Roses Have Thorns: A Novel of Elizabeth I (Tudor Ladies in Waiting #3) by Sandra Byrd | Historical Fiction Review

Roses Have Thorns: A Novel of Elizabeth I

Tudor Ladies in Waiting #3

Sandra Byrd

Historical Fiction

What happens when serving a queen may cost you your marriage—or your life?

From the author of To Die For comes a stirring novel that sheds new light on Elizabeth I and her court, a book that evokes the Tudor period's complexity, grandeur, and brutality.

In 1565, seventeen-year-old Elin von Snakenborg leaves Sweden on a treacherous journey to England. Her fiancé has fallen in love with her sister, and her dowry money has been gambled away. Ahead of her lies an adventure that will take her to the dizzying heights of Tudor power and plunge her to the riskiest, most heartrending lows.

Transformed through marriage into Helena, the Marchioness of Northampton, she becomes the highest-ranking woman in Elizabeth's circle and Elizabeth's dear friend and confidant. But in a court surrounded by enemies plotting the queen's downfall, Helena is forced to choose between her unyielding monarch and the husband she's not sure she can trust—a choice that will provoke catastrophic consequences.

Vividly conjuring the years leading up to the beheading of Mary Queen of Scots, Roses Have Thorns is a multi-layered exploration of treason, both to the realm and the heart.

~~~

A discussion of potentially sensitive content may be found on the author’s webpage for this book for those who would like to preview it before reading.

Read the entire series:

1. To Die For

2. The Secret Keeper

3. Roses Have Thorns

My Thoughts

In Roses Have Thorns we are taken into the inner circle of Queen Elizabeth I. The story is told through the perspective of Helen von Snakenborg, who is a confidant of the queen and the second most powerful woman in all of England.

If you are a fan of Tudor history you are really going to enjoy this book! Sandra Byrd has woven a tale that is compelling yet tasteful. She gives you insight into just how turbulent the times were. We are reminded of how much shifting between Catholic and Protestant religions her predecessors embarked upon. The religious tension of the day was very pervasive in the lives of everyone, from those at court to those among the masses.  

I came away from the book with a new respect for Elizabeth I. She really did sacrifice her life and happiness for her subjects and her country. She was a very devout woman yet her court was still riddled with scandals. One of the things I appreciate about Sandra Byrd’s writing is that she tackles these disgraces head on in a discerning manner. We are aware of exactly what is going on, but we don’t have to muck through the tawdry details.

I was also profoundly affected by the story of Helen. I can’t even begin to imagine what it was like to live at court. Every luxury is at your fingertips, but your children and even in Helen’s case your husband are elsewhere. The power the queen held over her life would have been completely overwhelming to me. I loved her strength of character and also her flaws that reminded us that we are all vulnerable when we take our eyes off of our Savior.

This is the third and final installment in the Ladies in Waiting series. The first book is To Die For; A Novel of Anne Boleyn.  The second book is The Secret Keeper; A Novel of Kateryn Parr. Even though these three books are considered a series they are easily read as stand-alone novels. I highly recommend each of them!

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Disclosure

I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.

 

The Secret Keeper: A Novel of Katherine Parr (Tudor Ladies in Waiting #2) by Sandra Byrd | Historical Fiction Review

The Secret Keeper: A Novel of Katherine Parr

Tudor Ladies in Waiting #2

Sandra Byrd

Historical Fiction

In a court full of intrigue, what if the most heart-wrenching secrets Juliana must keep are her own?

Sir Thomas Seymour offers Juliana St. John a place in the household of Katherine Parr, a welcome reprieve. Juliana blossoms under Kate's maternal warmth, but all is not well. Juliana has the gift of prophetic dreams and "sees" terrible events visited upon the highborn. If her prophetic gift is discovered, she will be accused of heresy or, worse, witchcraft.

Katherine Parr is a beautiful, intelligent woman whose generosity is surpassed only by her kindness. Unsurprisingly, she attracts the attention of King Henry VIII, who recently dispatched his fifth wife. Unfortunately, being Henry's beloved carries no small risk for Kate and her household, especially after she becomes his queen. As a member of the queen's inner circle, Juliana bears witness to a barrage of plots within the increasingly treacherous court—many intended to remove Kate's influence and, perhaps, her life.

As Henry's illness progresses toward death, those seeking to claim his power descend on the queen. Meanwhile, Thomas Seymour is revealed to be both more and immeasurably less than the kindhearted benefactor Juliana once thought him to be. As the queen's trusted confidante, Juliana is a well-practiced secret keeper. But when unforeseen violence upends her future, the most heart-wrenching secret she keeps is her own.

Threading historical fact through gripping fiction, Byrd creates a rich tapestry of one young woman's battle to protect those she loves from harm.

