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Darkness to Light #1
In the Shadow of the Sun King
Madeleine Clavell--beautiful, fiercely faithful, and...an outlaw.
As Huguenots in 17th-Century France, Madeleine Clavell and her family defy French law daily. Though they live in comfort and happiness in the French countryside, their Protestant Christianity is considered traitorous. But they are wary. Persecution is surely at hand.
Then King Louis XIV's dragoons arrive, forcing the family from their country estate. Madeleine must gather her courage and seek out the king in his royal palace at Versailles.
Because Madeleine has a secret. Though years and a thousand choices have separated them, Madeleine and King Louis have a history together. One she feels certain he has not forgotten. She will risk everything to speak to him again. But will the impetuous king choose to save her...and her family? And if so, at what price?
As Huguenots in 17th-Century France, Madeleine Clavell and her family defy French law daily. Though they live in comfort and happiness in the French countryside, their Protestant Christianity is considered traitorous. But they are wary. Persecution is surely at hand.
Then King Louis XIV's dragoons arrive, forcing the family from their country estate. Madeleine must gather her courage and seek out the king in his royal palace at Versailles.
Because Madeleine has a secret. Though years and a thousand choices have separated them, Madeleine and King Louis have a history together. One she feels certain he has not forgotten. She will risk everything to speak to him again. But will the impetuous king choose to save her...and her family? And if so, at what price?
366 pages, Paperback
First published October 14, 2008
27 people are currently reading
868 people want to read
About the author
Golden Keyes Parsons
12 books83 followersGolden Keyes Parsons is a popular retreat and conference speaker, author of historical novels and an ordained pastor.
Her book, "In The Shadow Of The Sun King," (Thomas Nelson Publishing), first in a four-book series based on her family genealogy, released Fall 2008, and was named a finalist in the ACFW's Book of the Year Debut Author category. The book chronicles the saga of the Clavell family in 17th century France, where, as French Huguenots, they suffer persecution at the hands of Louis XIV's Catholic government.
The second book, "A Prisoner Of Versailles," was released September 2009. It was a finalist in RWA's Daphne contest as well as a Golden Scroll finalist.
Book Three, "Where Hearts Are Free" released in November of 2010 and was selected as a Women of Faith Library Selection.
His Steadfast Love, a Civil War novel set in Texas, which released in 2011 was named a finalist in the Readers' Choice Awards.
Parsons' biblical novella series released as ebooks through 2012 - 2013 and released as a compilation, Hidden Faces: Nameless Women in Scripture in April of 2014.
Her book, "In The Shadow Of The Sun King," (Thomas Nelson Publishing), first in a four-book series based on her family genealogy, released Fall 2008, and was named a finalist in the ACFW's Book of the Year Debut Author category. The book chronicles the saga of the Clavell family in 17th century France, where, as French Huguenots, they suffer persecution at the hands of Louis XIV's Catholic government.
The second book, "A Prisoner Of Versailles," was released September 2009. It was a finalist in RWA's Daphne contest as well as a Golden Scroll finalist.
Book Three, "Where Hearts Are Free" released in November of 2010 and was selected as a Women of Faith Library Selection.
His Steadfast Love, a Civil War novel set in Texas, which released in 2011 was named a finalist in the Readers' Choice Awards.
Parsons' biblical novella series released as ebooks through 2012 - 2013 and released as a compilation, Hidden Faces: Nameless Women in Scripture in April of 2014.
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August 21, 2020I got this one as a gift from my MIL, so I gave it a try, but I just couldn't get into it. The 17th century French setting caught my attention, but the writing just didn't work for me. Stylistically, this one just felt clunky. The writing just plods along and the characters felt only half-formed.
In addition, there was a little too much "Huguenots=good, Catholics=bad" for my taste. I knew going in that this was an inspie written from the Protestant perspective, so I expected the Huguenots to tbe the heroes. However, there's a difference from being sympathetic to what was then a persecuted religious minority versus making the Catholics the baddies all the time in an oversimplified fashion. The author does too much of the second, and I gave up after a few chapters.
In addition, there was a little too much "Huguenots=good, Catholics=bad" for my taste. I knew going in that this was an inspie written from the Protestant perspective, so I expected the Huguenots to tbe the heroes. However, there's a difference from being sympathetic to what was then a persecuted religious minority versus making the Catholics the baddies all the time in an oversimplified fashion. The author does too much of the second, and I gave up after a few chapters.
