Roses Have Thorns is a fascinating story about Queen Elizabeth I and her court, as seen through the eyes of Helena, the Marchioness of Northampton. Helena, who was born Elin von Snakenborg of Sweden, came to be the highest-ranking women in England--next to Elizabeth.

The history, based on the author's meticulous research and breadth of study, gives authenticity to the novel and makes the story extremely interesting. I do think, however, a glossary would be useful as I found myself relying on my iPhone to look up a few of the terms. I love the story and the way in which the author was able to bring it to life and infuse it with so much emotion and realism. It is great fun getting to see Queen Elizabeth as a real person, rather than just a historical figure.

I really enjoyed the main characters in addition to the queen. Helena is a great example of devotion and duty. Her love for Elizabeth and for her husbands is a wonderful example for us, as readers and followers of Christ. Both William and Thomas are worthy heroes in their own ways. Due to the depth and scope of the novel, the secondary and minor characters are many. I occasionally became confused, so I think a list of characters at the beginning of the book would be most helpful.

This book is really two stories in one. It is the story of Queen Elizabeth and world history in the late 16th century, and it's the story of a young Swedish girl, who leaves her homeland and becomes a companion and attendant to the queen of England.

Roses Have Thorns is a really good story. I highly recommend it to readers who enjoy books about the Elizabethan era of English history.

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Byrds third novel in her Ladies in Waiting series is told from the viewpoint of a Swedish noblewoman in the service of Queen Elizabeth I. Elin comes to the English courts with the Swedish princess Cecelia in 1564, leaving behind a betrothed who from the very beginning the reader is able to tell is not interested in her. After Princess Cecelia is asked to leave, Elin stays behind to become maid of honor to Queen Elizabeth I. She takes an official English name of Lady Helena and catches the eye of Lord Northampton. After learning that he isnt free to marry, Helena wonders if she made a huge mistake in staying behind. Once Lord Northampton is finally free to marry the marriage only lasts 5 short months before he dies. Now Helena is a marchioness and a very high ranking lady. Her friendship with Queen Elizabeth grows to the point that Elizabeth cannot live without her. But Helena has dreams of having children and another husband and she finds that in Thomas Gorges who is a mere nobleman and Helena knows that Elizabeth will never allow her to marry beneath her station.

Byrd does capture the familiar story of what we know of Elizabeths reign. There is the constant plotting and the need for Elizabeth to control everyone around her. You also see a softer side of Elizabeth that only Helena would have seen. That softness is especially noticeable during the time that Elizabeth was making the decision whether or not to execute Mary Queen of Scots. I was taken on an amazing recap of Elizabeths life and death that left me feeling like I was seeing her through Helenas eyes.

I have not read the other two books in this series but after reading Roses Have Thorns I will be adding them to my wish list. This is a great historical novel that doesnt have a heavy underlay of information that normally tends to make a historical work heavy. I felt it was a light enough read for any novice historical fiction fan.

(DRC was provided by publisher for an honest review)

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