~~~

A discussion of potentially sensitive content may be found on the author’s webpage for this book for those who would like to preview it before reading.

Read the entire series:

1. To Die For

2. The Secret Keeper

3. Roses Have Thorns

My Thoughts

I naturally gravitate to historical fiction and I’ve read To Die For, book one in the Ladies in Waiting series, so I had an inkling that I was probably going to like this one. I liked it and more!

In this second installment, Sandra’s voice just gets better. She again tells the story of a very turbulent time in history. While the majority of writers that delve into this era tend to focus on the tawdry details, Sandra focuses on the events that surround the court and eventually shape the makeup of England as we know it.

The story is told through Juliana St. John a lady in waiting to Katheryn Parr, the sixth and final wife of Henry VIII. We get to see the conflict with the reformers and the ways in which Queen Katheryn helps the cause. There is a particularly intense and touching portrayal of Anne Askew. I loved the boldness Anne had in proclaiming truth as the flames grew higher.

We are also privy to the ways in which Katheryn convinced Henry to restore his children who will go on to be the ruling monarchs of England. Although Katheryn didn’t have children of her own with Henry she showed great love towards Mary, Elizabeth and Edward.

This book is full of wonderful learning opportunities. The opening pages contain the family trees of all the main characters. I finally put a tab in so I could quickly turn back to that section. It was invaluable in keeping everyone straight. The author’s note and interview in the back of the book gives important information about what was factual and what was fiction in the story. Even with all of that I still had to look up the terms shriven and auricular confession. Go ahead and Google them, you’ll enjoy the education!

My hope is that this series will continue. I love this series and two books just aren’t enough. Whether Sandra continues to write about the nobility of early England or not, I will continue to seek out her work. She has a wonderful writing style that makes you lose yourself in the story.

Favorite quotes from the book:

“Time will discover everything . . . it is a babbler and speaks even when no question is put.”

~ Euripides

“Religion might be the arena the game was played in, but the prize, no doubt, was earthly power.” ~ Juliana

“The men began to moan and cry immediately and I closed my eyes and prayed for them, the words formed upon my silent, moving lips. Askew herself did not scream until the fires hit her face. Instead, till the end, she corrected Shaxton on his Scripture. ‘Yes, he’s got that right,’ she’d boldly call out of a passage, or, ‘No, there he misseth and speaks without the book.’ I was strengthened by her courage and forced open my eyes in order to honor her.” ~ Juliana

Connect With The Author

www.SandraByrd.com

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Disclosure

I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.

 

To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn (Tudor Ladies in Waiting #1) by Sandra Byrd | Historical Fiction Review

To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn

Tudor Ladies in Waiting #1

Sandra Byrd

Historical Fiction

Could that which is worth dying for be exactly what makes life worth living?

When Anne Boleyn catches the eye of the king, Meg Wyatt accompanies her dearest friend to the thrilling court of King Henry VIII. However, as Anne and Henry's affections grow, Meg receives devastating news: the man she loves is forfeiting their future together to pursue his calling as a priest. Heartbroken, Meg commits to ensuring Anne's well-being.

