Review & Giveaway: Roses Have Thorns By Sandra Byrd

Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Howard Books; Original edition
Release Date: April 9, 2013
ISBN-10: 1439183163
Genre: Historical Fiction

About The Book: 
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.

My Thoughts:
In this third installment of her Ladies In Waiting Series, Sandra Byrd has certainly proven herself to be a very gifted an talented historical writer.   Elin von Snakenborg is quickly an endearing and strong female character set against the backdrop of Tudor life and turmoil  just prior to the death of Elizabeth 1.  Byrd captures not only the essence of Tudor life, but also the intimacy of friendship among the women surrounding Elizabeth 1.  Elegantly written with thoughtful prose throughout, Roses Have Thorns, is sure to delight fans of Historical Fiction.  I was truly immersed with this story and its various sub-plots and easily found myself swept away between the pages until the early morning hours. I would most certainly recommend this novel and easily give it four stars!

About the author:

After earning her first rejection at the age of thirteen, bestselling author Sandra Byrd has now published more than forty books. Her adult fiction debut, Let Them Eat Cake, was a Christy Award finalist, as was her first historical novel, To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn. To Die For was also named by Library Journal as a Best Books Pick for 2011 and The Secret Keeper: A Novel of Kateryn Parr, was named a Library Journal Best Books Pick for 2012. Roses Have Thorns: A Novel of Elizabeth I, will publish in April, 2013.

Sandra has also published dozens of books for tweens and teens.

A former textbook acquisitions editor, Sandra has also published many nonfiction articles and books. She is also passionate about helping new writers develop their talent and their work toward traditional or self publication. As such, she has mentored and coached hundreds of new writers and continues to coach dozens to success each year.

Please visit www.sandrabyrd.com to learn more, or to invite Sandra to your bookclub via Skype.

Connect with Sandra on Twitter: www.twitter.com/sandrabyrd

Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sandrabyrdwrites

Connect with Sandra on Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/SandraByrdBooks

Giveaway:

Sandra has graciously offered to provide one lucky winner here with a free copy of this magnificent novel. This giveaway is open to US residents only.  To enter, simply leave a comment here on this post. I'll announce the winner here on Tuesday April 23rd.