Expressing the depth of emotions that surged through me while immersing myself once more in Richard III’s tragic narrative is certainly a challenge, and the words are hard to find. Right from the opening page, I was drawn into the story’s intricate web. Despite my familiarity with the plot, my thirst for deeper understanding never waned. Sharon possesses an exceptional gift for transporting us alongside her, back to 15th-century England, a time marked by both triumphs and tribulations, when life and death seemed intrinsically entwined.

I felt the same wonder that young Richard experienced in the shadow of his elder brother Edward, a sentiment underpinned by his unswerving loyalty to family, even at such a tender age. The scene of the seven-year-old boy, standing at the Market Cross with his mother and his siblings, watching the horrific sack of Ludlow in 1459, tugged at my heartstrings. How could I possibly have any inkling of the emotions that young boy felt at the loss of so many family members in the bitter war we now call the "Wars of the Roses". But I did - all thanks to Sharon’s incredible writing skills.

Under Sharon’s guidance, I witnessed Edward IV’s coronation, where Richard became a Knight of the Garter and Duke of Gloucester. The pageantry and grandeur came alive for me, and I felt a surge of pride as though I too had been an observer. Sharon’s prowess lies not only in evoking adoration for the story’s heroes, but also in igniting frustration and anger towards its villains. I found myself cursing the malevolent Margaret of Anjou for her heinous deeds carried out in the name of justice. And don’t get me started on Richard Neville, the enigmatic Kingmaker, his choice of alliances left me not only angry, but totally dumbfounded … What on earth was he thinking? It’s as if I were an eyewitness, swept into a world of medieval machinations and power struggles - a testament to Sharon’s transporting narrative.

This book would have me completely elated at the union of Richard and his childhood sweetheart Anne, it would have me sensing the profound joy they shared at the birth of their son Edward of Middleham, to the point of making me relive the moment of my own children's births.

Every single turned page brought with it an intense feeling of anticipation and emotion. By the book’s latter stages, Sharon's poignant storytelling forced me to make a conscious choice not to bring the book to work for fear of embarrassing myself with an overwhelming display of emotions.

The final chapters, detailing the events leading up to the Battle of Bosworth, stirred in me a myriad of emotions: sorrow, frustration, anger, and above all, an earnest wish that more people would delve into the life of this misunderstood monarch. Sharon’s remarkable prose revealed Richard III not just as a man with his share of flaws, but also as a hero with a personality brimming with complexities. She peeled back the layers to reveal the bias that often shrouds our view of history, reminding us that it’s written by the victorious. It seems all too clear that Henry VII’s frail claim to the throne necessitated vilifying Richard, and then Shakespeare came along for the party, and we know how that turned out.

Comparing this read to my first, I’m struck by the heightened emotions I felt this time around. Perhaps it’s age or my expanded knowledge that has intensified the experience. I am left not only emotionally spent, but also exhilarated, a bit like returning from an epic travel adventure. The feelings are overwhelming, mingled with a deep sense of loss as the story concludes.

Sharon’s unfortunate passing on January 22, 2021, weighs heavily on my heart. Her impact on my life and understanding of this captivating historical era cannot be understated. I know she always loved interacting with her fans and supporters, and I am very sorry I have missed the opportunity to convey my gratitude to her for the profound influence she’s had. Even as I type these words, my glasses fog up as emotions well up uncontrollably.

Thank you Sharon

As an avid reader who is always on the lookout for fresh material, I was thrilled when Carol reached out via my website’s contact page to share news about her latest masterpiece, centred around Richard the Lionheart’s queen, Berengaria. Having devoured the recent releases from my favourite authors, and because unfortunately, it takes these authors much longer to research and write novels than it does for me to read them, I was pleasantly surprised to find Carol’s She-Wolves Trilogy, a riveting journey into the lives of three remarkable queens of England. "The Stone Rose," the trilogy's captivating finale, stole my heart and soared towards the top of my favorites list. 🚀📖I had certainly stumbled upon a historical gem!

📚One of the most fascinating aspects of historical fiction is how each author weaves a unique narrative, infusing their own research and perspectives to create a compelling tale that will resonate with readers. When it comes to the well-known story of Isabella, the queen consort of Edward II, most of us are familiar with the broad strokes - fleeing to France, raising an army, and teaming up with her lover Roger Mortimer to overthrow her husband, and place her son Edward on the throne. But what lies beneath this historical surface? What events and emotions transformed this once loving and supportive wife into the formidable ‘she-wolf’ who orchestrated this invasion and deposition? Carol skillfully unravels these layers, offering a captivating perspective that had me hooked from the very start. 

There is definitely something magical about a novel that beckons you down the proverbial rabbit hole, sparking a curiosity that drives you to delve deeper. Over the past two decades and more, that same said rabbit hole has allowed me to piece together a comprehensive chronology of this enthralling period in history. Carol’s rendition of Isabella’s tale was no exception; it ignited a quest to unearth more about the often overlooked figures in Edward II’s court. While names like Piers Gaveston and Hugh Despenser the Younger may ring familiar for many, I was astonished to discover three other favourites, seldom mentioned in historical narratives.

However, what truly captured my admiration in this novel is its dual perspective - not just through Isabella’s eyes, but also in part through the lens of a young man in her employ. While this young man himself may be a creation of fiction, the brilliance of the author lies in presenting two distinct viewpoints that occasionally diverge on specific events. Carole has also very cleverly intertwined the story of a young stonemason, commissioned to create an effigy of Isabella long after all of the controversial events of her marriage, another interesting take on the story and providing one more point of view. This clever narrative skill effortlessly mirrors the reality of history, where conflicting perspectives often shape our understanding of past events. It certainly provided me with a unique insight into the complexities of historical interpretation, making it easy to grasp how diverse viewpoints can shape and sometimes challenge our understanding of the past.

Lastly, I appreciate how Carol sheds light on the formidable challenges confronted by queens of the Middle Ages, a period where a queen’s role often confined her to the sidelines when her true desire was to assert herself and voice her opinions. In an era where royal marriages were predominantly strategic alliances devoid of love or romance, Isabella’s genuine concern for her husband stands out. Carol skillfully unveils the intricacies of navigating this political landscape, showcasing that wars weren’t solely achieved through traditional means like swords and siege weapons. Instead, she illustrates how intellect, subtle influence, and the art of feminine persuasion played crucial roles in shaping the course of history.

For anyone captivated by the tale of Isabella and the dramatic downfall of Edward II, or those with a keen interest in the Plantagenets and the broader Medieval period, I wholeheartedly recommend this novel. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed! 📚