The court crawls with climbers; some see Anne as an ally, while others consider her an adversary. In a place where deception and intrigue are common currencies, it is difficult to discern friend from foe—even within one's chambers. Anne's status rises, and Meg remains her loyal confidante, positions neither takes lightly. Unfortunately, the same determined ideals that make Anne a worthy queen and a champion for the English Reformation provide her enemies with a deadly foothold on her future.

Charismatic Henry is a single-minded king and a fickle-minded man. When Anne cannot produce the male heir he desires, she falls out of favor, allowing her enemies to pounce. Accusations and false testimony prevail. Anne Boleyn is sentenced to die.

Meg bears witness to her friend's stalwart grace, even unto death. Weighted with grief, Meg expects a dim future. But then, an unexpected source reignites a long-held spark still kindling in her heart. Could that which is worth dying for be exactly what makes life worth living?

Fusing compelling fiction with historical facts, To Die For is a masterful tale of unflinching friendship and unquenchable love.

~~~

A discussion of potentially sensitive content may be found on the author’s webpage for this book for those who would like to preview it before reading.

Read the entire series:

1. To Die For

2. The Secret Keeper

3. Roses Have Thorns

My Thoughts

I am a huge fan of historical fiction, but I’m also a very picky reader. When I first picked up To Die For I was very skeptical. I have read several of Sandra Byrd’s contemporary fiction books and enjoyed them. I just wasn’t sure about how she would do with this new genre. I am happy to report that Sandra blew me away.

The story of Anne Boleyn has been told by numerous authors over the years. Most of those pieces of work center on the downright tawdry details of the House of Tudor. While Ms. Byrd did include those details, she did it in a way that was tasteful while being truthful.

Meg Wyatt has been Anne Boleyn’s friend since childhood. When Anne is called to court to serve Queen Katherine she urges Meg to come with her. The story of Katherine’s downfall and Anne’s rising is very well known. The difference in this telling is the way that Ms. Byrd weaves in the details of the Reformation and the hand that Anne had in that coming about.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading about how the Tyndale Bible made its way into the hands of the common man. In the back of the book there are a couple of sections that go into more detail about this. I really enjoyed the Q & A with the author. It gave wonderful insight into her reasoning for the way she had the story unfold.

It is my hope that Sandra Byrd will continue to write Historical Fiction. She definitely has a talent in that area. But of course I’ll be happy to read her other works as well.

Connect With The Author

www.SandraByrd.com

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Disclosure

I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.

 

Heirlooms by Sandra Byrd | Contemporary Fiction Review

Heirlooms

Sandra Byrd

Contemporary Fiction

Answering a woman’s desperate call for help, young Navy widow Helen Devries opens her Whidbey Island home as a refuge to Choi Eunhee. As they bond over common losses and a delicate, potentially devastating secret, their friendship spans the remainder of their lives.

After losing her mother, Cassidy Quinn spent her childhood summers with her gran, Helen, at her farmhouse. Nourished by her grandmother’s love and encouragement, Cassidy discovers a passion that she hopes will bloom into a career. But after Helen passes, Cassidy learns that her home and garden have fallen into serious disrepair. Worse, a looming tax debt threatens her inheritance. Facing the loss of her legacy and in need of allies and ideas, Cassidy reaches out to Nick, her former love, despite the complicated emotions brought by having him back in her life.

Cassidy inherits not only the family home but a task, spoken with her grandmother’s final breaths: ask Grace Kim—Eunhee’s granddaughter—to help sort through the contents of the locked hope chest in the attic. As she and Grace dig into the past, they unearth their grandmothers’ long-held secret and more. Each startling revelation reshapes their understanding of their grandmothers and ultimately inspires the courage to take risks and make changes to own their lives.

Set in both modern-day and midcentury Whidbey Island, Washington, this dual-narrative story of four women—grandmothers and granddaughters—intertwines across generations to explore the secrets we keep, the love we pass down, and the heirlooms we inherit from a well-lived life.

READ AN EXCERPT

My Thoughts

