumbs up for this pointed evocation of seventeenth-century court life.

[Adelle Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sumptuous and well-researched tale of the court of the Sun King, Louis XIV. Young Sylvienne, a young girl living in the country, is shocked to hear that her mother was a childhood friend of the Sun King, and even more surprised to receive a mysterious summons to court. Traversing the rich landscapes of 17th century France, including Amiens, Paris, Fountainebleau, and Versailles, Peggy Joque Williams takes the reader on an intimate journey of all that court life entailed - the good, the bad, and the ugly. Beneath the veneer of the most beautiful and elegant French monarchy in history, lie the lives on which those great riches depended. Through Sylvienne's coming of age story, we are able to experience the myriad of lives and experiences that form the core of Louis' circle. The novel never forgets the sense of danger that follows the bright and curious Sylvienne as she navigates the unknown threats around her. The richness of historical detail is stunning, and will not fail to inspire any lover of French history. Highly recommend to any readers of historical fiction.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for this ARC.

Two weeks ago I was in Versailles on a vacation with my family and I began looking for historical fiction novels to read about the Sun King and/or Marie Antoinette. When I saw this book pop up on Netgalley it seemed like a perfect fit.

I couldn't put it down! We follow our heroine Sylvienne as she leaves the small town of Amiens and her beloved friends, possible romantic interest, and family to join the court of Louis XIV, the Sun King. At court she learns to play by the rules of the nobles who marry for money, curry favor with royalty and keep their private affairs as private as possible (which isn't very).

My biggest complaint is the ending. At about the 80% mark Sylvienne marries and things move very quickly after that. The book ends with a bit of a cliff hanger - I really hope there is a sequel! Definitely recommend to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a bit of romance. A quick, easy read.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an interesting read.
This historical story is set in time of King Louis XIV, with involving the going ons of being part of the his court. The story is about young Sylvienne d’Aubert who jumps at the chance to be part of this world when she had grown up in small town with her mother, not knowing what would be fully expected of her.
She becomes introduced to many in the high society, and creates these relationships with not only the King, but his mistress and his brother. But also dealing with what her heart wants which is the kind shoemaker from her town, Etienne.
Though the situations with the King and his court are information from history, Sylvienne, Etienne and her mother are not, but give an example of what could or may happen.
I really did enjoy the story, but I did feel that the ending was a little rushed and a little sad. I don't know if there will be a sequel to this story, but it was very good read.