Isabel has never met her husband... Her marriage has been arranged, but when she learns who her intended is, Isabel also discovers he is on the wrong side of The Wars of the Roses. Isabel's father is a knight with honour. Surely he would not betray their family so. Yet, to her horror, he insists upon the union with Sir William. There is little she can do, so determines to at least make the best life she can with the enemy. But 15 th century England holds many perils. Can they even survive all that life throws at them? Adventure through Medieval England in this intriguing story of love battling against all odds.
TL Clark is an award-winning, best-selling, British, romance author who stumbles through life as if it were a gauntlet of catastrophes.
Rather than playing the victim, she uses these unfortunate events to fuel her passion for writing, for reaching out to help others.
She writes about different kinds of love in the hope that she‘ll uncover its mysteries.
Her loving husband (and very spoiled cat - RIP) have proven to her that true love really does exist. Writing has shown her that coffee may well be the source of life.
"The sun itself should be jealous of such radiance" — Sir William, Love in the Roses by T.L Clark
A wonderfully written historical romance that truly depicts the life of what it would have been like for two lovers during the medieval times. The authors meticulous attention to detail and research was evident in the way she wrote this book. The events flowed wonderfully and it really was like I was sent back in time. I was in awe of the way Isabel's character was written, she was strong in her beliefs yet managed to keep her husbands interest in mind. Sir William was not lacking in any way either, he was the perfect gentleman and really, what more could we look for.
I enjoyed the slow and progressive romance between our two protagonists. Despite the circumstances, an arranged marriage, they managed to make a swoon-worthy romance which was all a delight to read. If you're looking for a historical romance with spice and fluff all-in-one then this one is for you.
Thank you to the author, T.L Clark, for providing me with this e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I wasn't sure what to expect with this story but I was pleased. Isabel's father has arranged her marriage to a knight. She does not get to meet him until their wedding ceremony. She seems like such a timid, quiet girl in the beginning but I love her spunk we get to see as her character progresses. There's plenty of drama, politics and romance to keep you entertained.
I love a good historical romance set in medieval times and Love in the Roses definitely delivers. This book is well-written and gives a realistic depiction of a medieval romance. There is a nice slow-burn romance between Isabel and Sir William. They are a wonderfully written couple and I really enjoy watching them grow. The author pays great attention to detail and you can really get into the story. This story is steamy and sweet. I really enjoyed this book.
The one thing I love is finding a great book by one of my favorite authors and an added bonus is it is a historical romance. I really love medieval England and I was besotted with this book. The author uses a very politically volatile era and aced it. I really enjoyed the complexity of the characters and the way in which all seemed to work out.
I have read a few books based in medieval England but I have to admit that this one really drew me in and I could not put it down. The chemistry between the characters is dynamic and the period in history adds drama and action to balance out the romance. I really didn't want this book to end and I will definitely be up for more from this author.
Such an amazing historical romance! I was so eager to read it the moment it hit my kindle, and I was very happy I did. Isabel and Sir William were so good together. The journey from strangers to man and wife was delightful. Their love was a breath of fresh air and the way they overcame the insecurities and differences for the good of their people show the union was meant to be. It was more than just a knight and his wife, but truly a love for the ages.
Love In the Roses is the first book in the Love Through the Ages series by T.L Clark. It is an historical romance set in medieval times during the War of the Roses- there is plenty of drama, adventure, politics, and banter- just to name a few. As I would expect from Ms. Clark, this story is really well-written, engaging, and interesting. Ms. Clark always weaves a wonderful story and this one is certainly proof of her talents. The dialogue, scene setting, and whole ‘atmosphere’ of the story was cleverly crafted to be in keeping with the times, and provided an intriguing snapshot of medieval life. The glossary of words at the back of the book, was not only interesting, but also quite useful. Add an arranged marriage, honour, sacrifice, culture, and finding love unexpectedly- and we get quite a captivating story. So, if you love your historical romance stories, then you will certainly want to get your hands on a copy of this book asap. Looking forward to seeing what Ms. Clark does next… Happy Reading!
This is a lovely tale and I've really enjoyed reading it. It felt like taking a leisurely stroll in the past, helped greatly by the excellent attention to detail and Clark's grasp of dialogue in the time period. There has clearly been a great deal of checking, and thorough research that has gone into this book, and it is a refreshing change to see an author so dedicated to their work.
