The Rose of Winslow Street

May 20, 2013 BlueJeansAndTeacups rated it 5 of 5 stars

•°o•:*¨¨*:•. HIGHLY ENJOYABLE/GREAT DEPTH .•:*¨¨*:• o°•

I could hardly put this book down. It was fun, exciting, and mysterious. It was filled with growing love, family devotion, tragedy, and positive relationships with Christ.

It begins in Colden, Massachusetts in 1879, where most of the story takes place. It also weaves in a family fleeing Romania, who have thick Romanian accents. Those were fun to read, since I tend to hear accents in my head.

Libby Sawyer has a disability which causes her to...more •°o•:*¨¨*:•. HIGHLY ENJOYABLE/GREAT DEPTH .•:*¨¨*:• o°•

I could hardly put this book down. It was fun, exciting, and mysterious. It was filled with growing love, family devotion, tragedy, and positive relationships with Christ.

It begins in Colden, Massachusetts in 1879, where most of the story takes place. It also weaves in a family fleeing Romania, who have thick Romanian accents. Those were fun to read, since I tend to hear accents in my head.

Libby Sawyer has a disability which causes her to be very compassionate towards others. She is supposedly the main character, although I felt Mikhail was equally well developed. She is 28 and lives with her elderly father, an inventor. She is a wonderful artist, who captures botany in great and amazing detail despite her difficulty. Her father, however, only recognizes and rather uses her, for her ability to draw his inventions with superb clarity. She has a motherly connection to all children, because she so longs to have her own, but believes she never can. She “exists” in the town, but is not valued for her kindness and talents.

Mikhail/Michael has fled Romania and is very “black and white” in his ways of thinking, but he has deep devotion and commitment. At heart, he is a good man. His differences speak to his cultural upbringing. It is a good reminder for us to consider as we encounter other cultures. As he and his mismatched family struggle to fit in to the American ways and ideas of life, we can imagine what it must be like to do so. By mismatched, I am referring to his two rowdy, but sweet boys, his two hulking comrades, and his frail sister. Each will come to reveal great strength and resolve and are very interesting.

There is deep sadness in some of the characters background stories, but how they overcome them and seek to glorify God is wonderful to read. For anyone who struggles with great tragedy, or disability this book shows positive examples of how to prevail. I enjoyed how well many of the supporting characters were developed. It really added depth to the book.

I give it 5 out of 5 stars, and look forward to other books by Elizabeth Camden.

You can read more about this author at www.ElizabethCamden.com

Included at the End:
*Discussion Questions for the reader to ponder or for a Book Club :)

I received this copy free from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.
340 Pages(less)

like · see review

Oct 08, 2012 Laura rated it 4 of 5 stars

Romanian widower Michael Dobrescu flees his home country to Colden, Massachusetts to claim his family's home, the home Libby Sawyer and her father have occupied for decades. Taking the battle to court, Libby finds herself drawn to the mysterious family who has overcome so much. Will she remain loyal to her family or will her heart be stolen just as her childhood home?

I became a fan of Elizabeth Camden after reading her debut novel, and her second book doesn't disappoint. I loved the characters....more

like · see review

Sep 02, 2012 Renae Sattazahn rated it 5 of 5 stars

I recently read "The Lady of Bolton Hill" by Elizabeth Camden and gave it the highest possible rating online. So, naturally, when I saw "The Rose of Winslow Street" also written by Elizabeth Camden, I snatched it up a.s.a.p.! As I was reading, I noticed this book has something in common with the first Camden book I'd read. Just when you get the feeling it's over -- WOW -- she brings in more characters and more story. I love this about her writing! It seems that with many novels, you can laboriou...more

like · see review

Jun 01, 2012 Kerri rated it 4 of 5 stars

I thought this was going to be yet another ho-hum period romance, but I was wrong! The author held back and hinted at the background of the story so that I felt I had to keep going.

I found the leading man very intriguing, so different from the usual hero in these stories. His story was a fascinating choice. I was actually sad when the story ended that I wouldn't get to follow him anymore.

This story did have a few of the little glitches that bother me about this genre. It left me with little nigg...more

like · see review

May 21, 2012 Jamie rated it 5 of 5 stars

I didn't really know what to expect when I picked up this book, but I loved it! I don't even remember how I heard about it, but I'm so glad I picked it up and read it.

