The Courtier’s Secret: Lisa’s Latest Pick for Fiction

Author Donna Russo Morin
Author Donna Russo Morin

While my expertise is in how-to and nonfiction books, every once in a while I like to curl up with a good novel. Since I don’t get to read much fiction, I’m very picky. The Courtier’s Secret makes the grade: a fascinating and fastidiously researched account of life in Versailles in 1682, it has all the makings of a great read–a powerful heroine, spellbinding plot and great storytelling.

Recommended Reading

While the title and cover might make you think you’re getting a harlequin romance, the old adage about books and their covers applies here. The writing, meticulous research and recreation of 17th century Versailles, and transcendence of our heroine, Jeanne Yvette Mas du Bois, create a rich tapestry.

Our heroine, Jeanne, finds an antidote to the boredom of a courtier’s life in fencing, secretly, with her uncle and soon finds herself dressing in men’s garb and secretly joining the Musketeers. Donna Russo Morin must have been a female musketeer in her past life. The way she recreates a courtier’s life in Versaille under the reign of the sun king makes the whole lifestyle come alive–the extreme oppulence juxtaposed by the intense boredom of those of King Louis’ court.

The Courtier’s Secret is one of those books you just know is going to hit the silver screen. I’m picturing Johnny Depp as the Sun King and Kira Knightly as Jeanne. Looking for a pageturner to take on your next vacation or business trip? Here it is.

The Courtier’s Secret is one of those books you just know is going to hit the silver screen. I’m picturing Johnny Depp as the Sun King and Kira Knightly as Jeanne.Looking for a pageturner to take on your next vacation or business trip? Here it is.

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Lisa Tener

Lisa Tener is an award-winning book writing coach who assists writers in all aspects of the writing process—from writing a book proposal and getting published to finding one’s creative voice. Her clients have appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, CBS Early Show, The Montel Williams Show, CNN, Fox News, New Morning and much more. They blog on sites like The Huffington Post, Psychology Today and WebMD.

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Comments

  1. i’m a fan of immersive historical fiction and this one looks like a blast–thanks for the recommend! i’m adding it to my list. 🙂

  2. Lisa, as I said before, I loved the book on writing by Steven King you recommended.

    Do you know any good memoir or book based on a memoir about the immigrant experience in the United States? Or anyone famous for writing about this subject?

    • Here’s an interesting blog post about the immigrant experience by Geoffrey Philp. Perhaps, let’s ask readers about their favorite memoirs about the immigrant experience in the US. Anyone?

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