A poet, a lover, and a royal scandal...

Margaret Douglas is a close confidante of Princess Mary, and at court with Anne Boleyn where she joins a collective, writing romantic verse for 'The Devonshire Manuscript'. There, she also falls deeply in love with the dashing young Thomas Howard, a fellow poet. In 1535, an engagement takes place in secret.

When Anne is executed, and Henry discovers the contract, he is furious. With no son, he has planned for his adored niece Margaret to be next in line to the throne. Howard is placed in the Tower, accused of treason, and Margaret banished to Syon Abbey. It is only when Howard dies that Margaret is released and pardoned.

In time, Margaret marries again, and bears eight children. But it is her betrothal to Thomas Howard that sets her apart, her poems and letters of love lasting long after her own, adventurous and colourful life has ended.


Acclaim for Carol McGrath's ROSE trilogy:

'Powerful, gripping and beautifully told' KATE FURNIVALL on The Silken Rose
'A tour de force of gripping writing, rich historical detail and complex, fascinating characters' NICOLA CORNICK on The Stone Rose
'A beautifully narrated novel' K J MAITLAND on The Damask Rose

What readers say about Carol McGrath's books:
'Excellent historical fiction'
'Beautifully crafted and well researched'
'She allows the reader a wonderful glimpse into privileged lives'