The Franco-American Collection, University of Southern Maine Libraries & Learning at Lewiston-Auburn Campus presents:

Are you a Daughter of the King? Une fille du roi?

A book talk with Judi Valentine

Wednesday, March 5, 2025

The Franco-American Collection at the University of Southern Maine invites you to “Are you a Daughter of the King? Une fille du roi?” a book talk with Judi Valentine. Join us at the University of Southern Maine’s Lewiston campus, 51 Westminster St. in Lewiston, on March 5, 2025 at 6:30 pm for the event. There is no fee for our programs, which are made possible by the Québec Delegation in Boston and by TV5MONDE. 

Growing up, author Judi Valentine lost the connection to her Quebecois background. According to Judi:

“Only recently when my husband researched my ancestral heritage did I learn I had a rich, and possibly royal (tongue in cheek), connection to France beginning in the 1600s. This inspired me to study my family history and I was surprised to learn I am related to three filles du roi, or so-called daughters of the king. Women who King Louis XIV recruited to populate what was then called New France, now Quebec. To this day, these indomitable women who crossed the Atlantic Ocean alone, are revered.” 

At the talk, she will discuss the remarkable history of these pioneer women and how her research of the filles du roi influenced her latest novel. Two years ago, Judi and her husband visited Lille, Riviere Ouelle, and Kamouraska—places in Quebec where her ancestors settled and lived for many years. The trip inspired The Lost Treasure. A story about two Maine teenagers who, while visiting their eccentric great aunt in Kamouraska, chase down a family legend. In the story, their ancestor, Jeanne Savonnet, (Judi’s real great ancestor) was given an eye popping ruby red necklace by Queen Maria Theresa, King Louis’ wife (this part is made up). The kids learn their own Quebecois history during a perilous hunt for the lost treasure. Join us for a lively talk, a bit of Quebecois film, and an opportunity to learn about les filles du roi. 

Judi Valentine attended USM and USM/LA, and after a career in business administration, moved to Washington D.C. where she received degrees in nutrition science. Over the years she has been on many boards and adjunct faculties. Once home, Judi enjoyed writing adventure fiction for young readers. Her fifth book is being published by Maine Authors Publishing. 

To see her books, go to:jvalentinebooks.com. 

For more information or to register, contact the FAC archivist, Anna Faherty at anna.faherty@maine.edu or by phone (207) 753-6545. If you have questions about disability access or need to request disability accommodations (e.g. sign language interpreters, materials in electronic format, etc.), please contact Anna. Requests should be made as soon as possible to allow sufficient time for the accommodation process.