Love, Honour and Royal Blood: Book Three: Rose Red, Royal Blue Lancaster Paperback – December 7, 2011

A wonderful historical narrative on the lives of the Duke of Lancaster and Katherine Swynford. This book was a necessary addition to Anya Seton's version of this pair in her novel, Katherine. Although I thoroughly enjoyed Seton's book, I was left with too many questions concerning the real history of the lovers. Sergeant, who spent years researching the subject, has I believe come up with more satisfying answers to their story. I think this is a compelling read, although at times there is an abundance of history to wade through.

The problem with these three historical novels is not so much the story they seek to tell, which is compelling, but that it was stretched into a trilogy. Ms. Sargeant has obviously done quite a bit of research, which she details in the forward of each volume. Genealogy charts and maps also precede the story in each, which are helpful. For the most part, she follows a progression of events anyone even marginally familiar with the story of Katherine Swynford and John of Gaunt, the end of Edward III’s reign, the reign of Richard II and the life of Geoffrey Chaucer will recognize as fairly factual, for which I applaud her, even though I question some of her conclusions.My objections to the work are mainly a matter of style. There seems to have been little, if any, editing allowing for a great deal of redundancy in the overall narrative. The author has an unfortunate propensity for using exclamation points and parentheses in the regular text that I found decidedly distracting. I never accustomed myself to the use of “Philippe” for Philippa of Lancaster, John of Gaunt’s eldest daughter, who was named after her grandmother, Queen Philippa. All of which made reading this trilogy a bit of a slog for me, but others might not find it so.

I truly enjoyed this trilogy of Gaunt/Swynford books and can think of few couples with such a haunting, bitter sweet story. I do have a comment about the use of exclamation points, however. To over-use them, lessens their impact. It is obvious to this reader that the author lived closely with these historical figures for years and has painstakingly delved deeply into a complicated era that has always tempted me to start pulling hair. I hand it to her; she makes the complicated goings-on of this period much easier to understand, but she devalues the presentation of her excellent work by using unnecessary exclamation marks. Her writing would be even more forceful without them. Perhaps, it is best to leave the emotion up to the readers; they will usually get the point.

All three books consistent, thorough, enjoyable, and educational!

Great ending to the trilogy. Every since I read, "Katherine" I have wanted to know more information about Katherine Swynford and her relationship with John of Gaunt. This book, tied up quite a few loose ends for me.

Interesting interpretation of history.

Written like the author was reciting history. The main characters had no depth, and used everyday modern language when speaking. Woefully disappointing.

A great end to a wonderful trilogy inspired by a book I read several times as a child. Loved it

terrible writer

Love this book really detailed info about the life of Katharine and John. A wonderful period of history which is beautifully brought to life

lovely thanks

Superb trilogy