CFBA Tour: The Rose of Winslow Street by Elizabeth Camden

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.

I GIVE THIS BOOK:


MY THOUGHTS:
Before I get to my opinion of the story I have to say that the cover of this book is absolutely gorgeous! When I first saw it online I thought it was very pretty, but it's even more beautiful in person; and it's not just the front cover, but the back cover too. Before I read the story I thought the back was nice, but now I see that each object on there represents a part in the story - very clever!

I have to be careful not to give away too much of the story, otherwise I might spoil it for you. I loved how this book didn't seem like a typical novel, where everything is very predictable, but instead slowing unfolded - that made it SO enjoyable!

The Rose of Winslow Street begins with Mikhail Dobrescu, arriving in Colden, MA with his sons (Andrei and Lucca), his two friends (Joseph and Turk), and Lady Mirela after having fled from Romania. It's late in the evening when they arrive at the house on Winslow Street (the Sawyer's house). They discover that no one is at home and quickly make themselves at home.

Once in America, Mikhail decides to change his name to the more American name Michael. At first Michael came across like a brute, however, very quickly a different side of him was shown. I realized that he is a man that cares deeply for his family and is willing to do just about anything to protect them. 

Both Michael and Mirela have an air of mystery surrounding them and the story is purposefully vague about why they fled to America. I had an inkling of what Mirela's secret would be, and while I was partly right, I was still shocked by it.

I felt an immediate connection with Libby. There were many times when she was reflecting on painful moments from her childhood which were caused by a secret she had, and I felt so bad for her. However, there is one scene in the book that was so heart-wrenching that it made me cry and at the same time so mad!

I learned Libby's secret on page 23 and it's something that everybody in Colden knows, so it's not really a secret there, but when she goes to her brother's summer house no one there knows about it. I was quite surprised when I first read what her secret was - it was very unexpected!

The Rose of Winslow Street is Camden's second book, but it's the first one I have read by her. I loved every page of this book and highly recommend it. For those who don't read Historical fiction that often, I think this is one for which you should make an exception. For those who LOVE Historical fiction, I think you will LOVE this book too and it will become a favorite.

***I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.***

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