Award Winning Author Sandra Worth, The Rose of York Series
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Lady of the Roses:
A Novel of the Wars of the Roses
  





Published by Berkley Books,
a division of the
Penguin Group (USA),
January 2, 2008

ISBN-10: 0425219143

On sale now at your
favorite bookstore
or online


Lady of the Roses book cover

   click on cover to enlarge

  

THE LOVE STORY THAT CHANGED HISTORY

From “a gifted literary talent” comes a sweeping epic of defiant love, high adventure, and the resilience of the human spirit. Based on history, this is the story of young Isobel Ingoldesthorpe and Sir John Neville, medieval ancestors of Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Sir Winston Churchill, who cultivate their love as violence erupts all around them in England’s Wars of the Roses . . .

Book Description

During her short time as a ward in Queen Marguerite's Lancastrian court, fifteen-year-old Isobel has had many suitors ask for her hand, but the spirited beauty is blind to all but Yorkist Sir John Neville. It is nothing short of a miracle when the Queen allows Isobel's marriage to the enemy, albeit at a hefty price.

All around Isobel and John rages a lawless war. It is only their passion that can see them through the bloody march on London by the Duke of Somerset, 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.

See the story's Dramatis Personae in the new site Photo Gallery

Read an Excerpt

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PRAISE FOR LADY OF THE ROSES

“Worth has much to offer her readers: great storylines, fascinating characters, and just the right historical touch. “Lady of the Roses” may be set in the 1400s, but its story and telling are contemporary and easily enjoyed by the readers of 2008.”
~~ Christine Zibas, read the entire review at  BookPleasures.com

“Isobel . . .  is a most perceptive and engaging witness to history. Isobel and John’s love story, and sixteen years of English history, culminating in the Battle of Barnet, are skillfully interwoven. Worth paints vivid, up-close portraits of many historical figures, among them Queen Marguerite, Elizabeth Woodville, and John Tiptoft, Isobel’s pious uncle, who is transformed by war into the Butcher of England... [H]er work rests on a firm foundation of historical accuracy. Both historical romance fans and those who are fascinated by this era will find much here to enjoy.”
~~ Phyllis T. Smith,  Historical Novel Review

“Sandra Worth threads together the most bittersweet love story since Romeo and Juliet.”
~~ J. Kaye Oldner,  Revish

“I haven't been this drawn into a historical fiction about an unfamiliar time period since I read The Other Boleyn Girl. Philippa Gregory should watch her back...  Sandra Worth is coming on strong with her stories from the War of the Roses.”
~~ Sadie's Story Lines

“There are many love stories that readers can choose from, but few are as powerful as Lady of the Roses. The highest of praises go to author Worth for creating this beautiful literary work.”
~~ TCM Reviews

“This intense work of art brings life to English history during the times of the War of the Roses with as much rich vibrancy as the castle tapestries that are woven into the tale. A classic love story, and one that was likely the inspiration for many others that we know and cherish, Sir John Neville and Lady Isobel Ingoldesthorpe's tale is exquisitely bittersweet.  Dear Isobel, our narrator, becomes a cherished companion . . .  ”
~~ Heather Froeschl,  Book Review Journal

“[W]ritten so beautifully that I found myself tearful during the happy moments and downright crying through the pain. The characters came to life through Sandra Worh's words. I've mourned with them, laughed with them, and felt sorry when the story ended-- for I longed to know more of Sir John Neville and Isobel, his true Lady of the Roses.”
~~ C.P. Murphy's Random Thoughts

“Find time to read Ms. Worth’s latest masterpiece. You will find yourself swept up with two of the most memorable characters ever explored in print, John and Isobel Neville, in one of the saddest yet most momentous events that changed British history.”
~~ Lori J. Braunhardt for the Richard III Society (U.S.)

“A love story written in the pages of history... All admirers of history, romance or fine literature will enjoy Sandra Worth's... thoroughly entertaining novel.”
~~ Donna Zapf, SingleTitles.com

“[B]eautifully written . . .  a well-versed writer.”
~~ Tristi Pinkston, Media Reviews

“John and Isobel remain trapped in the pages of history, Worth breathing new life into their in a novel of commitment that defies convention, a marriage based on love.”
~~ Luan Gaines/2007

“Worth's War of the Roses series has garnered well-deserved accolades due to the meticulous research that allows her to bring colorful historical characters and tumultuous eras to life. Rich descriptions, realistic dialogue and fascinating people thrust her story forward. Worth proves that history is as powerful as fiction. ”
~~ Kathe Robin, RT Rating:4 star rating,  Romantic Times

“Sandra Worth has once again captured the tornado-whirling shifts of loyalty as England watches two mad women change the course of history, Marguerite d'Anjou - Henry VI's French queen - and later Elizabeth Woodville - Edward IV's beautiful wife. ...  Ms. Worth's singular talent lies in the masterful way she crafts plot and deftly presents an in depth, diverse set of historical characters whom the reader comes to deeply care about. Congratulations, Sandra Worth! Lady of the Roses is an unparalleled, beautiful, dire and memorable keeper in the top ranks of historical novels! What a treat!”
~~ Viviane Crystal,  www.crystalreviews.com

“Her hallmarks of meticulous research and excellent character development continue in this new story that pre-dates the trilogy. This book kept me up late, and I hated for it to end. LADY OF THE ROSES, like its predecessors, is A Perfect 10.”
~~ Jani Brooks, Romance Reviews Today

“A must have novel that I proudly give ten snowflakes to.”
~~ Snow's Place

“If you're a reader who enjoys history wrapped within a great love story, you won't be disappointed in Lady of the Roses.”
~~ Reece Herring

“Known for her terrific in depth historical saga, The Rose of York... Sandra Worth stays with the era providing a strong War of Roses tale. The story line is epic in scope using the fifteen years relationship between John and Isobel as a means to provide insight into England from 1456-1471.”
~~ Harriet Klausner


Published by Berkley Books,
a division of the Penguin Group (USA),
January 2, 2008

ISBN-10: 0425219143
Buy it from Amazon or your favorite bookstore

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