Banners of Silk

Set in elegant post-Napoleon Paris, Banners of Silk tells the story of young and impoverished dress designer Louise Vernet. The story opens as the newly orphaned Louise meets a grisette, Catherine Allard, who takes her in and fosters her. Louise works hard, learning every thing she can about the art of dress designing, eventually establishing herself at one of the premier maison de couture. The romance in this novel is raw and complex, and more real than most romance novels. Louise falls innocently in love with one man but soon out-grows her feelings for him. Next, Louise falls in love with a dashing military man whose inherent short-comings cause her anguish. Finally, Louise finds love with a friend. Although the ending was a bit of a disappointment for the romantic at heart, Laker's sharp characterizations and attention to historical details make Banners of Silk a thoroughly enjoyable read. Frankly, I did not see huge comparisions between To Dance With Kings and Banners of Silk (as the above review implies) but, as a writer, I understand that a good writer does have a unique and distinct style. Ms. Laker's is the finest I have ever read in the genre of historical romance. Buy this book, you would never be disappointed with her efforts. Leah Marie Brown, Author of Willing Captive

Most people don't get this book. It is a very heart felt book. What most people don't realise about it is that Charles Fredrick Worth is an actual Person in our worlds history. When it talks about all of the clothing for different people, he actually did make those pieces. He was the man who was completely resposable for changing our ideals of fashion in todays society. If it weren't for him we may not have the fashions that we have today. In the edition that I have read there is a page that says that Charles Worth's grandson helped get the facts straight. I read this book at least 5 times a year. The way that Ms. Laker intertwined the other peoples lives together makes you feel like you are really there with them. Don't just read these reviews and make your decision based apon there words. Read the book for yourself and then decide. Just remember that some of these people really did exist and that they helped make our life what it is today.

Banners of Silk is incredible. It paints a vivid picture of France, and you are immediately drawn into the lives or the characters. It portrays not only the court life that immediately comes to mind when you think of France in that era, but also delves into the lives and emotions of the working class. All around, a fabulous book by an immensely talented author!

Don't hesitate to read "Banners of Silk" because others have dubbed it a romance. The male/female interaction is secondary to this historical fiction in which we get a clear first-hand view of the beginnings of haute couture in Napoleonic France. It is more a study of the people and class system of the time and location than a romance. I do not generally read "romance novels" and I loved Banners of Silk.

This is my favorite romance book by Rosalind Laker. I like it so much because it wasn't about just one person in particular, put surrounds a group of people, namely from France. Her Books are always intense and will keep you yearning for more.