About the Book From a new storytelling talent comes a completely new view of Richard III--one of historys alleged villains--and the unforgettable heroine who loves him. Book Synopsis AN UNFORGETTABLE HEROINE, A KING MISUNDERSTOOD BY HISTORY, A LOVE STORY THAT HAS NEVER BEEN TOLD In A Rose for the Crown, we meet one of historys alleged villains through the eyes of a captivating new heroine -- the woman who was the mother of his illegitimate children, a woman who loved him for who he really was, no matter what the cost to herself. As Kate Haute moves from her peasant roots to the luxurious palaces of England, her path is inextricably intertwined with that of Richard, Duke of Gloucester, later King Richard III. Although they could never marry, their young passion grows into a love that sustains them through war, personal tragedy, and the dangerous heights of political triumph. Anne Easter Smiths impeccable research provides the backbone of an engrossing and vibrant debut from a major new historical novelist. Review Quotes Anne Easter Smith has done a remarkable job of weaving contemporary sources and scholarly evidence into the romantic, touching story of Kate and Richards abiding connection to one another. The love Kate and Richard share is almost painful in its intensity. Kate is an appealing, fully drawn character who grows and ripens as the story progresses. Smiths Richard is certainly not the vilified hunchback king who killed his nephews in the Tower, but the fiercely loyal younger brother of Edward IV and later, husband of Anne. The Authors Note, extensive and wonderful, supports the existence of Kate or a Kate prototype. This is a marvelous book, long and complex, deeply satisfying and a great read. Highly recommended. -- Historical Novels Review Anyone interested in history, honor and lost love will want to read A Rose for the Crown. -- Sharon Kay Penman, author of The Sunne in Splendour Anyone interested in history, honor, and lost love will want to read A Rose for the Crown. -- Sharon Kay PenMan, author of The Sunne in Splendour In her first book, writer and musician Smith has produced a vibrant story full of careful historical detail and well-developed characters. More than just retelling historical events, Smith creates an empathetic and fascinating heroine in her own right. As Kate witnesses the monumental events that take place at the highest levels, the reader becomes engrossed in her story...highly recommended. -- Library Journal Move over Amber St. Clare! Here comes Kate Haute. The richly imagined story of the woman who might have been the mother of Richards three illegitimate children, this tale plunges the reader into the treacherous politics of the War of the Roses. -- Judith Merkle Riley, author of The Oracle Glass Move over, Amber St. Clare! Here comes Kate Haute, mistress of Richard III. The richly imagined story of the woman who might have been mother of Richards three illegitimate children, this tale plunges the reader into the treacherous politics of the War of the Roses. With Richard, Kate shares passion, regal glamour, and, in the end, partakes of the bitter cup of loss. -- Judith Merkle Riley, author of The Oracle Glass Remarkably assured debut spins a romantic yarn around Englands much-maligned King Richard III.. a delightful, confident novel that should be a favorite with lovers of the genre. A strong new voice in the field of historical romance. -- Kirkus Reviews This is a strong biographical fictionalized account of the life of Kate Bywood that provides a warmer loving side to Richard III through the tender eyes of his paramour...Kate is a fabulous heroine whose story makes for a fascinating indirect look at another perspective of Richard III. -- Harriet Klausner About the Author A native of England, Anne Easter Smith has lived in the United States for more than forty years. She was the features editor at a newspaper in New York State and now lives in Newburyport, Massachusetts, with her husband, Scott. You can visit her website at AnneEasterSmith.com.