I don't know much about the politics in Ireland, I usually read romance, mysteries, or Oprah Book Club books. After reading Blood Roses I feel I have a deeper understanding of the religious battles that took place, and continue to take place, in Ireland. With the political strife also came a lovely romance between the heroine and an English police officer. I think I liked the book most because the heroine was a strong, honest, powerful mother who finds love with a man who has little problem aknowledging and admitting his feelings. All in all a terrific book. I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 because at times it went into a little too much detail with some of the minor issues.