"The Rose of Winslow Street" Book Review

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

by Elizabeth Camden

MY REVIEW:
I am so impressed by the character development in "The Rose of Winslow Street" by Elizabeth Camden. She has done an amazing thing by introducing us to two very different characters (Libby and Micheal), from two very different backgrounds (America and Romania), with two very different upbringings (I don't want to spoil anything...), and giving us one location (the house on Winslow Street) that they both have ties to, and then making them both sympathetic characters. I was never sure who it was that I wanted to end up with the house, because I could see both sides of the story. The most shocking thing to me is that Libby's dad is not a sympathetic character at all really, and yet, there is a point where we see his vulnerability and I was stunned that I could actually feel sorry for him. The way these people from different worlds end up fighting for the same piece of space was beautifully written, but most importantly I just couldn't put this book down. What a fun twist on historical romance with a slice of mystery woven into it as we follow Libby trying to figure out fact versus fiction as she digs into Micheal's past. What a fun, enjoyable book - highly recommended.

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.