Customer Reviews

Rose of Winslow Street, The

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THE ROSE OF WINSLOW STREET is the first book I've read by Elizabeth Camden, but it won't be the last. In many cases a novel starts out with a bang, just to dwindle within the first fifty pages. Then there are those that don't start out well and continue in the same pace. With THE ROSE OF WINSLOW STREET, it started out at an ever pace, nothing causing my heart to race. But in a relatively short time the story took off.

I was hooked!

Liberty Sawyer is not what she appears. She is beautiful, well dressed and comes from a fine family. An outsider would never suspect the horrifying secret she guards so fiercely.

Michael Dobrescu has only recently arrived in America. He shocks the town of Colden, Massachusetts by storming in and taking over the Sawyer's home.

To Libby's father's horror, she befriends Michael despite his outrageous claim on their home. Michael is not what he appears and in spite of her father and the people of Colden, Libby can't seem to get Michael out of her thoughts.

As an aspiring writer there aren't too many books I come across that I don't edit as I read. THE ROSE OF WINSLOW STREET is one of those few. Most of us don't have the luxury to sit for long hours to complete a book in one sitting. Many books have places where we are able to comfortably set it down. THE ROSE OF WINSLOW STREET is not one of them. The only good place to stop is upon completion.

The writing is exquisite. The plot is captivating. The characters are amazing. I loved the uniqueness of both Michael and Libby. I'm not sure if I can ever look at a rose in the same way after reading MS. CAMDEN'S novel. I've certainly learned a great deal about roses and perfume.

Michael was such a wonderful mix of strength, masculinity, protectiveness and tenderness. His chosen profession and passion in life is a bipolar difference from his outer appearance.

Libby's "disability" was refreshing and unique. A true testament to how God made us each distinctively different, yet with a talent or passion to be carried out for the good.

The faith portion was carried out lightly in a way that will please readers no matter where they are in their journey. It's not preachy, yet one has to admire the characters solid beliefs and morals.

It's not very often that I immediately purchase another book by the same author I'm reading before I've even completed it. But that's exactly what I've done. I can't wait to receive my copy of THE LADY OF BOLTON HILL. I have no doubt the pages will captivate me in the same way THE ROSE OF WINSLOW STREET has.

Having lived alone in their house on Winslow Street for over 20 years, Liberty and her father, Professor Willard Sawyer, are eking out a quiet existence. He spends most of his time working on new fangled inventions that, due to his perfectionism, will never see the light of day, while Libby fills her world with the neighborhood children and capturing nature on canvas.

As they vacation in their summer home on St. Catherine's Island, the Sawyers are completely unaware of trouble brewing back on Winslow Street.

For, overnight, widower Michael Dobrescu has moved his family on to their property with, seemingly, no intention of leaving.

Upon receiving word of the invasion, Libby and her father rush back to Colden Massachusetts, intending to vacate these immigrant trespassers from Romania. However, the matter cannot be so easily resolved upon learning Professor Sawyer does not, in fact, hold the deed to the house.

Dobrescu claims that as the eldest son of the 9th Duke of Vlaska, rightful ownership goes to him. This quickly becomes a matter for the courts to decide, which could take anywhere from several weeks to a year.

Crestfallen, Libby accompanies the sheriff in a mission to gather their personal belongings from the home. Upon seeing Mr. Dobrescu, she is taken a back by his size, strange clothing, and brash manner. And after being thoroughly insulted then rudely dragged away from meeting his sister, Libby is more than happy to see the back of this brute hulk of a man.

However, despite her apparent dislike for him, is there actually any truth to Michael's statements? Is he a descendant of royalty, or a mere imposter looking to capitalize on a golden opportunity? Is there a chance the Sawyers could lose their home?

Author Elizabeth Camden weaves together a compelling tale; one I had a hard time putting down. By the end of the second chapter, I was completely hooked and wanting to discover what would happen next.

I read her debut novel, The Lady of Bolton Hill, and while really enjoying it, felt the Christian aspects were a bit heavy handed/overdone.

I'm happy to say, that's not the case here.

The characters are wonderfully developed, the pacing just right, while the tone manages to convey intricate layers of emotion and tension in each scene. I connected perfectly with Libby, but came to love Michael the most. He seemed to leap off the page, and I could picture him just as Ms. Camden described; rugged, quirky, handsome, unpredictable, gentle, fierce, protective... and with a sense of humor to boot.

Literally, a real hunk of a guy!

Watching the relationship develop between Michael and Libby was honestly a treat, and one I won't soon forget. Their dialogue fairly crackled, with just the right amount of quips, plus feeling, thrown in to keep readers on their toes.