Liberty Sawyer has lived in Colden, Massachusetts all her life. Never-married, she lives with her father, a sometimes cantankerous but very brilliant inventor. While she and her father are summering away at the cape, a mysterious man and his family who claim to have rights to their home moves his family into the home in the middle...more

2 likes · like · see review

Apr 12, 2012 Laura rated it 4 of 5 stars

Liberty (Libby) Sawyer lives with her father in Massachusetts in a stately house on Winslow Street. On an evening when she and her father are not home, their house gets broken into and taken into possession by Michael Dobrescu, newly arrived from Romania with his two young sons, Luca and Andrei and a young woman called Lady Mirela. Michael claims the house is rightfully his, inherited through his uncle, who used to live there almost 30 years ago.

In the weeks to come, as Libby and her father wait...more Liberty (Libby) Sawyer lives with her father in Massachusetts in a stately house on Winslow Street. On an evening when she and her father are not home, their house gets broken into and taken into possession by Michael Dobrescu, newly arrived from Romania with his two young sons, Luca and Andrei and a young woman called Lady Mirela. Michael claims the house is rightfully his, inherited through his uncle, who used to live there almost 30 years ago.

In the weeks to come, as Libby and her father wait for the trial that will determine who the house truly belongs to, she visits her house to retrieve some of her things and gets to know the Dobrescu family. She develops a relationship with and keeps visiting the family, despite her father's repeated warnings not to have anything to do with the people who kicked them out of their own house.

This was an interesting premise and I did enjoy reading the story. There were a lot of things going on and I enjoyed the multi-level plot and well-developed characters. But there were also a few things that didn't make sense to me. First and foremost, how could the American court allow an immigrant family to break into an American citizen's home and stay there, while the owners (respectable people) had to find another place to live (in this case, Libby and her father stayed with her brother and his family)? Wouldn't it have made more sense for the courts to remove the interfering family (who broke the law by breaking and entering) until the court hearing could determine whose house it really was? Is it okay then for anyone to walk into any house and claim it's theirs and be allowed to live there until proven otherwise? Seriously!

Okay, now that I got that off my chest, let's move on. I liked Libby because she was kind, courageous and certainly not attached to material possessions because it didn't seem to bother her that strangers took over her house, were sleeping in her bed, wearing her clothes, etc. Having said that, I think she was also naive and fell for Michael's strapping shoulders and tall physique before she knew too much about him. However, although she was pretty, Libby had no suitors. As a child she failed to learn how to read (I'm assuming dyslexia) much to the chagrin of her professor father. She was ashamed because of this and I think sold herself short. She also had no friends her age she could confide in. She was a loner and I could see why she was instantly attracted to the buoyant Dobrescu clan.

But she was also a gifted artist, producing many stunning paintings. She also sketched the designs of all of her father's inventions. She understood the mechanics of it. Wow! She also knew a lot about botany which she shared with Michael who cultivated perfume. This aspect of the story fascinated me, and because it was important to the story, kept my interest in it high.

The court proceedings were interesting and revealed further information about Michael and his family. Lady Mirela's story was sad and the way she comes to find happiness in the end was heartwarming. Michael was a perplexing character for me throughout the book. There were times when he annoyed and frustrated me and other times when I liked him and the way he was devoted to his family above all else. He was different, that's for sure.

The novel comes to a satisfying conclusion, and I was happy for the part that Lady Mirela plays in it. The romance was okay, and the author's humour was an additional bonus that helped this part along. I also liked how Libby handled her father, even though he mistreated her at times. I certainly gleaned positive messages throughout the novel which, for me, were gems (messages about the qualities of humility, patience, fairness, forgiveness) that redeemed the novel from its rocky unrealistic start.

Disclosure: 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. I was not compensated in any other way, nor told how to rate or review this product.(less)

1 like · like · see review

Apr 05, 2012 Linda rated it 5 of 5 stars

At the opening of the story, Libby Sawyer and her father are spending the summer at a lake cottage, though their actual home was in Colden, Massachusetts, on Winslow Street. Libby leads a quiet, yet interesting life of drawing her father’s inventions in detail. Lying underneath her vivacious and gracious personality lies a secret that brings her great shame.

Mikhail (Michael) Dobrescu has arrived from Romania to claim his deceased uncle’s home that was willed to him, but it just happens to be Lib...more At the opening of the story, Libby Sawyer and her father are spending the summer at a lake cottage, though their actual home was in Colden, Massachusetts, on Winslow Street. Libby leads a quiet, yet interesting life of drawing her father’s inventions in detail. Lying underneath her vivacious and gracious personality lies a secret that brings her great shame.

