Roses Have Thorns is the third of the Ladies in Waiting Tudor-era novels by Sandra Byrd. It introduces the reader to a Swedish historical woman, Elin von Snakenberg, or, as she came to be known in England, Helena, Marchioness of Northampton. Through the story of Elin, we come into the court of Elizabeth I.
Byrd paints a sympathetic and likable heroine from the start of the book as Elin must leave her fiance behind, obviously entangled in a love affair with her sister as Elin travels to England to attend to a Swedish princess. A difficult, lengthy voyage and Danish interference cut off communication with her family. Love quickly finds her in England, however, with Lord Northampton, brother of the late Queen Kathryn Parr, and she comes to be the second most powerful woman in the land. Yet we see how Elin endured puzzling rejection and even near death for having brought along into Elizabeth’s bedchamber a custom from her homeland. Lovers of historical fiction will enjoy becoming better acquainted with numerous persons, including the Swedish princess, many from Elizabeth’s court, and especially the not-well-known Elin from Sweden. Byrd won a fascinated readership with this choice of a lovely young woman who would enchant an uneasy queen with her soothing massage and her discerning words spoken with a lilting accent.
With lush descriptions, an interesting first-person narrative, brilliant details, and tight dialogue, the author swept me into all the court intrigues of the time. I truly could not stop reading once I began. Historical facts were cleverly weaved into the story so that keeping track of people was not onerous. The story follows historical facts closely, which is another definite asset. A great storyline, an interesting heroine, and plenty of intrigue and conflict make this a must-read book. I have also read To Die For and The Secret Keeper by Sandra Byrd and they are equally good. Read all three! They are wonderfully enjoyable.
