I think this could have been a much more enjoyable book had the editor had a stronger hand. It's very easy to read, not too many vocabulary words to look up, in fact I only have six written down and the book is over 600 pages.Unfortunately, I thought the first 370 pages were pretty dull. Eventually the story does pick up and I did appreciate learning about Richard III and the turbulent politics of the times. There are some seriously forced situations that made me roll my eyes and the real story is the love story between Richard of Gloucester and Kate Haute so it is a bit I hate to say it...chick lit.I thought that Smith had a difficult time transitioning from one scene to another. I would have liked more details on setting so that I could picture the situation more realistically. Often times I was wondering where we were. I thought she needed to develop the characters better, they all seem rather flat except maybe John Howard. I also thought that she could have done a better job using the character's names and titles more consistently. Thank goodness for that family tree in the front or I would have been baffled for another hundred pages or so that George and Clarence were the same person. And I don't think that Anne Easter Smith does a very good job describing whose who in general, there are a lot of people mentioned and it became difficult for me to keep track of them. I need more that just a name mentioned once to remember someone. Someone better acquainted with this period in time would likely have done a better job than I did of keeping everyone straight.I'm glad to be done, it was rather long as I said before, though only took six days to read, again it was an easy read. It did spark my curiosity to read more about Richard III and the princes in the tower. And I was moved by Kate Haute's choices for her children. Overall it wasn't a very satisfying read, I felt like the author bit off more than she could chew with this complex period in time.
*sign* why has it taken me so long to read this book, or anything by Anne Easter Smith? I can't think of a good excuse, it's not the size because I love a good thick book. It's not the presentation because the cover is gorgeous. It's not because I've heard negative things about this book, on the contrary I have heard nothing but good things (and others she has written). So last week I decided enough already and purchased the audio from audible, loaded up my iPod and went for a walk. Then I walked some more, then I cleaned the house, took the dog for another walk (he thanks you Anne), folded laundry. I did whatever I could so to continue with this story. I was captivated right from the get go.Kate is only a young girl when introduced, she is spunky and lively but also mature for her age, though I must remind myself that girls grew up faster in the 1400's, there wasn't a lot of time to just be kids.This book comes in at 672 pages in an over-sized softcover, it is a romance but not done in a harlequin kind of way. It's historical and the author really knows her stuff and wove this story around actual events which made the story very plausible.As this author states in her notes, there isn't a lot of information about Kate Haute and this book fills in the gaps that not only humanized her but Richard III as well, it was nice to view him in this light for a change.Rosalyn Landor is the reader and she is one of my very favorites, her voice matches the time period perfectly and it always a pleasure to listen to.
Do You like book A Rose For The Crown (2006)?
I was completely blown away by this book. I picked it up on a whim at the book store and was immediately entranced by the characters and the dynamic setting. Though many of the characters take on roles that are typical of similar historical novels they never feel stereotypical, always taking on a full life a dimension from their first mention.From the very first page you feel for Kate, a spirited girl in a time when such passion often landed her in the wrong spot. Though the tale gives you insight into a typically inaccurately depicted character, Richard III, the true story always lies with Kate. There are many times where you want to cry with her, moments you love and laugh with her, and every moment you respect her continued spirit and passion. I would recommend this book to anyone. The historical time is rich, full and vibrant while not distracting you from the emotion and power of Kate and Richard's story.
—Christine
I wanted to like this book. I really did. I've always loved Richard the third and felt he got a raw deal from history. But here's the thing... The book meanders. Not just for pages, but for hundreds of them. You know, I'm starting to realize that this is a real theme with a decent amount of the historical fiction out there. They're not well plotted at all. The authors just follow the course of history, throw in a few love scenes, and call it a day. That's cool, and all, but the books end up lacking structure and urgency. It just takes me back to that day in 9th grade English where my teacher taught us all about things like climaxes and acts to a story. Cause, well, I know that both life and history don't always act that way...but you know what? Your novel should. Otherwise, there's no reason for me to keep turning the pages.
—Jess
I liked this book because I loved the romance that Richard III had with Kate...the history isn't what you would read this one for..and I am not one to HAVE to have the facts laid out before me I know enough to go and look to NON fiction when I have questions. As I see it there are only so many ways a writer can present the facts and I love to see the facts branch off to other areas and have the authors imagination tell me a tale that who know could have happened..why not! There are plenty of great HF out there that offer the facts and I love those books too but when I open a book like this I go in with my mind open and already knowing that I will find he writers imagination at work and that way I am never disappointed. No, this wasn't a literary masterpiece and that is just fine not everything is War and Peace! SO if you want a 600 page historical love story I think this fits the bill. And the fact that this was AES first novel, I have read much worse! So I think she has great promise and can and will get better with time. So go in with a mind for entertainment and enjoy!
—Lady of the Lake