June 7, 2013
A Quickie Review
Usually, when people say, "Don't judge a book by its cover," they're not really talking about literature; in fact, I've found that the front and back covers of most media--books, CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes, etc.--are usually a fair judge as to whether something is worth buying or borrowing. The cover image of this book is badly photographed--look at the weird expression on that lady's face!--and that's indicative of the internal contents. Bad writing, uninteresting plot...it has to be one of the worst books I've read in a while. I struggled to get as far as a did, and I was about sixty percent through it before I quit. If my copy hadn't been water damaged, it would be taken to the used bookstore ASAP.
Content Concerns: Oh, who cares? If you read my review, you won't want to read it anyway.
Score: 1.25/5
Usually, when people say, "Don't judge a book by its cover," they're not really talking about literature; in fact, I've found that the front and back covers of most media--books, CDs, DVDs, VHS tapes, etc.--are usually a fair judge as to whether something is worth buying or borrowing. The cover image of this book is badly photographed--look at the weird expression on that lady's face!--and that's indicative of the internal contents. Bad writing, uninteresting plot...it has to be one of the worst books I've read in a while. I struggled to get as far as a did, and I was about sixty percent through it before I quit. If my copy hadn't been water damaged, it would be taken to the used bookstore ASAP.
Content Concerns: Oh, who cares? If you read my review, you won't want to read it anyway.
Score: 1.25/5
January 24, 2009
This book presents a story that takes place during a very difficult time in the history of France. The amount of details provided in the narrative; the realistic conversations between the characters; the way the story incorporated other stories and information from this era; and the clear descriptions of the good, the bad and the ugly of their lifes makes the story very interesting. My favorite passage from the book is on page 182, when Jean tells his nephew, Phillipe, "True courage is not the absence of fear. True courage is when one does what is right in sprite of being afraid."
May 11, 2018
Madeleine Clavell en haar familie zijn Hugenoten. In een tijd waarin Hugenoten genadeloos worden vervolgd op vraag van koning Louis XIV, ondanks het edict van Nantes. Maar Madeleine en Louis hebben een voorgeschiedenis. Ze was Louis' eerste liefde. Dat lijkt haar te beschermen tot de dragonders ook haar huis binnenvallen en dreigen de kinderen te ontvoeren. Madeleine trekt naar Versailles voor een smeekbede bij haar vroegere geliefde. Maar zal Louis daar op ingaan?
Dit boek leest vlot en weet op een moeiteloze manier de historische feiten te verweven met actie en drama. Je leeft onmiddellijk mee met de familie. Enkel de verhaallijnen die zich afspelen op Versailles zelf vond ik wat dunnetjes. Louis' karakter komt er niet echt uit. Het verhaal lijkt ook best afgerond, maar toch zijn er nog 2 vervolgdelen.
Een fijn boek om wat meer te weten te komen over de tijdsgeest zonder dat het een geschiedenislesje wordt.
Dit boek leest vlot en weet op een moeiteloze manier de historische feiten te verweven met actie en drama. Je leeft onmiddellijk mee met de familie. Enkel de verhaallijnen die zich afspelen op Versailles zelf vond ik wat dunnetjes. Louis' karakter komt er niet echt uit. Het verhaal lijkt ook best afgerond, maar toch zijn er nog 2 vervolgdelen.
Een fijn boek om wat meer te weten te komen over de tijdsgeest zonder dat het een geschiedenislesje wordt.
April 26, 2019
3.5 Stars
I enjoyed the history, but I didn't connect with the characters like I would have liked.
I enjoyed the history, but I didn't connect with the characters like I would have liked.
January 3, 2009
The world-building was very good and vividly paints a picture of what life was like at the time. The pacing is excellent, and the story is generally suspenseful--or, at least, should be considering what's happening.
The book, especially after page 92, was well-written. Before that point, the adults were very flat and predictable even if the events happening to them were exciting. It was the Feisty Heroine battling against the Villainous Military Commander and the other adults stayed vaguely in background. However, I found the parts about the children in Jean's point of view were vivid and highly suspenseful. After page 92, the adults stopped playing such cliche roles and filled out into interesting characters.
My main problem with the story is that I didn't like our main character and so didn't care if disaster befell her. Madeleine's main talents are to run headlong into trouble and then feel sorry for herself over the bad results of those actions. Worse, she never learns from her mistakes to the point of changing her ways. Her loyalty to her family and faithfulness to her husband are admirable, but she even flirts with forsaking those qualities. Though she seems to be held in high regard for holding true to her faith, her actions show little real trust in her God. Frankly, I can't understand why three men declare their undying love for the spoiled brat.
