England - 1456

When the eyes of fifteen-year-old Isobel Ingoldesthorpe, ward of England's Queen Marguerite, meets those of John Neville, a loyal Yorkist, she is immediately smitten. Although Isobel is a Lancastrian by birth, her heart feels no loyalty after John seeks her out. But John must return to his duties, and Isobel becomes one of the queen's ladies, all the while dreaming of the handsome young man. Isobel must appeal to the queen's romantic side as she asks the sovereign for permission to choose her own husband, despite having plenty of suitors at court who desire the young heiress.

John Neville is not just any Yorkist -- he is a younger brother of the powerful Earl of Warwick, loyal to the Duke of York. His feelings for Isobel are so strong that he makes a bid for her hand. Queen Marguerite, shrewd and in need of money to finance her son's future, demands an exorbitant amount for Isobel. It is obvious to everyone in England just how much John loves Isobel when he finds a way to pay the fee.

Times are uncertain as the young couple begin their union, for King Henry is mentally and physically ill; his powerful wife is determined to secure the throne for her son, and the Yorkists are not about to allow the French-born queen to rule unchecked. How will Isobel and John survive the inevitable conflicts that lie ahead?

While little is known about Isobel, Ms. Worth brings her to life in two ways -- first by having Isobel tell the story through her eyes, and second, by the incredibly detailed and beautifully researched scenes that fit into the historically known time period. Readers meet the lovely, intelligent girl that John falls in love with -- a girl who grows into a vital, loving mother, wife, and chronicler of all she witnesses around her. John has long been considered a chivalrous, courageous soldier who loyally served both his older brother and England.

LADY OF THE ROSES is Sandra Worth's latest novel after her hugely successful ROSE OF YORK trilogy about Richard III. Her hallmarks of meticulous research and excellent character development continue in this new story that pre-dates the trilogy. This book kept me up late, and I hated for it to end. LADY OF THE ROSES, like its predecessors, is A Perfect 10. And don't miss the ROSE OF YORK books: LOVE & WAR, CROWN OF DESTINY, and FALL FROM GRACE.

Jani Brooks