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Wars of the Roses Brides #1
At His Command
Can love and faith surmount duty and royal commands? England 1453: Sir Nicholas Grey planned to go on a pilgrimage after fighting the French, but King Henry VI sends him to protect the recently widowed Lady Amice Winfield from undesirable suitors. Though Nicholas intrigues her, Amice yearns to run Castle Rising without a man's control. Mutual interest and affection grows, yet serving opposing factions seeking to rule England threatens to pull them apart. At court, the king and queen reject Amice's pleas and choose a new husband, a highly-ranked lord who'll provide political connections and coin for the king's depleted coffers that Nicholas cannot. How can she follow the king's command when she's a scribe for his rival, who she believes should rule? How can she marry another man when she's falling in love with Nicholas?
222 pages, Paperback
First published January 14, 2015
About the author
Ruth Kaufman
23 books91 followersRuth Kaufman is a Chicago author, on-camera and voiceover actor and storyteller with a J.D. and a Master’s in Radio/TV. She loves peanut butter and chocolate milkshakes, singing in a symphony chorus and going to the theatre.
Learn more at ruthkaufman.com (where you can sign up for her newsletter) and ruthtalks.com. Follow her on Twitter: @RuthKaufman or Facebook:Ruth Kaufman Author & Actress.
Learn more at ruthkaufman.com (where you can sign up for her newsletter) and ruthtalks.com. Follow her on Twitter: @RuthKaufman or Facebook:Ruth Kaufman Author & Actress.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
March 6, 2016
I have mixed feelings about this story. The author's style is excellent and I really like the premise. The historical details felt accurate but there were a few too many clichés and to be honest, the subplot with Harry was a disaster. It felt 'tacked on' and in the end became little more than a farce. A shame, because this was a enjoyable story at its heart.
December 15, 2018
Third Or Fourth Time💍👰Is a Charm
I loved this book📕, although it may be too angsty for some readers. Some of the characters are real people in English History, but The story is fiction.
The main character, a wealthy young widow, Amice💃💋, is a niece of Cromwell, and thus comes under The scrutiny of King Henry👑.
She didn't like her first husband, a duke, but he did leave her the castle🏰, the lands, and all his money💰, cutting out his brother, Harry👺, completely.
Harry👺 has it in his mind to force Amice💃💋 to marry him, but it's not legal or allowed by English law. That doesn't deter Harry👺! He tries to abduct her several times.
Along comes Sir Nicholas🐺🔪, sent by the 👑King, to take Amice💃💋 to court in London, where she will have to marry William, a war hero that will give Henry 👑a political advantage.
Problem. Nicholas🐺, Henry's main Knight🐺🔪 man, falls in love with Amice💃💋, and she with him. Amice💃💋 just wants to live on her estate and be with her people.
Henry👑manipulates his subjects like men on a chessboard!
Nicholas🐺🔪 wants to serve and obey his 👑King, but will he get pushed too far?
How many husbands should one woman be forced to marry👰?
I loved this book📕, although it may be too angsty for some readers. Some of the characters are real people in English History, but The story is fiction.
The main character, a wealthy young widow, Amice💃💋, is a niece of Cromwell, and thus comes under The scrutiny of King Henry👑.
She didn't like her first husband, a duke, but he did leave her the castle🏰, the lands, and all his money💰, cutting out his brother, Harry👺, completely.
Harry👺 has it in his mind to force Amice💃💋 to marry him, but it's not legal or allowed by English law. That doesn't deter Harry👺! He tries to abduct her several times.
Along comes Sir Nicholas🐺🔪, sent by the 👑King, to take Amice💃💋 to court in London, where she will have to marry William, a war hero that will give Henry 👑a political advantage.
Problem. Nicholas🐺, Henry's main Knight🐺🔪 man, falls in love with Amice💃💋, and she with him. Amice💃💋 just wants to live on her estate and be with her people.
Henry👑manipulates his subjects like men on a chessboard!
