The Golden Rose

Recently widowed but not bereaved, Catherine Stanley is returning to Rosmar where she hopes she can raise her daughter in peace but as they approach the castle she sees an unfamiliar pennant flying. She discovers that the king has awarded Rosmar and guardianship of her beloved Nell to Andrew Mandeville who hates all Stanleys with a passion. The king has also made a requirement that Catherine wed Andrew. As the two enemies become lovers political intrigue at court endangers not only their love but Andrew's life as well. Set fourteen years after the end of the War of the Roses that has shaped the characters and impacted their lives the day to day lives, customs, and dress of England in 1499 are vividly portrayed.Cody is the best writer of historical romance today. This statement is not hyperbole. Her books have supplanted those by Deveraux and Gabaldon as my personal favorites. Her complex characters come to life in accurately and vividly portrayed settings not only giving the reader an enthralling escape into romance but a journey to an other time and place where her skillful prose brings even the smells of a bygone era to life.Royalties from the sale of this book are going to breast cancer research. I don't often exhort my readers to "go out and buy this book" but those who do will be making a contribution to important research while rewarding themselves with a terrific story.

Denee Cody's book The Golden Rose has everything you could ask for in a historical romance novel. It has wonderfully written characters great setting, and also has a unexpected mystery to it as well. I must say that this is the first romance novel that I have ever read that has stirred up so many emotions at once. I even cried in several of the chapters,and that is something I have never done while reading a novel. I also loved the unexpected twist in this story. I would have never guessed what would have happend in the end. I would have given this book ten stars if I could have. This book is a definite keeper. I a looking forward to more stories from this talented author!

Good book with very human characters. Not too heavy on the historical background ,so the reading was easy. The romantic leads did seem to come together a little too suddenly, considering their antagonistic attitudes toward each other in the beginning. Secondary characters interesting and allowed for expansion later in sequel books which I look forward to. The writer is able to hold your interest and not weigh you down withtoo many details . A delightful book. I recommend it to any reader who enjoys medieval settings.