I also found the plot to be rather original, and appreciated that aspect a lot. Sometimes, books can tend to run together after a while, so learning about the Romanian culture was an added bonus and made the Dobrescu family stand out. I haven't come across anyone quite like Michael and will miss his larger than life personality which truly shone through.

If you're looking for a well written, engaging, romantic, historical, The Rose of Winslow Street captures all that and more. I honestly loved it and will be putting this one in my keeper pile.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest opinion.

Elizabeth Camden is a new author for me but I am very glad to have found her by reading The Rose of Winslow Street. Her writing is intelligent and captivating, with vivid descriptions. I also found the characters intriguing and out-of-the-ordinary, a refreshing change of pace. Michael's background and story was one I had never read before, and Elizabeth Camden takes us to a time and place worth exploring. Libby and her father are also unusual, in the most positive sense! This book was a wonderful read. If you are looking for christian historical fiction that is well-written, fresh and challenging, this is the book for you.

Elizabeth Camden has written a beautiful story of the need for acceptance---from both strangers and those one knows well.

In the beginning, I wasn't sure I would like Michael. He was brusque and, frankly, thuggish. However, his concern for the welfare of his family and his purpose for doing what he does, as well as his unusual ability, endeared him to me.

Libby is likeable from the first scene. She's on the verge of spinsterhood but, even though she longs for a husband and children, believes her deficiency will keep her from realizing her dream. Then along comes Michael and his family with enough baggage, literally and figuratively, to throw the whole town in an uproar, and enough attraction to make that dream reality.

How does a person remain loyal to two warring factions? This is the situation that faces Libby. At times, she handles it well. At times...not so much.

The whole story was enjoyable, but I must admit that reading the climax (with Libby on the rooftop...all the info I'll give on that) was an absolute sigh inducer!

After finishing The Rose of Winslow Street, I'm even more anxious to start The Lady of Bolton Hill.

This novel captured me from its inception with the intriguing situation and characters involved. I enjoyed reading a fresh story rather than another rerun of what's been overdone. Of course, it contains suspense and romance--those seem universal in fiction--but The Rose of Winslow Street provides a stimulating twist, increasing the reader's enjoyment.

Imagine that while you're away on vacation someone moves into your stately, old house, and sets himself up as the rightful owner. That's what happened to Libby Sawyer and her professor father in 1879 Colden, Massachusetts. Michael Dobrescu, an immigrant refugee from Romania claims his uncle left the house to him when the uncle died years ago. Michael settles in with his family and has no intention of giving up the property.

So begins the battle between the professor and the former soldier. Along with this escalating conflict and legal battle, secrets from the past add to the pain and confusion. Will Michael be able to maintain ownership and uncover whatever his uncle intended him to find?

Michael and Libby develop an unlikely relationship, and she is torn between loyalty to her demanding father and her new friend. Flowers, particularly roses, play a major role in the book, hence the title. Elizabeth Camden has created a powerful tale, which explores accepting those who are different and accepting oneself. Her setting and strong characters add intensity and depth. You won't be disappointed.

Liberty "Libby" Sawyer is a delightful young woman who sees beauty in things most people would miss and loves to transfer that beauty into paintings that she keeps hidden away. When Libby and her father receive word that someone has taken over their house, they cut short their vacation and head home to face the band of "thieving gypsies" that have threatened to change their lives forever.

Mikhail "Michael" Dobrescu and his family have traveled many miles from Romania to get to the house in Colden, Massachusetts that was promised to him in his uncle's will. When they arrive they are armed to do battle if necessary, but when they find the house closed up for the summer, Michael sees this as a sign from God. He knows they will have a long battle to take back what was meant for him and his family, but at least for now they have a place to stay. Will he be able to prove his ownership? Will the town's people ever welcome them or will they always view them as strangers?

When Libby is drafted to accompany the sheriff to her home to retrieve some of their belongings, she is shocked when she meets Michael, he is a mountain of a man and extremely handsome, not at all what she had imagined the man who had stolen their house to look like. Now she is even more confused, why would he want to take away the only home Libby has ever known? Why does she feel like this man and his family are drawing her to them? What will he do when he finds out her secret? Will he be the one to make her feel truly loved for the first time in her life?

This is the first book I have had the pleasure to read from Elizabeth Camden, it was an exciting adventure from start to finish. There are many twists and turns that will keep you madly flipping pages, there are some that will make you cringe in horror as you read them. Elizabeth handled each one superbly and she shows you that with God you can overcome anything. I promise you will not be disappointed when you read this, it was amazing and I am looking forward to the next book from Mrs. Camden.