Mikhail (Michael) Dobrescu has arrived from Romania to claim his deceased uncle’s home that was willed to him, but it just happens to be Libby’s father’s home in Colden. Thinking the home is abandoned, Michael and his family overtake the home in an unconventional way, which alienates him from all the Colden residents. It would take the courts to decide on who actually owns the home.

Despite Libby’s outrage at Michael’s actions, she finds herself enamored by him. In fact, she is accused of fraternizing with the ‘enemy’ and her father commanded her not to see the family. But her Christian upbringing could not watch the family suffer though they themselves have been ousted from their own home.

What a heart-rending story of loyalty and love. I was so enthralled with the characters, as the author brought out their genuineness in a way that you could not resist. I thought about them throughout the day, as though they were real friends. The relationships were both delightful and yet difficult to bear at times, but I found them comparable to relationships today, albeit the mysterious circumstances that brought Michael to America. The secrets behind his actions propelled the story forward.

The tender, loving actions of Michael seemed contradictory to his large stature and initial gruff introduction. The author played on Michael and Libby’s attraction, their Christian beliefs, and their true desire to help each other as social outcasts. Their looming romance eventually becomes the talk of the town, despite her father’s feelings.

Deceit from other family members ups the ante to the suspense of the story. It played well into the relationships between father and son and father and daughter. It illuminates the dangers of having favorites among children.

Elizabeth Camden’s book, The Rose of Winslow Street, is a book I’d recommend to anyone for its historical flavor as well as the romance. The details are exquisite and make the story rich. I have to admit that the cover of the book was one reason I wanted to read it, but it’s the content that won me over. I look forward to reading other books by Elizabeth.

This book was provided by Jim at Bethany House in exchanged for my honest review. No monetary compensation was exchanged.(less)

like · see review

Mar 05, 2012 Clockstein Lockstein rated it 3 of 5 stars

The Rose of Winslow Street by Elizabeth Camden is a historical romance with drama and humor. Libby Sawyer's life is steady, not wonderful, but routine, and she's learned to be happy within her small town of Colden, Massachusetts. She lives alone with her father and uses her artistic talent to help him plan and detail his many inventions, despite her secret that has kept her from finding a husband. When she and her father go on summer vacation on the coast, their home is taken over by Michael Dob...more

like · see review

Mar 03, 2012 Krystal rated it 4 of 5 stars

The Dobrescu family arrives on Winslow Street in Colden, Massachusetts. The Romanian family breaks into the house that Michail claims is his own. Libby Sawyer and her father have lived in the house ever since her professor - father purchased the decrepit building, putting years of work into rehabbing it. Michail expects a legal battle; he puts all of his remaining funds into securing a lawyer. Yet, once Libby meets the family, understands the terror that sent them fleeing across countries and oc...more

like · see review

Feb 21, 2012 Kate rated it 5 of 5 stars

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 impri...more

like · see review

Feb 21, 2012 Maureen Timerman rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012

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...more

like · see review

Jan 31, 2012 Sensitivemuse rated it 5 of 5 stars

What I loved most about this novel, was the characters in them. The plot was good, but it’s really the characters that made the book twice as enjoyable to read. Libby is a great character with an awful secret - although I thought it was most definitely a secret problem that can be fixed, so I’m not sure why it wasn’t encouraged for her to try to solve this issue. Perhaps because she’s tried so hard to do so with results, she just gave up - what surprised me was I really thought Michael would do...more

like · see review

Jan 13, 2012 Laura rated it 5 of 5 stars

The Rose of Winslow Street by author Elizabeth Camden will keep you turning pages well into the night.

Michael Dobrescu has just arrived in America with his two children and his sister. They are intent on settling down in the small town of Colden, Massachusetts. The only problem is that he is determined to settle in Libby Sawyer's house! While she is at her beach house with her father, Michael breaks into her home and takes it over, refusing to budge. What audacity! But, as Libby soon finds out,...more

like · see review

Jan 07, 2012 Janna rated it 5 of 5 stars

I am so impressed by the character development in "The Rose of Winslow Street" by Elizabeth Camden. She has done an amazing thing by introducing us to two very different characters (Libby and Micheal), from two very different backgrounds (America and Romania), with two very different upbringings (I don't want to spoil anything...), and giving us one location (the house on Winslow Street) that they both have ties to, and then making them both sympathetic characters. I was never sure who it was th...more

