Bearnshaw — S. Rose

In the sequel to Bearnshaw: Legend of the White Doe, author N. S. Rose departs from the (true) story of Sibyl Bearnshaw to create a new character, her son, Edmund. Edmund never knew his mother, but he knows his father - Edward Plantagenet, now King Edward IV of England. In recognition of his son, Edward assigns Edmund to his brother, Richard of Gloucester, as a page and to oversee his education. Even though only 9 years old at the start of the book, we watch as Edmund grows to be a man...By the time his father dies, Edmund is very close to his uncle Richard and is present when important decisions are made. The beauty of this tale is its ability to detach itself from the main events of turbulent times following Edward's death to pursue the changes in Edmund's life whilst not losing the momentum as events accelerate threatening Richard, the country and, as he soon realises, Edmund's own safety...Ms Rose does not offer us her version of the fate of the Princes, merely a hint or two and she skilfully presents Richard's reasoning behind his decisions. I enjoyed this book immensely - as I had its predecessor - and am more than happy to recommend it. Five stars. ~ HNS reviewerThe ancient Bearnshaw family have survived for another generation against the odds. Thanks to Sibyl's efforts, this seedling is now firmly under the wing of the Plantagenets. Things would seem rather more secure for the Bearnshaw line, however the sun is setting on Plantagenet rule in England and the fight for survival will continue as Henry Tudor closes in. All the elements of a Bearnshaw story are here; drama, romance, loss, action - a rip-roaring ride through Richard III's reign.