The Rose of Winslow Street was an absolute treat to read, one that I savored and enjoyed from beginning to end. Libby is an utterly unique character with her selfless spirit, her eccentric inventor father, her lack of self-confidence due to her inability to read, and readers are sure to be captivated by her. After Michael sweeps into town, their relationship unfolds with humor and unexpected attraction, and was fascinating to watch unfold. I've never read of a man like Michael who is so thoroughly male, completely dense in the ways of women (his "proposal" is hysterical!), and yet is a perfume maker by trade! The intrigue blended into the story kept me racing through the pages, and I closed the book with a feeling of great satisfaction. Most importantly, God's love and grace flow through the pages of the story in a subtle manner, especially evident in Libby's refusal to shun the foreigners as her family and neighbours do, instead offering kindness and blackberry jam. The book celebrates family and faith in God, and will both entertain and leave readers moved and wanting more.

I highly recommend this book and give it 5 out of 5 stars.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc. Available at your favourite bookseller from Bethany House, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Liberty "Libby" Sawyer lives with her Father the Professor in a home her father has restored. While they are away at the beach with her brother Jasper, his wife Regina, and precocious daughter Tillie. Into town arrives the Dobrescu family straight from Romania. They break in and claim the house is theirs left to them by a deceased Uncle. This family includes the head Michael, his two sons Andrei and Luke, his Sister Lady Mirela, a Man from Turkey Raghib "Turk, and Joseph "The Giant" who has come with them.
When the Professor finds out about the stealing of his home, he goes bananas, now who wouldn't. Can you imagine going away, only to find out that someone else is now living in your home, and claim it is theirs??
Libby after meeting the family does take pity on them and brings them food. She feels this is what God would want from her, even if her Dad does not approve. In doing so she becomes fond of all of them, especially Michael, and the boys. She ends up trying to help Michael find a certain type of tree to help in his perfume business.
You will be horrified as to what Michael does to the roses in his yead and others. Just imagine someone coming into your yard and copping down your plants!
This is a really good story, with a lot of twists and turns. Don't miss this one!

I received this book from the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.

A family far away from their home in Romania arrive in Massachusetts and come to reside in the home of their ancestors only to find that it looks to be occupied. Soon Michael discovers that there is more to the house than he first thought.

Michael, keeper of treasures kept in a wooden box, his sister Mirela who is haunted by something locked away in her past, his sons Andrei and Luke and family friends traveling with Michael's family find America is not as hospitable as they had hoped.

Libby imprisoned by the way others see her, views the world through the colors that she paints.

Libby and Michael's first introductions are anything but memorable. Although Michael is in awe of Libby's paintings he is very protective of what is his. Despite their clear differences, can it be possible to find a common ground between themselves, and if so, will it destroy what each has worked so hard to keep hidden?

I was taken in by this book from the beginning chapter and could not put it down until I was finished about 6 hrs later! It was heartwarming, romantic, laced with deceit, secrets, history, bitterness and acceptance. This original and creative novel with well developed characters, that I felt as if I knew them, storyline, dialogue and scenery promises many enjoyable hours with no dull parts. I was highly entertained and challenged in my faith. I would highly recommend this novel to others!

The Rose of Winslow Street
Author Elizabeth Camden
Bethany House Publishers ISBN 978-0-7642-0895-9 342 Pages

The year is 1879 and the setting is Winslow Street in Colden, Massachusetts. Professor Sawyer bought the house which he and his daughter, Libby have lived in for over 20 years. While on vacation they learn that someone else has moved into the house and claimed it as their own. Michael Dobrescu, his two young sons, the mysterious and frail Lady Mirela and two of Michael's associates have come from Romania to make America their new home in this house. Michael carried with him what he believes is a legal document proving the house is his and he proceeds with legal action.
As the story unfolds it becomes obvious that there is much more at stake that just the house. Libby, a single woman, finds herself entering into a relationship with the Dobrescu family, particularly with Michael. Even though she is shocked at what has happened she finds herself drawn to this odd family. She cannot help but overtly show them acts of kindness when the residents of Colden ostracize them. The relationship between Libby and her father is complex as it is and her attraction to Michael only complicates the situation. A legal battle ensues and suddenly Michael offers a startling proposal to Professor Sawyer. He will relinquish his claim to the house under one condition. This is not where the story ends. There is much more to learn about both the Sawyer family and the Dobrescu family.
This is an enthralling book. The characters are complex, interesting and beautifully developed. The main plot and the subplots keep the reader totally engaged in the story. There is a great deal to be learned from this book. I highly recommend reading this book.
I received this book free of charge from Bethany House Publishers and I willingly provide this review.