3 likes · like · see review

Jan 04, 2012 Kathleen (Kat) Smith rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: chick-literature, christian-fiction, christian-historical-fiction, christian-inspirational-fiction, historical-fiction, romance-fiction

Libby Sawyer is well loved by the children of Colden, Massachusetts. She breathes life into her paintings capturing the flowers and plants in such detail they almost seem to be real. She can visualize the paint colors in such detail she can have them mixed without knowing what goes into them. That's good because Libby can't read. She's spent her childhood trying to learn with countless tutors and teachers but no one has been able to help. Her father doesn't think highly of her at all and has mad...more Libby Sawyer is well loved by the children of Colden, Massachusetts. She breathes life into her paintings capturing the flowers and plants in such detail they almost seem to be real. She can visualize the paint colors in such detail she can have them mixed without knowing what goes into them. That's good because Libby can't read. She's spent her childhood trying to learn with countless tutors and teachers but no one has been able to help. Her father doesn't think highly of her at all and has made sure to keep Libby's self esteem as low as possible when it suits him. Being a creative inventor, he has asked Libby to document his inventions so he has a record of his progress but he doesn't see her talents behind his own personal needs.

Michael Dobrescu has moved his entire family from Romania in search of a home left to him in a will from his late Uncle Constantine when he moved to America. When he arrives to Massachusetts, he finds the house in great condition, locked and at one point apparently lived in. However Michael is confident that once he gains possession of the property, he will allow the courts in the US decide whether the property is really his. It's easier to defend a property once you are in it. So he moves his two young boys, his ailing sister and his friends into the home to stay.

Only when the residents of Colden learn that the Dobrescu family has claimed the Sawyer home while they are on summer vacation, this is where the story will get interesting. Within Libby and Michael's lives they are both maintaining secrets that have brought them to a crossroads at the Sawyer home and will ultimately change not only their lives but the lives of every single person who crosses their paths.

I received The Rose of Winslow Street by Elizabeth Camden compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review and truly LOVED this heart-felt story set in the 1900's as families were beginning to come to America in hopes of a great life. This is such a great story that showcases the beauty of what is inside us all if we are simply willing to embrace the way God has created us instead of trying to be something we aren't. It teaches us about simplicity and unconditional love through the pages of this novel and once again, Ms. Camden does an exceptional job at transporting the reader to a different time and place! Another wonderful 5 out of 5 stars!(less)

like · see review

Dec 26, 2011 Kav rated it 5 of 5 stars

"The Rose of Winslow Street" is steeped in intrigue that begins on the very first page. The more I read, the more questions stuttered through my mind. Wh-wh-at....h-how...wh-why....huh? I was clamouring for answers that Camden cleverly held at bay, keeping me turning pages late into the night. What an artfully crafted plot! And each piece of the puzzle is revealed at just the right time in order to make the most dramatic impact.

But, oh my, there's laughter in unexpected places -- even in the mi...more

1 like · like · see review

May 17, 2012 Alixendra rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: nook-books, best-of-romance, favorites

I loved how this 19th century story didn't even jump into of the googily-eyed-fall-in-love-within-a-week-let's-hit-the-sack romance. IT ACTUALLY HAD A STORY LINE TO IT!! O.o
Libby Sawyer and Michael (Mikhail) Dobrescu but heads over and over as they try to see who ends up with the house that the Sawyer's have claimed as their 'own' for over 2 decades. Michael comes to America with his sister and two sons in search of starting over (he ran away from the dukedom in Romania). His uncle's will specif...more I loved how this 19th century story didn't even jump into of the googily-eyed-fall-in-love-within-a-week-let's-hit-the-sack romance. IT ACTUALLY HAD A STORY LINE TO IT!! O.o
Libby Sawyer and Michael (Mikhail) Dobrescu but heads over and over as they try to see who ends up with the house that the Sawyer's have claimed as their 'own' for over 2 decades. Michael comes to America with his sister and two sons in search of starting over (he ran away from the dukedom in Romania). His uncle's will specifically states that the house belongs to the eldest male of the Dobrescu line, and Libby (along with neighbors) decide to try to get it back. It gets pretty entertaining, as well as frustrating, as they argue and it takes so long for them to admit their hidden feelings for one another.
What I really, really loved about this book though were the Roses and the meaning they held to both main characters. Mikhail was a perfumer, still is, and back at his palace and farm he had hundreds of acres of all kinds. He also has the 'best nose' for scents, and people would come from all over to see him. Anyway, do to a horrible experience that happened to his younger sister, Mirela, he no longer loves roses adn goes about destroying the Gallica Roses that Libby's mother had planted and cared for before she died. He even destroys the neighbor's roses too, since he doesn't want Mirela to smell them (It's easy to guess right away in the beginning of what happened to her).
Libby is confused how a warrior could love flowers, but destroy them all of a sudden, though she soon finds out why. Luckily, good comes out for both of them and his sister.
Another thing to love about this book is the box! Over and over I kept asking myself, "WHAT IS IN THAT DARN BOX!!" Seriously, I couldn't put the story down because I wanted to know what was in it, and then when I found out...I couldn't put it down because I was worried that Mikhail wouldn't (or maybe not) for Libby because he loved her so, and she WOULDN'T MARRY HIM!!
AAhhhh so stressful in a really good way!(less)

