Calia's Needle

The Book of Roses #5

by Kelly River

The Farren Vale, the greatest tapestry ever woven, is being remade. Fresh from a humble apprenticeship, Calia is overwhelmed when the queen selects her to work as a weaver on the project. Yet as opportunity beckons her into the world of courtly life, she crosses paths with Anastasia Fiala, the ruthless and manipulative artist in charge of the tapestry. Competing for the queen's favour, a bitter rivalry flares between the two women that threatens to undermine both the Farren Vale and the royal household beyond. With her friends caught in the crossfire and Anastasia's overbearing mother vying for influence, Calia must find a way to reconcile her talents with the unforgiving reality of life as a royal artisan–or face heartbreaking consequences.

Can the goodness of Calia's spirit win out over the hard hearts around her, or is she destined to join them in their merciless game?

313 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 15, 2024

About the author

Kelly River is an author who dwells on the edge of the English countryside, forever losing themselves in rambling trails both fictional and material. An avid fan of reading, walking, games, and green teas, you might find them fondling a sheaf of freshly-picked grain or gazing at the canopy of trees beyond the garden fence while they write.

Reviews

[Elaine Markey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fifth book in this series, The Book of Roses. It is the weakest of the five in my opinion. But I still loved it. This is a domesticated story line as Calia is a tailor and weaver. I love the battles, the intrigue, the twists, the tragedy of the first four books. So this book felt much quieter. The characters, however, are just as developed. They are interesting, devoted to each other and make you want more.