‘The Rose of Winslow Street’ Historical Book Review

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‘The Rose of Winslow Street’ Historical Book Review. Review of the 2011 release by Elizabeth Camden. All text © Rissi JC / RissiWrites.com

The Story: after fleeing his native Romania for the safety he hopes American soil will provide, Michael arrives with his two young sons, his sister and two loyal associates in tow. His plan is a simple one. He decides to reclaim the house in Colden that is his by rights. Closed up for the summer, Michael has the idea that reinventing himself without obtaining a whole new identity is best for gossip-prone neighbors and the different way Americans seem to do things. All he expects is to see the man whose portrait hangs in the hall displaced from the residence.

What he does not expect is the opinionated, fiery young woman with the strange name to appear on his doorstep, wanting her father’s prized possessions. Living in the Winslow Street house for most of her life, Liberty is not about to easily give in. Her father has legal ownership of the house and she determines to see the band of people her family sees as interlopers evicted. What she didn’t count on was losing her heart to a man who seems oblivious to proper decorum. 

The Rose of Winslow Street, by Elizabeth Camden | Book Review

My thoughts: The opening of this story chronicles Michael’s arrival to America and the fierce belief he has that the home on
Winslow Street is his and also his mistaken assumption that he will have to physically protect his family and inheritance. Long before the first chapter was through, this story hooks the reader! What is it that Michael so carefully guards? Why had he fled his homeland in such a rash manner? Why is there seemingly a mystery surrounding his traveling companion, Mirela?

Everything about Elizabeth’s opening was brilliant and mystifying. However, I also found the opening somewhat “awkward” or confusing and therefore hard for me to really get “into” its premise as easily as I’d have liked. Perhaps that is too great of a contradiction or maybe that was the reason why I was so intrigued but explaining it any better is not possible. Once I was past the first chapter, I was once again swept into the world that Camden created – and what a lovely one it was.  

Camden’s debut novel appeared on book shelves just this past summer and before that, I could not remember the last time I read a novel so quickly. This charms and enthralls with its hints of mystery all at once. The Rose of Winslow Street is much the same. There is beautiful scenery descriptions; like fields upon fields of roses, plus the anticipation of finding secret passages in the house in question is a fun subplot. The pacing is better in this novel as is the detail of writing, and I liked that there is attraction that cumulates between the leading couple. Though unfortunately their love sets out to be more rushed than anything, it comes off as a “sudden” realization of love – not unlike many Christian novels.

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There is a time or two when I was off-put by the hero’s lack of sufficient manners but nevertheless, I grew fond of him – gruffness and all. Camden’s characters are flawed in their human nature as is usually the case in any story. Libby is insecure about a learning disability that her father continuously berated her for. The professor is a starchy man who settles for nothing less than perfection – that extends not just to his work and inventions but also his children. Libby’s brother, Jasper turns out to be the “ideal” child and it irks her father that Libby is not likewise, perfect on every human account.  

What I did not like about the novel were some of the characterizations. Don’t mistake me, the characters are endearing but I
wasn’t nearly as charmed by Michael as I was by Camden’s hero in her debut novel, The Lady of Bolton Hill. This
novel seems more intent on making Michael unattractive than anything else. Being new in a strange land does earn him some points of credulity but I cannot help thinking that he isn’t the sort of man I’d categorize as a “true” gentleman. Sure, he is brave and protects those he loves with a fierceness that may leave you in awe but at the same time I don’t really “feel” as if he and Libby belong together.

That being said, I think overall, “Bolton Hill” is a much stronger novel even wtih its simpler narration. Not only did it appeal to the romantic in us but, it also played to a love of mystery by its hints of danger and ruin. At the ending, something is lacking in this conclusion – it didn’t reach its potential and is actually bittersweet. “Rose” is not a “bad” follow-up for Camden by any stretch but it was not what I anticipated either. This fall, her third novel releases and still, I am eagerly anticipating cracking its pages. 

