The Winter Rose

By: Jennifer Donnelly

Narrated by: Jill Tanner

Length: 34 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

It has been 12 years since a dark, murderous figure stalked the alleys and courts of Whitechapel. And yet, in the summer of 1900, East London is still poor, still brutal, still a shadow city to its western twin. Among the reformers is an idealistic young woman named India Selwyn-Jones, recently graduated from medical school. With the help of her influential fiance - Freddie Lytton, an up-and-coming Liberal MP - she works to shut down the area's opium dens that destroy both body and soul. Her selfless activities better her patients' lives and bring her immense gratification, but unfortunately, they also bring her into direct conflict with East London's ruling crime lord - Sid Malone. India is not good for business and at first, Malone wants her out. But against all odds, India and Sid fall in love. Different in nearly every way, they share one thing in common - they're both wounded souls. Their love is impossible and they know it, yet they cling to it desperately. Lytton, India's fiance, will stop at nothing to marry India and gain her family's fortune. Fractious criminal underlings and rivals conspire against Sid. When Sid is finally betrayed by one of his own, he must flee London to save his life. Mistakenly thinking him dead, India, pregnant and desperate, marries Freddie to provide a father for hers and Sid's child. India and Sid must each make a terrible sacrifice - a sacrifice that will change them both forever. One that will lead them to other lives, and other places... and perhaps - one distant, bittersweet day - back to each other.

©2008 Jennifer Donnelly (P)2013 Recorded Books

As good as its predecessor

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

I would definitely recommend this book to a friend. I first read its predecessor, The Tea Rose, just by perusing through Audible. It took me a bit to get used to it, (you can read my review about it if you want. I dont want to repeat it all again here.), but it didn't take long and I was thoroughly enjoying it. This book, I was more aware of what to expect with storyline and took to it right away. I enjoyed this one just as much as the first one.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved the storyline first of all. I cant say too much without giving it away but I loved the surprise in certain characters personalities. I enjoyed getting to know characters and at one point I was even brought to tears. It was easy to connect to the characters. I appreciated having Joe and Fiona a large presence in the book so it wasnt like they just disappeared. I also liked having Seamus and seeing where the next book will go. This was really a "middle" book. Some of the last story, lots of this story, and some of the next story. I'm so disappointed that the book is over. I'm moving back over to the "Into The Wilderness" series as I go back and forth so I can make them last a bit longer, and have just started Lake in the Clouds, but all I can do is think about getting to The Wild Rose!

Have you listened to any of Jill Tanner’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have only heard Jill Tanner in the Tea Rose and I enjoyed her just the same. She took a bit for me to get used to because I'm used to "softer" voices and hers is a bit husky, but it really allowed for her to have believable range for both mens and women's voices. People often complain that the narrator didnt have enough character voices but that annoys me. This is an exceptional narrator, paired with exceptional author of an exceptional series. No matter the narrator, however, its a difficult (if not impossible) task to actually be able to create a completely different voice for every single character. I read books ti my kids and struggle with it, I cant imagine doing it with a novel!! I'll look for her in future books, I'd enjoy listening to her again.

Any additional comments?

POTENTIALLY SEEN AS A SPOILER: I only have one complaint, and its a tiny one. At the end of the book, I wish we had been able to know what had happened to Sid in the time before he arrived. Maybe it will explain it in the next book.

Tea Rose Sequel

Loved the first book and was completely hooked! I thought listening to 136 chapters in this book would dampen my enthusiasm but again I found myself listening way into the wee hours of the morning. The Finnegan family keeps things lively. You are always on the edge of your seat. This audio book does not disappoint. I am on to the final book in the series with regret only because the book is so good and I hate to see it end.

Loved it!

I didn't want the book to end. Many characters and so different. I can't wait to read another book from Jennifer Donnelly

A great sequel.

Really enjoyed the continuing story of Fiona and Joe and their families. Narrator still leaves a lot to be desired.

Amazing book!!

Loved this book! I can't wait to read the next book in this fabulous trilogy!

BRILLIANT!!

Where does The Winter Rose rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

One of the top 10 books I've ever read in my life!

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

I don't know what you could compare this with - it's an epic saga that was written in several points of view, all intertwining together.

What about Jill Tanner’s performance did you like?

Jill Tanner is perfect. LOVED listening to her - and I'm super picky about voices, nasal issues, and masculine voices. She was 100% delightful to listen to.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Oh my gosh - the whole book is riveting, but the scene where Sid and India finally see each other in Africa for the first time after 6 years of pain.

Absolutely wonderful!

The plot just never stops having interesting things happening. I was never bored. The characters were all real. The narrated did a very good job with as many characters as there were.

Fabulous, as always

Jennifer Donnelly does another fantastic job weaving the many characters of London and now Africa to bring together another novel full of love, tragedy, humor, and pure human strength. Jill Tanner brings it to life in an amazing way. I highly recommend this series thus far. Now I'm off to listen to "Wild Rose".

Excellent

If it is possible, I must say this one is better than the first, I was hooked from the first chapter!

Great Narrator and Story Line

Unlike other stories where the authors constantly repeats themselves, this story has complex characters and a storyline that keeps your interest. The narrator is wonderful. She makes the characters believable.