Customer Reviews

China Rose

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is an early work of Marsha Canham and is more of a mystery/adventure/romance story set in a different period of time. It lacks the rich historical content and detail of her subsequent novels. That being said, I did enjoy this book as a light, quick read.

China Rose is a story that leaves the girl torn between three brothers. The story leads from China Rose deciding which brother to love and which brother truly wants to harm her. The Unlikely choice is always the one we look at but then the writer throws in a twist. A Very interesting story...

I still have my paperback copy of China Rose and am reading the story again, after many years, but now in digital format. This story does not disappoint. It is a keeper!!

Yes, this is an early work conversely her first book. It's a romance and a mystery very well written. I liked it very much and when I was in the last 3rd of the book it was really difficult to leave it. I had to stay up till 4AM to finish it!
If you are going on vacation or have some days off it will be the perfect time to read it!

This story had a good start, but quickly dissolved into a boring formula that was put to much better use in a later novel, Swept Away.

The author employs a technique to keep the reader guessing the identity of the pirate, but I ended up being confused and just skipped over that part.

The author is lauded for incorporating historical fact and weaving the fictionalized romance around it. I found that a bit clunky, not as seamless in later work.

Also, the heroine is sexualized way too early, at one point she's comfortable sitting in a sex-rumpled bed, wearing nothing but his nightshirt while they receive a male visitor in their room. Pulled me right out of the story because it's so improbable.

I've just picked out the flaws, sorry, overall decent story and I can see where the author is honing her skills. You'll like it if you're just starting to get into the whole sea-faring regency thing, otherwise I'd advise the more savvy reader to skip this early work unless you are a Marsha Canham fan.

In the last year or so, I've discovered what a dynamic author Marsha Canham is. I love her books. For my birthday (2 days after Christmas), I received the newest Kindle and immediately downloaded one of Marsha's books. At the end of the book was her website for customers to comment. Also on her website were references to 2-3 out of print books that have received a new life via e-books. I checked with Amazon and they had this book, "China Rose." I downloaded it then read it in a matter of a few hours. It's a shame the book is out of print, but thank goodness for Kindle. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, the suspense and intrique, and finally the ending. "China Rose" is a terrific book. Read it as soon as you can!