Nicholas🐺🔪 wants to serve and obey his 👑King, but will he get pushed too far?
How many husbands should one woman be forced to marry👰?
November 5, 2019
Nice story line, but delivery is lacking.
I found the authors writing style distracting and simplistic. The narrative is choppy and disjointed. The characters are not as well developed as I like, and neither are the settings. For example, there are no detailed descriptions to help the reader visualize where the characters are, be it the castle, at court of even in the woods. I had to force myself to finish the book, and even stopped reading for several days a couple times to see if was just me not being in a mood to read. It wasn't. It's just not a very satisfying read.
I found the authors writing style distracting and simplistic. The narrative is choppy and disjointed. The characters are not as well developed as I like, and neither are the settings. For example, there are no detailed descriptions to help the reader visualize where the characters are, be it the castle, at court of even in the woods. I had to force myself to finish the book, and even stopped reading for several days a couple times to see if was just me not being in a mood to read. It wasn't. It's just not a very satisfying read.
February 16, 2017
A fun War-of-Roses romance. Henry the King and the Duke of York's rivalry for the throne serves as a backdrop for romance between Amice, a widow who the monarchy wants to marry off for royal convenience, and her protector, the King's loyal friend, Nicolas. Add to that the younger brother of Amice's dead husband who wants to force her into marriage at all costs and Nicholas's former mistress, Belinda, who is a true court schemer. It makes for a fun, sometimes steamy read.
January 27, 2020
Enjoyable
I am a history buff and any time period of history. I love reading about the kings of England. You never know what small tidbit of information you might pick up. I didn't like Harry. He was definitely a horrible creature. However, at the end when he speaks to the trees I felt maybe he suffered from mental illness. It is a well written and interesting book.
I am a history buff and any time period of history. I love reading about the kings of England. You never know what small tidbit of information you might pick up. I didn't like Harry. He was definitely a horrible creature. However, at the end when he speaks to the trees I felt maybe he suffered from mental illness. It is a well written and interesting book.
December 16, 2018
Nice read
It had romance, intrigue and history all mi Ed into one and of course a happy ending. Of course the epilogue ties things up and leave all with the reminder King Edward has recover. So another storyline can unfold
It had romance, intrigue and history all mi Ed into one and of course a happy ending. Of course the epilogue ties things up and leave all with the reminder King Edward has recover. So another storyline can unfold
December 20, 2018
Great book. Good plot. The heroine wins in the end with love and right groom.
Very good book. Right groom right
History. Good winner.Every book needs heroine prince the villian. It was good reading. 😊
Very good book. Right groom right
History. Good winner.Every book needs heroine prince the villian. It was good reading. 😊
March 10, 2019
Kingdom
The powers.and prestige of court ruled over all and women were subjected to regulations that they struggled against the restrictions. The kingdom was the law but two hearts prevailed and find their place very well written with historical characters.
The powers.and prestige of court ruled over all and women were subjected to regulations that they struggled against the restrictions. The kingdom was the law but two hearts prevailed and find their place very well written with historical characters.
October 4, 2022
At His Command
Pawns of the court and at the command of the country's leaders, one must go where commanded. Throw in a pesky in law determined to overlook law to seize lands of his own and it seems there is no chance of love ever being a factor.
Pawns of the court and at the command of the country's leaders, one must go where commanded. Throw in a pesky in law determined to overlook law to seize lands of his own and it seems there is no chance of love ever being a factor.
September 8, 2017
3 stars
I could only give 3 stars just wasn't that good to me i love historical romance but not this one
I could only give 3 stars just wasn't that good to me i love historical romance but not this one
December 16, 2018
Good reading
I really enjoyed this book. The story keeps you looking for the next page, I didn’t want to stop. I recommend this book without any reservations.
I really enjoyed this book. The story keeps you looking for the next page, I didn’t want to stop. I recommend this book without any reservations.
