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Lady of the Roses: A Novel of the Wars of the Roses

by Sandra Worth

Published: 2008-01-02
Paperback : 416 pages

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Introduction

During her short time as a ward in Queen Marguerite's Lancastrian court, fifteen-year-old Isobel has had many suitors ask for her hand, but the spirited beauty is blind to all but Yorkist Sir John Neville. It is nothing short of a miracle when the Queen allows Isobel's marriage to the enemy, albeit at a hefty price. All around Isobel and John rages a lawless war. It is only their passion that can see them through the bloody siege of London by the Duke of York, the violent madness of Queen Marguerite, and the devolution of Isobel's meek uncle into the Butcher of England. For theirs is an everlasting love that fears not the scratch of thorns, from either the Red Rose or the White.

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Excerpt

Amid lightning, thunder, and the pelting
rain of a summer storm, a castle appeared in the distance, as if in answer to my prayers. “There!” I cried, unable to restrain my great relief. “We can take refuge there, can’t we, Sœur Madeleine?” ...

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Discussion Questions

1. Did you know anything about Isobel before you read this book? What did you consider to be her best qualities? How do you think you might react to the situations she found herself in if you were in her shoes? Did you find her to be a figure who acted true to her time? If so, how? If not, why not?

2. Lady of the Roses is set during England’s 15th century Wars of the Roses. How does the time period influence the events and the characters? Is the setting familiar or alien to you? Did you know much about this period in history before you read the book? What
did you learn about it from reading Lady of the Roses?

3. Lady of the Roses tells the story of a romance between two real-life characters facing emotional choices entwined with political realities. What does this novel say about these realities? What is the meaning of the title?

4. Isobel and John came from the enemy camps of York and Lancaster during an era of bloody civil war. Do you find it surprising that John and Isobel were able marry despite such overwhelming odds? Why did the Queen give her permission to the match when she hated York so bitterly?

5. The historical facts surrounding the Butcher of England are well documented. What
did you know about John Tiptoft, Earl of Worcester as a historical figure? Do you think
the author depicted Worcester as true to history, given what we know about him? Why do you think he devolved as he did?

6. Discuss the novel's ending. Do you think the characters got what they deserved? Who was your favorite character? Who was your least favorite? Give the reasons why you feel as you do.

7. The direct descendants of Isobel and John were President Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill. Do you think this love affair was pre-destined to save the world from evil five centuries later? Or was it just a coincidence?

8. If you could go back in time and change one thing to avert the catastrophe of civil war, what would it be?

Weblinks

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Notes From the Author to the Bookclub

With the divorce rate at fifty percent, is it possible to believe in love that’s meant to be, and lasts a lifetime?

History offers evidence that true love exists. Sometimes, destiny may even play a role. Take the romance of John Neville, Lord Montagu, and his beloved Isobel from the enemy camps of York and Lancaster. Their love defied the odds. Five hundred years later, their direct descendants, FDR and Churchill saved the world from Hitler’s tyranny.

I became interested in John Neville when I read about him in a history book. His brother raised a rebellion against the king, and John was caught between them. In the end, he died in battle fighting for his brother and wearing the colors of the king beneath his armor. Over a divide of five centuries, he touched my heart. Readers wrote me wanting to know more about him after he appeared as a secondary character in my debut novel.

So here is John and Isobel’s memorable romance that changed the world—never before told.

I hope you enjoy LADY OF THE ROSES, and that it makes you cherish the love in your own life, whether past, present, or future.

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Member Reviews

Overall rating:

"Great historical fiction!!!"by Dawn T. (see profile) 07/21/08

This historical fiction is a very good read! I liked the development of the characters and the details of how life was for those back in that time. This book gives any book club plenty to discuss!

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