like · see review

May 12, 2012 steph rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Recommended to steph by: Amazon

Shelves: books-read-in-2012, favorites, e-book

This book was the most original book I've read in a long time. In fact, at no point in the story did I have any idea of how things were going to turn out. Even up until the last few pages, I didn't know. Do you know how long it has been when I haven't seen a ending/plot line coming? Longer then I can remember. So reading this was like a breath of fresh air because for the first time in a long time, I was reading to see how a story was going to go along, not reading to see if I was right in the e...more

like · see review

Feb 20, 2012 Trinity Rose rated it 5 of 5 stars

My first book to read by Elizabeth Camden and I must say I love it.
The Rose of Winslow Street is full of intrigue and suspense, but also
compassion and forgiveness.
Libby and her father live in a really nice big house, but she isn’t
happy because she has tried to conquer something in her life and
hasn’t been able to for as long as she can remember. Her father
loves her, but can’t seem to forget that she isn’t perfect.
Michael is from a different country, so why does he want to live in
America a...more

like · see review

Feb 14, 2012 Annie Riley rated it 4 of 5 stars

Elizabeth Camden has done it again! I have read both of the novels she has published so far, and I have enjoyed them each very much. I eagerly await the next one!

What struck me most as I compared her two novels to the other novels I have been reading of late was that her plots are not epic and sweeping with a large cast to get tangled up in and settings that lose the reader. They don't have to be epic because her characters are so extremely interesting in their real-life situations. Their person...more

like · see review

Sep 20, 2012 Wanda rated it 5 of 5 stars

This was an absolutely wonderful book!

Liberty Sawyer, a gifted artist, is kind and courageous, but illiterate and struggles with her low self esteem. Libby is torn between loyalty to her father and a relationship with Michael. Michael Dobrescu, illigitimate son of a Romanian Duke, is a strong but outspoken indidvidual and a bit overpowering at times. He cares deeply for his two motherless sons and a very fragile sister, Mirela. He arrives in Colden, Massachusetts, in a spectacular fashion to t...more

like · see review

Mar 04, 2012 Stephanie rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book had a unique and creative story line that I am sure I have never read before. Add endearing, dynamic characters to a creative plot, and you've found The Rose of Winslow Street. I loved watching the two vastly different cultures of America and Romania come in contact and clash with one another. The plot creates conflict, the interaction between different cultures adds conflict, and last, the secrets add conflict. We learn about the characters slowly and more than one of them dumps a sec...more

like · see review

Sep 04, 2012 Elizabeth Gallagher rated it 5 of 5 stars

The Rose of Winslow Street, I thought, would just be another book that I would read for a while, put down, then pick up in a little bit. It would just fade to the back of my mind and I would be able to do other things. Nope.

I was hooked on to the book after the first 5 or so chapters. It was a fairly rough start and I wasn't quite sure of which characters went where. Although, once things started moving along I thought that it was a fairly good read.

The plot of the story was fairly unique. I hav...more The Rose of Winslow Street, I thought, would just be another book that I would read for a while, put down, then pick up in a little bit. It would just fade to the back of my mind and I would be able to do other things. Nope.

I was hooked on to the book after the first 5 or so chapters. It was a fairly rough start and I wasn't quite sure of which characters went where. Although, once things started moving along I thought that it was a fairly good read.