December 16, 2018
Cute
It’s been awhile, so this book was a nice and easy new read. There are time jumps as in a few days or weeks and the story went by pretty fast.
It’s been awhile, so this book was a nice and easy new read. There are time jumps as in a few days or weeks and the story went by pretty fast.
November 28, 2021
History Love Lesson
Really enjoyed all the characters of this book enjoyed the history that entailed with it to. So glad Amice finally found love.
Really enjoyed all the characters of this book enjoyed the history that entailed with it to. So glad Amice finally found love.
February 24, 2015
Medievals are not my usual fare, as you know. I’m more of a Regency/Victorian era chick. However, this book’s blurb intrigued almost as much as the fact that the author is offering her readers two versions of it, one with and the other without sexual content. I opted to read the one with.
I must admit that after I was done reading it, I wondered why I am not reading this particular genre more often. There's something mystical in a good medieval romance. I credit the authors prose and wonderful descriptions of knights and court life, which have drawn me into another time and place. What an awesome way to learn History! One of the great things about this book was the way it showed the intrigue of the court of Henry VI.
Reading this book was like watching a movie. All the historical details enhanced the intriguing plot, while the relationship between our hero and heroine kept the story moving at a fast pace. While the story is very detailed, it never detracts from the storyline, but rather adds to it and makes it more real.
This is Ruth Kaufman’s debut novel and a wonderful start to a series. She gave us two complex and intriguing characters as well as an interesting and entertaining plot, and mixed with some historical figures of that era, this was a fascinating read.
And if a book lingers in my mind for more than two weeks, then I say the author has certainly deserved to be put on my keeper shelf.
Melanie for b2b
I must admit that after I was done reading it, I wondered why I am not reading this particular genre more often. There's something mystical in a good medieval romance. I credit the authors prose and wonderful descriptions of knights and court life, which have drawn me into another time and place. What an awesome way to learn History! One of the great things about this book was the way it showed the intrigue of the court of Henry VI.
Reading this book was like watching a movie. All the historical details enhanced the intriguing plot, while the relationship between our hero and heroine kept the story moving at a fast pace. While the story is very detailed, it never detracts from the storyline, but rather adds to it and makes it more real.
This is Ruth Kaufman’s debut novel and a wonderful start to a series. She gave us two complex and intriguing characters as well as an interesting and entertaining plot, and mixed with some historical figures of that era, this was a fascinating read.
And if a book lingers in my mind for more than two weeks, then I say the author has certainly deserved to be put on my keeper shelf.
Melanie for b2b
March 29, 2015
I received an e-book copy of this “At His Command” [Historical Romance Version] through a giveaway for the 4th anniversary of The Romance Reviews [TRR] and the following is my honest opinion for this book.
It’s quite a challenge for a romance author, or any author for that matter, to write their first novel, yet Ms. Kaufman has decided to write not one but two versions of the same story for her first endeavor; one as an historical romance and the second as an inspirational one in order to attract, in my opinion, a wider audience base for her future endeavors.
The author’s well researched endeavor added to her writing pulls its readers into the story as they, if the mood is right, begin to fantasize they’re in Lady Amice’s shoes, due to the descriptions which are provided, especially that of court life.
After the death of her husband getting Lady Amice gets emotionally attracted to Sir Nicholas, who the king had sent to protect her from undesirable suitors, but for the sake of a better word is penniless. The king and queen, on the other hand desires that she marries a highly-ranked lord, someone who is more aligned with their needs for the kingdom’s survival with his money for the treasury and connections to maintain the forces needed for the army.
To experience Lady Amice’s dilemma you’ll need to check this book out. Meanwhile, I’m giving 5 STARS for my experience.
It’s quite a challenge for a romance author, or any author for that matter, to write their first novel, yet Ms. Kaufman has decided to write not one but two versions of the same story for her first endeavor; one as an historical romance and the second as an inspirational one in order to attract, in my opinion, a wider audience base for her future endeavors.
