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Rose
Can a single truth shatter a daughter’s future, a wife’s devotion, and a family’s honour? Find out in Rose, the first in a series of clean romances set in Regency England.
Beneath the glittering chandeliers of London’s finest Regency ballrooms, Lady Rose Summersley, second daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Summersley, is the season’s brightest bloom. Presented to Queen Charlotte, adored by society, and betrothed to its most eligible bachelor, her future seems like a fairytale come true.
All she needs is her father’s blessing, delayed by his voyage to the West Indies. Yet when the duke returns, rather than blessing the marriage he brings a storm.
Buried secrets surface to unravel the very fabric of the family, and threaten to destroy much more than Rose’s dreams of happiness.
If you like enchanting romance with vivid characters that leap off the pages into your heart and draw you into the opulent world of Regency England then you’ll love the Summersley Series.
Beneath the glittering chandeliers of London’s finest Regency ballrooms, Lady Rose Summersley, second daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Summersley, is the season’s brightest bloom. Presented to Queen Charlotte, adored by society, and betrothed to its most eligible bachelor, her future seems like a fairytale come true.
All she needs is her father’s blessing, delayed by his voyage to the West Indies. Yet when the duke returns, rather than blessing the marriage he brings a storm.
Buried secrets surface to unravel the very fabric of the family, and threaten to destroy much more than Rose’s dreams of happiness.
If you like enchanting romance with vivid characters that leap off the pages into your heart and draw you into the opulent world of Regency England then you’ll love the Summersley Series.
273 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 15, 2025
29 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
August 18, 2025
Beautiful love story
I was so looking forward to this first book for this author🥰 This was a beautifully written love story with so many strong women who masterfully used their strength to support each other. The storytelling was captivating and when the impossible appeared to thwart the main character, I couldn’t read fast enough to see where how this would end!
I SO enjoyed this book 📕
I was so looking forward to this first book for this author🥰 This was a beautifully written love story with so many strong women who masterfully used their strength to support each other. The storytelling was captivating and when the impossible appeared to thwart the main character, I couldn’t read fast enough to see where how this would end!
I SO enjoyed this book 📕
August 20, 2025
This is the first in a new series"The Summersley series" written by Charlotte Applewhite - who is a favoured author of mine under a different name. It is set in the Regency period and around the "coming out" of Rose, the second daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Summersley. It is a beautifully written piece as it follows the blooming romance of Rose and Viscount Edmund Altcar. All was going so well, then Papa (Rose's father, the Duke of Summersley), returned from his trip to the West Indies and gave a flat "no" to the union without giving any reason. The reason became evident before it was revealed later on and it seemed like an insurmountable object to overcome. There is much more in this book, beyond the romance itself. A great read and I look forward to the second in the series once it's released.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2025
Engrossing True to Romance genre in every way ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Reviewed in Canada
In her highly anticipated debut, "Rose," Charlotte Applewhite has undeniably made her mark on the literary world, introducing readers to a breathtaking romance set against the opulent backdrop of the Regency era. This first installment in the Summersly series is nothing short of a delightful journey through love, intrigue, and the relentless trials that come with a passionate relationship.
From the very first page, Applewhite's vivid storytelling enchants the reader, transporting them to a world filled with grandeur and societal expectations. The protagonist, Rose, is a compelling character whose strength and vulnerability shine through as she navigates the treacherous waters of a love affair that teeters on the brink of destruction. The chemistry between Rose and her love interest is electric, painting a picture of a romance that is as tumultuous as it is intoxicating.
Applewhite masterfully develops her characters, breathing life into each of them with intricacies that feel real and relatable. Their journeys are woven together with a captivating pace that ensures you won’t be able to put the book down. Whether it's the tender moments of love or the heart-pounding instances of tension, each scene leaves you yearning for more.
The themes of tyranny and love intermingle beautifully, illustrating how quickly happiness can be threatened by forces beyond our control. As Rose faces the challenges presented by a rigid family , readers will find themselves rooting for her every step of the way, making this a truly engaging read.
In "Rose," Charlotte Applewhite not only captures the essence of a stunning romance but does so with an elegance that is often hard to find in contemporary novels. This book is perfect for anyone who loves historical romance mixed with drama, heart, and a touch of mystery.
Don’t miss your chance to dive into this captivating tale; "Rose" is a must-read that will leave you anticipating the next installment in the Summersly series. Grab your copy today and lose yourself in a world where love conquers all—even tyranny!