I also initially didn't like the husband. He's a wimp in the beginning (though he sure pays for it later and comes out a better man for it). He knew that letting Madeleine go to court would put his family in danger if she refused to be the king's mistress (and she swore she wouldn't do that), yet he gives in to her demands to go because he 'can never stop her once she sets her mind to do something.' Yet the servants would have willingly stopped her from going at his slightest command. Obviously, he didn't care about his family enough to stand up to her foolish behavior.
On the other hand, I liked almost all the other adults (including all but the cliche bad guy) and all of the children. I kept reading because I did care what became of them.
Overall, it was worth reading even though the main character irritated me. If you're a fan of feisty heroines, you'll probably even enjoy her.
The book, especially after page 92, was well-written. Before that point, the adults were very flat and predictable even if the events happening to them were exciting. It was the Feisty Heroine battling against the Villainous Military Commander and the other adults stayed vaguely in background. However, I found the parts about the children in Jean's point of view were vivid and highly suspenseful. After page 92, the adults stopped playing such cliche roles and filled out into interesting characters.
My main problem with the story is that I didn't like our main character and so didn't care if disaster befell her. Madeleine's main talents are to run headlong into trouble and then feel sorry for herself over the bad results of those actions. Worse, she never learns from her mistakes to the point of changing her ways. Her loyalty to her family and faithfulness to her husband are admirable, but she even flirts with forsaking those qualities. Though she seems to be held in high regard for holding true to her faith, her actions show little real trust in her God. Frankly, I can't understand why three men declare their undying love for the spoiled brat.
I also initially didn't like the husband. He's a wimp in the beginning (though he sure pays for it later and comes out a better man for it). He knew that letting Madeleine go to court would put his family in danger if she refused to be the king's mistress (and she swore she wouldn't do that), yet he gives in to her demands to go because he 'can never stop her once she sets her mind to do something.' Yet the servants would have willingly stopped her from going at his slightest command. Obviously, he didn't care about his family enough to stand up to her foolish behavior.
On the other hand, I liked almost all the other adults (including all but the cliche bad guy) and all of the children. I kept reading because I did care what became of them.
Overall, it was worth reading even though the main character irritated me. If you're a fan of feisty heroines, you'll probably even enjoy her.
January 17, 2009
During the reign of King Louis the French Protestants had to either convert or face imprisonment. Some thought that they would be protected, but they were not.
When the dragoon's storm on to the Clavell's estate, they soon found out that even being former people of the court would not protect them from being persecuted by King Louis soldiers. The Clavell's send Their two boys off with their uncle to a cave to save them from being taken and put in Catholic school's.
While they are hiding, Madeleine Clavell, who use to have a relation with King Louis when he was younger thought that if she pleaded with the King, he would save her family. Though she soon finds out that King Louis is not the same King she knew when she was younger.
Out raged by her not accepting to be his mistress, he orders her estate burned. Nobody would make a mockery of the King. Madeleine tries to reach home before the Dragoons get there but she is too late. Her husband and little girl are gone, but she still has her two boys and their uncle and some of her servants, so they must travel to Geneva for safe haven.
But what has happened to her husband? Her daughter? And who is the unlikely ally that they make along the way. Madeleine made a gamble trying to save her family, but now they must trust in God to guide them to find each other again. Will they be able to get out from under the Shadow of the Sun King?
Golden Keyes Parson weaves a great tale using what she knew about her french ancestors and historical fact to give us a extraordinary tale. I am deciding that I am not a huge fan of historicals unless there is a bit of romance in it, but I did find this book interesting. I believe that if you are a great fan of historicals set in the Seventeenth Century, then you will like this book.
When the dragoon's storm on to the Clavell's estate, they soon found out that even being former people of the court would not protect them from being persecuted by King Louis soldiers. The Clavell's send Their two boys off with their uncle to a cave to save them from being taken and put in Catholic school's.
While they are hiding, Madeleine Clavell, who use to have a relation with King Louis when he was younger thought that if she pleaded with the King, he would save her family. Though she soon finds out that King Louis is not the same King she knew when she was younger.
Out raged by her not accepting to be his mistress, he orders her estate burned. Nobody would make a mockery of the King. Madeleine tries to reach home before the Dragoons get there but she is too late. Her husband and little girl are gone, but she still has her two boys and their uncle and some of her servants, so they must travel to Geneva for safe haven.
