The Heart of The Rose

Author's New Revised Edition

By: Kathryn Meyer Griffith

Narrated by: Amanda Friday

Bronwyn is kind and resourceful, a healer and a woman ahead of her time who cares for her aging father and two young sisters. She can entrance a man with her sweet voice, the beauty of her face. However, she's an impoverished peasant who lives in the dark, suspicious times of fifteenth-century England where such a woman is feared. Witches are believed to be everywhere, waiting to ensnare a powerful man…like Edward the Fourth of England, who comes across her one day singing in a tavern and makes her his mistress.

Edward's powerful adversary, The Earl of Warwick, is seeking to take over the throne of England. Bronwyn is torn between the two; one she loves, the other she loathes. One cherishes her, the other wants to possess and control her. As the battle lines form, and the country is torn apart by political upheaval and bloody carnage, the two sides wrestle for the crown. Who will she end up with? Which man, when she's condemned to burn as a witch, will save her? Which man will let her die?

©2010 Eternal Press (P)2013 Kathryn Meyer Griffith

Great Journey during the War of the Roses

I would like to thank the author for a copy of the audible book in exchange for an honest review.

This book was right up my alley. I had recently read The White Queen and am also watching it on TV, so I was totally in the mood for more War of the Roses time period.

The audio portion was good, the accents were decent, but it took me a while to get used to the voice. However, once I did, I could enjoy the book more.

The first thing I enjoyed was Bronwyn. She was strong, a fighter, and never a victim, regardless of her experiences. She suffered many pains, but never let them hold her back. She was also a very lucky peasant in some ways and in others, one of the most unlucky people I’d ever read about. But the way she carried on was what really impressed me.

This story was different than The White Queen, because it is in the Point of View of, let’s say, the mistress and not the Queen. Any reading I have done during that period was usually more sympathetic to the Queen and not any of Edward’s mistresses. But after liking Bronwyn, it made it easier to sympathize with her side of things. And I rooted for her the whole way. I also like the change of impression this story gave me of certain real life characters. Warwick was still his cruel self, Queen Elizabeth was painted as ambitious and selfish, and I honestly think she and Warwick had more in common than they would have ever admitted. Kind Edward was kind, fair, just, and very loving. George was himself, selfish and self-centered. But Richard was very sweet throughout it all and especially the end. I enjoyed not feeling so zeroed in on one look at the whole situation. This story definitely gave me another look at what people might have been like and how things may have happened.

Bronwyn, truly made the story and was such a genuine character, true to her heart.
The history based around the fiction seemed mostly accurate and written in an interesting way. There were so many times, I cringed, cried, got angry, upset during the book, but the last quarter of the book was the best for me. I think it was Bronwyn’s journey up until then that made her who she was and she finally got what she deserved and it made me so happy. I cried so much during the ending as it was very sentimental and sweet.

This was a great story for anyone that likes historical romances with many bumpy roads.

A Fantastic Escape!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This story has it all – romance, adventure, magic, and women who can hold their own – all set in the fully recreated world of early England.

What did you like best about this story?

The story is lovely, complete with a few unexpected twists, but the world created in the novel is by-far the best element of the story. From the opening scene, the reader steps into a world so far removed from cell phones and iPads and internet access only to be assaulted by arrogant noblemen trying to take what they feel is entitled to them. Caste systems are in open use, and the reader gets a glimpse into the lifestyle of most classes before the novel closes. From beginning to end, the reader feels every bump and cut, tastes every pint of ale and crust of bread, and feels every thrill and crushing blow to the heart along with the characters

What about Amanda Friday’s performance did you like?

Ms. Friday has a very engaging performance style, very easy to understand and follow. My favorite aspect of her performance, though, is the plethora of voices at her disposal. Each character (down to the lowliest servant or messenger that may appear only once) has a unique voice. As a listener, this made the experience so much more entertaining, almost like watching a movie. The voices seemed natural and conversational, making me love the heroes more and hate the villains with even more gusto

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

No. I spaced it out over two months as I waited in line to pick my daughter up from school.

Any additional comments?

While this is my first Audible experience, it is not my first audibook experience. I have checked dozens out from my public library over the years. I was very impressed with the quality of recording, both by the performer and in the digital format.

The Heart of the rose

I enjoyed this book.It was very suspenseful.Bronwyn,a healer, is left to care for her two sisters after her father is killed.She finds a good situation but a prominant man will not leave her alone.When she is kidnapped,the king comes to save her and another story begins.Amanda Friday is a wonderful narrator!I was voluntarily provided this free review copy audiobook by the author, narrator, or publisher.”

A delightful read!

Any additional comments?

An enthralling story that will capture your attention from the first word spoken till the last. So amazing!

The Heart of the Rose is full of adventure, romance, magic, mystery and fear.

Perfect for readers of historical romance.

The narrator was so good - I got lost in the story. I never wanted to leave! Such a great voice - an absolutely perfect voice that was chosen for this book!

A Lovely Listen

What did you love best about The Heart of The Rose?

I thought Amanda Friday did a tremendous job bringing life to each of the characters in this book.

What did you like best about this story?

I enjoyed following the ups and downs of Bronwyn's life. I found her to be a very engaging character.

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

This is the first time I've listened to Amanda Friday's performance in an audiobook. I would absolutely listen to her again. Her performance seemed effortless.

Sigh! Sequels please!

I’m not sure how to write a review with out spoilers but I’m going to try. I didn’t realize This is a new edition to a 1985 story. I picked the book best on the storyline and I am so glad I did. This has become one of my all time favorite story’s. Bronwyn is a pheasant girl with a special gift of healing raising her two sisters, She is a survivor! Always hiding her gift, living in fear, cold and starving no matter what life throws her way she survives. Along comes King Edward, handsome, kind and completely takin with her. Their love spans a life time through war and witch trials and a fight for the crown. I loved the history, the romance, the fight against evil, the gypsy’s the special healing abilities and Martha. I love Martha. I think the two things that really stand out is that the love story between the king and Browyn is realistic, we all love a happily ever after but that’s not very realistic, I liked that Browyn stayed to true to herself and lastly the book is written in such detail that I could see it just like I was there. I could see the Inn, the battfields, the Tower all of it. I loved when the author adds that much detail that you feel like a participant rather then just a reader.
I listened to the audiobook and thought the narrator really did a great job. It took me a chapter or two decide but once I did I thought she was great. I’d love a sequel. To know where Johnny’s life takes him