Prepare to have your heartstrings tugged! In fact by chapter thirteen you're probably going to need a tissue. Sandra Byrd has become known for her stirring tales and in my opinion, Heirlooms, shoots to the top of the list.

The story begins in the late fifties and takes place on the beautiful Whidbey Island just off the coast of Washington state. There we meet Helen and Eunhee. They are two young widows that are as different as can be but through time they come to realize that their differences are also their strengths. 

Later in the story time shifts to the present day and we meet their granddaughters Cassidy and Grace. Both girls were very close with their grandmothers and I venture to guess they thought they knew almost everything about them. They didn't. In fact the two grandmothers shared a secret that sent shockwaves through the girls.

This was such a beautiful story of love and friendship. I will never look at my Rose of Sharon bush or my old handwritten recipe cards the same. I'm neither a foodie nor a gardener but I have an appreciation of both and this story just enhanced that appreciation. 

Heirlooms is definitely a story not to be missed. Treat yourself with this one. It would of course be a lovely gift as well.

Disclosure

I received a copy of this book to facilitate my review.

 

A Lady In Disguise (The Daughters of Hampshire #3) by Sandra Byrd | Gothic Romance Review

A Lady In Disguise

Daughters of Hampshire #3

Sandra Byrd

Gothic Romance

In this intriguing novel of romance, mystery, and clever disguise set in Victorian England, a young woman investigates the murder of her own father.

After the mysterious death of her father, Miss Gillian Young takes a new job as the principal costume designer at the renowned Theatre Royal, Drury Lane. But while she remembers her father as a kind, well-respected man of the Police Force, clues she uncovers indicate he’d been living a double life: a haunting photograph of a young woman; train stubs for secret trips just before his death; and a receipt for a large sum of money. Are these items evidence of her father’s guilty secrets? His longtime police partner thinks so.

Then Gillian meets the dashing Viscount Thomas Lockwood. Their attraction is instant and inescapable. As their romantic involvement grows, Gillian begins to suspect even Lockwood’s motives. Does Lord Lockwood truly love her? Or is his interest a front for the desire to own her newly inherited property? And what should she make of her friend’s suggestion that Lockwood or men like him were involved in the murder of her father?

Soon Gillian is convinced that her father has left evidence somewhere that can prove his innocence and reveal the guilty party. But someone wants to stop her from discovering it. The closer she comes to uncovering it, the more menacing her opposition grows. With her life on the line, Gillian takes on an ingenious disguise and takes on the role of a lifetime to reveal the true killer—before it’s too late both for her and for those that she loves.

My Thoughts
A Lady In Disguise is the third and final book in the Daughters of Hampshire series. Of the three books included in the series it is by far my favorite. If you've not read the first two books, never fear, each are stand alone titles so you can read them in any order. 
After reading the series I am convinced that Sandra Byrd will be a name synonymous with Gothic romance in the future. She has taken all of the elements from our beloved old school Gothics and brought them forward with a few updated twists. 
While most of the action takes place in London there is still a run down estate that lurks in the background. The heroine's parents are gone and her father's death has a mystery surrounding it. There are characters that should be trustworthy but they aren't. There are those that are trusted but shouldn't be. And there are certainly those that waffle back and forth between trustworthiness and sinister motives. The tension of figuring out the truth is delicious!
A Lady In Disguise is a wonderfully entertaining tale but it also has a great bit of depth. Mixed among the mystery and intrigue is the very real truth of the ill treatment of women and children. Sandra Byrd gives us a glimpse into the hidden-in-plain-sight world of the poor, child labor, and prostitution. 
My favorite overriding element of the book was the fact that while we as ordinary people can't help the masses we can reach out and make a difference in the life of an individual. Think of the impact if we would each reach out to just one other individual and lift their burden. The domino effect would be massive. 
I look forward to reading the next series of Gothics from Sandra Byrd. I would recommend this book and the entire series to those that enjoy mystery and intrigue mixed with a bit of historical romance. If you have a book club this would be a wonderful choice. Lots of different discussion possibilities are included in the stories.
