Series: Ladies in Waiting #3
Publication Date: 9th April 2013
Pages: 336
Book Source: Historical Fiction Virtual Book Tours
Synopsis: From the acclaimed
author of To Die For comes a stirring novel told that sheds new light
on Elizabeth I and her court. 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 fiance 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 an 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.
My
Thoughts:
I
loved The Secret Keeper: A novel of Kateryn Parr and was excited when
the opportunity arose to read the final book in the Ladies in Waiting series
and be part of The Roses Have Thorns book tour.
Everyone
knows I'm huge fan of Tudor history, I never tire of it, but it's also
refreshing to view this period in history; the monarchs, court life, the
intrigue, religious turmoil, duplicity and plots through the eyes of someone
lesser known at court.
Swedish
born Elin von Snakenborg, Helena as she is now known in England is one of Queen
Elizabeth I's ladies. Helena's an endearing narrator; with loyalty, honesty,
courage and kindness she moves through the ranks, eventually becoming friend
and intimate to Elizabeth.
I
loved Sandra's portrayal of Elizabeth, her strength, sternness and many
sacrifices but also her warmth and kindness. I enjoyed seeing the very real
difficulties for a lady in waiting, all-encompassing loyalty to the Queen is
not often conducive to personal happiness but Helena's courage and
determination see her happy in her marriages. I must say I'm surprised not to have read
anything of Helena, Marchioness of Northampton before this.
Recommend: absolutely - for history
lovers, for lovers of Tudor history wanting a fresh view and for those 'over'
Tudor, try this series.
Cover: Sumptuous
Twitter Hashtag: #RosesHaveThornsVirtualTour
Giveaway:
I'm thrilled to offer readers the chance to win a copy of ROSES HAVE THORNS. Just leave a relevant comment or question along with your email address. The giveaway is for one paperback copy and it's International!!
Extra Entries:
+ 2 tweet giveaway and leave a link
Giveaway ends 18th May and winner will be announced on my blog. Good luck everyone!
I'm one of those who has gotten a bit tired of the Tudors, but I'm ready for a "fresh" view thru the eyes of a lesser known character. I added this novel to my wish list. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeletelcbrower40(at)gmail(dot)com
This sounds really GREAT!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm not familiar with Helena either-I've been craving some Tudor fiction and this could fit the bill!
ReplyDeleteThis historical sounds intriguing and interests me greatly. I would like to explore this book and learn about the characters. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteThanks for this fascinating novel. The era and the plot is captivating. elliotbencan(at)hotmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI would love to read this--I've been looking for a new read!
ReplyDeletestaci.vice@yahoo.com
The Snakenborg name just bugs me
ReplyDeletePlease count me in.
ReplyDeleteLove your recommendation at the end :) I'd love to read this!
ReplyDeletemeah56ATgmailDOTcom
I am fascinated by Elizabeth I. I love to learn about her through another one's eyes.
ReplyDeleteCarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
I tweeted:
ReplyDeletehttp://t.co/m1JYr6N18D
CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
Thank you, Teddyree for your thoughtful review and for hosting a giveaway! I truly appreciate the time you spent reading, and I am thrilled that you liked the book so much. :) I was excited to discover Elin/Helena, too!
ReplyDeleteTudor England continues to fascinate. I love meeting members of the court.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
I love The Tudor period and this one sounds great. It has been a long time since I've immersed myself in this period.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway Teddyree.
karen(dot)barr2008(at)gmail(dot)com
I, too, am in love with reading about the Tudors and anyone who lived during the Tudor time period. They are all crazy and really make for great stories!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway!
lafra86 at gmail dot com
I have long been fascinated with the Tudor period of British history, and Phillippa Gregory is usually my author of choice. Your review definitely has me interested in this author's work.
ReplyDeleteTCuevas@iccable.com
I also tweeted the giveaway. Here is the link:
ReplyDeletehttps://twitter.com/SELFTAUGHTCOOK2/status/332673916524961792
TCuevas@iccable.com
been swooning over this one for some time! Love the cover as well :D thank you so much for the giveaway
ReplyDeleteTwitted: https://twitter.com/lilypondreads/status/334438356823977984
lilypondreads at gmail dot com
I want to read this series but I need a cheat sheet on all of the people involved!!
ReplyDeleteit looks like an awesome book.Very interesting and one to read when I am feeling lonely.i find book friends are the best! I also tweeted the giveaway http://t.co/GyOeiQElZP
ReplyDelete