Roses in the Tempest

A Tale of Tudor England

By: Jeri Westerson

Narrated by: Jo Nelson

A king. A knight. A prioress. In 16th century England, Isabella Launder little realizes the twists and turns her life is about to take as she surrenders herself to a small nunnery in order to forget her unrequited love of the courtier Thomas Giffard. She must learn - along with her sisters in Christ - the true nature of faith and survival, withstanding passionate jealousies, intrigues, and the emerging threats to the Church itself as one by one the monasteries are dissolved. Inspired by the true lives of Isabella Launder and Thomas Giffard and set amid the onrushing storm of Henry VIII's break with Rome, obsession opposes faith in this tale of a wealthy knight and the last prioress of Blackladies convent.

©2015 Jeri Westerson (P)2016 Jeri Westerson

I'm hooked on audible books now.

Would you listen to Roses in the Tempest again? Why?

I don't normally listen twice, I love this narration however.

What did you like best about this story?

.The setting and time period

Have you listened to any of Jo Nelson’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I adore everything by Jo Nelson. She could read the phone book and I would listen.

Any additional comments?

Please more of Jo Nelsons narration.

Cheers for "Roses in the Tempest"

What did you love best about Roses in the Tempest?

I loved being spirited back to the days of Henry VIII and Tudor England. I pondered the quotes that opened each chapter a they illustrate the perspective of character focus for that chapter...Isabella Launder, then of Thomas Giffard, then Isabella, then Thomas… The conversations—some open, some discreet, seem to be exactly what would have been discussed: politics and religion, family obligations and life-long vows, sides taken between the King’s desires, the country’s best interest, and one’s conscience and faith. I was totally engaged in their lives, sometimes to anger, sometimes to tears. I found the fiction seamlessly entwined with the history sharing the emotions of their star-crossed relationship. Exploring the ‘what if…’ in this historical fiction was a great experience and although a departure from my usual reading choices, I was not disappointed and am off to find more…

What was one of the most memorable moments of Roses in the Tempest?

I was in tears when Thomas Gifford brought the rosebush to Isabella. It was a quiet act of love, even though, they would never be together in that way. HIs final words struck me to be an illustration of their relationship, as well as the historical changes Tudor England was experiencing.

“Proud they were, their faces always toward the sun… Still a rose is a hearty thing. Prune down to nothing it surprises its gardener with the tenacity of its blooms… a rose possesses that singular ability to be grafted to stronger stock, to push out its roots, hold on, and live again.” Chapter 30—Thomas Gifford, March 1540

What about Jo Nelson’s performance did you like?

Jo Nelson, the narrator, brings an incredible skill to enrich the audio version of Westerson's story with her use of a variety of British voices. From the light feminine tone of Isabella to the gruff throated King Henry, from the high born English Lords and Ladies to the low born maids at the priory, she fits the perfect intonation to make the listening experience well worthwhile. And as I always say, “Everything is better with an English accent.”

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

YES...I almost did, but was so often intrigued by the history behind the fiction that I went off to explore Tudor England, Thomas Gifford, Black Ladies Priory, and mead...honey wine!

Any additional comments?

I was not an active fan of historical fiction, but have become a convert...“What if…?” is an intriguing question posed by authors of historical fiction, and more than just “changing names to protect the innocent” or avoiding libel claims, it is a way of enhancing true events and real people by providing realistic and plausible connections, interactions…love affairs? Henry VIII’s court, the Black Ladies’ Priory, Thomas Giffard, and Isabella Launder are real, but the author envelopes a fictional story around them to bring to us a wonderful tale of Tudor England. “But, in the end, it is only a pleasing story.”

Interesting Book, Good Narrator!

What made the experience of listening to Roses in the Tempest the most enjoyable?

I listened to the Audible version of this book. The narrator is excellent. This book is very interesting and well done, I have it on my TBR pile. I never knew that King Henry VIII abolished all monasteries and nunneries during his reign, leaving none at all. I love all of Jeri's books, and I look forward to whatever she writes about next.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Isabella Launder - she is passionate about her commitment to being a nun, and she doesn't let Thomas have his way no matter what.

What does Jo Nelson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

She gives different voices to the characters which makes it come to life better.

If you could rename Roses in the Tempest, what would you call it?

Oh no, I wouldn't rename it. I like the book title.

Any additional comments?

I always love reading Jeri Westerson's books, or now listening to them, because I always learn something new. She not only entertains me, but educates me at the same time. Thank you, Jeri, and the narrator, for some interesting car rides - which is where I listen to my audible books!

Excellent Naration

What did you like best about Roses in the Tempest? What did you like least?

I enjoyed that this story was based on history and learned facts about Henry VIII that I never knew, and found very interesting.The love story was a bit sappy

Have you listened to any of Jo Nelson’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

This is my 3rd book narrated by Jo Nelson. I really enjoy her story telling. She brings the characters alive and pulls me in immediately. Her voice is charming with a sense of humor. I admire her ability when changing characters. Her voice can change from female to male with distinct recognition. I'm never confused by which character is speaking. She's pitch perfect and a pleasure to listen to.

Do you think Roses in the Tempest needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No, I believe the ending worked for me. I would have no interest learning more about Thomas.

Masterful, brilliant narration

Masterfully written period piece, with rich character development. Jo Nelson's narration was brilliant, gripping! Convincing, compelling story telling. I'm looking forward to hearing more books from this author, and from this narrator. Top marks for both!