Book Review: The Rose of Winslow Street

The Rose of Winslow Street by Elizabeth Camden
ISBN: 978-0764208959
Paperback, 342 pages
Publisher: Bethany House
Retail: $14.99

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. (from Amazon.com)

That above tells you pretty much what the book is about and the end doesn’t really come as a surprise- but I won’t spoil it for you. Apart from what that tells you, there are other characters of note: Libby’s brother Jasper and his wife, Regina, and the Auckland’s. Weaved throughout are other characters that live in the town of Colden.

The legal battle over the house involves the entire town- even if only for the purpose of giving them something to gossip over. None of the Dobrescu’s are treated well near the start of the story but that isn’t surprising. Who wants to befriend a house thief?? But of course, Libby takes a stand does just that and it’s her house that has been taken! This interaction leads to feelings of both Libby and Michael, as well as a reluctant acceptance of the family by most of the townspeople.

There was a twist (with the stolen papers) but I knew who-dun-it before it was made clear in the book. Not that it was shabbily written (I was only guessing it was who I thought it was), it just all seemed to fall into place to me.

I really like this book. I finished reading it in practically one day {I refused to stay up past my bedtime or I would have *wink*}. This is different from Camden’s other book, The Lady of Bolton Hill, which I still cannot seem to get into. Aside from some sugary-super-sweet dialogue that I’ve never seen or heard in real life {you know, romance novel material lol}, this was a great read.

Oh, there was one thing that just seemed…out of place. The reference to prayer. I think it is mentioned twice in the book  and perhaps it is used to portray the intimacy that the characters felt (freedom to do this in front of and with each other) but it just seemed out of place. There is definite mention of the characters Christian beliefs in a few places that aren’t as out of place.

You can read an excerpt {tell me if it doesn’t just catch you from the start!}:

The Rose of Winslow Street

 

***Disclaimer: This book was received from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. All opinions stated are my own. See my Disclosure/Policies.***