A Rose for the Crown: A Novel (edition 2006)

I was very eager to read A Rose for the Crown as I have long been curious of Richard III. Of course I know the history and how many regard him as a villain. Some call him a Wife poisoner and others of course accuse him of being a usurper and a killer of his nephews. Historically none of that can be proven of course and you always have to take some things with a grain of salt (Anne Boleyn being a witch anyone?), still I wanted to see what Anne Easter Smiths take on Richard III would be. I would not be disappointed.

Kate Bywood is a fiery young lady who by all accounts is a nobody to the royal houses of England. However thanks to some turns in life that put her in favorable places she as a young girl and throughout her younger days meets Richard Plantagenet. The more the young pair meet one another the more they are attracted on many levels to each other. You can not help but be drawn into their love story as it unfolds. A love that while is passionate and all consuming both know can never be more than what it is. Richard could have as a royal Duke kept Kate in the kind of comfort that many royal Mistresses throughout time (and at that time) were kept in, especially after she bore him both a Daughter and a Son. However Kate valued the privacy more and her values as to not be known publicly as a Mistress. Something in the end that Richard deeply admires.

The story is heart warming and heart breaking all in the same as we follow the couple through life. In the end we all know what happens historically, Richard III was slain and Henry Tudor took the crown. The bastard Son John of Gloucester would also later be killed as a traitor. The book does not end on a bad note however with a new start being laid out for you the reader to go away with some good feelings. Overall this was another beautifully written book and while of course fiction, I dare anyone not to look upon Richard III with a kinder eye once they have read it. ( )

I really enjoyed this fictionalised account of the woman who may have been the mother of Richard III's illegitimate children - the historical details of the story (except for the life of the main character Kate) are authentic and well researched. This is a light and easy book to read but one which rewards by leaving you with a little more knowledge about life and politics during this period of history. ( )

A Rose for the Crown is incredibly long and detailed, however, it is an excellent example of the historical fiction genre. The author's research is outstanding. ( )

This is good historical fiction. Not quite as good as Phillipa Gregory or Alison Weir, but presents an interesting look at the woman who loved Richard III but was not allowed to marry him. I like books that are presented from the viewpoint of a variety of historical characters.

The best of the series as far as I am concerned. As a huge supporter of Richard III, I always like it when he is painted in a good light. The craziest thing about this book is that the very 1st chapter tells you exactly how the story will end, and yet you find yourself hoping it is will not be so. If you are a fan of the Wars of the Roses based Historical Fiction, it is a worthwhile book to read. ( )