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

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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 r... --This text refers to the Kindle Edition edition.

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

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: WaterBrook Press (May 5, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1400073596
• ISBN-13: 978-1400073597
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 5.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #789,087 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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

By	Gayla M. Collins (Sheridan, WY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.

3.0 out of 5 stars Rose House, September 1, 2009

By	Nelaine Sanchez "www.bookwormygirl.blogspot.com" (Miami, FL USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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. Although this is the follow-up novel to Ruby Among Us, you can definitely read this as a stand-alone novel, since the characters from the first novel have only supportive roles here. I loved reading about the town La Rosaleda and its inhabitants. The characters were quirky and the mystery of it all had me in its grasp from the first chapter. This is classified as Christian Fiction - but Christian's and non-Christian's should be okay to read this, as it was not overly preachy. If you're in the mood a good mystery, with plenty of romantic tenstion and some loveable characters, you might want to check this one out.

5.0 out of 5 stars A COZY MYSTERY YOU'LL LOVE, August 31, 2009

By	Nora St Laurent "Finding Hope www.psalm516.bl... (Georgia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I was mesmerized from the very first page. "It seemed to be the cottage that was alive, but it was only the vines twining in on themselves and clinging to the structure that were living." Tina Ann Forkner paints with her words what an artist does as he designs a masterpiece on a clean canvas. While reading this book, I wondered if Tina was an artist with more than her words, as she made me appreciate art and the making of a masterpiece, through the artist's eyes. It was quite fascinating to read about a master at work.

This is a story of woman named Lillian, who's lost all she held dear in a deadly car accident. How could she go on? As police investigate the accident unnerving facts about her husband come to light. The life she thought she had begins to unravel. Lillian catches people following her or so she thinks. Who was this man she had married and had two children with?

Lillian discovers a painting that has her stumped, "Whoever painted it had seen her hurting as nobody else ever had. But why had the artist put it on display for anyone who walked into the gallery to see?" She was the woman in the painting and someone really had been watching her. She wasn't crazy!

This book is about a true love story, between adoptive parents and their children, a sister for her sibling and a man for a woman. Tina's characters will stay with you long after you've finished the last page. You'll want to visit the Rose House yourself. Good thing I can by re-reading this rich, fun, and memorable book.

Hope and healing come from God--but love can never be forced--it has to bloom and grow much like a beautiful rose. Rose House is a cozy mystery!! I wasn't sure who-done-it until the last page. Thank you Tina, for creating such an intriguing, loving, rich story!

Finding Hope Through Fiction
Book Club Servant Leader