Title: The Rose Garden
Author: Susanna Kearsley
First published April 15, 2011
448 pages, Kindle Edition
Rating: 4.03
Overview
“Whatever time we have,” he said, “it will be time enough.” Eva Ward, haunted by her tumultuous past, seeks solace in the only place she truly feels at home – her family’s old house on the Cornish coast. Amidst the familiar sights and sounds of her childhood summers, Eva discovers hidden pathways and eerie whispers that transport her not only back in time, but also into the arms of a man who defies all logic.
Together, they embark on a journey of self-discovery, one that forces Eva to confront her deepest fears and reevaluate her place in the world. As she grapples with the ghosts of her past and present, Eva must choose between the safe embrace of nostalgia and the uncertain embrace of the future.
The Rose Garden is a mesmerizing tale of love, loss, and the unbreakable bond of family ties.
About the Author
Susanna Kearsley is a bestselling author who has captivated readers with her ability to bring historical figures to life in her books. She has a passion for uncovering the stories of real people and intertwining them with romance, adventure, and intrigue.
Her books have been translated into over 20 languages and have received numerous awards, including the Catherine Cookson Fiction Prize, RT Reviewers’ Choice Awards, and the National Readers’ Choice Awards. She has also been a finalist for the UK’s Romantic Novel of the Year and the Crime Writers of Canada’s Arthur Ellis Award for Best Novel.
Kearsley is a former museum curator and lives near Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She is also known by the pseudonym Emma Cole, which she used for her thriller novel Every Secret Thing.
While she had originally planned for it to be the first of a trilogy, she has since reissued it under her own name and has no plans to continue the series under the Emma Cole pseudonym.
Editoral Review
The Rose Garden by Susanna Kearsley is a captivating historical fiction novel that explores the themes of love, loss, and time travel. Kearsley is a New York Times bestselling author known for her ability to seamlessly blend historical and contemporary elements in her storytelling.
Set in Cornwall, England, The Rose Garden follows the journey of Eva Ward, a woman who has recently lost her sister and is struggling to come to terms with her grief. Eva has always had a special connection to her family’s ancestral home, Trelowarth House, and finds solace in its gardens.
She soon discovers that she has the ability to travel back in time through the gardens and meets Daniel Butler, a man from the 18th century who captures her heart.
Kearsley’s writing is exquisite, and she expertly weaves together the two timelines, creating a seamless and enchanting reading experience. The characters are well-developed and complex, and readers will find themselves emotionally invested in their journeys.
The historical significance of the novel lies in the portrayal of life in 18th century England, particularly the struggle for religious freedom for Catholics. Kearsley provides a thoughtful and nuanced exploration of this topic, and it is particularly relevant in today’s world, where religious discrimination and intolerance continue to be issues.
One of the strengths of The Rose Garden is its ability to transport readers to another time and place. Kearsley’s descriptions of Cornwall are vivid and immersive, and readers will feel as though they are walking through the gardens alongside Eva and Daniel.
The pacing of the novel is also well-done, with a perfect blend of action, romance, and introspection.
However, one weakness of the novel is that some readers may find the time travel aspect to be confusing or unrealistic. While Kearsley does provide some explanation for how the time travel works, it may not be enough for readers who are looking for a more concrete explanation.
Overall, The Rose Garden is a beautifully written novel that will appeal to fans of historical fiction and romance. Kearsley’s ability to seamlessly blend the past and present, along with her exquisite writing, make this a must-read for anyone looking for a captivating and emotional story.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
