The Damask Rose

‘A rich tapestry of a book, transporting readers to the thirteenth century and dropping them deep into the fascinating life of Eleanor of Castile. Brilliantly researched and cleverly brought to life with fascinating characters and fantastic period detail … Wonderful.’ * Joanna Courtney *
‘Vibrant, enticing and with fascinating detail, the descriptions of the gardens were so vivid, you felt you could smell the damask roses’ * Alexandra Walsh *
Completely engrossed me from the start. I loved Olwen’s story as well as Eleanor’s, and the glorious descriptions of the herbs and flowers as a contrast to the high politics of the era. It felt incredibly rich and vividly told. * Nicola Cornick *
Beautifully narrated… Carol McGrath expertly brings to life one of the most determined and remarkable queens of the medieval world … The reader can easily understand how this enchanting rose was adored by some and regarded as a vicious thorn by her enemies * K. J. Maitland *
‘Shines a true light on the gripping tale of the life of Eleanor of Castile, the love of Edward I’s life’ * Sara Cockerill *
‘Excels at sweeping the reader away on an engrossing journey through history … The perfect balance between great storytelling and superb research, and she brings her characters vividly to life’ * Jane Johnson *
‘Pulls from the pages of history Eleanor of Castile: queen, business woman and true partner to one of England’s most forceful kings. Exquisitely researched … Breathes life into a complex, dynamic woman’ * Cryssa Bazos *

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.

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