We are going back in time to the reign of Louis XIV and his magnificent Palace of Versailles. Be prepared for scandal, seduction, and murder.
Review Post
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
With tears still in my eyes, I find it difficult to put into words just how much this novel affected me. This is a story where innocence is murdered and justice seems forever out of reach. It is a story of one young woman's battle to avenge, not only herself but that of her son. The world is certainly an unforgiving place for Blanchefleur de La Fontaine.
The story is as dark as it is tragic, and the treatment that Fleur suffers at the hands of her own mother was utterly deplorable. My heart broke for Fleur over and over again and her desperate situation left me in tears on more than one occasion. The abuse, the cruelty - both emotionally and physically - was at times, exceeding difficult to read. But saying this, I simply could not put this book down. So enthralled, was I that I read it in one sitting.
The Shadows of Versailles is an emotionally exhausting read, but it is exceptionally well written and brought this era in history back to life. I just wished it had had a happy ending, but then I guess that would have ruined the whole tone of the book.
Book Title: The Shadows of Versailles
Series: An Affair of the Poisons, Book One
Author: Cathie Dunn
Publication Date: November 20th, 2020
Publisher: Ocelot Press
Page Length: 251 (ebook) / 277 (pb)
Genre: historical fiction / mystery
Dazzled by Versailles. Broken by tragedy. Consumed by revenge.
When Fleur de La Fontaine attends the court of King Louis XIV for the first time, she is soon besotted with handsome courtier, Philippe de Mortain. She dreams of married life away from her uncaring mother, but Philippe keeps a secret from her.
Nine months later, after the boy she has given birth to in a convent is whisked away, she flees to Paris where she mends gowns in the brothel of Madame Claudette, a woman who helps ‘fallen’ girls back on their feet.
Jacques de Montagnac investigates a spate of abducted children when his path crosses Fleur’s. He searches for her son, but the trail leads to a dead end – and a dreadful realisation.
Her boy’s suspected fate too much to bear, Fleur decides to avenge him. She visits the famous midwife, La Voisin, but it’s not the woman’s skills in childbirth that Fleur seeks.
La Voisin dabbles in poisons.
Will Fleur see her plan through? Or can she save herself from a tragic fate?
Delve into The Shadows of Versailles and enter the sinister world of potions, poisoners and black masses during the Affairs of the Poisons, a real event that stunned the court of the Sun King!
If you would like to read this novel you can find it over on Amazon. This novel is also avalaibale on #KindleUnlimited
Cathie Dunn
Cathie Dunn writes
historical fiction, mystery, and romance.
Cathie has been writing for over twenty years. She studied Creative Writing, with a focus on novel writing, which she now teaches in the south of France. She loves researching for her novels, delving into history books, and visiting castles and historic sites.
Her stories have garnered awards and praise from reviewers and readers for their authentic description of the past.
Cathie is a member of the Historical Novel Society and the Alliance of Independent Authors.
After nearly two decades in Scotland, she now lives in the historic city of Carcassonne in the south of France with her husband, two cats and a rescue dog.
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I am so glad you enjoyed The Shadows of Versailles.
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