Book Review: Lady of the Roses by Sandra Worth
Published by Berkley Books, New York
January 2008
ISNB 978-0-425-21914-0
Lady of the Roses is a heart-wrenching tale of love and war set in England in mid-1400. It recounts the ongoing battle for supremacy between the houses of York and Lancaster, the white rose and red rose respectively. At the same time, two powerful families – the Nevilles, who favored York and sought peace, and the Percies, who followed no one but themselves – struggled for control of the land.
Young Isobel Ingoldesthorpe, daughter of Lancastrian knight Sir Edmund was merely 15 when the reality of the ongoing War of the Roses threatened to keep her from marrying the man she loved. Yes, the custom was to become betrothed at a young age at that time and usually, the marriage was pre-arranged to the advantage of those involved. However, Isobel fell head over heels for Sir John Neville, who was faithful to the House of York.
At that time in history, King Henry IV sat on the throne but due to his mental failings, his Queen Marguerite ruled the land with an iron fist taking money from the poor and sending her army out to do battle with her enemies. Sir John Neville was known far and wide as a gallant knight – son of Richard, Duke of York - who along with his brothers Thomas and Warwick had more than the lawless Percies to contend with. The House of York, itself, became divided between those loyal to the mild mannered king and those who hated Queen Marguerite for her ruthlessness.
Though the Lady of the Roses is solidly based historically, the primary focus of the book is on Isobel’s journey as the wife of the Yorkist, John and their subsequent children. Each time John set out for battle, there were many days and nights that Isobel feared he might never return home to her alive. It truly is a touching tale that not only puts you at the center of the action, but also endears you to Isobel – a sweet and good hearted woman who only wants her family and the rest of England to live in peace.
Author Sandra Worth has presented an endearing tale that is bound to touch you on many levels. In fact, if you reach the end of this book and have not shed a tear or two, then you have no heart.
For more information or to purchase Lady of the Roses, go to: http://www.sandraworth.com/
Martha Jette is a former newspaper and magazine editor, now author of five published books, with two more on the way soon.
Please take the time to visit her sites:
Paranormal and Other Books
Playing With The Devil
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