But what has happened to her husband? Her daughter? And who is the unlikely ally that they make along the way. Madeleine made a gamble trying to save her family, but now they must trust in God to guide them to find each other again. Will they be able to get out from under the Shadow of the Sun King?
Golden Keyes Parson weaves a great tale using what she knew about her french ancestors and historical fact to give us a extraordinary tale. I am deciding that I am not a huge fan of historicals unless there is a bit of romance in it, but I did find this book interesting. I believe that if you are a great fan of historicals set in the Seventeenth Century, then you will like this book.
December 22, 2012
Well! This is indeed an inspirational book with many prayers and even a character converted during the course of the book. In spite of all that, I completely enjoyed it. Not much has been written about the persecution of Huguenots (protestants)in France. the Edict Of Nantes was supposed to protect Huguenots in France from persecution but as he grew older the Sun King, Louis IV wanted Huguenots to outwardly convert so France would be a united Catholic country.
Church and State come together when dragoons come to the Huguenot Clavell family estate. Madeleine had once been a favorite of young King Louis. She is now the mother of three children. While her sons are sent into hiding she decides to go to Versailles and beg the king for lenience. Here she meets Pierre Bovee the son of the dragoon commander who becomes a great help to her family. Madeleine fails in her plea, angers the King and is forced to flee to Geneva while her husband is sentenced to the galleys and her toddler daughter kidnapped.
How the family comes together again with prayer, faith and help from the secret Huguenots in France
is the basis of the plot.
In spite of all the religion in the book and in spite of being Catholic myself, I enjoyed this book very much. I thought the writing was excellent, the plot exceptional and the characters well developed.The historical background of the persecution is also worth reading about. I knew about the persecution of Catholics in England but this is the first time I have read one about persecution in France.
Church and State come together when dragoons come to the Huguenot Clavell family estate. Madeleine had once been a favorite of young King Louis. She is now the mother of three children. While her sons are sent into hiding she decides to go to Versailles and beg the king for lenience. Here she meets Pierre Bovee the son of the dragoon commander who becomes a great help to her family. Madeleine fails in her plea, angers the King and is forced to flee to Geneva while her husband is sentenced to the galleys and her toddler daughter kidnapped.
How the family comes together again with prayer, faith and help from the secret Huguenots in France
is the basis of the plot.
In spite of all the religion in the book and in spite of being Catholic myself, I enjoyed this book very much. I thought the writing was excellent, the plot exceptional and the characters well developed.The historical background of the persecution is also worth reading about. I knew about the persecution of Catholics in England but this is the first time I have read one about persecution in France.
September 4, 2009
More like 4.5 stars...
This was a great debut novel and one that I would definitely recommend. I enjoy reading about this time period and the author did a great job putting me there. The only reason I didn't give it five stars was the fact that I could put down. However, I also kept wanting to pick it back up, which makes it an excellent read because I am surrounded by books that need to be reviewed.
I found the conflict in this story to be believable and engaging. My heart went out to the family and all that they had lost. The intrigue and peril combined with the desperate attempt to reunite the family while remaining true to their faith was also inspiring. The same goes for the characters resisting the temptation to deny their faith to protect their loved ones. That was well done.
The best part of this story for me was probably the romantic tension and several characters having to suppress the desire for forbidden love. My favorite person in this story was Pierre. He was an amazing secondary character. I really hope he returns in the second book.
While this first book in the series had a heart warming conclusion, it's obviously not the end of the Clavell family's suffering. This novel does an excellent job of showing how their trials do strengthen their faith.
This was a great debut novel and one that I would definitely recommend. I enjoy reading about this time period and the author did a great job putting me there. The only reason I didn't give it five stars was the fact that I could put down. However, I also kept wanting to pick it back up, which makes it an excellent read because I am surrounded by books that need to be reviewed.
I found the conflict in this story to be believable and engaging. My heart went out to the family and all that they had lost. The intrigue and peril combined with the desperate attempt to reunite the family while remaining true to their faith was also inspiring. The same goes for the characters resisting the temptation to deny their faith to protect their loved ones. That was well done.
The best part of this story for me was probably the romantic tension and several characters having to suppress the desire for forbidden love. My favorite person in this story was Pierre. He was an amazing secondary character. I really hope he returns in the second book.
While this first book in the series had a heart warming conclusion, it's obviously not the end of the Clavell family's suffering. This novel does an excellent job of showing how their trials do strengthen their faith.