August 19, 2025
I was very interested to see what Julia Brannan, aka Charlotte Applewhite would make of regency romance novels. I am an avid reader of the genre and I have also read all Julia's Jacobites books which I very much liked.
So what is the verdict? Well, it starts rather self-consciously, with details of the period very much mentioned as one would share recent research with the readers. As the book progresses she relaxes and becomes more story focused. Yet here too there is a problem. It all seems too perfect; the love story between Rose and Edmund encounters no difficulties whatsoever and yet there are another 100pages or so to come, so what could possibly go wrong? Well, clearly Roses's father returns and from then on, it's all very predictable. The 2 main characters are now Estelle and Letitia, mothers of the young couple.
I am intrigued to read the next novel in the series to see how it develops. So in fine; a creditable beginning in this new genre, but I think Julia's strengths lie with the Jacobites and Anthony/ Alex in particular
So what is the verdict? Well, it starts rather self-consciously, with details of the period very much mentioned as one would share recent research with the readers. As the book progresses she relaxes and becomes more story focused. Yet here too there is a problem. It all seems too perfect; the love story between Rose and Edmund encounters no difficulties whatsoever and yet there are another 100pages or so to come, so what could possibly go wrong? Well, clearly Roses's father returns and from then on, it's all very predictable. The 2 main characters are now Estelle and Letitia, mothers of the young couple.
I am intrigued to read the next novel in the series to see how it develops. So in fine; a creditable beginning in this new genre, but I think Julia's strengths lie with the Jacobites and Anthony/ Alex in particular
September 3, 2025
An Entertaining Romance
This was an entertaining, fast-paced romance with serious undertones. I appreciate the attention to detail and the way Applewhite wove the issues of the day into the narrative. She clearly portrays the plight of single women at the beginning of the Nineteenth Century and mentions the horrific treatment of slaves in Jamaica and the potential consequences of Napoleon’s insatiable ambition. Her characters are vividly drawn and her dialogue sparkles, particularly Daisy’s. The next book in the series dwells on Estelle and Ambrose, Rose’s parents, but I confess to being much more interested in what happened with Daisy and her suitor, Jasper.
This was an entertaining, fast-paced romance with serious undertones. I appreciate the attention to detail and the way Applewhite wove the issues of the day into the narrative. She clearly portrays the plight of single women at the beginning of the Nineteenth Century and mentions the horrific treatment of slaves in Jamaica and the potential consequences of Napoleon’s insatiable ambition. Her characters are vividly drawn and her dialogue sparkles, particularly Daisy’s. The next book in the series dwells on Estelle and Ambrose, Rose’s parents, but I confess to being much more interested in what happened with Daisy and her suitor, Jasper.
August 16, 2025
This is the inaugural effort (book 1) of the Sommersley series by Charlotte Applewhite into Regency Romance and just as her other series (under a different name) the writing is exceptional, the story telling masterful and the characters are relatable, touchable, in the weaving of the tale of Rose and Edmund. I started and finished the book in one day with small breaks. When a story is impeccably written, it is hard for me to put down. In short, I loved this story, and I look forward to reading book 2, Estelle and Ambrose.
February 22, 2026
This was an entertaining, if somewhat predictable, Regency romance. The characters were likeable and the large collection of children with themed names is Bridgerton-esque. It is not as steamy as Julia Quinn's work so it would be appropriate for a younger reader. I enjoyed it enough to begin the second book in the series.
August 16, 2025
great read
Great story, superbly written with an unexpected twist. It has strong characters, some you’ll love and some you won’t. It will leaves you wanting to read more to discover what will happen next with in the Summersley Family
Great story, superbly written with an unexpected twist. It has strong characters, some you’ll love and some you won’t. It will leaves you wanting to read more to discover what will happen next with in the Summersley Family
August 18, 2025
Captivating from page one.
A captivating romance with wonderful family characters. I'm already eagerly awaiting the next book in the series. Definitely a must read!
A captivating romance with wonderful family characters. I'm already eagerly awaiting the next book in the series. Definitely a must read!
August 25, 2025
Excellent!!
Similar to Bridgestone but way better. Ten siblings, I hope they each get their own book.Looking forward to Daisy’s book, after Ambrose and Estelle’s story.
Similar to Bridgestone but way better. Ten siblings, I hope they each get their own book.Looking forward to Daisy’s book, after Ambrose and Estelle’s story.
January 26, 2026
Love!
I really enjoyed this book. Having read the next 2 in the series, I recommend the entire series! I love the great storylines and interesting characters!
I really enjoyed this book. Having read the next 2 in the series, I recommend the entire series! I love the great storylines and interesting characters!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews