'A real tour de force of gripping writing, rich historical detail and complex, fascinating characters. Superb!' NICOLA CORNICK on The Stone Rose
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EARLY READERS ARE GRIPPED BY THE STONE ROSE!

* 'Springs to vivid life for the reader . . . A compulsive read' ANNE O'BRIEN

* 'An enticing and intriguing tale of a woman who is driven to desperate and ruthless lengths to protect those she loves' ALEXANDRA WALSH

* 'Carol McGrath really got into Isabella's head . . . Enlightening' SHARON BENNETT CONNOLLY

* 'Bold and compelling' JENNY BARDEN

* 'A novel that's a definite page-turner' LIZ HARRIS

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London, 1350. Agnes, daughter of a stonemason, is struggling to keep her father's trade in a city decimated by plague. And then she receives a mysterious message from the disgraced Queen Isabella: mother of King Edward III, and widow of Edward II. Isabella has a task that only Agnes can fulfil. She wants her truth to be told.

Much has been whispered of the conflicts in Isabella and Edward's marriage. Her greed and warmongering. His unspoken love for male favourites. But as Agnes listens to Isabella, she learns that she can be of help to the queen - but can either woman choose independence, follow her own desires, and survive?

The sweeping third instalment of Carol McGrath's acclaimed Rose Trilogy: the gripping series exploring the tumultous lives and loves of three queens of England - and of three women who lived in their shadow.

Based on the extraordinary true story of the female stonemason who carved a queen's tomb!

PRAISE FOR THE STONE ROSE:
From the atmospheric opening to the beautifully satisfying ending, it is a real tour de force of gripping writing, rich historical detail and complex, fascinating characters. Superb!' * Nicola Cornick *
'Springs to vivid life for the reader, through immaculate research, depth of knowledge and imaginative prowess . . . A compulsive read' * Anne O’Brien *
'Monumental in scope, precise as a gilded illumination . . . A bold and compelling insight into the passions and ambition behind the brutal power struggles of the Middle Ages' * Jenny Barden *
'A beautifully written novel, steeped in unexpected detail and intrigue . . . A novel that's a definite page-turner' * Liz Harris *
Carol's empathy and understanding for Isabella's plight - and inner conflict - made the story!' * Sharon Bennett Connolly *
'An enticing and intriguing tale of a woman who is driven to desperate and ruthless lengths to protect those she loves' * Alexandra Walsh *
PRAISE FOR CAROL McGRATH:
'A fascinating historical figure vividly captured in a beautifully narrated novel . . . Perfect' * K. J. Maitland *
'A rich tapestry of a book . . . Brilliantly researched and cleverly brought to life . . . Wonderful' * Joanna Courtney *
'Intense, gripping and intricately plotted' * Alexandra Walsh *
'Completely engrossed me from the start . . . Incredibly rich and vividly told . . . A wonderful read!' * Nicola Cornick *
'Carol McGrath excels at sweeping the reader away on an engrossing journey . . . The perfect balance between great storytelling and superb research' * Jane Johnson *

Carol McGrath is the author of the acclaimed Rose Trilogy - The Silken Rose, The Damask Rose and The Stone Rose. Born in Northern Ireland, she fell in love with historical fiction at a young age, when exploring local castles, such as Carrickfergus, and nearby archaeological digs - and discovering some ancient bones herself. While completing a degree in history, she became fascinated by the strong women who were silenced in record, and was inspired to start exploring their lives. Her first novel, The Handfasted Wife, was shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists' Association Awards, and Mistress Cromwell was widely praised as a timely feminist retelling of Tudor court life. Her novels are known for their intricacy, depth of research and powerful stories. For more news, exclusive content and competitions, sign up to Carol's newsletter at: www.carolcmcgrath.co.uk Follow her on Facebook: /CarolMcGrathAuthor1 And Twitter: @CarolMcGrath