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Rose House (La Rosaleda Series #2) [Paperback]

Tina Ann Forkner
4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (30 customer reviews)

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Book Description

May 5, 2009
“A story nestled in a masterful weaving of secrets, betrayals, hope, and healing.”
–Allison Pittman, author of Stealing Home and Saturdays with Stella

A vivid story of a private grief, a secret painting, and one woman’s search for hope

Still mourning the loss of her family in a tragic accident, Lillian Diamon finds herself drawn back to the Rose House, a quiet cottage where four years earlier she had poured out her anguish among its fragrant blossoms.

She returns to the rolling hills and lush vineyards of the Sonoma Valley in search of something she can’t quite name. But then Lillian stumbles onto an unexpected discovery: displayed in the La Rosaleda Gallery is a painting that captures every detail of her most private moment of misery, from the sorrow etched across her face to the sandals on her feet.

What kind of artist would dare to intrude on such a personal scene, and how did he happen to witness Lillian’s pain? As the mystery surrounding the portrait becomes entangled with the accident that claimed the lives of her husband and children, Lillian is forced to rethink her assumptions about what really happened that day.

A captivating novel rich with detail, Rose House explores how the brushstrokes of pain can illuminate the true beauty of life.

Frequently Bought Together

Rose House (La Rosaleda Series #2) + Ruby Among Us (La Rosaleda Series #1)
Price for both: $21.56

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Editorial Reviews

Review

“In Rose House, Tina Ann Forkner brings us back to the beauty of California wine country and draws us into a story fit for the misty gothic moors. Just as the Rose House itself sits within a mass of beautiful, entwined roses and vines, so is the story nestled in a masterful weaving of secrets, betrayals, hope, and healing.”
–Allison Pittman, author of Stealing Home and Saturdays with Stella

“Tina Ann Forkner pens a compelling tale of betrayal and grief, of hope and forgiveness in Rose House. The unique setting and her lyrical descriptions enticed me into the scene, where I was captivated by the appealing characters and the story’s underlying mystery. I couldn’t put it down.”
–Ane Mulligan, Editor and Co-Owner of Novel Journey

“With Rose House, Tina Ann Forkner paints a breathtaking canvas of lush prose brushstrokes. Don’t get lulled into a sense of calm; the storyline casts suspenseful shadows on this masterpiece of women’s fiction. Delightful!”
–Patti Lacy, author of An Irishwoman’s Tale and What the Bayou Saw

“Captivating, mysterious, and romantically enticing, Forkner’s Rose House keeps the pages turning.”
–Alice J. Wisler, author of Rain Song and How Sweet It Is

More praise for Tina Ann Forkner on Ruby Among Us
Ruby Among Us is a powerful story that will linger long after reading it. Forkner’s writing transported me to California’s vineyards and wove a fascinating saga of how secrets and decisions impact the lives of following generations–and how love can redeem.”
–Cindy Woodsmall, New York Times best-selling author of When the Morning Comes

“Ms. Forkner has given us a gift that like fine music rises at an ever-spiraling pace. Neither rushed nor delayed, Ruby Among Us offers a satisfying journey I will long remember.”
–Jane Kirkpatrick, award-winning author of A Mending at the Edge

“A multi-generational saga of hope, regret, and the grace that brings us home, Ruby Among Us evokes an invitational sense of place, a cache of characters you enjoy knowing, and a story that rips and mends your heart all at once.”
–Mary E. DeMuth, author of Watching the Tree Limbs and Wishing on Dandelions

“So engaging from the first sentence. I found myself holding my breath as I read. Tina has painted the pictures so real. I love the honesty and innocence. Mothers and daughters alike will feel very connected with this book.”
–Cindy Morgan Brouwer, singer/songwriter

“Don’t miss this one! Tina Ann Forkner is a strong new voice in fiction and Ruby Among Us is an amazing story of trials, regrets, and, ultimately, redemption. Lucy and her family history in the historic wine country of Sonoma bring to life the Scriptures about the Vine and His branches.”
–Kristin Billerbeck, author of The Trophy Wives Club

Ruby Among Us is a haunting, beautifully-told novel of past secrets and present pain. Lovely, lovely voice and story. A remarkable debut by Tina Ann Forkner, an author to watch.”
–Colleen Coble, author of Anathema

“A subtle, intimate story of grace and redemption that touches the heart!”
–Pamela Nowak, author of the historical romance Chances

