Author: Sandra Byrd
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Howard Books
Publish Date: April 9, 2013
Source: HF Virtual Book Tours
Why You're Reading This Book:
- You're a historical fiction fan.
- You like great characters.
From Goodreads.com: "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."
My Two Cents:
"Roses Have Thorns" is another great historical fiction pick from Sandra Byrd. It's told from the perspective of Elin, who comes from Sweden as part of a royal delegation and is left behind. She works her way through the court of Queen Elizabeth I to become one of Elizabeth's most treasured ladies-in-waiting. This isn't my first Byrd book and I continued to like the way that she tells a story. She really knows how to keep you engaged. The historical
I absolutely love reading about the court of Elizabeth. She is one of my very favorite historical figures to read about. She seems to have sort of a different favor in every book that I read about her and I love seeing all of the different facets.
Because Elin becomes such a close confidant to Elizabeth, we get a really good picture of who Elizabeth was as a person and as a friend. Elin is a great narrator and I thought that it was really cool that Byrd based it off of a real woman as she states in her author's note at the end of the book. As Byrd points out, there are a lot of people that think that Elizabeth wasn't good friends with any woman so Byrd was intrigued by this Elin who not only was one of the ladies-in-waiting but a close friend I don't mind made-up characters but I think it's always interesting to hear stories about real people. I really enjoyed seeing things from Elin's perspective.
Elin herself is a really interesting character. She is smart and savvy. She also has a way with herbs that I really enjoyed reading about her skills as it is something that I'm interested in.
Bottom line: This book is definitely another good historical fiction book!
Giveaway:
I'm excited to be able to give away a copy of this book as well as an awesome Elizabeth I necklace (US only).
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Follow the Rest of the Tour:
Tuesday, April 9
Review & Giveaway at Bippity Boppity Book
Wednesday, April 10
Review at Layered Pages
Review & Giveaway at My Reading Room
Thursday, April 11
Review & Giveaway at CelticLady’s Reviews
Review & Giveaway at Peeking Between the Pages
Friday, April 12
Feature & Giveaway at Passages to the Past
Monday, April 15
Review at Unabridged Chick
Tuesday, April 16
Interview & Giveaway at Unabridged Chick
Wednesday, April 17
Review & Giveaway at One Book at a Time
Thursday, April 18
Review & Guest Post at A Bookish Libraria
Friday, April 19
Review & Giveaway at Bloggin’ ’bout Books
Monday, April 22
Review at Peppermint, Ph.D.
Tuesday, April 23
Review & Giveaway at Julz Reads
Thursday, April 25
Review at Book Drunkard
Guest Post & Giveaway at Tanzanite’s Castle Full of Books
Friday, April 26
Review & Giveaway at The Musings of a Book Junkie
Monday, April 29
Review at The Broke and the Bookish
Tuesday, April 30
Review & Giveaway at A Bookish Affair
Wednesday, May 1
Review at A Chick Who Reads
Thursday, May 2
Review & Giveaway at Luxury Reading
Interview at A Chick Who Reads
Friday, May 3
Review at Book Dilettante
Monday, May 6
Review & Giveaway at Ageless Pages Reviews
Interview at Reading the Past
Tuesday, May 7
Review & Giveaway at The Eclectic Reader
Wednesday, May 8
Review & Giveaway at Broken Teepee
Thursday, May 9
Guest Post & Giveaway at Tina’s Book Reviews
Friday, May 10
Review at The Bookworm
Review at Sharon’s Garden of Book Reviews
Monday, May 13
Interview & Giveaway at Let Them Read Books
Tuesday, May 14
Review & Giveaway at Always with a Book
Wednesday, May 15
Review & Giveaway at Legacy of a Writer
Thursday, May 16
Review at Bitches with Books
Friday, May 17
Review & Giveaway at The True Book Addict
I do find that Elizabeth is a fascinating person to read about and watch in many of the movies that have been made about her. I like the fact that this book gives us a different perspective.
ReplyDeleteThis novel sounds fascinating and memorable. Thanks for this great giveaway. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI would love to add this book to my collection and after reading your review I want to read it even more. Thank you for the chance to win it. griperang at embarqmail dot com
ReplyDeleteThank you for that fantastic review, Meg. I love finding real people in history that I didn't know much about, too. Thanks to your blog followers for checking out the book as well. Have a great week!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for a chance to win Sandra Byrd's new book. I am very interested in Elizabeth I and this is a wonderful way to learn about her and her friend.
ReplyDeleteCarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com
I love hearing the stories of the monarchy through the eyes of others. Would love to read this one.
ReplyDeletetmrtini at gmail dot com
I can't wait to read this book!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the giveaway! I always enjoy reading about the people surrounding royalty, especially the Tudors.
ReplyDeleteThat cover reminds me of "The Tudors" season 1 DVD cover! Love it!
ReplyDeleteWow! I can't WAIT to read this!
I wonder what kind of events or people inspired the author while writing this book!?
Thanks for the giveaway!
mestith at gmail dot com