William and Isabel are very sweet together and make a loving couple you root for as a reader. The connection between them feels authentic, and in keeping with the time period, which is hard to do given some of the scenes! I felt like I jumped into Isabel's shoes and lived her life for a while. The side characters are excellent too, and add a great flavour of medieval life, aided by the many feasts they celebrate along the way.
A fab book, clearly well researched and well put together, and one I've thoroughly enjoyed - Clark should be very proud; I'm notoriously picky and especially so with historical fiction aha!
Set in 15th century England Love in the Roses is an engaging and intriguing tale. This book is a stand-alone historical medieval romance story. I found myself drawn in to this world and the main character and her life.
As readers we get a real feel of what life could have been like through TL’s portrayal with vivid details and her passion. The world building and the characters are well written, complex and compelling.
We take a journey back in time with knights and swords, feasts and horses. I enjoyed the banter throughout the story which gave it a more realistic feel.
Isabel's finds she is to enter into a union with Sir William, the enemy. But not everything is as she thinks. She soon finds out there is much more to a marriage than she thought she would get.
In 15th Century England and in the time of the War of the Roses where Isabel lives with her parents in rural Suffolk, they are a loving unit and she has no want to leave their side, however, she has come of age and is now told by her mother that she needs to start thinking about her future and the marriage that this will entail. Isabel is shocked and cannot believe that her parents are thinking of this and it makes her anxious and unable to concentrate on her daily lessons, she asks about her intended and is disheartened when no information is forthcoming, apart from that her father is travelling a long way to make the intended match and that it is a good one. As the days pass and her father returns from his travels, he makes the announcement that he has made an arrangement and that she has indeed been promised to a young knight, Sir William, however, when she overhears that it is a match with a family on the wrong side of the War of the Roses, she cannot believe what she is hearing and her anxiety ramps up a notch or two.
As her anxieties increase and the day of her wedding approaches, Isabel’s mother comforts her with words of wisdom, as do the Good Women whom she has grown up around, but she is still a little scared at the idea of her father giving her away to a Lancastrian supporter when all she has known is the Yorkists, but she puts it aside and tries to make the best of the situation. As she approaches the aisle and sees her betrothed for the first time, she is satisfied by how handsome and polite he is and doesn’t let her emotions run away with her as they exchange vows and celebrate with the friends and family surrounding the newly wed couple. The hardest part of it all is leaving her family the next day to travel to her new home, with a trip to visit another relative of her husband, however, tensions run high on the journey, but she keeps her opinions as much to herself as she can, even if this means increasing tensions between the newlyweds.
This continues on the long journeys they embark on as they make their way slowly to their new home, but what kind of reception will they receive and will love be able to remove the barriers the opposing alliances create? In a time of unrest, lies, secrecy and danger, 15th century England is not the easiest place to build a new life, but these young partners do their best to be a good husband and wife to the other in every way, emotionally, physically and mentally as they embark on a new life in this captivating historical romance.
Set in 15th century England, this book tells the story of Isabel who has had her marriage arranged for her by her father. When Isabel discovers her husband-to-be is on the wrong side of The Wars of the Roses, she is shocked and horrified. Why would a noble knight such as her father promise her hand in marriage to the enemy? With no other option for her, Isabel decides to make the best of her marriage to Sir William. Will their marriage survive all the drama that life throws at them?
I really enjoyed traveling back in time to 15th Century England and felt as though I was there with the characters. I enjoyed following the journey of young Isabel as she navigated her way through the customs of the time-period. I could feel her inner struggles as she tried to deal with the overwhelming emotions she experienced while trying to please everyone around her. How difficult it must have been for her to be forced into a marriage to a man she did not love because that man that was chosen for her by her father. I sensed the raw emotions she was feeling as though she had no choice but to do what was best for their society and for both families. I enjoyed the storyline, the plot, and the world building. This book was a magical read that contained drama, love, romance, and heroines and heroes. I highly recommend!