Other Reviews For This Author
Mist of Midnight Bride of a Distant Isle Forever Friends series The One Year Be-Tween You & God Devotions For Girls To Die For The Secret Keeper Roses Have Thorns
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Bride of a Distant Isle (Daughters of Hampshire, #2) by Sandra Byrd {Gothic Romance Review}

Bride of a Distant Isle

Daughters of Hampshire, #2

Sandra Byrd

Gothic Romance

MISS ANNABEL ASHTON is a teacher at the Rogers Day School for Young Ladies in Winchester when she makes a brief visit to her family home, Highcliffe Hall, at Milford on Sea. She believes her stay will be short but soon learns that she will not be returning to the safety of the school. Instead, she remains at Highcliffe, at the mercy of her cousin, Edward Everedge.

Annabel protests, but as the illegitimate daughter of a woman who died in an insane asylum she has little say. Edward is running out of money and puts the house up for sale to avoid financial ruin. He insists that Annabel marry, promising her to a sinister, frightening man. But as the house is readied for sale, disquieting secrets are revealed. Jewelry, artifacts, and portraits mysteriously appear, suggesting that Annabel may be the true heir of Highcliffe.

She has only a few months to prove her legitimacy, perhaps with assistance from the handsome but troubled Maltese Captain Dell'Acqua. But does he have Annabel's best interests at heart?

Will Annabel regain her life and property--and trust her heart--before it's too late?

My Thoughts

If I had to pick only one fiction genre to read for the rest of the year it would have to be Gothic Romance. And if I had to narrow it down to only one author it would be Sandra Byrd. Her newest series, Daughters of Hampshire showcases her unbelievable talent. 

Mist of Midnight was the first book and it introduced us to the exotic land of India. Now the series continues with Bride of a Distant Isle and takes the reader to the mysterious isle of Malta. Our damsel in distress this time around is Annabel Ashton. When we meet her she is about to have a huge curve ball thrown at her but she doesn't have a clue. She thinks she's off for a nice little family visit and then she'll return to her quiet yet satisfying life.

But this is Gothic romance my friend so there's not a chance that things will go as planned. Annabel's slimy cousin Edward has plans for Annabel. He in essence is asking Annabel to take one for the team but the only team member that is going to benefit is Edward himself. 

While Annabel may seem to be trapped in a horrible situation, there's always hope. Enter the Maltese Captain Dell'Acqua. Mmmmm . . . let the swoons begin! But the more you get to know him the more you wonder if he can in fact be trusted. There's something about him that just seems a bit shady. 

When Annabel is put in an inescapable place it feels like all is lost. But Annabel isn't some shrinking violet, she's got spunk with brains to back it up. I refuse to give any spoilers, but let me just say THE COFFIN . . . yes the coffin. When you get to it you'll know what I'm talking about! Total and complete Gothic creepiness at it's finest.

I read this delicious book curled up in my bed with a storm going on outside and a small bedside lamp casting barely enough light to read by. My recommendation is that you do the same. The atmosphere is the perfect compliment to this dark romance. I must say I'm jealous of you the new reader. You are in for a wild ride. I'd love to go back and read the story again not knowing what was coming.

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Mist of Midnight (Daughters of Hampshire, Bk 1) by Sandra Byrd {Gothic Romance Review}

Mist of Midnight

Daughters of Hampshire, Bk 1

Sandra Byrd

Gothic Romance

REBECCA RAVENSHAW, daughter of missionaries, spent most of her life in India. Following the death of her family in the Indian Mutiny, Rebecca returns to claim her family estate in Hampshire, England. Upon her return, people are surprised to see her . . . and highly suspicious. Less than a year earlier, an imposter had arrived with an Indian servant and assumed not only Rebecca's name but her home and incomes.

That pretender died within months of her arrival; the servant fled to London as the young woman was hastily buried at midnight. The locals believe that perhaps she, Rebecca, is the real imposter. Her home and her father's investments reverted to a distant relative, the darkly charming Captain Luke Whitfield, who quickly took over. Against her best intentions, Rebecca begins to fall in love with Luke, but she is forced to question his motives--does he love her or does he just want Headbourne House? If Luke is simply after the property, as everyone suspects, will she suffer the same fate as the first "Rebecca"?

