I had heard of Giselle but really did not recall much of the story, nor had I seen the ballet. What more appealed to me about this book was its time period. It’s one that I go back to again and again in my reading. The Sun King never fails to fascinate.

This story begins with friendships formed in a nunnery where many young girls of aristocratic breeding were sent until their marriage. Bathilde, a young princess who is equal parts fearing and looking forward to meeting the man her father has found for her marry forms a friendships with young women below her station. But those friendships will stand her well as she makes her way in the court of the legendary Sun King.

Her kindness is known to all and she keeps her king happy while managing to stay out of his bed. But she finds that her betrothed is not the man she wanted him to be and that there might be another who will give her what she needs.

This is a well written, intriguing book that takes place in a rich king’s court and yet the focus is not on the royalty but rather on one smart woman trying to find her way in a time that was not so favorable to her sex. But Bathilde manages to persevere for herself and for her friend. ( )