Lovely story, but not really enemies to lovers. I found myself bored at times and really struggled to finish it. It was just festival after festival, all they did was celebrate the saints and celebrate the seasons and that’s IT. I felt like there was not really any villain, until the end. I had never read a historical fiction book that was heavy on the history, but you could definitely tell that the author really did research, and I appreciated the nods to our current holidays like Halloween. I found a lot of their practices to be very interesting, like the process for giving birth. What I DID like was how real the author made everything. Like the MC’s first time having sexual relations. It wasn’t all lovely and rosy and perfect like they make it seem in the movies or romance novels. I also did really like the MC, she was very smart and had a way with words that was *chef’s kiss*. And you can really see the love between her and Sir William, they are a very cute couple and I found myself gushing over them. They really are couple goals, always having each other’s back and on the rare occasion they got into a lover’s quarrel, they handled it very maturely. Overall, I gave it 4 stars because although I found the book boring at times, others who actually do really like historical fiction would probably really like it, and it was a good book.
This is one of the first books that I have read from this author and I fell in love with it within the first few pages. The author has such a way with words that I was able to visualize everything the characters were seeing and feel everything they were in that moment. Love in the Roses is the fictitious tale of a knight’s daughter, living life as it very well may have been in 1484. This stand-alone historical romance contains an abundance of marital bedchamber antics. Isabel has never met her husband… Their parents have arranged the marriage. But, when Isabel discovers who her intended is, it becomes apparent that he’s on the wrong side of the Wars of the Roses. As a knight with honour, surely her father would not sacrifice their family to the House of Lancaster. Yet, to her horror, he insists upon the union with Sir William. 15th century England is perilous – betrayal and ruin are only ever a heartbeat away. And death hides behind every door. Adventure through Medieval England in this intriguing story of love battling against all odds. Love Through The Ages is TL Clark's collection of historical romance books, exploring how love differs through the centuries. I’m excited to see and read other books from this author. I highly recommend this author to anyone who loves historical romances. I was never a fan of them but this book changed my mind.
Love in the Roses: A Historical Medieval Romance (Love Through The Ages) by T.L. Clark
This is the first book I've read by the author. Love in the Roses is a good book. It's the first book in the Love Through The Ages Series. The author captured my attention from the beginning to the end.
Isabel is at the age where she can be married off. Her father is looking for a good suitor. Her father is a Knight so hopefully he won't choose a bad guy. Will Isabel be able to do this? The quote I chose for Isabel is: “Oh, Mother, how shall I ever part from one such as you? If I have been the best of daughters it is only because you are the best of mothers.”
Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres, so I was very excited to read this book. I especially love books, TV shows, and movies that have to do with royalty and medieval times, and this book had both. The language is beautiful and you can tell the author did the research. I appreciated that there was an introduction to the time period to remind or teach readers about the time period in which the story took place. I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys romance stories or historical fiction. The cover is beautiful as well. I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
Set in 15th century England, this a cute historical medieval romance. Isabel's father arranges a marriage for her with to William. William is of the House of Lancaster, who is on the other side of the war, who is the house of the enemy. It was a great story of strangers falling into being husband and wife. The dialect was great. Loved following Isabel as she learned to become a woman, a wife and lady of the house. How she overcame her insecurities and learn her way. The author did a great job with time period descriptions, customs and medieval knowledge in the writing. It was a great story about overcoming the odds.
Set in the 15th century England, Isabel is learning the ways of being a wife as she learns that her parents have chosen her suitor. Sir William is her betrothed and they meet at the altar. Their wedding brings about much pomp and circumstance and it's obvious that the author put a lot of time researching the customs and language of the times. The rest of the book focuses on the relationship that they have with each other and those around them.
I found this to be a very enjoyable read! I appreciate the historical accuracy woven within this story. I look forward to more stories by this author!
Author TL Clark does an outstanding job of giving readers an authentic view into the life of a young lady embarking on marriage in the 15th century. Readers get a real idea of life in this period and of how the politics, wars, and disease that preceded this period affected the lives of the average person. I felt for Isabel marrying William sight unseen. I enjoyed seeing their connection grow through the course of the story. The research taken to describe the minute details of the lives of everyday people in this period was tremendous! A true glimpse into marriage in the medieval period as well as the daily life and celebrations.
