Roses have Thorns by Sandra Byrd HFVBT Tour Review and GIVEAWAY!

17 year old Elin Von Swedenborg is an adventurous girl. Chosen to accompany her princess to England, she leaves behind a broken engagement and a non existent dowry. When the weary Swedish travelers arrive in England, they meet with Elizabeth. Beautiful Elin quickly catches the eye of the older Marquess of  Northampton, William Parr. Elin's lively manner also earn her the friendship of the Queen of England. When the Swedes depart, Elin is asked to stay and marry Northampton. Soon the Swedish Stranger is the second highest lady in the realm. Renamed Helena, she finds that truly serving her Queen is never easy. Lonely nights, danger and betrayal wait for Helena.

I had never heard of Helena before, and I really enjoyed meeting a new Tudor player. Helena was insightful, sweet and very enjoyable as a character. I also enjoyed the tension that played out between Helena and Thomas. Byrd also portrayed Elizabeth as a strong handed, but benevolent ruler. This is a great novel for those who want a Tudor novel with different players or anyone who wants a great read!!

 I also have 1 paperback to giveaway! Leave a comment, with your contact information to be entered! Open Internationally!!!

Praise for Roses Have Thorns

"In Roses Have Thorns Sandra Byrd has given the reader another amazing heroine to tell the intimate story of England's greatest queen, Elizabeth I. What a unique point of view and deeply moving story Helena von Snakenborg provides. Byrd is especially adept at blending political and private lives. This is a timeless women's friendship novel as well as a poignant love story to cherish--both the roses and the thorns." (Karen Harper, New York Times bestselling author of Mistress of Mourning )

"There is something golden about this tale of Elin, an eager young woman in a strange land, diligent in her duty but alive to love. A tale gracefully told, even as it renders the terrors of treachery that form the crucible of Elin's hard-won wisdom. A heartfelt story of loyalty, longing, life-long friendship, and the many seasons of the heart." (Barbara Kyle, author of The Queen's Gamble and Blood Between Queens)

"Beautiful prose and masterful research combine to bring this fascinating tale to life, treating the reader to fully realized characters and providing an original window through which we can view Elizabeth's court. Ms. Byrd's work will stand as an unforgettable contribution to Tudor fiction." (D.L. Bogdan, author of The Forgotten Queen)

About the Author

Sandra Byrd has published more than three dozen books in the fiction and nonfiction markets, including the first book in her Tudor series, To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn.  Her second book, The Secret Keeper: A Novel of Kateryn Parr, illuminates the mysteries in the life of Henry's last wife.

For more than a decade Sandra has shared her secrets with the many new writers she edits, mentors, and coaches. She lives in the Seattle, Washington, area with her husband and two children. For more Tudor tidbits, please visit www.sandrabyrd.com. Follow Sandra Byrd on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

Link to Tour Schedule: http://hfvirtualbooktours.com/roseshavethornsvirtualtour/
Twitter Hashtag: #RosesHaveThornsVirtualTour

 Don't forget to enter for a paperback copy of Roses have Thorns!