BOOK REVIEW: Where Hearts Are Free

Where Hearts Are Free by Golden Keyes Parsons

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


If you like a good read that is gently inspiring, look no further, as this book will fit the bill. It is well-written with the exception that much of the dialogue sounds Victorian rather than early Colonial American. The author does include Quakers who speak properly for the time period, but other than these characters, I wasn't able to stay in the period all that well. Aside from that, the read is surprisingly quick and compelling, and the plot will keep you turning pages until the end. There is one disappointing scene that is bound to be controversial, which I mention only because it is not gentle and those wanting only truly light-hearted romance may wish to avoid on account of its inclusion. But I award the author five stars for a well-paced, smoothly flowing story; one I enjoyed more than her previous books.



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A Prisoner of Versailles

A Prisoner of Versailles is the second book in the "Darkness to Light" Series by Golden Keyes Parsons, from Thomas Nelson Publishers.

I was pleasantly surprised with Prisoner. Although I enjoyed the first book (In the Shadow of the Sun King), this book was even better. The story was fast-moving, the heroine was more sympathetic, and there were lots of "King Louis" scenes, which to me make up some of this author's best writing. There was more of a romance, which is always enjoyable, and a bit more character-development of the key players.

I have to admit that I'd enjoy more authentic-sounding dialogue, and costume description of the ladies, including the hair styles; not in every word or sentence but a bit more to keep me in the time period. But anyone who enjoys a good historical setting with lots of action (derring-do, musketeers, royal courtiers!) will want to read this book. I was happy to return to it whenever I got the chance, and it has a satisfying ending--along with (happily) the promise of another sequel! I definitely look forward to it.

This book gets five stars, and the heroine is a "she's got character" lady for sure. Thanks to Thomas Nelson for providing me with a review copy.

In the Shadow of the Sun King

In The Shadow of the Sun King, by Golden Keyes Parsons is a drama/family saga of religious persecution during the reign of France's "Sun King" Louis XIV. Many things set this tale apart from standard CBA fare beginning with the central theme of persecution of Protestants by Catholics; the time period, the attention to detail, and a heroine (who definitely deserves to be on this blog since SHE'S GOT CHARACTER) to root for.

Ms. Parsons is a generous writer, even giving the reader perhaps too much back story at times--for me, the prologue did so. In fact, it was enough to make me start reading with trepidation, but fear not; despite the promise of hard times for the characters, there is an interesting story, lots of action, pathos, and memorable characters. King Louis did not live up to my prior understanding of him, coming across as half-boy, half-man, but my "prior understanding" was formed a long time ago, and I haven't read about him in ages. And I enjoyed every scene where he appeared, regardless.

What could have been a little depressing in terms of the struggles the Clavell family suffers during the course of the book, instead, thanks to the deft handling by the author, leaves the reader with hope.

I highly recommend this book and I am now moving on to Golden's sequel,A Prisoner of Versailles.

Author Info: Golden Keyes Parsons is "The author who issues the challenge: Dare to take God seriously!" To learn more about Golden, click the title of this article.
Her books are available in bookstores, on Amazon, and wherever books are sold.