February 3, 2009
Golden is an old friend of mine. I'm excited to see what she has written. The first chapter had my full attention. As of 1/28 and almost through the book, it is a well-written story, full of intrigue, danger, twists, and a romantic hint. I will look forward to the sequel. Finally finished, I heartily recommend it.
May 6, 2018
This was a very well-written book! There were several content issues I didn't like, however, that kept me from giving it a 5-star.
I didn't like how the Catholics were the “bad guys.” Even though I'm Protestant, I don't like how we've made the Reformers into saints. Even John Calvin, whose writings were honored by the Huguenots in this story, persecuted the Anabaptists. Although, I understand that this is what happened during this time period. But it was more a political reason, because the Protestants (Huguenots) wouldn't accept the Pope or the state religion. I'm glad the spiritual battle was mentioned near the end; “we wrestle not against flesh and blood.”
I also didn't really like Madeleine's character: she was stubborn and flirtatious and almost self-centered. And I didn't like how so many men kept falling in love with her.
There were so many characters that I had trouble keeping them all straight at first, especially the servants.
I didn't like how depressed this book made me feel 90% of the time. I hope America never degrades to this type of persecution, but it's getting closer and closer. There was a lot of tension and worry and very little real hope or peace, until the last chapter or two.
Spoiler: I didn't like the confrontation with Louis, the Sun King. It came way too early in the story and was over way too early. I felt like that this should have been broken up into at least two separate books.
As to the things I did like, I was kept engaged by the excellent pacing and the lack of long setting descriptions. I loved the historical accuracy (being a History minor, that was important to me), and I loved the role that faith played in this family (though it wasn't fully explained until the last chapter). I especially loved how Francois chose to remain true to his faith, though he had every chance to convert, even if it meant death.
I read this book from the library.
I didn't like how the Catholics were the “bad guys.” Even though I'm Protestant, I don't like how we've made the Reformers into saints. Even John Calvin, whose writings were honored by the Huguenots in this story, persecuted the Anabaptists. Although, I understand that this is what happened during this time period. But it was more a political reason, because the Protestants (Huguenots) wouldn't accept the Pope or the state religion. I'm glad the spiritual battle was mentioned near the end; “we wrestle not against flesh and blood.”
I also didn't really like Madeleine's character: she was stubborn and flirtatious and almost self-centered. And I didn't like how so many men kept falling in love with her.
There were so many characters that I had trouble keeping them all straight at first, especially the servants.
I didn't like how depressed this book made me feel 90% of the time. I hope America never degrades to this type of persecution, but it's getting closer and closer. There was a lot of tension and worry and very little real hope or peace, until the last chapter or two.
Spoiler: I didn't like the confrontation with Louis, the Sun King. It came way too early in the story and was over way too early. I felt like that this should have been broken up into at least two separate books.
As to the things I did like, I was kept engaged by the excellent pacing and the lack of long setting descriptions. I loved the historical accuracy (being a History minor, that was important to me), and I loved the role that faith played in this family (though it wasn't fully explained until the last chapter). I especially loved how Francois chose to remain true to his faith, though he had every chance to convert, even if it meant death.
I read this book from the library.
June 2, 2017
This book was quite interesting as I had not read anything about the French Huguenots before this, though I was awar of the persecutions of them. I liked how you got the perspectives of both Madeleine and her family and also Pierre's and sometimes King Louis perspective as well because it added depth to the story. I will say though that there was a scene between Louie and his minster Colbert that made me laugh at the king's utter clueless arrogance--apparently Louie ordered the Swiss to kick out all the Huguenots residing there on his say-so--then was pissed when he found out they really didn't comply with his dictates. Obviously Louie forgot there is such a thing as a sovereign nation who doesn't need to obey the commands of despotic king of a neighboring country.
I was happy to see that the author didn't descend into making all the Catholics "evil" and all the "Protestants" virtuous--which is always a danger when writing about persecutions. Because not all the people felt what Louie was doing was right, and they tried to help those persecuted at great cost.
You can see Madeleine's great love for her family and husband in this book and I'm wondering now what will happen to the family in the second book. I'm assuming eventually they will go to America.
I was happy to see that the author didn't descend into making all the Catholics "evil" and all the "Protestants" virtuous--which is always a danger when writing about persecutions. Because not all the people felt what Louie was doing was right, and they tried to help those persecuted at great cost.
You can see Madeleine's great love for her family and husband in this book and I'm wondering now what will happen to the family in the second book. I'm assuming eventually they will go to America.
