Crown of Roses — Valerie Anand

Crown of Roses
A SWEEPING HISTORICAL SAGA OF RICHARD III

Petronel Faldene, married off at fourteen to the dour and spiteful Lionel Eynesby and taken far away from home to be chatelaine of his estate, never suspected that her destiny would become entangled with the future of England and the most powerful men in the land.

But in the England of King Edward IV, torn by civil war and the bitter conflict between the houses of York and Lancaster, anything can happen, as public and private lives alike are touched by treacherous intrigue that hangs like a disease over the court, blighting loyalties, ruining lives, and dividing the people. And when King Edward marries Bess Woodville -- graceful, beautiful, but lowly born -- even his own supporters are incensed, and Edward must learn to rely on only a few loyal followers, among them his brother Richard of Gloucester and Petronel Eynesby, sent on a perilous undercover mission to France on behalf of the King.

Having gained royal favor, however, does not win Petronel the esteem of her cruel husband who, desperate for a son and heir to his estate, holds his young wife responsible for their childlessness. But Petronel, having fallen in love with Lionel's nephew Geoffrey, has her own plans for producing the longed-for child -- and taking her secret revenge against her husband.

Soon, as dramatic events bring Richard of Gloucester to the throne, not only Petronel but also her young son are once again embroiled in the turbulent affairs of court.

Crown of Roses is a stunning achievement, a rich and compelling saga weaving together public and private lives in the cataclysmic years leading up to the reign of Richard III.