Review: The Rose of Winslow Street

Back cover copy of The Rose of Winslow Street by Elizabeth Camden:

In the small town of Colden, Massachusetts, Libby Sawyer leads a quiet, predictable life. Yet beneath the surface, she is haunted by a secret.

Newly arrived on American shores, Michael Dobrescu is far from predictable, and his arrival in Colden is anything but quiet. Michael’s shocking claim to be the rightful owner of Libby’s father’s house immediately alienates him from the appalled citizens of Colden.

Despite her own outrage, Libby is unwittingly fascinated by this enigmatic man who seems equally intrigued by her. As the court’s decision about the house looms, and the layers of mystery surrounding Michael’s past are unveiled, Libby’s loyalties are tested in ways she never imagined.

Torn between family obligation and the stirrings of her heart, dare she trust a man whose intentions and affections are so uncertain?

Elizabeth Camden has written a beautiful story of the need for acceptance—from both strangers and those one knows well. As far as I’m aware, this is her second book, although the first for me to read. After finishing The Rose of Winslow Street, I’m even more anxious to start The Lady of Bolton Hill.

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 deficiency will keep her from realizing her dream. Then along comes Michael and his family with enough baggage, literally and figuratively, to throw the whole town in an uproar, and enough attraction to make that dream reality. 

How does a person remain loyal to two warring factions? This is the situation that faces Libby. At times, she handles it well. At times…not so much.

The whole story was enjoyable, but I must admit that reading the climax (with Libby on the rooftop…all the info I’ll give on that) was an absolute sigh inducer!

If you’ve read my reviews before, you know I don’t give out stars. But if I did, The Rose of Winslow Street would have a handful.

Disclosure of Material Connection: This book came to me free from the publisher with the hope that I would mention it on this blog. There was no requirement for me to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed above are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.