October 25, 2019
Worth A Second Read
So when I finished my last book, I didn't have another one lined up. After two days of checking out new titles, I decided to look through my Kindle library and reread something. This is my second time through this book and I so enjoyed the story again. If you are interested in historical fiction you will love this story about the Hugonauts of France and their struggles with religious persecution.
So when I finished my last book, I didn't have another one lined up. After two days of checking out new titles, I decided to look through my Kindle library and reread something. This is my second time through this book and I so enjoyed the story again. If you are interested in historical fiction you will love this story about the Hugonauts of France and their struggles with religious persecution.
December 28, 2019
Yet another book deserving of an extra half star, 3.5 is what I would award this one. The plot was different and fresh, but it lacked depth. The author spent too much time hashing out the silent pleas and prayers of each character, so much so that all the characters seemed to have the same inner voice. I would like to know what happens in the sequel, but I don't think I want to read it immediately.
February 25, 2017
In de tijd van de achtervolgingen van de Hugenoten, is het verhaal van de familie Clavell geschreven.
Een mooi verhaal, maar de velen citaten uit de bijbel die er gebruikt worden, maakt het voor mij wat minder aantrekkelijk.
Ik lees vaker Christelijke romans en dan vind ik het niet zo erg.
Maar hier word je iedere keer weer uit het verhaal gehaald, dat is jammer.
Een mooi verhaal, maar de velen citaten uit de bijbel die er gebruikt worden, maakt het voor mij wat minder aantrekkelijk.
Ik lees vaker Christelijke romans en dan vind ik het niet zo erg.
Maar hier word je iedere keer weer uit het verhaal gehaald, dat is jammer.
July 9, 2017
Interesting look at a part of history I didn't know too much about. However, it was too religious for my tastes and it makes it out like the rich family's plight is the most tragic and important, while the servant' issues (who they "love" and are like family) don't matter. Also, everyone sees to fall in love with the main female, which is silly.
August 31, 2018
Inspired by her own Huguenot ancestors story. I found it very interesting since I too have Huguenot ancestors.
August 15, 2019
Mooi meeslepend verhaal in een unieke historische context. Blijft tot de laatste bladzijde spannend. Iedeaal om op vakantie te lezen.
September 3, 2020
I liked it well enough. A nice diversion from real-life. Always amazed at the slaughter in the name of religion.
January 7, 2021
4.5 stars
January 15, 2024
Such a great read! I could not put it down
January 17, 2024
Wonderful book.
January 18, 2025
Rasy, entertainment tead. I ejoyed it.
May 31, 2025
I read this for work and it was ridiculous (derogatory).
December 16, 2025
Historical!
July 2, 2019
Tämän kirjan voisin lukea uudemman kerran. Kiintoisa historiallinen romaani hengellisellä aspektilla, joka ei ole liian päällekäyvä.
August 11, 2009
I had the pleasure of interviewing Golden Keyes Parsons on my radio show, "Kingdom Highlights" regarding her new book, "In The Shadow of the Sun King", Book One in the Darkness to Light series published by Thomas Nelson This book has all the excitement of an Alexandre Dumas story. As a matter of fact it peripherally mentions what Dumas wrote about in his book, "The Man in the Iron Mask" as both stories take place around the same time regarding the same king. Although Ms. Parsons writes as fiction the story is based on the real life of her ancestors.
Madeline Clavell had had an affair with King Louis XIV but she broke it off and married Francois and they had three children. The problem is that they are Huguenots, French for Protestants) and France is a Catholic country. The King is persecuting the Huguenots and Madeline makes an appeal to the King for he family to be left alone based on her previous affair but the King will permit her request only if she resumes the affair. When she declines his offer is really when the story really takes off. For me to tell you any of the plot from here will so spoil the reading of this book that I simply cannot do it. Needless to say it is very exciting, filled with much drama, court intrigue and romance. I mentioned to Ms. Parsons that I have no idea of where book two will take us but I am very much interested in the journey.
This book is a story about the protection of God on His people. Events are manipulated by God to cause a certain outcome that no one is aware of, not even us readers, until all things are brought to their obvious conclusion. Well obvious at the end but not while we are in the middle of the event. That is one of the things that makes Ms. Parsons such a good writer
Another theme is persecution. What will we suffer for what we believe? What will we endure simply because we believe in God and we cannot turn our back on Him? The whole Clavell family goes through events that would crush others but they come through these events stronger than when they started simply because they would not give in and relied totally on God.