About the book:

Author: Elizabeth Camden
Publisher: Bethany House Publication
Date: 2011 Genre:
Fiction, Christian  

About Rissi JC

amateur graphic designer. confirmed bookaholic. bubbl’r enthusiast. critical thinker. miswesterner. social media coordinator. writer.

12 comments

  1. Hi Rissi! I appreciate your honesty in this review. It's hard to create a flawed but loveable hero — most of them are either the unrealistic knight-in-shining armor, or a little too imperfect. I try to walk the fine line in writing my own manuscripts, but it's hard, especially for new novelists. I've got the kindle version of The Lady of Bolton Hill, and I'm anxious to read it!

  2. I've seen some other reviews that seem to have said the same, it had many good points but all pushed together it didn't measure up to Bolton Hill (loved!!!!!!!). I hadn't heard! I hope to read that one as well, she has a great writing style. I hope also that you do more book reviews :) I like them :) Sierra
    Keep Growing Beautiful♥ (Because You Are!)

  3. Gwendolyn – honesty is always something I strive for.

    I completely agree with you that some heroes can be too… perfect and that is just as unrealistic but I also felt like Elizabeth's hero, Daniel (from The Lady of Bolton Hill) was flawed yet he came across as more "dashing."

    Enjoy the novel – it was really sweet. =)

    Thank you for your comments, Gwen – they are always appreciated.

    Sierra – I've read another review of this, too (maybe Prism's?). I'd agree with you – "Bolton Hill" was just lovely. I read it in no time at all. =) Her new novel sounds/looks like a great read, so I'll be anxious to get a copy of it also.

    Good news, Sierra: I will be reviewing more books in the near future. It is hard to strike a "balance" that will appeal to my followers – I am working really hard to "re-figure" what my blog is going to become, and will definitely be making subtle changes. More book reviews is one of those things. Thank you for sharing your opinion – I greatly appreciate that!

    So glad you stopped in. =D

  4. I've been anxiously trying to get my hands on a copy of The Lady of Bolton Hill, and I thought this one looked interesting as well. Thanks for the review! I'm hoping to read both of them now! :)

  5. This sounds…interesting. Maybe not favorite book material, but If I have a chance I'll read it! :) The Lady of Bolton Hill sounds pretty cool I want to read it :) I love these book reviews you do! :)ps: thanks for putting my button over there! —>
    :)

  6. Hayden – that book is really sweet. I hope you enjoy it whenever you finally get a copy, girl! And that this review was helpful. =)

    Glad you stopped in to share your thoughts.

    Trinka – Camden's 2nd novel wasn't nearly as good as "Bolton Hill" but still, it was entertaining. I am really looking forward to reading Camden's next novel.

    I am glad to hear that you enjoy these posts, too, Trinka – the plan is to post a lot more in the near future.

    Button – you are welcome. I was happy to include you. =)

  7. (I knew I forgot to write a book review!) *Ahem*
    This book was a great read–and what a beautiful cover!
    I own the author's debut novel as well and I actually prefer this one…and the hero, Michael, to Daniel in Bolton Hill. ;)
    The roses and old-world customs from Eastern Europe on Michael's end were what really intrigued me, whereas I could relate much more to the heroine in this one, in comparison to Bolton Hill.
    *Digs through blog drafts for the forgotten book review* ;)

  8. Ha! That is funny, Meghan!

    I know – isn't that cover gorgeous! Elizabeth's books seem to have each had stunning designs but then Jennifer Parker (who I think designed them) is a talented lady. =)

    Funny how we all have different opinions, isn't it? I'd enjoy reading your review, Meghan. I did like the novel – it wasn't like I never wanted to pick up another book by Elizabeth (quite the opposite) but I just didn't love "Rose" like I did her debut work.

    Love that you shared your thoughts.

  9. I just read this one. =} I agree, I enjoyed the book but I wasn't really charmed by Michael. Looking forward to her next release.

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