The Rose Garden

By: Susanna Kearsley

Narrated by: Nicola Barber

Length: 12 hrs

Publisher's summary

Acclaimed author Susanna Kearsley's previous works have won the RT Book Reviews Reviewers Choice Award, and finaled for both the UK Romantic Novel of the Year and the RITA awards.

Eva Ward is a modern woman thrown back three centuries to 1715 - only to find that might be exactly where she belongs. There, she finds true love with Daniel Butler, but the discord surrounding Hanoverian King George plunges the lovers into a world of intrigue, treason, and romance.

©2011 Susanna Kearsley (P)2011 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Kearsley masterfully writes authentic voices for Eva and Daniel as they wrestle with their improbable connection and its implications." ( Publishers Weekly)

"Kearsley makes the impossible seem real as sheweaves a tale full of genuine characters [with] a strong sense of place and makes history come alive." ( Booklist)

"Susanna Kearsley's The Rose Garden is an enthralling and achingly romantic read." ( BookPage)

Lovely way to spent some hours

I love Gabaldon's Outlander series, but I must say that I love Kearsley's universe as well. There were some moments towards the end of this book where the hairs on my arms stood up. It might be overly romantic but it worked for me. This is not great world literature but a truly wonderful book to listen to. Well worth the time.

I love time travel

Nicole Barber is the perfect narrator for this delightful story of modern day and 17th century England with a new twist on the Jacobites. Kearsley with Barber's narration kept me totally engaged in the story. The descriptions of the Cornish coast adds a another dimension to the book after the cast of interesting characters in both modern day and Hanoverian times. There is a story that intertwines both periods of time drawing you in. I like Kearsley approach to Daniel's acceptance of Eve and the problems that arise from her time travel. The tying together of stories at the end of the book is a welcome surprise. Romance, time travel, smuggling, political intrigue what more can you ask for - a great escape book.

Time travel similar to "OUTLANDER"

I thoroughly enjoyed this book and its characters. I thought that the narrator did an excellent job. If you enjoyed the "Outlander Series" this book is similar, with the time travel and similar time frame of the Jacobite uprising. I loved Eva and her sweet personality. I was hoping and am still hoping that the author will continue with Eva and her story of her life in time and possibly expand on other characters too! Not as good as Outlander but it does follow similar lines! Enjoy!

positively lovely!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Having read and loved Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series and then Timebound by Rysa Walker I had a craving for another time travel novel. This was positively lovely...simple lovely. A perfect story full of adventure, and love, mystery and of course time travel! The narrator was perfect!

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Rose Garden?

The clicking of everything into its place...the coming together of the story.

Which scene was your favorite?

SPOILER....when they scattered Katrina's ashes

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

an adventure for the times

Okay and Entertaining

While I enjoyed the story, it was not as addicting as the other Jacobite stories by Kearsey. Perhaps this is due to the lack of history compared to the other stories. Or the lighter level of character development of the male lead. I don't imagine that I'll listen to this story multiple times as I have Firebird.

Lovely story!

I loved the sweetness of the story. I thought the narrator’s voice was calming and she did a great job with the voices for everyone EXCEPT Eva. The weird and inconsistent accent for Eva was a little off putting, but I still really enjoyed the story overall.

Mystical without being sappy

Would you listen to The Rose Garden again? Why?

I would listen to the Rose Garden again because it is a bit complex. I would like to hear any details that I may have missed.

What other book might you compare The Rose Garden to and why?

I would compare the Rose Garden to Diana Gabaldon's, Voyager, simply based on setting and time travel. The character and plot action is very different.

Which scene was your favorite?

I like everytime that Fergel and Eva interact. They are great together in the book.

Any additional comments?

You will not be disappointed with this book if you are a fan of historical romance. It is well written and not trite in any way.

Another beautiful story

As usual Susanna Kearsley weaves another wonderful story. Definately my favourite romance writer. She draws you into the story with a style of writing that takes you along with her. I could listen to this over and over and not tire of it.

Love at it's best!

I am not one who usually reads love stories that draw tears, but I have to say this one was well worth it. I could not get enough of this book! I am only sad it is over and will not get to hear about these loveable characters Susanna Kearsley and Nicola Barber endeared to me so well. All around great book!

Highly Enjoyable

If you could sum up The Rose Garden in three words, what would they be?

Definitely Recommend This

What did you like best about this story?

I loved this story. It had a nice mix of loss, love, history and time travel with a host of interesting characters which made for one of the best stories if not the best story ever listened to.

What about Nicola Barber’s performance did you like?

This is a Fantastic reader. I could listen to her speak all day long.This reader is one of the best english readers I have ever listened to. She seemed to capture everything this book needed to make it a wonderful experience. I believe I got more from this book because I chose to listen to the audio version as it brings the characters more to life and leaves me with more of an impression of what the author intended when they wrote the book.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Initially my reaction was sadness at the loss of her sister as I have also experienced the loss of a sister. I could surely relate to the pain of grief as the main character came to terms with her sister's death. In the end of the story I was left with both happiness and sadness. It was nice to see some hope and happiness in the end but it sure was interesting getting there. I was also left with sadness in the end as I was sorry to hear the end of this story. Very few have left me with that feeling. It made me laugh and cry at different times during the story and look forward to listening to other Susanna Kearsley books as they become available.

Any additional comments?

Bottom line: Susanna Kearsley is a wonderful and creative writer with a great imagination and I will look forward her next audio book that becomes available. Only 2 of Susanna Kearsley's books are availavle in the audio version. It would be nice to see more of her books with the audio option.