From the acclaimed author of To Die For comes a stirring
novel told that sheds new light on
Elizabeth I and her court.
Title: Roses Have Thorns
Author: Sandra Byrd
Link to order Roses Have Thorns: http://amzn.to/XHX5LJ
Blurb
Like Philippa Gregory and Alison Weir, Sandra Byrd has attracted countless fans for evoking the complexity, grandeur, and brutality of the Tudor period. In her latest tour de force, she poses the question: What happens when serving a queen may cost you your marriage—or your life?
In 1565, seventeen-year-old Elin von Snakenborg leaves Sweden on a treacherous journey to England. Her fiancé has fallen in love with her sister and her dowry money has been gambled away, but ahead of her lies an adventure that will take her to the dizzying heights of Tudor power. Transformed through marriage into Helena, the Marchioness of Northampton, she becomes the highest-ranking woman in Elizabeth’s circle. But in a court that is surrounded by Catholic enemies who plot the queen’s downfall, Helena is forced to choose between her unyielding monarch and the husband she’s not sure she can trust—a choice that will provoke catastrophic consequences.
Vividly conjuring the years leading up to the beheading of Mary Queen of Scots, Roses Have Thorns is a brilliant exploration of treason, both to the realm and to the heart.
In 1565, seventeen-year-old Elin von Snakenborg leaves Sweden on a treacherous journey to England. Her fiancé has fallen in love with her sister and her dowry money has been gambled away, but ahead of her lies an adventure that will take her to the dizzying heights of Tudor power. Transformed through marriage into Helena, the Marchioness of Northampton, she becomes the highest-ranking woman in Elizabeth’s circle. But in a court that is surrounded by Catholic enemies who plot the queen’s downfall, Helena is forced to choose between her unyielding monarch and the husband she’s not sure she can trust—a choice that will provoke catastrophic consequences.
Vividly conjuring the years leading up to the beheading of Mary Queen of Scots, Roses Have Thorns is a brilliant exploration of treason, both to the realm and to the heart.
About the author:
After earning her first rejection at the age of thirteen, bestselling author Sandra Byrd has now published more than forty books. Her adult fiction debut, Let Them Eat Cake, was a Christy Award finalist, as was her first historical novel, To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn. To Die For was also named by Library Journal as a Best Books Pick for 2011 and The Secret Keeper: A Novel of Kateryn Parr, was named a Library Journal Best Books Pick for 2012. Roses Have Thorns: A Novel of Elizabeth I, will publish in April, 2013.
Sandra has also published dozens of books for tweens and teens.
A former textbook acquisitions editor, Sandra has also published many nonfiction articles and books. She is also passionate about helping new writers develop their talent and their work toward traditional or self publication. As such, she has mentored and coached hundreds of new writers and continues to coach dozens to success each year.
Connect with Sandra on Twitter: www.twitter.com/
Connect on Facebook: https://www.
My 5 Star Review
The Elizabeth 1 Reign was one of the most interesting time periods in history many spoke about. Books have been written and movies made from this time that changed many of England's views, religion and politics. All due to a strong willed woman that knew her duty, her love for her people and her firm believe in an Almighty God.
She was not only a queen but a woman that searched for acceptance, love and devotion from all those attending her court.
One of these woman was Elin Ulfsdotter of Fyllingarum, Maid of Honor to her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 1.
Later after Helena, who adopted her new English name married Marquess William of Northampton she became the highest titled lady after the queen and served her for many years.
The author masterly crafted the story from this well known women bringing their lives too the forefront to familiarize ourselves with the time period, the lives they led and the decisions they made to better themselves, serving those they love with a humbled servitude, companionship and trust we do not find today.
The author's thorough research could be seen as these people's lives became real on the paper and you are drawn into the history and day to day duties at court.
Treason was at the order of the day as Mary, Queen of the Scots tried to over throw Elizabeth 1 with tenuous attacks against the Sovereign's throne. Her Ladies-in-Waiting was not only there to console her or help her to dress but also to protect her at all cost. Helena the closest to her Majesty the person who decided who would come in close proximity of the Queen. Her eyes always open and not to be bought at any cost. Loyal to the end.
A tedious work that took her from her own home and husband Thomas Gorges, more on the road because of his own duties to the Queen than at her side. Giving birth to eight living children she served in the court under the Queen's reign managing and running the "household" with a sharp wit. Always remaining in control and reaching out to those around her.
At first we saw this unsecured young woman being shipped from Sweden to help their own Princess, and where she find that royalty commanded as they see fit, selfish and demanding at all times. A place she found she did not want to be.
When the marquess fell in love with her and asked for her hand in marriage she stayed behind, becoming a true lady. But it was a long wait during which she has grown in maturity, to a person the Queen trusted and respected, a right hand that loved the Queen with genuine care.
She was also torn between her own affairs and that of the crown, Elizabeth's demands were not easily met and it almost cost her, her marriage to a young cousin that only saw Thomas for what she could gain.
Her devotion and love to her second husband was beautifully illustrated and at the end she managed to capture his heart once again.
Thomas, without any titles and who fell in love with her. The man not good enough to marry this high titled lady spend time in the Tower after the Queen learned of the secret marriage. Imprisoning Helena in her home, being with child taking the risk of contacting the Queen to plead her case with the Queen. Hoping that the friendship she had with Her Highness would secure them of a sound future.
I really admired this couple that was willing to stand against odds, making a life for themselves and having eight children together and still remain loyal to the throne. At the cost of their own happiness they served their Queen so that we, years later can still read about them, learn about their devotion to each other.
A beautiful love story all on its own.
Step back in time and enjoy this wonderful written story.
The Elizabeth 1 Reign was one of the most interesting time periods in history many spoke about. Books have been written and movies made from this time that changed many of England's views, religion and politics. All due to a strong willed woman that knew her duty, her love for her people and her firm believe in an Almighty God.
She was not only a queen but a woman that searched for acceptance, love and devotion from all those attending her court.
One of these woman was Elin Ulfsdotter of Fyllingarum, Maid of Honor to her Majesty Queen Elizabeth 1.
Later after Helena, who adopted her new English name married Marquess William of Northampton she became the highest titled lady after the queen and served her for many years.
The author masterly crafted the story from this well known women bringing their lives too the forefront to familiarize ourselves with the time period, the lives they led and the decisions they made to better themselves, serving those they love with a humbled servitude, companionship and trust we do not find today.
The author's thorough research could be seen as these people's lives became real on the paper and you are drawn into the history and day to day duties at court.
Treason was at the order of the day as Mary, Queen of the Scots tried to over throw Elizabeth 1 with tenuous attacks against the Sovereign's throne. Her Ladies-in-Waiting was not only there to console her or help her to dress but also to protect her at all cost. Helena the closest to her Majesty the person who decided who would come in close proximity of the Queen. Her eyes always open and not to be bought at any cost. Loyal to the end.
A tedious work that took her from her own home and husband Thomas Gorges, more on the road because of his own duties to the Queen than at her side. Giving birth to eight living children she served in the court under the Queen's reign managing and running the "household" with a sharp wit. Always remaining in control and reaching out to those around her.
At first we saw this unsecured young woman being shipped from Sweden to help their own Princess, and where she find that royalty commanded as they see fit, selfish and demanding at all times. A place she found she did not want to be.
When the marquess fell in love with her and asked for her hand in marriage she stayed behind, becoming a true lady. But it was a long wait during which she has grown in maturity, to a person the Queen trusted and respected, a right hand that loved the Queen with genuine care.
She was also torn between her own affairs and that of the crown, Elizabeth's demands were not easily met and it almost cost her, her marriage to a young cousin that only saw Thomas for what she could gain.
Her devotion and love to her second husband was beautifully illustrated and at the end she managed to capture his heart once again.
Thomas, without any titles and who fell in love with her. The man not good enough to marry this high titled lady spend time in the Tower after the Queen learned of the secret marriage. Imprisoning Helena in her home, being with child taking the risk of contacting the Queen to plead her case with the Queen. Hoping that the friendship she had with Her Highness would secure them of a sound future.
I really admired this couple that was willing to stand against odds, making a life for themselves and having eight children together and still remain loyal to the throne. At the cost of their own happiness they served their Queen so that we, years later can still read about them, learn about their devotion to each other.
A beautiful love story all on its own.
Step back in time and enjoy this wonderful written story.
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Roses Have Thorns Review Schedule
Monday, April 15 - Kimberly S. @ The Book Barista (Review and Giveaway)
Tues., April 16 - Serena C. @ Edgy Inspirational Romance
Wed., April 17 - Margaret C. @ Creative Madness Mama
Thur., April 18 - Jendi @ Jendi’s Journal
Fri., April 19 - Lynelle C. @ Aspired Writer (Review)
Mon. April 22 - Renee @ Black ‘n Gold Girl’s Book Spot
Wed. April 24 - Deena P @ A Peek at My Bookshelf
Thur. April 25 - Ruth A. @ Booktalk and More
Wed. May 1 - Annette K. @ A Well Watered Garden
Thur. May 2 - Veronica S @ Veronica’s Views
Sun. May 5 -Theresa G. @ Faith and Family Reviews
Thank you so much, Lynelle, for this lovely review - and for hosting me on your blog. I truly appreciate the richness of your comments, and the time so thoughtfully put into it.
ReplyDeleteIt was a great pleasure Sandra. I can not wait to read the other books in this series.
ReplyDelete