The author’s well researched endeavor added to her writing pulls its readers into the story as they, if the mood is right, begin to fantasize they’re in Lady Amice’s shoes, due to the descriptions which are provided, especially that of court life.
After the death of her husband getting Lady Amice gets emotionally attracted to Sir Nicholas, who the king had sent to protect her from undesirable suitors, but for the sake of a better word is penniless. The king and queen, on the other hand desires that she marries a highly-ranked lord, someone who is more aligned with their needs for the kingdom’s survival with his money for the treasury and connections to maintain the forces needed for the army.
To experience Lady Amice’s dilemma you’ll need to check this book out. Meanwhile, I’m giving 5 STARS for my experience.
February 25, 2019
I really, really wanted to love this book. The War of the Roses is one of my favorite periods of British history, and a romance set during the incidents that sparked that confrontation seemed a delicious thing to read on cold, snowy February days.
Instead I was treated to paper doll characters and a rice paper plot. Kaufman has certainly done her historical research, and the book is surprisingly pro-Catholic at times. The secondary characters of Harry and Belinda however, are poorly developed and as transparent as cling film.
This is the first book in a series of War of The Roses romances, so there is a glimmer of hope that the secondary characters will be further developed in subsequent books. The glimmer though, is not enough to make me seek out those books or other offerings from Kaufman.
Instead I was treated to paper doll characters and a rice paper plot. Kaufman has certainly done her historical research, and the book is surprisingly pro-Catholic at times. The secondary characters of Harry and Belinda however, are poorly developed and as transparent as cling film.
This is the first book in a series of War of The Roses romances, so there is a glimmer of hope that the secondary characters will be further developed in subsequent books. The glimmer though, is not enough to make me seek out those books or other offerings from Kaufman.
March 7, 2016
Unfortunately, not one of the best medieval readings I had.
The story starts in the traditional way: Lady of the manor in distress pursued by the Bad Guy and saved by the Champion. What you notice in the first chapters is how the author likes repeating thoughts and musings of the main characters many times. Probably, the goal is to sound out the psychology of the characters, but this effect is heavy on the prose. You can't wait to finish a chapter and hope for the following to be better.
Around 50% of the book, things are getting better, in a more historical perspective (life at the Court of Henry VI of England, intrigues, betrayals). This is the most pleasant part of the book. The historical characters playing themselves in the story, make the plot so much more alive and interesting.
The finale with the Lady of the Manor in distress (again) is very fast - maybe too much - but a bit incredible.
The story starts in the traditional way: Lady of the manor in distress pursued by the Bad Guy and saved by the Champion. What you notice in the first chapters is how the author likes repeating thoughts and musings of the main characters many times. Probably, the goal is to sound out the psychology of the characters, but this effect is heavy on the prose. You can't wait to finish a chapter and hope for the following to be better.
Around 50% of the book, things are getting better, in a more historical perspective (life at the Court of Henry VI of England, intrigues, betrayals). This is the most pleasant part of the book. The historical characters playing themselves in the story, make the plot so much more alive and interesting.
The finale with the Lady of the Manor in distress (again) is very fast - maybe too much - but a bit incredible.
March 9, 2016
Sir Nicholas Grey has been ordered to give his protection to a young widow until the King decides who she is to marry next. When he gets to her castle she is already in danger.
Lady Amice Winfield is trying to escape from an unwanted marriage. Only to find that the King is determined to see her married for the benefit of the throne.
With a weak King on the throne the realm is in turmoil. Our hero has almost blind faith in his King, and will put his own wishes aside. Our heroine is made of strong beliefs as well, but hers are not the same.
A complicated historical romance. With political intrigue and personal jealousy making things dangerous. I felt that the hero was a little too indecisive, and needed a bit of a kick. Our heroine was being pushed about by others without any back up.
A very enjoyable read.
Lady Amice Winfield is trying to escape from an unwanted marriage. Only to find that the King is determined to see her married for the benefit of the throne.
