"Exciting sixteenth century romance"

In 1565, Niall Riordan accompanied by John Black are at Whitehall Castle to negotiate a peace between their beloved Ireland and Queen Elizabeth. However, instead of Her Royal Highness, Lord Wolverton meets the visitors, but not before they try to introduce themselves to two beautiful ladies in waiting including the English mediator's ward Catriona Sherwood. Though many in Queen Elizabeth's court oppose a peace with the Irish, Niall is shocked that Catriona happens to be one of them. She spies for her homeland Ireland as she detests the English for what they did to her family seven years ago and opposes peace with these despicable people. However, when she is exposed for her seditious activities, her only hope to leave the Tower resides in marriage to the peace broker Niall.

Though the late sixteenth century is the backdrop of a googol of novels, Ana Seymour successfully keeps her historical romance fresh through two delightful lead characters. Niall knows the cost of war and will do what it takes to protect his country's liberty even if it means brokering a peace with the enemy. Catriona is his opposite who sees war as inevitable through her hate filled eyes that only love will cleanse. The subplot of someone desiring Catriona's death is exciting and ties back to the main sixteenth century theme, but also takes away from the turmoil caused by the extreme differences on the English question between the stars. A ROSE IN THE MIST is a colorful tale that readers will enjoy and want to see more novels like this one from this talented author.

Harriet Klausner

Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted January 27, 2002

Summary

Queen Elizabeth's glamorous court features the most beautiful ladies in the world, but when Niall Riordan arrives from Ireland to negotiate a peace settlement, he only has eyes for the elusive and elegant Cat Sherwood. But just as the rugged Irishman is ready to admit his passion, he finds himself imprisoned in the Tower of London, put there by the mysterious Cat herself.