Roses Have Thorns by Sandra Byrd Review and Giveaway

Publication Date: April 9, 2013 | Simon & Schuster | 336p

From the acclaimed author of To Die For comes a stirring novel told that sheds new light on Elizabeth I and her court.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 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 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.

Praise for Roses Have Thorns

"In Roses Have Thorns Sandra Byrd has given the reader another amazing heroine to tell the intimate story of England's greatest queen, Elizabeth I. What a unique point of view and deeply moving story Helena von Snakenborg provides. Byrd is especially adept at blending political and private lives. This is a timeless women's friendship novel as well as a poignant love story to cherish--both the roses and the thorns." (Karen Harper, New York Times bestselling author of Mistress of Mourning )

"There is something golden about this tale of Elin, an eager young woman in a strange land, diligent in her duty but alive to love. A tale gracefully told, even as it renders the terrors of treachery that form the crucible of Elin's hard-won wisdom. A heartfelt story of loyalty, longing, life-long friendship, and the many seasons of the heart." (Barbara Kyle, author of The Queen's Gamble and Blood Between Queens)

"Beautiful prose and masterful research combine to bring this fascinating tale to life, treating the reader to fully realized characters and providing an original window through which we can view Elizabeth's court. Ms. Byrd's work will stand as an unforgettable contribution to Tudor fiction." (D.L. Bogdan, author of The Forgotten Queen) 

About the Author

Sandra Byrd has published more than three dozen books in the fiction and nonfiction markets, including the first book in her Tudor series, To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn.  Her second book, The Secret Keeper: A Novel of Kateryn Parr, illuminates the mysteries in the life of Henry's last wife.

For more than a decade Sandra has shared her secrets with the many new writers she edits, mentors, and coaches. She lives in the Seattle, Washington, area with her husband and two children. For more Tudor tidbits, please visit www.sandrabyrd.com.

My Thoughts:

Roses Have Thorns is the third and last installment of the Ladies in Waiting series by Sandra Byrd.  Elin von Snakenborg (Helena) is 17 when she comes to England and chooses to stay. She becomes one of Queen Elizabeth I's Ladies in Waiting and serves as such until the Queen's death. I had not heard of Helena before so I found her story very interesting and refreshing. Most of us who read historical fiction know the Tudor era and most of the queen's court are well known so it is really nice to read about a woman who is not well known. I found it very interesting that due to her advantageous marriage to Marquess of Northampton makes Helena the highest ranked woman under the Queen. She was widowed after only 5 months of marriage and fell in love and subsequently married Thomas Gorges, a cousin of the queen, without the queen's consent. She was exiled and her husband sent to the Tower. Queen Elizabeth eventually relented and they were brought back to court. 

Along with Helena's duties to Queen Elizabeth I,she and her husband had eight children. Helena often found herself without the company of her husband as he was often away on missions for the queen. This definitely can put a strain on a marriage even in the best of times. But with treason always a threat to the queen, trusted courtiers are a must.   

Along with Helena's story, we read about Mary Queen of Scots and how the Catholic's conspire to dethrone or even murder Queen Elizabeth I and put Mary on the English throne. A thoroughly researched and richly told story about England's most famous Queen and those that surrounded her in her intimate and public life. I love to read most anything Tudor related and I thoroughly enjoyed this series. Ms. Byrd's style of writing is so engrossing and emotional that I found myself tearing up on more than one occasion.I highly recommend this series to the lover of England's history and the Tudor era in particular.

I received a copy of this book for review and was not monetarily compensated for my review.

Now for the Giveaway!!! 

Sandra Byrd is graciously giving away to one lucky person, a copy of Roses have Thorns and an Elizabethan Necklace. This giveaway is for US entrants only. To enter, please leave a comment telling me who your favorite Tudor lady is. You must leave an email address or your entry will be disqualified. Thank you and good luck!!Ends at end of tour May 17th...