The Enemies of Versailles by Sally Christie
Publication Date: March 21, 2017Atria Books eBook & Paperback; 416 Pages
Genre: Historical Fiction Series:
The Mistresses of Versailles, Book Three
In the final installment of Sally Christie’s “tantalizing” (New York Daily News) Mistresses of Versailles trilogy, Jeanne Becu, a woman of astounding beauty but humble birth, works her way from the grimy back streets of Paris to the palace of Versailles, where the aging King Louis XV has become a jaded and bitter old philanderer. Jeanne bursts into his life and, as the Comtesse du Barry, quickly becomes his official mistress. “That beastly bourgeois Pompadour was one thing; a common prostitute is quite another kettle of fish.” After decades of suffering the King's endless stream of Royal Favorites, the princesses of the Court have reached a breaking point. Horrified that he would bring the lowborn Comtesse du Barry into the hallowed halls of Versailles, Louis XV’s daughters, led by the indomitable Madame Adelaide, vow eternal enmity and enlist the young dauphiness Marie Antoinette in their fight against the new mistress. But as tensions rise and the French Revolution draws closer, a prostitute in the palace soon becomes the least of the nobility’s concerns. Told in Christie’s witty and engaging style, the final book in The Mistresses of Versailles trilogy will delight and entrance fans as it once again brings to life the sumptuous and cruel world of eighteenth century Versailles, and France as it approaches irrevocable change.
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Praise for The Sisters of Versailles
“Such an extraordinary tale makes for compelling reading and, as the lead book in a planned trilogy, will draw in readers who are interested in royal lives before the French Revolution….historical fiction fans, unfamiliar with the history of the Nesle sisters, will be intrigued.” (Library Journal)"Sally Christie's The Sisters of Versailles is an intriguing romp through Louis XV's France. Filled with lush backdrops, rich detail, and colorful characters, fans of historical fiction will enjoy this glimpse into the lost golden era of the French monarchy." (Allison Pataki, author of THE ACCIDENTAL EMPRESS )
“A stunning breadth of period detail, offered in a fresh, contemporary voice.” (Juliet Grey, author of the acclaimed Marie Antoinette trilogy )
“Tantalizing descriptions and cliff-hangers will leave the reader rapidly turning the pages in anticipation… A wickedly delightful read.” (New York Daily News)
MY THOUGHTS;
Quite possibly, the very best of the three books. I had little knowledge of the Nesle sisters, learned a bit about Pompadour, but truly enjoyed the book about Madame du Barry. While all three books were very well written, Madame du Barry's story struck a chord in me. I loved and hated her at the same time. The author told the tale from the point of view of both Du Barry and of the kings daughter Adelaide. The daughters of France were not happy about their father's life choices, and Adelaide was totally vicious in her dealings with the young Jeanne Becu. I felt ashamed at the way the poor woman was treated and yet, still was able to feel sorrow towards the daughters who so wanted their father's love. We witness history happening through the eyes of these young women. Honestly, the guillotine was just a weapon from the past, one I'd read about and gave very little thought about....However, when the french reign of terror happens, it is all too real. I think I actually HEARD Jeanne cry out as she was being led to her death. I think she truly loved her Louis, I'm certain she also loved the things he gave her, but for a time, he was HER king, her friend, her lover.
I think I felt the closest to the characters of this book. We go through to the French Revolution. We meet Marie Antoinette and we conclude the story of the French monarchy. Adelaide dies much later than the other characters in the story, and we are able to stay with her until the very end.
If you enjoy french history, or just want a great story, read all three of these wonderful books by Sally Christie.
5 + teacups
About the author
Blog Tour Schedule
Wednesday, March 15 Review at Historical Fiction Obsession Interview at T's Stuff Thursday, March 16 Review at Leeanna.me Review at The Lit Bitch Friday, March 17 Review at To Read, Or Not to Read Review at History From a Woman's Perspective Spotlight at What Is That Book About Saturday, March 18 Review at Jorie Loves a Story Spotlight at Books, Dreams, Life Sunday, March 19 Spotlight at Passages to the Past Monday, March 20 Review at A Chick Who Reads Tuesday, March 21 Review at Book Lovers Paradise Wednesday, March 22 Review at First Impressions Reviews Review at Oh, for the Hook of a Book! Thursday, March 23 Review at Broken Teepee Friday, March 24 Review at Ageless Pages Reviews Sunday, March 26 Review at The Gadoury Dreamer Review & Interview at Clarissa Reads It All Monday, March 27 Review at The Reading Queen Tuesday, March 28 Review at Book Nerd Review at Luxury Reading Review at Svetlana's Reads and Views Wednesday, March 29 Review at Impressions in Ink Review at A Bookaholic Swede Thursday, March 30 Review at Curling up by the Fire Friday, March 31 Review at Bookramblings Review at CelticLady's ReviewsGiveaway
Five copies of The Enemies of Versailles are up for grabs during the blog tour! To enter, please see the Gleam form below. Rules – Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on March 31st. You must be 18 or older to enter. – Giveaway is open to residents in the US only. – Only one entry per household. – All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion. – Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen. Enemies of Versailles