Keys: a Marie Antoinette story

by Amanda Kai

The marriage between the Dauphin of France and the Archduchess of Austria was purely a political arrangement, born out of their two countries' desire for an alliance. Marie Antoinette hoped for nothing more than friendship between herself and Louis-Auguste when they set off for a month in the countryside. But in this idyllic setting, she begins to yearn for something more. Could romance be in store for the young newlyweds? Will they discover the key to happiness in their arranged marriage, or will the pressures of their families' expectations keep their feelings locked away?

This fictional short-story is based on the lives of Marie Antoinette and Louis XVI, and suggest what their marriage might have been like at its start, when they were only teenagers themselves.

Genres: Romance

28 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 10, 2019

About the author

Amanda Kai’s background in the performing arts drives her creative spirit. Prior to becoming an author, Amanda enjoyed a successful career as a professional harpist, and danced ballet for twenty years. Her love of storytelling, nurtured by a fondness for period dramas and classic literature, led her to begin writing historical romances. She is the author of Marriage and Ministry and Elizabeth’s Secret Admirer, two stories based on Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice. She also wrote a fictional short story about Marie Antoinette, titled Keys. When she’s not diving into the past through the realm of her imagination, Amanda lives out her own happily ever after in Leander, Texas, with her husband and three children.

Reviews

[Catherine Pratt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely, positively LOVE this short story. I never heard of this author so I decided to get her ARC. I am so glad I did. She is amazing!! This is an absolutely beautiful love story. This story reminds me of my SO (significant other) and myself. If you love history and romance, this short story is a must read.

I got a free copy of the book and is voluntarily leaving a review

[Adriana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Story about two young people united through a marriage of political interest and at the same time kept apart by the same political interests and routine. Marie Antoinette, finds herself lonely in the relationship and tries to get closer to her husband, Louis-Auguste, at that moment, Prince of France, practically a stranger. They then go on their honeymoon in the countryside where they finally get to know each other and she discovers that he is shy and has a hobby of making keys. She finds herself in love with him and decides to declare what she feels, but he discovers a letter from her mother that almost ruins everything. Romantic. It could yield even more pages that I would gladly read.

[PAR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me tell you how very much I loved this novel. It is endearing, adoreable, what is not to dye for!. I have to tell you that I am totally hooked on the writing of Amanda Kai! She is such an engaging author. She crafts her characters with absolute perfection. I highly recommend this novel and I would like to read more of her novels. It is not often that you find such an engaging author! I received this novel through StoryOrigin. This is my honest review!

[Mia Burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amanda Kai is a talented and new author to me. I will certainly look forward to reading more of books in the future.

This is a lovely story and the author had me engaged from the start. She brought the characters to life quite well. I enjoyed her take on such memorable persons. I myself would have preferred a longer story but I must confess, I enjoyed it as it is.

Thank you Amanda for such an interesting look into the lives of such fascinating people from history. I look forward to reading more of your work.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

1770 Just wedded to the Dauphin of France, Louis-Auguste, Marie Antoinette decides that they need time alone to forward their interactions and so to bring them closer together. But how to achieve this.
An enjoyable historical romance short story told from the point of view of Marie Antoinette.

I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author via StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anke Nijdam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vermakelijk en lief verhaal over het begin van het huwelijk van Marie Antoinette met de dauphin van Frankrijk. Amanda Kai schetst kort hoe het huwelijk aan het hof zou zijn geweest en hoe ze daarna hun huwelijksreis beleven, alles vanuit het oogpunt van Marie Antoinette. Ik voelde echt de onzekerheid en ongemakkelijkheid van Marie Antoinette naar haar man toe.

De uiteindelijke ontknoping vond ik wat tegenvallen. De eerste helft, 2/3 van het boek waren het mooiste.

[Mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much shorter than I was expecting but a great quick read! Really speaks to how it must have felt to be married off to someone you didn’t know, especially for political gain, but this short romance story has a lovely feel to it and I hope many of them found love in their matches like in the story

I received a free copy of the book in return for an honest review

[Carolyn Valdez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first time I have read this authors’ books but it will not be the last. I really enjoyed the book but I wished that it would have been longer. The author pulls you in and does not let you go till the end.You feel like you are there with the characters.

[Zeinab Dh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I chose to read and review this book. I enjoyed reading this one. it is well-written with captivating characters. It is a lovely love short story to read. I recommend it and will be reading more from this author