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)

like outlander...really?

It was a good storyline, but when it said it was like outlander, it missed the mark. I wanted more substance from the main two characters. Her and the irish man character had more development and story than the romance part of the book did. It was slow and I did finish it so I at least gave it three stars.

More romance than historical fiction

I have read several other Susannah Kearsley books, and while they all have a romance element to the story, I still felt I was learning something about history by reading them. With this book, I can sum up my new historical knowledge in one sentence: there were Jacobite sympathizers in Cornwall who were neutralized before they were able to participate directly in any rebellion. The rest of the book focuses exclusively on emotional turmoil engendered by time travel and romantic liaisons among the characters. Not a bad book, but not really what I was looking for.

Bringing History Alive

A wonderful story of a young woman returning to Cornwall where she had enjoyed her childhood summers with the sister she just lost. The story is enhanced by her surprising opportunity to live in and become a part of the estate's past in the 1700's and find the love that made her life worthwhile.

A beautiful story but nothing special

Stories that include time travel are my favorite. This one was good but forgettable. It was mostly predictable and formulaic but sometimes it’s nice to read something light and simple. The scenery was beautiful - I’ll give it that, and the narration was fantastic.

Amazing story.

What an amazing story. Because I really enjoyed The Winter Sea I couldn't wait to listen to The Rose Garden and I wasn't disappointed. The story moves back and forth through time and as with The Winter Sea this proves to keep the listener intrigued and wanting more. I guess my only negative comment was that at times the narrator needed to take great gulps of air - but this was only a very minor issue. I highly recommend this book.

A different style of time travel

What made the experience of listening to The Rose Garden the most enjoyable?

The story was quite engaging and kept the reader interested right to the end. There were a few things that took my rating from 5 stars to 4 stars. Firstly, I did not care for the notion of time travel against one's will, for no apparent reason. I preferred Diana Gabaldon's style where the person knew how to make the travel and did it on purpose, at least after the first time, and after they figured out how it worked. The notion of a person being in an enjoyable situation and suddenly fading away and disappearing was a bit disconcerting. Secondly, I found that Kearsley did not develop the relationship between Eva and Daniel sufficiently well as to lead to marriage. They were virtually strangers and I did not sense enough intimacy between them- only infatuation. Quite a contrast to the relationship built between Claire and Jamie in the Outlander series. Nevertheless, it was a very enjoyable listen.

What does Nicola Barber bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I found Nicola Barber's voice almost hypnotic and felt she did a wonderful job of narrating this story. Her voice is positively enchanting and made the listen that much more enjoyable.

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

Nothing in this book made me want to laugh or cry. I did not find any part of this book particularly emotional.

Any additional comments?

It seemed a bit odd that though the narrator had a distinct British accent, Eva hada Canadian accent, since all the narration that was supposedly Eva's own thoughts were spoken with a British accent, but then when she spoke out loud, she lost that accent.

Love story

I admit it starts abut slow. Once I got into it I didn't want it to stop.

Hooked

I think I have fallen in love with Daniel and would love to take Eva's place! The story was excellent and the narrator also excellent.

Mellow

I usually like books with a faster tempo and more action. This story is sweet, but not much detail. For me, it was missing something....but for others it probably an endearing book.

Good Story

What did you love best about The Rose Garden?

It was little hard to get into, but keep at it. It's gets better. Entertaining and a great ending.