“Forkner writes from a place of intimate transparency, allowing the reader to discover priceless treasures found in the pursuit of truth. Ruby’s story unfolds in fascinating layers, revealing at its core the universal power of a mother-daughter relationship.”
–Bonnie Keen, speaker, vocalist, and author of A Ladder Out of Depression

“Reading is a passion of mine, and when I find myself identifying with the characters, anxious to get to the next page to find answers to my questions, I know I’m into a good book! The daughter-mother-grandmother theme in Ruby Among Us pulled me in. Wonderful story-telling.”
–Jordin Sparks, 2007 winner of American Idol

“If you’re a fan of fiction that inflames your heart and your spirit, Tina Ann Forkner has a debut novel you should read. Ruby Among Us is filled with powerful emotions of secrets, joy, grief, the freedom that is found in the truth, and, ultimately, in redeeming love.”
–Kim Hill, worship leader and recording artist

“What an incredible story. As both mothers and daughters, Ruby Among Us struck a special cord in each of the four of us. Tina writes in a way that makes us feel like we’re there; from the first line, we were captivated and drawn into an intricate weaving of the precious and fragile relationships that define us.”
–Point of Grace

“A skillfully written, moving tale of women (and their men) who find that love covers a multitude of sins. Tina Ann Forkner weaves this story together with great detail and, like the quilts that are such an integral part of the novel, pieces it together with beautiful results.”
–Debbie Smith, songwriter with and wife of Michael W. Smith, and mother of their five children

“From the first page of this emotionally-gripping novel, I was absorbed in Lucy’s story. The author weaves a beautiful tapestry of meaning and grace, with an underlying truth: every heart needs a place to call ‘home.’ Lucy’s journey toward her place of belonging is poignantly told.”
–Kim Vogel Sawyer, author of Blessings and My Heart Remembers

“Ruby Among Us is an intriguing story of lost love, brokenness, and ultimately, restored relationships. It is one girl's search to unlock the secrets of her family's past that ultimately leads to redemption, hope, and new life. This great read will truly touch your heart!”
–Denise Jackson, best-selling author of It's All About Him

About the Author

Tina Ann Forkner is the author of Ruby Among Us. Originally from Oklahoma, she now lives with her husband and three children in Wyoming, where she serves on the Laramie County Library Foundation’s board of directors.

Product Details

  • Paperback: 320 pages
  • Publisher: WaterBrook Press (May 5, 2009)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1400073596
  • ISBN-13: 978-1400073597
  • Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.9 x 8 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (30 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,596,169 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Exquisite Writing May 20, 2009
Format:Paperback
As rose vines intertwine themselves, so does this offering full of twists, beauty, thorns and mystery. Set in the CA wine country, Ms. Forkner creates us such a beautiful location we willing walk inside the pages though we know danger lurks.

Lillian Diamon lost her husband and girl's in a tragic car accident. For months she holes up in LA, but eventually is drawn to the vineyard town of La Rosealeda where she takes up residence at bed and breakfast, quickly befriending the family. While strolling the grounds of the famous "Rose House" built as a monument of love, she feels she is being watched. Her grief is so raw it is palatable and unnerved she runs back to LA only to return two years later. As she visits an art gallery in La Rosealeda upon her return, she pursues a canvas that has captured Rose House and her grieving figure to a remarkable T. She was being watched her first visit. By whom? Who was following her and why are they painting her portrait of extreme distress? Is she still being followed now and observed and if so, why? Was her idyllic marriage and life much more sinister than she ever knew?

Mystery, intrigue, romance and colorful writing await you as you read this lovely book. The prose is flowery and I could smell the lovely scent of each word.

Beautiful book and an excellent summmer read. Treat yourself....you will be so happy you did.
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5.0 out of 5 stars Romance and Mystery Perfectly Blended! May 27, 2012
Format:Paperback
The Rose House... a beacon of hope, a harbor for dreams and a refuge for hearts.

Lillian Hastings, a recent widow and prisoner of her thoughts, is drawn to a mysterious painting hanging in a gallery, it's significance plays on her emotions and engulfs her.

Geena, sister to Lillian has devastating secrets to share and a longing to right the wrongs in her past.

Kitty owner of Frances Di Camillo whose home is encompassed entirely of beautiful and captivating roses. She gives of her time and talents freely always lending friendly conversation to all in need.

