To arrange a Bookclub phone chat, please contact Sandra at roseofyork@sandraworth.com or call (713) 974-7002.

1. Did you know anything about Isobel before you read this book? What did you consider to be her best qualities? How do you think you might react to the situations she found herself in if you were in her shoes? Did you find her to be a figure who acted true to her time? If so, how? If not, why not?



2. Lady of the Roses is set during England’s 15th century Wars of the Roses. How does the time period influence the events and the characters? Is the setting familiar or alien to you? Did you know much about this period in history before you read the book? What did you learn about it from reading Lady of the Roses?



3. Lady of the Roses tells the story of a romance between two real-life characters facing emotional choices entwined with political realities. What does this novel say about these realities? What is the meaning of the title?



4. Isobel and John came from the enemy camps of York and Lancaster during an era of bloody civil war. Do you find it surprising that John and Isobel were able marry despite such overwhelming odds? Why did the Queen give her permission to the match when she hated York so bitterly?



5. The historical facts surrounding the Butcher of England are well documented. What did you know about John Tiptoft, Earl of Worcester as a historical figure? Do you think the author depicted Worcester as true to history, given what we know about him? Why do you think he devolved as he did?



6. Discuss the novel's ending. Do you think the characters got what they deserved? Who was your favorite character? Who was your least favorite? Give the reasons why you feel as you do.



7. The direct descendants of Isobel and John were President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill. Do you think this love affair was pre-destined to save the world from evil five centuries later? Or was it just a coincidence?



8. If you could go back in time and change one thing to avert the catastrophe of civil war, what would it be?

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