The characters are vivid and lively and I look forward to seeing them again in book two which comes out this month.
Madeline Clavell had had an affair with King Louis XIV but she broke it off and married Francois and they had three children. The problem is that they are Huguenots, French for Protestants) and France is a Catholic country. The King is persecuting the Huguenots and Madeline makes an appeal to the King for he family to be left alone based on her previous affair but the King will permit her request only if she resumes the affair. When she declines his offer is really when the story really takes off. For me to tell you any of the plot from here will so spoil the reading of this book that I simply cannot do it. Needless to say it is very exciting, filled with much drama, court intrigue and romance. I mentioned to Ms. Parsons that I have no idea of where book two will take us but I am very much interested in the journey.
This book is a story about the protection of God on His people. Events are manipulated by God to cause a certain outcome that no one is aware of, not even us readers, until all things are brought to their obvious conclusion. Well obvious at the end but not while we are in the middle of the event. That is one of the things that makes Ms. Parsons such a good writer
Another theme is persecution. What will we suffer for what we believe? What will we endure simply because we believe in God and we cannot turn our back on Him? The whole Clavell family goes through events that would crush others but they come through these events stronger than when they started simply because they would not give in and relied totally on God.
The characters are vivid and lively and I look forward to seeing them again in book two which comes out this month.
March 25, 2009
Madeleine Clavell lives happily with her husband, Francois, and three children in seventeenth century rural France. King Louis XIV has determined to unite France to one religion, Catholicism, and the result has been the rampant persecution of Protestants. Though Madeleine and her family are Protestant, they have been left alone due to her father's previous service at court and her own youthful dalliance with the King.
Everything changes when the King's Dragoons burst into their lives, demanding housing and wreaking havoc. Protestant children have been forcibly removed from their parents for raising by the Catholic church, so Madeleine and Francois manage to help their two small sons escape with the aid of their Uncle Jean.
In an attempt to stop the tyranny of the Dragoons, Madeleine journeys to Paris. She hopes that she can call on her prior relationship with Louis to prevent the destruction of her family's lives. She manages to meet with him, but he demands a price that she is unwilling to pay. When she returns home she is dealt a terrible blow and it will take all of her faith and fortitude to face the future and the coming trials.
"When your homeland, the hills and trees and rivers where you have built a home and a life and raised a family, is snatched away, where do you go? When the tapestry of your life that you have woven together through the years with the threads of laughter and tears is rent, what patch is used to mend the tear?"
The author based the idea for this book on a crumbling family diary that she happened to inherit from a relative. I love that this story is based on her own family's history and their journey, both geographical and spiritual. As was so often the case in our history (and, sadly, not entirely unheard of today) they only wanted a place to live simply and practice their religion freely. It is a vividly imagined, captivating novel full of adventure. The lovely thing is that, throughout the trials, a sense of hope and deep faith is maintained. I can't wait for the second installment in this series, A Prisoner at Versailles, coming out in the fall of 2009.
Everything changes when the King's Dragoons burst into their lives, demanding housing and wreaking havoc. Protestant children have been forcibly removed from their parents for raising by the Catholic church, so Madeleine and Francois manage to help their two small sons escape with the aid of their Uncle Jean.
In an attempt to stop the tyranny of the Dragoons, Madeleine journeys to Paris. She hopes that she can call on her prior relationship with Louis to prevent the destruction of her family's lives. She manages to meet with him, but he demands a price that she is unwilling to pay. When she returns home she is dealt a terrible blow and it will take all of her faith and fortitude to face the future and the coming trials.
"When your homeland, the hills and trees and rivers where you have built a home and a life and raised a family, is snatched away, where do you go? When the tapestry of your life that you have woven together through the years with the threads of laughter and tears is rent, what patch is used to mend the tear?"
The author based the idea for this book on a crumbling family diary that she happened to inherit from a relative. I love that this story is based on her own family's history and their journey, both geographical and spiritual. As was so often the case in our history (and, sadly, not entirely unheard of today) they only wanted a place to live simply and practice their religion freely. It is a vividly imagined, captivating novel full of adventure. The lovely thing is that, throughout the trials, a sense of hope and deep faith is maintained. I can't wait for the second installment in this series, A Prisoner at Versailles, coming out in the fall of 2009.
June 8, 2010
n The Shadow Of The Sun King is Golden Keyes Parsons’ debut fiction novel, published by Thomas Nelson. This historical fiction novel is based on historical fact, as well as the author’s family history.
