Good Historical Romance
Reviewed by Phee Paradise
A Prisoner of Versailles by Golden Keyes Parsons
In light of the discussion we’ve been having about Christian writing, I’m happy to review A Prisoner of Versailles. Keyes Parsons tells a good story with characters who face trials and temptations that could lend themselves to crude language. Yet she clearly communicates the “world” without using explicit language.
Madeleine is a French aristocrat who has fled the country with her family because of persecution for their Huguenot beliefs. But she is also the king’s childhood sweetheart and he sends soldiers to bring her back with her oldest son. He believes her son is also his. She must confess her sinful past to her son, who has been raised in the faith and has no experience of the world. She worries about how court life will corrupt his morals, while facing the same temptations herself.
The well constructed plot includes fighting, sexual sins, deceit and pride. It also includes faith, doubt, hope and love. Yet, Keyes Parsons never resorts to crude language. We know that Madeleine and the king were lovers; some of the characters are rough soldiers; there are a few fight scenes; yet I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this book to a young teen. She not only uses clean language, but the situations are real and the resolution is hopeful. Madeleine has her moments of doubt and doesn’t always walk in God’s ways, but she also experiences repentance and forgiveness.
If historical romance is not your genre, you may not enjoy this book. But the themes are universal and it’s a good example of good Christian writing without the edge.
Pros: Good historical settings with characters who struggle with their faith in difficult situations. Lots of adventure and romance.
Cons: The fight scenes are a little stilted and the dialogue sometimes jumps into the 21st century.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
In her deep plowing of the heart, moving from tears one moment to laughter the next, Golden will touch your heart with her dynamic Bible teaching, combined with her vivid personal examples, moving from tears one moment, to laughter the next, all the while communicating the message that God is faithful--keep trusting Him. She has a passion to communicate the Word of God in such a manner that will lead to godly living.
Golden, and her husband, Blaine, have just retired as pastors at Faith Mountain Fellowship Church in Red River, NM. They have three grown daughters and eight grandchildren. Her testimony and myriad of life experiences lend a touch of authenticity to her teaching. She loves to speak for women's conferences, seminars, luncheons, retreats and Mother/Daughter events.
If deep Bible teaching that brings the Scriptures alive is what you want, Golden is the speaker you need.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Madeleine's faith puts her at odds with an intimidating rival: King Louis XIV.
Having fled their homeland of France because of the persecution by Louis XIV, the Clavell family seeks refuge in Switzerland. However, the king is not about to let the recently widowed Madeleine, his childhood sweetheart, escape that easily. He sends musketeers to kidnap her and her oldest son, Philippe, holding them captive in his opulent palace. King Louis is suspicious that Philippe could be his son, and he's enraged by the growing affection of one of his courtiers for Madeleine.
Will Madeleine escape the king with her life or lose everything that she's fought so hard to keep?
To read the first chapter of A Prisoner of Versaille , click HERE
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