A painting lovingly created by an artist longing to capture the beauty and essense of a perfect subject. Very much aware of how people view the creator's vision of paint to canvas and ability, the shy artist enjoys watching the reactions, yet longs for a critique and a way to approach others.

In the midst of Rose House something sinister lurks in the background always waiting for satisfaction.

Are you yearning for a romance that reaches out to touch you?
Are you searching for mystery and intrigue that will keep you guessing?
A deep and beautifully haunting novel that reaches the core of the heart to capture the reader. I thoroughly enjoyed spending time getting to know these different and well formed characters. Well written plot, dialogue, scenery intermingled with twists and turns kept me glued to the book and turning the pages. I was highly entertained by this impossible to put down book and will recommend this well written novel to others!
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3.0 out of 5 stars Choppy and a Bit Odd May 2, 2011
Format:Paperback
When Lillian found herself plunged into grief at the sudden loss of her husband and children she retreated to a beautiful place of hope - the Rose House in the Sonoma's wine country. Returning to the Rose House four years later she finds a painting revealing her deep feelings in those wretched moments from her past. Suddenly she finds herself followed by strangers, plagued by confessions from her estranged sister, and swept into an unexpected romance.

Rose House is the second in a loosely connected series of novels tied to the Rose House, the Sonoma valley, and the families who live there. The first in this series is the widely acclaimed Ruby Among Us (which I have not read). This book can easily be read as a stand-alone though.

I was drawn to Rose House by the mystery of the story - who had painted Lillian? How had they witnessed her secret grief? Was this a God thing? Unfortunately what I found was a choppy and confusing story. Tina Ann Forkner jumps around in time and space during the early portions of the book in a way that was hard for me to follow. It took me awhile to understand the backstory because it was revealed so slowly and jumpily.

I also found Lillian's emerging romance somewhat unbelievable - I actually thought her love interest had very strange stalker, obsessive-type qualities. I really couldn't understand why she would go in for that (I certainly wouldn't).

This was my first exposure to Forkner's work and though I can't say for certain what I was searching for (it was the nebulous mystery that drew me in), I can't shake the sense if disappointment I felt after finishing this novel.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars Glorious roller coaster ride
From the get-go, this book grabs you by the heart and doesn't let go. Part mystery, part romance, and full of suspense, you won't want to put it down! Read more
Published on January 9, 2011 by Sherry Shaffer Smith
5.0 out of 5 stars Exquisite Story
Rose House is one of those books that is difficult to describe. It has an atmosphere of its own that is almost tangible - an exquisite portrayal of both setting and characters that... Read more
Published on November 19, 2010 by Daysong Reflections
4.0 out of 5 stars Great Book!
Four years ago, Lillian stood at the Rose House amidst her anguish. She had just lost her husband and children in a tragic accident. Read more
Published on November 18, 2010 by E. K. Collins
5.0 out of 5 stars Kept Me on the Edge of My Seat
This was an odd mix, though I really enjoyed it. It was a romance novel and a thriller wrapped in one. Read more
Published on November 5, 2010 by Patti Chadwick
5.0 out of 5 stars Another Wonderful Author
Tina Ann Forkner is another of my favorite authors, and this book did not disappoint in the least. This is only her second novel and it made me wish she has more than two books... Read more
Published on October 8, 2010 by Beth Smith
2.0 out of 5 stars Boring and Unfulling
I got this book from Paperback Swap based on this review. I am really glad I didn't pay for it! I thought the book was awful! Read more
Published on April 8, 2010 by M. Burke
2.0 out of 5 stars Sadly, Poorly Written
Though there are beautiful mental images, it is almost as though the author created a story through poems and written visuals. Read more
Published on March 28, 2010 by Kadia Raine
3.0 out of 5 stars Rose House
Providence hasn't been very kind to Lillian Diamon. After losing her parents and brothers to a house fire as a child, she is forced to endure the death of her children and husband... Read more
Published on December 8, 2009 by Erin Nass
5.0 out of 5 stars A Beautifully Written Novel with a Rich Cast of Characters
Rose House tells the story of a woman coping with immense grief and pain and of her search for healing and hope. Read more
Published on December 5, 2009 by Juliet K. Kennedy
3.0 out of 5 stars Rose House
Lillian's loss and pain is so real in this book - I was in tears at times. She does her best to move forward in life after such a heavy blow. Read more
Published on September 1, 2009 by Nelaine Sanchez
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