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Monday, October 13, 2008

Spotlight on Golden Keyes Parsons and In the Shadow of the Sun King

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

GOLDEN KEYES PARSONS is a speaker and author who issues the challenge: dare to take God seriously! In her deep plowing of the heart, moving from tears one moment to laughter the next, Golden will touch your heart with her dynamic writing, combined with her vivid character experiences. If deep story-telling that brings the book alive is what you want, Golden and her debut novel, In the Shadow of the Sun King, is the author you need.

IN THE SHADOW OF THE SUN KING
by Golden Keyes Parson
Published by Thomas Nelson Publishers

ABOUT THE BOOK

Seventeenth-century France is a dangerous time and place for a Huguenot. One woman risks it all to save her family and to fight for the freedom to practice their faith.

Because of their Protestant faith in Catholic France during the 17th century, Huguenots Francois and Madeleine Clavell's estate is overtaken by King Louis XIV's dragoons. Madeleine takes it upon herself to save her family by calling on her past love affair with the king. This is a desperate and risky decision, and one that forever changes her family's future.

Features the following bonus materials: a map, author and historical notes, and a reading group guide, making it a perfect selection for book clubs.

Buy Your Copy of In the Shadow of the Sun King Today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

I came into possession of my family's genealogy from 1695 and decided that our family's story needed to be told. Of course, the final result is highly fictionalized, but the facts surrounding the persecution of the Huguenots in 17th century France are true.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced your characters? What aspects became traits that are theirs and theirs alone?

I found that I draw heavily upon my own experiences, especially in the ups and downs of my faith walk. My heroine, Madeleine Clavell, stands strong for her faith, but finds that her knees grow feeble when her family is threatened. She puts herself on the line to save them. Sometimes that looks like she may have to compromise her faith.

3. If one of your characters were an ice cream flavor, what he/she be and why?

Interesting question. Certainly not vanilla. Maybe something like Rocky Road ... she's strong, sweet at times, but the way is rocky for her.

4. What themes exist in In the Shadow of the Sun King that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the story progressed?

I hope the reader will appreciate, maybe for the first time, the price that was paid for the freedom to worship as we please by so many of our ancestors. The theme that is not so "in-your-face" is the cord running through the story that who and how we love can have long-reaching effects -- even down through history.

5. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

The most difficult parts to write were trying to describe the palace at Versailles, which I've never seen. The action scenes, the love scenes, the death scenes seemed to just fly off my fingers, but when it came to describing an historical place accurately, I had trouble with that. I do hope to go there someday, but it wasn't in time for my first book.

6. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

Book #2, "A Prisoner At Versailles," will come out in the Fall of '09, and is the sequel to this first book. The story picks up where Sun King ends and deals with King Louis' pursuit of Madeleine. When she tries to escape to the New World, he brings her back to Versailles to try to persuade her to become his official mistress, because he suspects that her oldest son is his. I'll leave it at that :)

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Thank you, Golden, for being in the spotlight with us.

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of In the Shadow of the Sun King.

If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post. Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net). Wouldn't want you to miss out on winning a book. :)

And if you want to make certain you don't miss anything, check the box that says 'email follow-up comments to:' when you leave a comment and they'll be sent to the email address associated with your blogging account. That way you'll be notified of any comments and will know when I announce the winner.

This week, the contest is open to anyone worldwide.

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14 comments:

Deborah said...

oh i really want this book!!! please enter me!

Lindsey said...

I've been wanting to read this book! Thanks for the interview and the giveaway!

Lindsey
ladyufshalott at yahoo.com

windycindy said...

My paternal grandmother lived in Calais, France outside of Paris. She and her parents came over on a cattle ship to Ellis Island. I enjoy the fact that her book takes place in France. I have been to the Palace of Versailles and it is magnificent. The Gardens in the back of the palace are enthralling! Please enter me in your book drawing. Many thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

Lacy J. Williams said...

Sounds like an interesting read - please enter me!

Carole said...

This isn't the type of book I normally read, but Golden really grabbed my attention when she said, "I hope the reader will appreciate, maybe for the first time, the price that was paid for the freedom to worship as we please by so many of our ancestors." I'm sure this would be a very moving book and I appreciate the chance to win a copy.

cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net

Stormi said...

Would love to win a copy of this book.

Thanks,
Stormi
ladystorm282001 at yahoo dot com

Kim said...

This book sounds absolutely divine! Please enter me in this drawing! Please????

Thanks!
Kim
kimfurd at hotmail dot com

Anonymous said...

This is the first I've heard of this book. Looks like a very good historical. Would love to learn more about this country's history.

Martha A. said...

I would love to win!
martha(at)lclink(dot)com

Doreen said...

Would love to win a copy! :) purposedrivenlife4you (at) gmail (dot) com

Janna said...

This cover is amazing - something about the yellows and oranges really grabs my attention!

Janna
ryanx6 at msn dot com

Becky C. said...

I would LOVE to read this book!

Please enter me in the contest.

Thank you,

Becky C.
rec(at)hiwaay(dot)net

ChristyJan said...

This sounds like a fascinating historical! I enjoyed reading this interview with Golden.

hawkes(at)citlink.net

Tiffany Amber Stockton said...

We have a winner from this drawing and that is:

Lacy!

Congratulations! I've sent your mailing information to Golden so she can send out your book.

Others, check out the interviews on Sally John, Donn Taylor, Maureen Lang, Virginia Smith, Andrea Boeshaar and Sandra Bricker to see if you've won.

As always, thanks to everyone for your continued support.