Admittedly, while Elin/Helena and her story didn't exactly draw an emotional connection from me until the last quarter or so, this longtime fan of historical fiction still found the events interesting.

Granted, it seems this series gives only a brief look at most of the events and keeps many of the conversations short, as all the novels pass through a good number of years and involve numerous characters. Still, the events held my attention here, even as I read about the parts of the Elizabethan era I already knew.

There's something in the pattern of their lives that all three of this series' key ladies in waiting share. And especially seeing Elin/Helena's constant obligations at court, what her sovereign expects of her in the name of loyalty, and how it affects her life and family... Well. I don't envy the highest-ranking lady in waiting's position at all.

But I enjoyed reading about it. And leaving this engrossing series at three novels was enough. ( )

I think what is best about historical fiction is the opportunity to find out about historical figures we know little or nothing about. This is the case in Sandra Byrd's new book, Roses Have Thorns, where we get to see the story of Elizabeth's Tudor court told from the point of view of Helena, Marchioness of Northampton. Helena comes to England from Sweden as Elin von Snakenborg and soon ingratiates herself with Queen Elizabeth. Helena is a very likable character. I enjoyed her kindness and wit throughout the book. What I liked the most though was the view of the queen through her eyes. Elizabeth is probably my favorite historical figure and the way she is portrayed in this book is how I feel she really might have been. Helena may have been Elizabeth's lady in waiting, but Byrd has portrayed the relationship between them with a light of friendship. This adds real charm and authenticity to the story. We get to experience Elizabeth as a flesh and blood human, not just a figure head. I was so very touched by this quote at the end when Elizabeth dies at the old age of 70:

"I knew she was at peace and with those she best loved: in the embrace of the Lord Jesus, then next, perhaps her Robin, and then finally, finally, resting enfolded in the arms of her mother."

That brought tears to my eyes. To know that you have made your mother so proud of you in what you did in your life and to finally see her again after so many years. I really hope that was true for Elizabeth.

This is the final book in Sandra Byrd's Ladies in Waiting series. I have the other two books (graciously sent to me by Ms. Byrd) and I can't wait to read them, even if I'm reading out of order. Ms. Byrd has a talent for telling a great story and creating characters we care about while preserving the historical details that surround the story. I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next.
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I have a fascination with the Tudor period and have been curious about Helena for a while now. So when I spotted this book I immediately snatched it up.

This was a decent read. It certainly gave a helpful insight towards who Helena may have been and how she came to be a close confidante of Elizabeth.

The novel provided some fascinating and interesting glimpses of Helena, from her early days in Sweden to her last moment as Elizabeth's Chief Mourner. Helena has certainly lived an interesting and eventful life, certainly not as turbulent or scandalous as countless others in the court during that time frame. We also got a glimpse of a different Elizabeth that we have come to know through other books. This Elizabeth has more sides to her, a vulnerable, loving and intense side that we really do not see too often for a warrior queen during a very turbulent time period.

While I enjoyed reading up on Helena's life and adventures, I felt the snap shots were a little too short in expanding on the depth of some of the well known people in the Tudor court. Like I would have liked a bit more detail about Mary Radcliffe or Princess Cecilia, etc.

Overall, it was an interesting read. ( )

Historical fiction at its finest. When I want to read historical fiction, I don't want to feel as though I've picked up an encyclopedia and started reading it. I want to feel as though I have been transported back in time and am a part of that particular era. This is not an easy thing to do for any author. Sandra Byrd is one of the very few that can accomplish this. Too often, historical novels become places with major information dumps and I get bored. Quickly. And then I never want to return to the book. This one? In my opinion, this one is even better than To Die For.

I have my favorite books and authors. Sandra Byrd is at the top of the list.

This story is full of intrigue, suspense, and stratagems almost entirely within your own family.
Everyone smiles.
Everyone bows or curtsies.
Yet almost everyone wants you dead.
The solution? Surround yourself with brilliant counselors and ladies in waiting that you can trust. And even then, you may make a terrible mistake.

Taking a piece of history that is in itself fascinating, Ms. Byrd went the extra distance. She found and expounded on a tiny fractional piece of history about a person many people didn't even know existed, and gave her her own voice. Her own story. And it was captivating. Thrilling. And I was sorry to see this one end.

If you're looking for cardboard characters, limp plots and scenery? Don't waste your time on this book. If you're looking for something to chew on and think about for weeks to come? Even do a little research on your own just to see how much of this could be true? You'll want this book.
Highly recommend.

*My thanks to the author & publisher for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for a review. I was in no wise obligated this review be positive. These thoughts are my own.* ( )

http://www.girllostinabook.com/2013/11/review-roses-have-thorns-by-sandra-byrd.h... ( )