The third in a historical trilogy, “Roses Have
Thorns” is set in the Tudor period, a time rife with conflict and rich in more
than just the jewels and costumes.
Much
like a movie playing out before the mind’s eye, this novel follows richly on
the its cover’s promise. Dark and deep, telling in its portrayal of real life
characters through the eyes of a fictional heroine, the novel takes place over
more years than most titles can pull off.
A
reader can travel years within one chapter, but a tip of my feather-decked hat
to never once making me feel as though I were rushed. I would have really loved
to see the layer of Thomas and Helena begin much sooner in the novel. I wanted
to delve deeper into their relationship and their struggles.
To
be a servant to the queen? A woman with enough power to sever your head from
your shoulders without being questioned? I don’t think I’d be brave enough.
Helena was. 16th century England was nothing short than a walking
booby trap. What faith!
I felt
much of the novel was circular. The same events happening over and over and
with this, I lost a great deal of my initial interest. While the story as a
whole, had great potential for good, I didn’t enjoy this one as much as “To Die
For” (novel #1)
This
review is my honest opinion. Thanks to the publishers for my copy to review.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
More about the novel....
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.
*~*CONTEST INFO*~*
Would you like to win your own copy of Sandra's latest novel and the pictured Elizabethan necklace?
I thought so. ;-) I'd enter myself, if I weren't hosting it!
Leave a comment below about why YOU'D like to read this book and I'll add your
Standard contest rules apply. Only U.S. entries please! One entry per entrant in this contest. :-)
I'll draw a winner and email them privately next Saturday, May 25th
This sounds like an intriguing book. I've never read a book on this time period (gasp!) but would like to delve into it. :)
ReplyDeletenicnac63 AT hotmail DOT com
I would really like to read this novel. I always hear or read about the Queens. Not often do I see books about the life of a servant to the Queen.
ReplyDelete1dozenstar(at)gmail(dot)com
I don't know much about Elizabeth I or the Tudor period - hoping this book will give me more insight. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!
ReplyDeletebonnieroof60@yahoo.com
love Sandra's books and what a lovely giveaway thanks for the chance to win
ReplyDeleteABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com
I enjoy books set in the Tudor period.
ReplyDeletepbclark(at)netins(dot)net
The cover itself is intriguing...I find myself wishing I could see the characters' faces! This time period held so much sadness, but the way people overcame it is always interesting.
ReplyDeletekandrajane at bell south dot net
I would love to be able to give this book to my daughter. She is a Sandra Byrd fan and hasn't read this one.
ReplyDeleteI am and have always been drawn to Queens, Kings, Princes and Princesses. It doesn't matter what time period. This sounds like a wonderful book. Thank you for entering me in your giveaway!!
ReplyDeletebarbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thank you so much, Casey, for your thoughtful review and for hosting the giveaway on your blog. I appreciate you!
ReplyDeleteI reading similar reviews about this book - but I'll give it the ole heave ho and try it - if I should win! Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI would love to read this book. Sounds really good. T hanks for the giveaway. Tore923@aol.com
ReplyDeleteI am very interested in reading this book. In college I took a course on Tudor England. I really enjoyed it. Thank you for offering a copy of Roses Have Thorns.
ReplyDeletemay_dayzee (at) yahoo (dot) com
I would love to read this book! I have always been fascinated about this era
ReplyDeletesamanthaakuiper(at)gmail(dot)com
Comment from Kaylyn:
ReplyDeleteI would love to read this book; especially since it is written from the servant's point-of-view and not the queen's. I have been enjoying various stories from the Tudor Era for the past few years.
kiviex7905(@)gmail.com
Comment from Cherie:
ReplyDeleteI still haven't been able to figure out why I can't comment using the Google acct. anymore. Anyway, I love the idea of writing from the view of a servant, who gets to become involved with the royalty.
ckasper49(at)gmail(dot)com
Have a great day!!
Thanks for your thoughts and of course, the giveaway! I love the Tudor era, so this book is right up my alley.
ReplyDelete