A Prisoner of Versailles

Title: A PRISONER OF VERSAILLES
Author: Golden Keyes Parsons
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
2009
ISBN: 978-1-59554-627-2
Genre: Inspirational/historical

Madeline Clavell, her husband, and their three children have fled from France to Switzerland, hoping to escape the long arm of King Louis XIV. Madeline’s family has plans to flee to the New World, but before they are able to go, her beloved husband dies, and Madeline is left to make new plans. She doesn’t want to leave Switzerland without her husband.

But King Louis XIV has fond memories of Madeline, and wants her and her oldest son, taken back to the palace unharmed. A spy in Switzerland has spilled the location of Madeline for “thirty pieces of silver.”

When Madeline’s past catches up with her, she finds herself a captive in King Louis XIV’s palace. Madeline cannot and will not deny Christ, yet it will take all the hope and faith she can muster to outmaneuver the king. And she may be forced to give up everyone she holds dear.

A PRISONER OF VERSAILLES is the second book in Ms. Parsons’ A Darkness to Light Novel series. The first book in the series was In the Shadow of the Sun King. I have read both books, but its been quite awhile since reading the first book. I had absolutely no trouble following along with what was happening.

Ms. Parsons’ is a talented writer, able to bring to live the tumultuous time period of the French Huguenots to life. Ms. Parsons’ herself is a descendant of these courageous people. Set in 17th century France, the story is rich with historical detail. Readers will cheer for Madeline as she struggles to go on living after the death of her husband and the captivity that follows. Discussion questions are enclosed. $14.99. 357 pages.