I’m not sure how I felt about this story. I enjoy period pieces while watching movies, so I figured I would give a book a try. Love in the Roses was a sweet romance. One that you can tell by reading that the author put a lot of thought and research into. Getting the language and the dialect of the time, to setting a premise taking the reader back to that time. As if they were living during that time. Isabel, is now of age to be married off. Her family is well off but in those times it was about strengthening your place in society. Picking the right husband and family is the best way to complete that task. Sir William, a knight, who has been given that right to prove himself worthy. Not only to himself and his new betrothed but to family as well. Raised to become a night since he was 7, he knows what it takes to defend one’s honor and country. But does he know how to love and run a home? This story is about their adventure together learning and growing together and showing the community who they are. It’s a well written period piece and though this particular one wasn’t my thing it’s definitely worth the read. Especially if you enjoy period pieces.
An enjoyable and engaging historical romance, set during the Wars of the Roses. The storyline revolves around, Isabel a knight’s daughter, living in 1484 and Sir William, the man she has never met but is due to marry. Isabel is shocked by her arranged marriage to Sir William, especially as he is on the side of the House of Lancaster, and her family have always supported the House of York. As a dutiful daughter in the 15th century, Isabel has no say in who she will marry, even if she ends up married to the enemy. Isabel must be a good wife, but she also needs to learn how to survive during a time when betrayal and ruin are a constant threat. The perilous Medieval England is brought vividly to life by both the descriptive narrative and the added historical details. Isabel is a very likeable and relatable main character, and I enjoyed seeing how her relationship with Sir William developed throughout the story. The clever use of old English dialogue added to the sense of the era, and made me feel immersed in Isabel’s world. The author has obviously done a lot of research into Medieval England which came across in the writing. The authors note at the beginning really helped to set the scene, and explained the background to the Wars of the Roses, and the glossary was very useful. I was hooked from start to finish with this intriguing story about love battling against all odds.
Love in Roses i like Isabella characters. Been shocked at her arranged marriage to Sir William as he's OK the opposite house they are in whom they support. Been a dutiful daughter whom has no choice she bound to the choice made for her. There a great description of this time and how people were during the war of the Roses
Set in the year of 1484, this story begins with Lady Everett teaching her daughter, Isabel, her role as a woman. Isabel learns how to manage her home as well as how to receive guests. When her father arrives home, she learns she is to be married to Sir William Ward of Rocham. Her upbringing showed her family had an allegiance to the House of York, and yet her father was to have her marry the opposing House of Lancaster. Despite this betrothal, Isabel does as her mother instructs her and lays her faith in her father’s wisdom.
Upon her wedding day, Isabel become Lady Ward. She was quite nervous and, despite being a knight, William appears to be so as well. Two days pass, and they begin a long journey, upon which, Isabel notices that, Sir Robert does not seem to be fond of the union. She learns that her husband was not in full allegiance to the House of Lancaster as much as Sir Robert. When Sir Robert is not following them further than Baron Sanford’s estate, William confides in Isabel that their union was also a test for the angry knight. He failed by his behavior and was to be tried for treason.
The couple becomes more solidified in their relationship, but soon they both discover there is much to learn. When her Uncle Walter appears, Isabel was careful to remember her mother’s words, “Being a woman does have its benefits. You sit and observe, unnoticed by others.” Those words became a strength for Isabel throughout the remainder of the story.
Set in 1484, this book is a tale of a knight's daughter growing up, falling in love, and running her own household. When Lady Everett learned of her daughter's upcoming marriage to Sir William, it was her duty to teach Isabel how to be a proper wife. Also, most of the lessons could not be taught but had to be learned firsthand. Although at first Isabel was fearful of marrying the enemy, she quickly is shown that she might have judged her new husband too quickly. The marriage, their alliance, and their bond as husband and wife become tested. But Lady Ward takes her mother's wedding advice to heart, “Being a woman does have its benefits. You sit and observe, unnoticed by others.” These words will save her life and allow her information to protect her marriage. This was a great book. It allowed a look into the way life was for a knight and his wife in England in 1484. I can’t wait to read more from the author.
This is the first book I have read from this author and she now has a new fan. This is a book that could be a possible series. I love a good historical romance but this story exceeded all my expectations. You will fall in love with these characters right from the beginning. I could not put this book down until the end. It only took me a few hours to devour this amazing story.