With a weak King on the throne the realm is in turmoil. Our hero has almost blind faith in his King, and will put his own wishes aside. Our heroine is made of strong beliefs as well, but hers are not the same.
A complicated historical romance. With political intrigue and personal jealousy making things dangerous. I felt that the hero was a little too indecisive, and needed a bit of a kick. Our heroine was being pushed about by others without any back up.
A very enjoyable read.
July 2, 2016
Ruth Kaufman wrote an excellent beginning for this novel. But I felt that she dropped the ball somewhere along the way because I lost interest. I finished the book just for the sake of finishing it, but I never felt completely drawn into it. The fact that the King went "mad" or developed some unexplained illness is indeed quite interesting. It really would throw the country into uncertain times especially with a pregnant Queen and the entire country wondering this constant question: "Will this child even survive?"
From a political and historical standpoint, I believe this period would be fascinating to study, but the novel itself isn't the kind I'd keep for rereading.
From a political and historical standpoint, I believe this period would be fascinating to study, but the novel itself isn't the kind I'd keep for rereading.
April 11, 2016
I was merrily enjoying this story (the only fly in the ointment was the Harry part, it didn't quite work). Then BANG 90% in to the book when my mind started to turn to thoughts of how this would wrap up the book took a bad turn.
It was like the last chapters were written by someone bored, it was wooden, like a school play. It made me sad that a firm 3-4 star historical romance could be spoiled. The books overall pace was good, the story fun a typical historical romance, but whyyyyy ruin it with a wet fart of an ending?
It was like the last chapters were written by someone bored, it was wooden, like a school play. It made me sad that a firm 3-4 star historical romance could be spoiled. The books overall pace was good, the story fun a typical historical romance, but whyyyyy ruin it with a wet fart of an ending?
October 20, 2020
In the multi-author book collection called A World of Romance: A de Wolfe Pack Authors' Collection
Oct. 2019: started out very good, but by the middle, it dragged! How many obstacle can two people face? I was getting dizzy with the back/forth, on/off, of their relationship. And what's up with the skinny, weak old man constantly pursuing Amice? And overcoming two seasoned knights at the end? I just wanted the story to end.
Oct. 2019: started out very good, but by the middle, it dragged! How many obstacle can two people face? I was getting dizzy with the back/forth, on/off, of their relationship. And what's up with the skinny, weak old man constantly pursuing Amice? And overcoming two seasoned knights at the end? I just wanted the story to end.
July 14, 2016
At His Command-Historical Romance Versioln(Wars of the Roses Brides Book 1)
The love story of Amice and Nicholas. After the dead of her husband, Amice is being force to marry his cousin, Jerry but the king has send Nicholas to protect her. They fall on love but the king has other plans for Amice. You love it.
The love story of Amice and Nicholas. After the dead of her husband, Amice is being force to marry his cousin, Jerry but the king has send Nicholas to protect her. They fall on love but the king has other plans for Amice. You love it.
Want to read
March 3, 2016Depending on what cover you purchase, you will either get the Christian inspirational historical romance version or the secular historical romance version without religious content. This is a medieval romance.
March 3, 2016
I read 59% and gave up. While the premise of the story was good, there was not much interaction between the characters. It seems as though the author was doing the telling but not showing. The H and h just didn't have that charisma to make me feel there was a strong romantic connection.
August 5, 2016
Good book, good story......but......some scenes were just choppy and felt incomplete to me.
If you're looking for a smutty romance, this isn't it. There's a couple of scenes where they get together, but it's not described in detail.
If you're looking for a smutty romance, this isn't it. There's a couple of scenes where they get together, but it's not described in detail.
May 12, 2015
Exceptional Period Reading!
Loved every minute of Reading this book. Love the War of the Roses period in English history. On to the next book.
Loved every minute of Reading this book. Love the War of the Roses period in English history. On to the next book.
March 16, 2016
Enjoyable book. Kept me interested all the way wondering which way things would go.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews