The Rose of Winslow Street

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is introducing The Rose of Winslow Street Bethany House (January 1, 2012)

by Elizabeth Camden

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A research librarian and associate professor, Elizabeth Camden has a master’s in history from the University of Virginia and a master’s in library science from Indiana University. She has published several articles for academic publications and is the author of four nonfiction history books. Her ongoing fascination with history and love of literature have led her to write inspirational fiction. Elizabeth lives with her husband in central Florida.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

The last thing Libby Sawyer and her father expected upon their return from their summer home was to find strangers inhabiting a house that had been in their family for decades. Widower Michael Dobrescu brought his family from Romania to the town of Colden, Massachusetts with a singular purpose: to claim the house willed to him long ago. Since neither party has any intention of giving up their claim, a fierce legal battle ensues between the two families.

When important documents go missing from the house, Libby suspects Michael is the culprit. Determined to discover the truth behind the stolen papers, Libby investigates, only to find more layers of mystery surrounding Michael and his family. Despite their rivalry, Libby finds herself developing feelings for this man with the mysterious past.

As a decision about the house looms in the courts, Libby must weigh the risks of choosing to remain loyal to her family or give her heart to a man whose intentions and affections are less than certain.

If you would like to read the first chapter of The Rose of Winslow Street, go HERE.

MY THOUGHTS:

This was quite an intriguing book. They say possession is nine-tenths of the law, but I'm thankful I don't have to worry about someone moving into my house while I'm away! There's much more to this story than the simple matter of who owns the house. The characters are multi-faceted. For example, Michael is at times intense and determined, even harsh, yet he also displays a surprisingly tender heart and an unexpected gentleness with his fragile sister and his sons. As for Libby's family, I'll just say she is definitely the best of the bunch--a rose among thorns, so to speak! I did have a bit of difficulty following the historical background of Michael's family and their connection to the convent destroyed by an earthquake, but overall this is an enjoyable read.