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A review by drey72
Roses Have Thorns: A Novel of Elizabeth I by Sandra Byrd
5.0
Sandra Byrd’s Roses Have Thorns is a story of love and friendship between two strong women – one who rules a country without a man, and one who gives up her home and family to make her way in a new world.
Lady Elin von Snakenborg is only seventeen when she accompanies her Princess from Sweden to Elizabeth’s court, leaving behind her family, a fiancé enamored with her sister, and a disappearing dowry. In England, she attracts the attention of Lord Northampton, but finds that the politics of King Henry VIII has left the status of the Marquess’ previously-annulled marriage in limbo. Of course, she’d already made the decision to stay at Elizabeth’s court when her Princess returned to Sweden, so Elin is left hanging. Good thing she has a friend or two, and Elizabeth’s demanding attention to tend to…
Eventually, Elin marries her Marquess and becomes the second-highest ranked woman in Elizabeth’s court – which allows her to show affection towards her friend, but also brings its own set of problems when Elin is widowed, then remarries.
I enjoyed reading about the friendship between Elin and Elizabeth, and I liked how real Elizabeth is in Roses Have Thorns. Some of Elin’s observations about the Queen seem to be spot-on, and is definitely more understanding than the portrayals we’ve had of her as a shrewish and jealous woman. This Elizabeth is real, always watchful of her words and actions, always on guard against threats to her throne, her kingdom, and her people – even from those you’d think she’d be able to trust. It can’t have been easy at all for her to rule, and do it as wisely and capably as she did, for as long as she did, in what was definitely a man’s world. I am now more awed by Elizabeth, and I honestly didn’t think that was possible.
I loved Roses Have Thorns (how apt a title!), and you will too – especially if you enjoy historical fiction set around the Tudor women. This one is full of detail and compassion, and I especially loved how its two main characters are very strong women. Pick it up!
drey’s rating: Outstanding!
Lady Elin von Snakenborg is only seventeen when she accompanies her Princess from Sweden to Elizabeth’s court, leaving behind her family, a fiancé enamored with her sister, and a disappearing dowry. In England, she attracts the attention of Lord Northampton, but finds that the politics of King Henry VIII has left the status of the Marquess’ previously-annulled marriage in limbo. Of course, she’d already made the decision to stay at Elizabeth’s court when her Princess returned to Sweden, so Elin is left hanging. Good thing she has a friend or two, and Elizabeth’s demanding attention to tend to…
Eventually, Elin marries her Marquess and becomes the second-highest ranked woman in Elizabeth’s court – which allows her to show affection towards her friend, but also brings its own set of problems when Elin is widowed, then remarries.
I enjoyed reading about the friendship between Elin and Elizabeth, and I liked how real Elizabeth is in Roses Have Thorns. Some of Elin’s observations about the Queen seem to be spot-on, and is definitely more understanding than the portrayals we’ve had of her as a shrewish and jealous woman. This Elizabeth is real, always watchful of her words and actions, always on guard against threats to her throne, her kingdom, and her people – even from those you’d think she’d be able to trust. It can’t have been easy at all for her to rule, and do it as wisely and capably as she did, for as long as she did, in what was definitely a man’s world. I am now more awed by Elizabeth, and I honestly didn’t think that was possible.
I loved Roses Have Thorns (how apt a title!), and you will too – especially if you enjoy historical fiction set around the Tudor women. This one is full of detail and compassion, and I especially loved how its two main characters are very strong women. Pick it up!
drey’s rating: Outstanding!