A captivating Gothic love story set against a backdrop of intrigue and danger, Mist of Midnight will leave you breathless.

My Thoughts

I like chocolate but I love dark chocolate. Just like that dark chocolate, a well written gothic romance is something to be savored. It has a nice blend of bitter and sweet that keeps you guessing as to what is coming next. Mist of Midnight is definitely a dark chocolate flavored book!

In Sandra Byrd's newest book, Mist of Midnight, we travel with Rebecca Ravenshaw from the dangerous land of India that has claimed the lives of her parents and brother to her family home in Hampshire, England. Much to Rebecca's dismay she finds upon her arrival that an imposter has already laid claim to her family home. What is even worse is that person is now dead and the family estate has reverted to the dashingly handsome yet mysterious Luke Whitfield. 

The journey to prove that she is indeed the real Rebecca Ravenshaw is littered with snares. Her family departed England when she was a very young child so no one really remembers her. All that would prove who she is in India has been destroyed. How can she get past the suspicion of those that are in charge of granting her title to her home? 

Fortunately Captain Whitfield chooses to believe her until it can be proved otherwise. But there is just something about the handsome Luke Whitfield that makes Rebecca a little nervous. Who is he and what are his motives? He may be willing to trust Rebecca, but can Rebecca trust him?

As Rebecca sets out to discover who her imposter was she stumbles even further into a dark mystery. Just when she thinks she might have figured out a portion of the puzzle, a missing piece hampers the continuing discovery. Who would be brazen enough to pretend to be her? And did she really die from self-murder or was something else afoot?

There are so many delicious layers to this story. There are characters that you like but find out you shouldn't. There are characters that you don't like from the very beginning but can't exactly put your finger on the reason why. There are even characters that you think you know everything about until the very end. 

If Mist of Midnight is any indication of the caliber of the Daughters of Hampshire series, then this is going to be a set of books destined for must read lists everywhere.

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Tell Me More . . . Sandra Byrd {Author Interview}

by Fitzysmom

For the record Sandra wants you to know that her hair is dark . . . but not this dark! She thinks she looks like Morticia Addams. Hmmm . . . I always liked the Addams Family. That house of theirs was amazing. I think it would make a great setting for one of Sandra's novels. Just a suggestion!

I first became aware of Sandra's work when my daughter Whitney (aka RambleSAHM) was a pre-teen. I was at our local Christian book store looking for something for Whitney to read and I stumbled upon Sandra's Secret Sisters series. They turned out to be just the thing for my avid reader. She went on to devour every book that Sandra would write over the next few years. To my great delight those same books are about to be introduced to my oldest grand girl. What a great investment that was!

More recently I have fallen in love with Sandra's historical fiction books. My favorites so far have been her Ladies in Waiting series. They are set during the Tudor period which I find fascinating. I am eagerly waiting for her next novel, Mist of Midnight, which is book one in her Daughters of Hampshire series. It doesn't release until March 2015 so it's going to be a long cold winter. 

I began to wonder just who this mystery woman was behind these very diverse books. I wanted to know the important things that a curious sort like myself wonders about. I decided to reach out to her and ask her to tell me more . . .

What’s the best way to spend a rainy day?

Napping or reading on the couch while my husband watches football.

If you were given one chance to travel back in time, what event would you like to see?

As a Christian and as a history nerd, there are probably hundreds of events, but from a personal angle, I would have liked to have seen and experienced what my forebears did when they first landed in America, the home of their dreams.

What are the three most favorite products you own?

Bialetti Espresso Pot, my phone (I so overuse emoticons!) for keeping in touch with my family and friends, and my Kindle Fire HD tablet.

What is your favorite smell in the whole world?

Lavender, followed closely by the scent of a baby's cheeks, and then vanilla pound cake.

What superpowers would you like to have?

