Roses Have Thorns

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:

Elin leaves Sweden traveling with Princess Cecelia to England. It is a cold journey and while it is prestigious to go and be in the queen's court. Elin was leaving her fiance`, Philip, and her sister who has set her eyes on him. 
When Elin arrives in England she finds out that her dowry has been gambled away and that her sister has indeed taken her fiance`. She decides to stay in England, which may or may not be a good choice. She uses her knowledge of herbs and oils to become the queen's personal perfumer. This gives her the perfect opportunity to gain what she wants when the timing is right. She may gain what she desires, yet it may be her downfall.

I am a huge Tudor fan and Sandra Byrd never leaves me disappointed. If you enjoy the Tudors this is a must read!