Rescuing Rose (Red Dress Ink (Numbered Paperback)) [Paperback]

Isabel Wolff (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2004 | Series: Red Dress Ink (Numbered Paperback) (Book 27)

Who does an advice columnist ask for help?

Thirty-six-ish, well, thirty-eight . . . no, actually, thirty-nine-year-old advice columnist Rose Costelloe thought she'd solved all her problems when she got married after a whirlwind two-month courtship. But seven months and an extremely public smash-up later (embarrassing, when you dole out relationship wisdom for a living), things are looking thorny for Rose. Her job's in jeopardy, her finances are in shambles and she's being plagued by a stalker who seems to know rather a lot about the mysterious circumstances of her birth.

Sometimes rescue comes from an unexpected source . . .

Her zany friends suggest she get a roommate, and at first Theo, a geeky accountant, seems like the perfect choice for resolutely single Rose. Soon, however, she's seeing stars -- Theo has a secret passion for astronomy . . . and he might just be fond of his prickly redheaded landlady, as well. Will Rose be able to chart her own course?

From the bestselling author of The Trials of Tiffany Trott, The Making of Minty Malone, and Out of the Blue comes a tale of star-crossed lovers who, though they live under the same roof, might as well be on different planets.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Rose Costelloe is a 39-year-old "agony aunt" (an advice columnist) whose own life is in turmoil. She thought she'd found the perfect man in Ed Wright when their whirlwind courtship ended in marriage. But Ed felt threatened by her job, and their constant fighting--not to mention Ed's infidelity with their marriage counselor--drove them apart. Determined to get back on her feet, Rose purchases a house and seeks a roommate to help offset the costs. Enter Theo, a quiet, thoughtful young man who is ten years Rose's junior. Rose starts to feel something for Theo, but she is concerned her neighbor, Beverly, might have similar feelings for him. And then there's Ed, who has decided that he made a mistake and wants Rose back. Tackling a variety of subjects from a possible stalker to Rose's complicated feelings about being adopted, Wolff, author of Out of the Blue (2003), has penned another charming romantic comedy. Kristine Huntley
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review

"Hilarious, moving a wonderful story. I loved it." -- Wendy Holden, author of Farm Fatale

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Red Dress Ink (February 1, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0373250487
• ISBN-13: 978-2744169496
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.1 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #694,765 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Isabel Wolff read English at Cambridge and was a journalist and BBC broadcaster before becoming a full time writer. A Sunday Times best-seller, her nine poignant romantic comedies have been published in 29 languages and include 'Making Minty Malone', 'Behaving Badly' 'Out of the Blue' and 'Rescuing Rose'. 'A Vintage Affair' was an Amazon.co.uk 'Best of the Year' title, 2009, and in 2011 was shortlisted for the American Libraries Association Reading List award. Isabel's latest novel, 'The Very Picture of You' was published by Random House Inc in October 2011. Isabel lives in London's Notting Hill with her partner, their children and her stepchildren and in her spare time enjoys playing table football. For more information please visit www.IsabelWolff.com or go to 'Isabel Wolff, Author' on Facebook, or follow her on Twitter. Thank you...

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unpredictable and charming - a bit like life, February 29, 2004

By 

Lindsay Whitfield "lindsaywhitfield" - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Rescuing Rose (Red Dress Ink (Numbered Paperback)) (Paperback)

I am fairly critical and don't easily give out five stars, but this book just climbs up and nestles in your heart. I must tell you up-front that if you are looking for a fast-paced read this is not the book for you. As a previous reviewer noted, this book does ramble a bit, and the cast of secondary characters has their, er,...interesting mannerisms, but unlike my esteemed predecessor, I found them delightful. As for our hero, Theo, he is the kind of guy you fall gently, deeply, passionately in love with - and perhaps more importantly the type you trust with that love. Rose, our heroine, did have some serious tunnel vision, but nothing inexplicable or unforgivable, and her heart was alvvays in the right place. This book just grew and grew on me as I read; This is my first Isabel Wolff, but shan't be my last - I can honestly say that I shall miss these characters and hope to see them in future books.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A sweet endearing tale thats funny as well as poignant, March 3, 2004

By 

"lawlsie" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rescuing Rose (Red Dress Ink (Numbered Paperback)) (Paperback)

I really enjoyed this story of an agony aunt who thinks she knows what's best for everyone, including her friends and colleagues, but can't see the huge problems in her own life.

It's not till the rather gorgeous Theo moves in with her that Rose begins to acknowledge that she just might have a few issues she ought to look at. Because Rose is rather sweet and vulnerable, you don't mind her fussing around everyone, trying to sort their lives out. She comes across as being oh so sorted but we sort of know all along that Rose is a troubled soul.

But we root for her because she means well and we long for her to let her guard down a bit, open up and overcome the obstacles that prevent her from being truly happy.

Rose is clearly using her problem-solving skills to turn outwards towards others so she can avoid dealing with some rather dark stuff in her background. When she finally starts to unravel the mystery at the heart of her family, a good story becomes engrossing.

Isabel Wolff has written a lovely novel in Rescuing Rose. It's well plotted with lots of little subplots along the way to keep you turning the pages. I read it in two days flat and then passed it straight to a friend who did the same.

I've read and enjoyed all of Isabel Wolff's books but this is the only one that made me cry. It's a cracking read, her best yet in my opinion, and I've no hesitation in recommending you buy it, read it and devour it. But keep the tissues handy.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars he's the one, June 6, 2004

By 

English major (Georgia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Rescuing Rose (Red Dress Ink (Numbered Paperback)) (Paperback)

In my opinion, this is a good book, better than a lot of what passes for "chick lit" these days, but not Wolff's best. I remember The Trials of Tiffany Trott as one of the funniest books I have ever read, and Rescuing Rose certainly has its moments, but it's just not quite as good. However, Rescuing Rose is definitely enjoyable, and I found it very hard to put down. Rose's penchant for finding anagrams is a clever twist-and she is certainly an endearing protagonist.
Keep up the good work, Ms. Wolff-if all of your future novels are this good, you should keep your readers more than satisfied.