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LADY OF THE ROSES
Sandra Worth
Berkley
January 2008
ISBN 978-0-425-219140-0
Historical Romance
In June of 1456, Isobel of Ingoldesthorpe, the
fifteen year old orphaned ward of Queen Marguerite
d'Anjou and her nun escort are on their way to London
and the royal court when a violent storm forces them to
take refuge in a nearby castle. Invited by their host to
that evening's sumptuous banquet, Sister Madeleine is
not sure of their host's political loyalty, and insists
that they not attend, but Isobel's deep loneliness and
sadness touches her heart, so she relents. With no
family but an uncle, Isobel longs for a family of her
own, for the love that her late father and mother shared
and wishes for a soulmate of her own. She knows that
love in marriage is a rare thing, that marriage is more
often a contract concerning wealth and politics...and as
ward to the Queen, she has an even less chance of
finding true love since her hand will be sold to the
highest bidder to enrich the royal coffers. But Isobel's
fate is not to be the usual one...there at the banquet,
she meets her heart's desire, her soul's mate, Sir John
Neville. Isobel knows within a few moments in his
presence that she will only love this once. Yet there
are great obstacles to their union because England is in
the midst of great civil discord. Much depends upon
which branch of the English royal family one supports,
Lancaster or York--whether one's loyalty lies with the
Red Rose or the White. Isobel's family were Lancastrians
as are King Henry VI and Queen Marguerite. The Nevilles
place their loyalty with York. Even if Sir John's family
approved the match, would Queen Marguerite allow one of
her wards to marry for love? When Isobel marries her
John, this Lady of the Roses begins her destiny of love
and joy amidst heartbreak as England disintegrates into
thirty years of civil wars where alliances change by the
minute and treachery and treason rule the day...
LADY OF THE ROSES is a superb, beautifully written,
well-researched historical novel that is perfect for
readers who enjoy historical fiction. LADY OF THE ROSES
is a feast of the senses with Sandra Worth's vivid and
exquisite writing. She brings the fifteenth century
vibrantly to life with her wide and detailed knowledge
of the period. Fans of historical romance will thrill to
this true love story...yet will need to be prepared for
a not so happy ending as so often happens in real
life...yet there is a HEA thanks to Ms. Worth's
imagination and skill as a writer of fiction that will
touch the heart and bring the reader to tears. LADY OF
THE ROSES is most highly recommended!
Reviewed by Debora Hosey
Rating: 4 1/2 |
