Genre: Historical FictionCopyright: 2006
Pages: 672
Rating: 5 Crowns
Book Synopsis: AN UNFORGETTABLE HEROINE, A KING MISUNDERSTOOD BY HISTORY, A LOVE STORY THAT HAS NEVER BEEN TOLD.
A Rose for the Crown, we meet one of history's alleged villains through the eyes of a captivating new heroine -- the woman who was the mother of his illegitimate children, a woman who loved him for who he really was, no matter what the cost to herself. As Kate Haute moves from her peasant roots to the luxurious palaces of England, her path is inextricably intertwined with that of Richard, Duke of Gloucester, later King Richard III. Although they could never marry, their young passion grows into a love that sustains them through war, personal tragedy, and the dangerous heights of political triumph. Anne Easter Smith's impeccable research provides the backbone of an engrossing and vibrant debut from a major new historical novelist.
Book Review: A Rose for the Crown is a beautifully written and well told story set in a fantastic historical background. This is first and foremost a work of fiction about a made up character (Anne's description) that has been interwoven with historical facts. It is such a well thought out story and it is my favourite kind of historical fiction. In my opinion, books like this bring history to life. This book is full of wonderful characters and I loved reading their stories!
Kate leaves her family home at a tender age to live with her cousin as a companion. There she learns a lot about herbs and healing and becomes best friends with her cousin. Kate is married off to an older man that fortunately doesn't live to long and then she marry's for love, or does she? But the man that she would give her heart to completely and no other is Richard, Duke of Gloucester. Over time she would give him three children, two of them sons.
This is novel takes us to the end of the Yorkist period and into the Tudor raine. It is an excellent account of history blended perfectly with fiction. I loved the way Richard of York, the final York King was portrayed as a compassionate and noble man. I highly recommend this wonderful historical novel!
Anne Easter Smith has written three historical books the most recent being The King's Grace and prior to that, Daughter of York. Anne's next book is due to be published in the fall of 2010.
Visit Alaine at her blog The Queen of Happy Endings
10 comments:
I haven't read any books from this period yet - hopefully I will find some great books this week! Thanks for the review!
I loved this book when I read it a few years ago! I don't know why, but I haven't managed to read either of the next two books yet. I do enjoy reading books about Richard III!
Richard from a different point of view- sounds interesting! Thanks for your review.
I really enjoyed this book! It was a nice look at Richard. I thought this one was better then the next two in the series. What does she have coming out next year?
Now see, this sounds like a perfectly lovely book! I think I will try this one, since I don't know much about Richard III. And because you recommended it :)
one of my favorite time periods and being of English/Irish descent i enjoy reading these
Sounds delicious! Added to my to read list!
Alaine~I have never gone wrong with books you recommend. I have this one on my bookshelf. I was so disappointed in Daughter of York by Smith that I wasn't interested, but now I will blow off the dust and read it.
I know how much you loved this one, I added it to my tbr list solely on your recommendation so must pick it up soon :-)
Susie Tudor Daughter, I really did love this one, but I did like all 3 of Anne Easter Smith's books, although I did listen to them on audio which I often think is better for some books.
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