The plot of the story was fairly unique. I haven't read anything exactly like this, so it was a nice breath of fresh air. However, when you first start the novel it you think that the problem is that Michael Dobrescu has taken the Sawyer's house, which turns into a legal battle. You think that this is the MAIN problem, but the last half of the book alludes very little to this and makes the book drag on with smaller problems for a good 100 pages. I found this to be annoying. The author seemed to not want to end her book and kept dragging it out.

The characters of the novel were beautifully crafted. Each one of them had a background and seemed to belong there. No one seemed to be a "drop" in character that I've often read in these books. The characters were stable for the entire novel. Libby's strengths and weaknesses were interesting to read about, especially Libby's opinions and dealings with them. Until the end... Michael and Libby's characters seemed to change all of a sudden. I was completely confused when Libby started to talking different that it seemed that she turned into a new character. Michael's character in general was entirely sketchy the entire time. I understand that the author wanted him to seem that way, but it was almost hard to read when his character would come up. Besides the main characters, the minor characters were fabulous! Mirela's subplot was a great addition to the story. And Regina's back story was really interesting as was her role in the novel.

Overall this was a great novel, and I will read more Elizabeth Camden stories as this one was good. If you want a nice, good read then this is a great.(less)

like · see review

Jan 16, 2012 Kym McNabney rated it 5 of 5 stars

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 d...more 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.

(less)

like · see review

Jan 26, 2012 Laura rated it 4 of 5 stars

Title: THE ROSE OF WINSLOW STREET
Author: Elizabeth Camden
Publisher: Bethany House
January 2012
ISBN: 978-0-7642-0895-9
Genre: Inspirational/historical fiction

Michail Dobrescu has migrated from Romania to America in search for safety for his family. He has the deed to a house on Winslow Street, in Colden, Massachusetts, but someone else has been living in the house. Michail doesn’t know who, except the person had odd tastes. He expects a fight will break out over the ownership of the house—but the b...more Title: THE ROSE OF WINSLOW STREET
Author: Elizabeth Camden
Publisher: Bethany House
January 2012
ISBN: 978-0-7642-0895-9
Genre: Inspirational/historical fiction

Michail Dobrescu has migrated from Romania to America in search for safety for his family. He has the deed to a house on Winslow Street, in Colden, Massachusetts, but someone else has been living in the house. Michail doesn’t know who, except the person had odd tastes. He expects a fight will break out over the ownership of the house—but the battle begins sooner than he expects when the neighbors notice him move in and call the sheriff to investigate.

Libby Sawyer leads a quiet life, but she is stunned when she learns that a stranger has a shocking claim to her father’s house. This immediately alienates him from the community, and Libby is outraged! She’s lived there all her life and isn’t afraid to fight for ownership of the house.

Michail changes his name to Michael to better fit in with the Americans and he won’t be thwarted by an illiterate woman’s claim to the house on Winslow Street. But as the court’s decision is pending, the mysteries surrounding Michael’s past are unveiled and Libby’s loyalties are tested in ways she never imagined.

I read and enjoyed Ms. Camden’s first book The Lady of Bolton Hill and loved it. THE ROSE OF WINSLOW STREET was entirely different as this book seemed to be more of an epic instead of Victorian Romance.

Michael starts THE ROSE OF WINSLOW STREET as a jerk, not caring too much who he stomps on so long as he gets his way. But he had gallant reasons. But my opinion of him changed as I continued reading the book. I felt for Libby. She is ashamed of things about her past and tries to hide them, but of course they all come to light in the story.

I did enjoy reading THE ROSE OF WINSLOW STREET, but in a very different way than I loved The Lady of Bolton Hill. If you enjoy epic historicals then you won’t want to miss THE ROSE OF WINSLOW STREET. Discussion questions are included at the end of the book. $14.99. 342 pages.
(less)

like · see review

Jan 26, 2012 Sandra rated it 5 of 5 stars

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...more

like · see review

Jan 08, 2012 Megan rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: review-books, 100-books-in-2012, 2012-rrrc-s-books-i-read-for-a-chal, the-challenge-factory-s-120-books-i, read-in-2012, christian-fiction, historical

Before I get to my opinion of the story I have to say that the cover of this book is absolutely gorgeous! When I first saw it online I thought it was very pretty, but it's even more beautiful in person; and it's not just the front cover, but the back cover too. Before I read the story I thought the back was nice, but now I see that each object on there represents a part in the story - very clever!

