The Rose of York: Love & War

I hadn't known what to expect when I picked up Sandra Worth's The Rose of York: Love and War. All I knew is that it was a historical novel, namely a Medieval one, which I am loving all the more at the moment. This novel blew me away! I couldn't put it down. Every time I tried putting this book down, I longed to grab the book and devour it till it finished. And devour it I did! The Rose of York is the first part of a trilogy centered on King Richard III. King Richard was maligned and that has been carried out through centuries. However, this novel shows a more sympathetic view into the life of this historical figure. You get a historical textbook disguised as a novel that also happens to have a compelling story that starts with Richard's childhood and then centers on his family, his rise to the throne and other intimacies such as his romance with Anne, making the aforementioned storyline surprisingly romantic and poignant. All of this is told in the richest, most compelling manner in which the author humanizes this notorious of figures. I do not want to rob the reader from the enjoyment of discovering this gem by giving details about the plot, characters and storyline. The Rose of York: Love and War is as much biographical as it is historical. The fact that this is a somewhat fictional account of King Richard III shouldn't matter much, for the author succeeds in showing a different side to the aforementioned character. The language is beautiful, the historical references are quite precise, and the characters are so vivid you feel as though you are a lurking figure in the shadows, watching the scenes unfold as you read them. This novel is perfect. This was a great companion to a Medieval romance I read at the same time as this one. I should point out, however, that Ms. Worth misspells Leicester throughout the novel. That bit of inaccuracy bothered me. Other than that, I cannot recommend this gem enough. I cannot wait to read the other parts of this very promising trilogy. I shall devour everything written by Sandra Worth from now on.

This brilliant book is simply outstanding. It is far and away the best book on the enigma of Richard III. I read Penman's "Sunne in Splendour" years ago (too wordy, disorganized and boring for my taste). I definitely prefer Worth's "Rose of York". Worth's writing is tighter and readily comprehensible. I felt that Penman's artificial use of verbs, as in "Where be you?" etc., trite and unnecessary. Worth is a great writer and her book is a pleasure to read and totally mesmerizing. Her characters just spring to life. I definitely give this book the highest possible marks, and I can't wait for the next one in the trilogy!    

I have had the chance to live in England and for me it was a wonderful experience being around so much living history. As a history major in college I threw myself into my studies enjoying British history the most. A good friend recommend that I pick up this read saying I would never look at Richard the same again. With a great deal of misgivings I purchased this book. After all you really can't rewrite history. This is without a doubt one of the most moving historical fiction reads I've picked up in a very long while. Richard has been maligned over the centuries. Never would you think that a man capable of such horror's could find such a strong and long lasting love. I knew that he had married his Anne but I was not privy to what their romance could have been like. This was a small window into a very murky past that sheds just a little light on "what could have been." Without a doubt the times were turbulent and war was constantly being waged. This was a fine read that will take the reader back to England during the reign of Edward IV. This is an incredibly rich read with descriptions that were amazing. You can truly tell that Ms. Worth did her research. I truly look forward to continuing on with this series. This was an all encompassing read so be ready to be transported back to a time that no longer exists to see the childhood of a King that has perhaps been a bit misunderstood. Official Reviewer for www.romancedesigns.com

Every now and then along comes a new author with a debut novel that just reminds us all why we love to read. I could not put this book down and was left at the end with WHERE'S THE NEXT INSTALLMENT? Without being redundant, I agree with all of the other reviews posted here. This Author pulls you into the lives of the characters. You FEEL their emotions, you become part of the story, rooting for good over evil, love over greed, etc. Pick up a copy of this terrific book and see for yourself. Great job Ms. Worth you have me hooked as one of your new loyal fans!

THE ROSE OF YORK: `Love and War' is the debut novel of Sandra Worth that reads a lot like a historical text or master's thesis on the life and times of the very much-maligned King Richard III (1452-1485). Richard III was King for only two years, and in this first novel of a planned trilogy, Ms. Worth chronicles brilliantly his all too brief childhood and the events and the people that molded him into the thoughtful and insightful young man he became. It is powerful; it is heartbreaking; and it is a beautifully told love story that depicts an often frightened man constantly torn by love and honor for family, friends and especially the one woman who was his hearts desire. The historical aspects will give you insights that the casual historical fiction reader has probably never thought of, as I can surely attest to. Whereas I can normally devour a book in a day, this one took me a longer as I had to keep referencing other sources on the lineage of royals. But, oh for the lovers of history, and for those looking forward to a most passionate story of love, this for you is a marvelous treat!The author shows us Richard as a lonely young fellow who idolized his cousin John of Montagu, who looked to the Earl of Warwick as a surrogate father and fell in love with the Earl's daughter, Anne Neville. It was a horrible age where brother went against brother as politics, greed, and marriages entered into the mix. Richard would have to make the heart wrenching decision to choose sides and it appeared that his love for Anne would fall victim to politics, and family loyalty. Richard is painted as a truly good, honorable and kind youth who became a pawn, used and abused by his brother, the King, Edward IV. The choices he made for honor and love of kin, at a cost to his own heartache will leave you shaking your head and wiping tears of sympathy for the injustices of that period - not only for him but also for Anne. Whether intentional or not, I found that the secondary romance between John Neville, Lord Montagu and his wife Isobel to be pure poetry. The love depicted between John and his wife, who was also such a special friend to Richard, was depicted so beautifully that it simply took my breath away. I am definitely looking forward to the next book in this planned trilogy and if the tone and finesse imbued in this, her debut novel is any indication of what to expect we are all in for a marvelous treat. ---- Submitted by Marilyn Rondeau, Official Reviewer for www.historicalromancewriters.com