I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Title: "Roses Have Thorns"~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Series: Ladies in Waiting Book 3
Author: Sandra Byrd
Publisher: Howard Books
Publication Date: 4/9/2013
Publisher: Howard Books
Publication Date: 4/9/2013
Pages: 336
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.
This book was very well written and paid close attention to period details. It was very interesting to read about society and relationships during the reign of Queen Elizabeth.
At the same time, huge chunks of time are skipped over from chapter to chapter. This book isn't so much about Elin and one particular time in her life. It is more about the happenings to her in the lifetime Queen Elizabeth.
I'm not sure how I felt about this. In one way, I almost couldn't read fast enough because I wanted to find out what was going to be written about next. But on the other hand, so many people flew in and out of Elin's, or should I say Helena's, life that it had to be read in a manner to keep them straight.
Overall, this was a very good read. I didn't read the first two books of the series, but this book can stand alone very well.
A Brief Excerpt:
"Just before and after Christmas the court was at its most festive. It was the season of revels, and plays were performed for Her Majesty's enjoyment."
Page 82
The Cover:
The cover is rich in color and period clothing. It does a very good job of showing what the book is about.
Other Notes:
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Rating
3/5
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On to the next book,
Thank you very much for taking the time to read and review my book, Colletta. I appreciate you!
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