I have to be careful not to give away too much of the story, otherwise I might spoil it for you. I l...more Before I get to my opinion of the story I have to say that the cover of this book is absolutely gorgeous! When I first saw it online I thought it was very pretty, but it's even more beautiful in person; and it's not just the front cover, but the back cover too. Before I read the story I thought the back was nice, but now I see that each object on there represents a part in the story - very clever!

I have to be careful not to give away too much of the story, otherwise I might spoil it for you. I loved how this book didn't seem like a typical novel, where everything is very predictable, but instead slowing unfolded - that made it SO enjoyable!

The Rose of Winslow Street begins with Mikhail Dobrescu, arriving in Colden, MA with his sons (Andrei and Lucca), his two friends (Joseph and Turk), and Lady Mirela after having fled from Romania. It's late in the evening when they arrive at the house on Winslow Street (the Sawyer's house). They discover that no one is at home and quickly make themselves at home.

Once in America, Mikhail decides to change his name to the more American name Michael. At first Michael came across like a brute, however, very quickly a different side of him was shown. I realized that he is a man that cares deeply for his family and is willing to do just about anything to protect them.

Both Michael and Mirela have an air of mystery surrounding them and the story is purposefully vague about why they fled to America. I had an inkling of what Mirela's secret would be, and while I was partly right, I was still shocked by it.

I felt an immediate connection with Libby. There were many times when she was reflecting on painful moments from her childhood which were caused by a secret she had, and I felt so bad for her. However, there is one scene in the book that was so heart-wrenching that it made me cry and at the same time so mad!

I learned Libby's secret on page 23 and it's something that everybody in Colden knows, so it's not really a secret there, but when she goes to her brother's summer house no one there knows about it. I was quite surprised when I first read what her secret was - it was very unexpected!

The Rose of Winslow Street is Camden's second book, but it's the first one I have read by her. I loved every page of this book and highly recommend it. For those who don't read Historical fiction that often, I think this is one for which you should make an exception. For those who LOVE Historical fiction, I think you will LOVE this book too and it will become a favorite.

***I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.***

http://hardcoverfeedback.blogspot.com...(less)

2 likes · like · see review

Jan 31, 2012 Lydia (Overweight Bookshelf) rated it 5 of 5 stars

First reviewed: http://overweight-bookshelf.blogspot....

Elizabeth Camden's second novel has won me over. Admittedly, I was not completely enamoured with The Lady of Bolton Hill, but with this book Camden has found her writing voice. Resplendent with engaging dialogue, intriguing symbolism, fluid descriptions, and poignant characters, The Rose of Winslow Street is a complex story that continuously develops. The story feels fresh in spite of its heavy content (war crimes, poverty, illiteracy, an d...more

like · see review

Feb 11, 2012 Bobbie rated it 5 of 5 stars

This is a delightful story of acceptance and love. The descriptions of scenery and setting are vivid. The reader easily envisions the rickety barn, the fields of roses and the blackberry bushes. The characters are developed throughout the story, so the reader feels with them, sees what they see, and learns the lessons they learn. The compulsion Michael experiences as he cuts down the rose bushes is realistic; the reader feels the pressure without understanding the reasoning. The dialog is very w...more

like · see review

Jan 05, 2012 Amber Stokes rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

From the synopsis, The Rose of Winslow Street sounds like a story about a pushy man who claims ownership of a house belonging to a rich girl, leading to a battle in court and then happily ever after. But while that may describe some of the bare bones of the book, from the very get-go the plot is much more complex and extraordinary than that!

Michael Dobrescu takes family very seriously, and he'll do anything to provide for his own. But when the path to protecting his family takes him to the house...more

1 like · like · see review

title link	preview: The Rose of Winslow Street
avg rating	preview: The Rose of Winslow Street Goodreads rating: 3.89 (706 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11547872-the-rose-of-winslow-street?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1355372738l/11547872.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11547872-the-rose-of-winslow-street?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]The Rose of Winslow Street by Elizabeth Camden[/url]

The Rose of Winslow Street

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (2)

Genres

Readers also enjoyed similar books

Books by Elizabeth Camden

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About The Rose of Winsl...

The Rose of Winslow Street

Friend Reviews

Lists with This Book

Community Reviews

new topicDiscuss This Book

combineOther Editions (2)

Genres

Readers also enjoyed similar books

Books by Elizabeth Camden

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website

Trivia About The Rose of Winsl...

new topic
Discuss This Book

combine
Other Editions (2)