In The Shadow Of The Sun King takes place in seventeenth century France and focuses on the conflict between the Huguenots (French Protestants) and Roman Catholics, the latter being the state religion. Even though a law was passed to recognize the Huguenots, it did not always guarantee them safety. King Louis XIV allowed Huguenot hospitals and schools to close, and forced the Protestant children to attend Catholic schools, many of which were kidnapped from their families and sent to schools or convents without the parents approval or knowledge. Times were not easily for Huguenots who choose not to convert to Catholicism.
This heart-wrenching, action-packed story is about Clavell family, mainly Madeleine, the mother, several family members, and some of their servants, who are all French Protestants.
Parsons did a wonderful job illustrating the physical and political landscape in which this story takes place. And by adding a brief glossary of the common French words used in the book, it was very easy to look up the meanings to gain a more complete understanding of the story. A Historical Perspective is also included, giving a short background of the time period when the story commences.
This is the first book in the series called A Light to Darkness Novel. The author is currently working on the second novel, but it is not clear how many novels will be included in this series.
In The Shadow Of The Sun King takes place in seventeenth century France and focuses on the conflict between the Huguenots (French Protestants) and Roman Catholics, the latter being the state religion. Even though a law was passed to recognize the Huguenots, it did not always guarantee them safety. King Louis XIV allowed Huguenot hospitals and schools to close, and forced the Protestant children to attend Catholic schools, many of which were kidnapped from their families and sent to schools or convents without the parents approval or knowledge. Times were not easily for Huguenots who choose not to convert to Catholicism.
This heart-wrenching, action-packed story is about Clavell family, mainly Madeleine, the mother, several family members, and some of their servants, who are all French Protestants.
Parsons did a wonderful job illustrating the physical and political landscape in which this story takes place. And by adding a brief glossary of the common French words used in the book, it was very easy to look up the meanings to gain a more complete understanding of the story. A Historical Perspective is also included, giving a short background of the time period when the story commences.
This is the first book in the series called A Light to Darkness Novel. The author is currently working on the second novel, but it is not clear how many novels will be included in this series.
November 20, 2008
3 stars - 3 3/4 stars
IN THE SHADOW OF THE SUN KING is a historical fiction set in 17th century France about Madeleine Clavell who tries to call upon her past relationship with King Louis XIV to save her Protestant (Hugenout) family from religious persecution.
It was very interesting to read because I didn't know anything about this time period, let alone what the term "Hugenout" meant. The first few chapters were confusing while I tried to figure out who all the characters were and what their relationships to each other were while trying to follow the opening of the story. But it got a lot better after that.
This is the first book of a series (not sure how many books are planned total), so I started to worry at the end that certain plots would not be resolved and would be carried over to the next book. But I was very happy with how they were resolved in this book. For those that are tired of starting new books that are part of an unfinished series, this book stands on it's own very well.
The story of IN THE SHADOW OF THE SUN KING is based upon the author's family history. I am now curious to know how closely that family history mirrors the characters and events in this book.
I read a lot of books that fall under the "Religious Fiction" category (ie: usually from a publisher with strong religious ties/affiliations). While some of the books in this genre can make feel like I should be in church instead of reading for entertainment at home, IN THE SHADOW OF THE SUN KING has a good balance of showing the faith of the characters in context with their situation.
IN THE SHADOW OF THE SUN KING is a historical fiction set in 17th century France about Madeleine Clavell who tries to call upon her past relationship with King Louis XIV to save her Protestant (Hugenout) family from religious persecution.
It was very interesting to read because I didn't know anything about this time period, let alone what the term "Hugenout" meant. The first few chapters were confusing while I tried to figure out who all the characters were and what their relationships to each other were while trying to follow the opening of the story. But it got a lot better after that.
This is the first book of a series (not sure how many books are planned total), so I started to worry at the end that certain plots would not be resolved and would be carried over to the next book. But I was very happy with how they were resolved in this book. For those that are tired of starting new books that are part of an unfinished series, this book stands on it's own very well.
The story of IN THE SHADOW OF THE SUN KING is based upon the author's family history. I am now curious to know how closely that family history mirrors the characters and events in this book.
I read a lot of books that fall under the "Religious Fiction" category (ie: usually from a publisher with strong religious ties/affiliations). While some of the books in this genre can make feel like I should be in church instead of reading for entertainment at home, IN THE SHADOW OF THE SUN KING has a good balance of showing the faith of the characters in context with their situation.
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