The Book Stacks

During her short time as a ward in Queen Marguerite’s Lancastrian court, fifteen-year-old Isobel, passionate, courageous, and of exceeding beauty, has not suffered for attention. Although suitor after suitor has asked for her hand, she is blind to all but Yorkist Sir. John Neville, whom she can only hope to see at affairs of state. And it is nothing short of a miracle when the queen allows Isobel’s marriage to the enemy, albeit at a hefty bride-price.

All around them rages a lawless war… But it only strengthens their love. Refusing to sit idly as her husband joins in the strife, Isobel uses her cunning to his advantage, even employing disguises. It is only their passion that can see them through the bloody march on London by the Duke of Lancaster, the violent madness of Queen Marguerite, and the devolution of Isobel’s meek uncle into the Butcher of England. For theirs is an everlasting love that fears not the scratch of thorns, from either the Red Rose or the White…

Lady of the Roses is one of the few historical fiction novels I have read, and I can say with all honesty, she does favours for her genre. I liked this book so much that I want not only to read more of her books, I want to read more widely in the genre.

Worth uses language that reflects her main character, Isobel – beautiful and gentle with an undeniable strength. She doesn’t not waste words, but nor does she withhold anything from the reader. When I began reading, I was surprised by how much the way Worth writes helped me to relax and enjoy the story she told.

While this is a historical novel, the historical events do not overshadow the fact that this is Isobel’s story – a story that no one is going to want to miss. Isobel is a character who delights the reader as much as she delights and captures the hearts of the other characters in the book. The reader easily identifies with her happiness and her sorrow. Her viewpoint is one we want to follow.

My only regret with this is book is that it had to end without me having other Sandra Worth books in my possession.

Whether or not you have read historical fiction before, I recommend this book. I enjoyed every aspect of it all the way through.