The ability to de-frizz my hair for good. And maybe lose weight without trying. Hey! I'd share!

There you have it friends . . . the important things we need to know about Sandra! If you had the opportunity to ask her anything what would it be? Leave your curious questions in the comments and we'll see if we can get her to chime in and end the suspense.

www.SandraByrd.com

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Forever Friends Series by Sandra Byrd ~ A Great Set of Books for Tween Girls! ~ Plus A Giveaway!

Chopstick

Forever Friends, Book 1

Two girls each have friends, family, and crushes rooting for them. But they can't both win - someone must lose and disappoint those counting on her. 

Paige Winsome has always been in the shadow of her athletic brother and academic sister and, as a result, is often overlooked. She's committed money to helping stray animals before they are put down - money she does not now have.

Kate Kennedy, a pastor's daughter and only child, receives plenty of praise and attention for her voice, but her family struggles to make ends meet and must constantly accept others' charity - and put downs. She agreed to buy Christmas gifts for needy kids who will get nothing otherwise, but needs the funds to buy them.

No sooner do Paige and Kate meet and become fast friends than they discover they're competing for the same $400 singer/songwriter prize. Each girl sees this contest as an answer to her problem. Can their fast friendship survive the stress of competition? After all, only one can win ...

Red Velvet

Forever Friends, Book 2

Is she making her mom happy, or giving her permission to die? 

Quinn Miller and her family are heading to Seattle for a six-week stay at Anderson House—a home away from home for cancer patients and their families—while her mother undergoes treatment. Once there, Quinn meets Annie, whose mom is also going through treatment. Each girl discovers that she has something special to share with the other, including Starbucks, shopping, and secrets about boys.

When Quinn reads her mother's teen-years diary, she comes across a list of things her mom has wanted to do before she dies. Quinn wants to help her mom accomplish all these things, but will doing so be giving her mom permission to die? 

Daisy Chains

Forever Friends, Book 3

There's nothing like helping in a super dreamy wedding to make a girl think about romance, best friends, and just maybe, her faith. 

Kylie Peterson and Rachel Cohen become fast friends when both are invited to help out with a wedding. Kylie's cousin Jed is marrying Rachel's cousin Davina, and Jed asks the girls to help with the flowers - in secret. It doesn't hurt that some cute guys are involved!

Kylie figures she was born a Christian, like the rest of her family, but maybe that's not actually true? Rachel is hurt—did her cousin Davina stop being Jewish when she became a Messianic believer? As the girls grow in friendship they uncover some remarkable truths, truths that will challenge their families, their friendship, and themselves.

My thoughts:

If you are looking for a great series for your tween girl, you can count on Sandra Byrd to deliver. Sandra's style of writing really strikes a cord with young girls. She does a great job of addressing tough subjects and letting the light of God shine through bringing about a needed hope in the face of dire situations. The beauty of her writing is that she also brings a lot of humor to the books which give them a nice balance of entertainment as well as depth.

I think it would be a great idea to read this series along with your daughter and then use it as a springboard for some very meaningful conversations. My daughter and I enjoyed many of Sandra's books while she was growing up. I am now eagerly anticipating introducing my grand girls to these thoroughly intriguing characters.

All three of the books are available in ebook formats from Amazon.

The Giveaway:

We have joined up with Sandra Byrd to bring you a fabulous giveaway! One of our readers will win an ecopy of the complete Forever Friends Series for their Kindle. Plus we are also including a Forever Friends necklace for your tween girl to share with her BFF. If you would like to enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. 

The giveaway is open to U.S. residents and will run through midnight on Wednesday, September  3, 2014. You must be at least 18 years old to enter. The winner will be contacted by email and will have forty-eight hours to claim the prize. If unclaimed, a new winner will be drawn. The winners’ entries will be verified. Please enter the contest using the Rafflecopter form below. All entries are optional.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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