Isabel was taught how to be a lady at a very young age. In 1484 her father chose her husband. She will not meet her husband until they are married even if she doesn’t like it. Isabel is shocked when she finds out that her fathers is making her wed the enemy. She then becomes Lady Ward and she can tell that her husband is not happy either. When they start to get to know each other they begin to bond. Isabel is taught to love her husband no matter what but will it bring danger?
What an epic to go back in time ! It felt like I was right there ❣️📕
So Isabel is to marry Sir William , a fellow knight her father knows but she herself doesn’t know him so I can understand her reservations , oh how things have changed since then …..
There’s one big difference that worries Isabel her family supports the house of York while her husband’s doesn’t they support the house of Lancaster , a really big issue in those days ….
Isabel remembers the lessons her mum taught and the one being to hush and observe and that one in particular serves her well
I had to chuckle at myself though , I kept reminding myself this was a different era but they knew how to “steam scene” 🙃😉🔥
This is a charming story! It is an historical romance which takes place during the times of the Wars of the Roses. Families fought other families, and alliances shifted swiftly. This is about an arranged marriage between members of opposing families. The newly married couple surprisingly find love with one another, as well as common ground.
4.3/5 Stars This was the first book I’ve read by this author and I wasn’t disappointed! It’s very well written and does a great job of being realistic with the time period. The medieval time period is one of my favorite time periods in history, so I enjoyed reading a romance from that time. I felt like I was right there in the 1400s witnessing the romance unfold first hand.
This was a really good read! Sometimes the language felt off, almost like it didn't make sense, but it was pretty easy for me to figure out regardless and still be able to enjoy the story. This story is a fictional historical romance, and it's a very quick paced one at that. I wasn't sure I would I like it as much as I ended up liking it when I started but I'm glad I continued! The characters grabbed and eventually won me over. I really enjoyed this story and can't wait to read more from this author in the future!
This was a beautiful getaway of a novel. The time travel back to 15th century England and its troubled ways was a change that was needed, and thoroughly enjoyed as I was on vacation. I have read several novels as of late that were based back in 15th-18th century, and this one definitely was all consuming in the words in which were used, the customs we became familiar with, and the emotions of a young lady doing her due diligence to please all those around her, and to fulfill the needs of her people. I especially loved being inside Isabel’s head the night/day after their wedding.
I did find it a little difficult to get into at first, though the author clearly took her time to weave the story so that the reader was able to follow the story more clearly throughout. It kept me guessing as to how closely knit the families within these pages really were, the future of the newlywed, and what it meant for their society and their world. I loved the world-building, character development, and plot line, and would be more than happy to read more by this author in the future!
Isabel is promised to a man that she has never met. She has a lot of insecurities about marrying a man she has never laid eyes on, but she trusts her father to make the best decision for her. She follows through with the marriage despite her doubts as to which side of the War of the Roses he is on. Needless to say, she is pleasantly surprised that her husband is honest with her and even though there are miscommunications along the way, they come to an understanding with each other. As the story follows the first year of their marriage, they learn together how best to serve their people.
I enjoyed this read depicting life in the 15th century during the War of the Roses. I appreciated that the author was up front about the history and that it was their perspective of how things might have played out if this story had happened. For me, it was fascinating how many holidays and celebrations the people had in 15th century England! Reading about how Isabel worked through new responsibilities and balanced it all while being so young was entertaining.
This was a very sweet romance about a young couple in medieval times when Richard the 3rd was king. Isabel’s father has arranged her marriage to a knight she has never met before. Isabel is concerned when it is discovered that while her family supports the house of York in the War of the Roses, while her husband’s family are supporters of the house of Lancaster. Determined to be a dutiful daughter and a good wife, Isabel marries Sir William and they embark on their journey to their new home. They have to work together and figure out how to trust one another if they want to make it succeed. The author did a great job of describing different situations and holidays and how they would have been handled back then. Having the War of the Roses in the background added to different intrigues that the characters had to face. I thought the characters were well written and complex. The author didn’t shy away from making the bedroom scenes steamy, but still keeping with the time period. Definitely a great book to check out for fans of romantic history books!