- Shopping Bag ( 0 items )
Want a NOOK? Explore Now
Elizabeth Camden, author of The Lady of Bolton Hill, received a master's in history from the University of Virginia and a master's in library science from Indiana University. She is a research librarian by day and she scribbles away on her next novel by night. Elizabeth lives with her husband in Florida.
Anonymous
Posted June 3, 2012
SUCH a GREAT book! There were moments it moved a little slow... but wow... a great break from the sometimes monotonous plots in this genre. One of the BEST books I've read in a long time. It's in my top ten!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.MaryGallagherWilliams
Posted May 23, 2012
What a great read! The tension between Michael and Libby sprinkled with their tender moments throughout the book kept me turning page after page until to the very end. Elizabeth Cameron’s written word made the emotions of the characters come alive inside me. I didn’t want the story to end. And the botanical information for scents and perfumes was so interesting. I give a big thumbs-up to this historical romance.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted May 18, 2012
I devour books. I often read 2-3 books a week. But i have developed the nasty habit of racing thru the latter parts of books because i basically have figured out how it would end. NOT THIS BOOK! I was captivated all the way thru and felt no need to race ahead. I would highly recommend. Wish there was a sequel....i want more!
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Yes, Libby is comfortable in her life, but she’s not really in a good situation. She can not read and feels very inferior because of this. She seeks refuge in her painting and in loving her niece. Her sister-in-law is constantly throwing verbal barbs, which Libby endures just to spend time with her niece. She does her best to see the positives around her, but she’s walked all over by her father and not appreciated, except for the detailed drawings she does for his inventions. There is a side-story involving of his inventions and some missing drawings. (That was a smooth addition and I did not see the conclusion at all! Shocking!)
Michael comes to America to claim a house that was left to him by his uncle many years ago. This also happens to be Libby’s father’s house. The issue will be decided in court, but there is also a mystery in the uncle’s will. While waiting for their time in court, Libby takes them food and helps out when the stores of the town will not even sale to them. This is angers her father and shocks the towns folks, who think they are being supportive of Libby’s family. During this time Libby gets to know Michael and his family. She sees that not all men are like her father. She is amazed at how Michael adores, teaches and has patience with his sons. Her loyalties and relationships are tested and choices are made. However she also becomes more confident in her God-given value wether or not any man loves her.
However, Michael’s sister, Lady Mirela is a story of her own and adds another layer to this book. It is a beautiful account of finding meaning in life after enduring brutal actions that changed she life and future plans completely. I loved this character and felt the most for her. Her story was more than just icing on the cake. I really believe that this novel wouldn’t of been as good without it.
I do not usually notice things that don’t fit in a historical fiction book. However, on page 94 the statement about “the separation of church and state” would not fit in this time period. The phrase "wall of separation between the church and the state" was written originally by Thomas Jefferson in a letter to the Danbury Baptists on January 1, 1802. It wouldn’t have been used incorrectly or at all during the book’s time period, as it is now days.
Overall, I enjoyed The Rose of Winslow Street by Elizabeth Camden with the many layered storyline and the strong characters. Why don’t you check it out while I seek out more of this author’s books.
Disclosure: I received the book free from Bethany House Book Reviewers’ program. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.It took me a while to get into Elizabeth Camden’s The Rose of Winslow Street, but boy am I glad I pushed through the first few chapters. I was a little put off by not knowing who to trust. Having immigrants from Romania stealing the heroine’s house on the first page was quite an interesting way to start a book.
At first I didn’t like Michael Dobrescu ... but I’ve come to realize that when an author is able to take me from not even liking a character to absolutely loving him throughout the book—those usually end up being my favorite books! I adored getting to know Liberty Sawyer from page one and was very skeptical whether Michael could deserve her.
And oh, don’t worry. He definitely did.
I love Elizabeth Camden’s writing style, and I loved this story. Nothing about it was normal. I thought it was interesting that we didn’t see any kissing from Libby’s POV—when those would have been her first kisses in her life at the age of twenty-eight. It was always, “He kissed her...” quickly executed, and simple.
I loved Mirela’s thread throughout the story—we did see her POV twice. It often bothers me when an author will write strictly from hero and heroine... and then suddenly there’s someone else too. But I adored her character and was heart-broken for what she’d been through in her young life. She was a fighter, and one more reason I liked this book so much.
I was given a copy of this book by Bethany House in exchange for an honest review. I give Elizabeth Camden's The Rose of Winslow Street 5 stars.
Anonymous
Posted July 2, 2012
Thoroughly enjoyed the adventure of this story. The characters were real and tangible, yet there were unexpected turns to the plot . I will read all she publishes.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted June 13, 2012
It's in my Nook Tablet...and I loved it! Read it from beginning to end in one day...yes, I am on vacation, and doing nothing but reading, eating. swimming and sleeping! I'm happy that I did not have to haul a ton of books with me. Love my Nook!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted June 7, 2012
I was a little skeptical when I first decided to pick this book, but I have to say that it was a delight to read, so much so that I had a hard time stopping until the end.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted June 7, 2012
Definitely not your normal historical romance. Loved, loved, loved it! Very unique and powerful! I was captured by the first page!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted June 7, 2012
A really good read.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted May 9, 2012
I love this book n learned from it as well. The love story was beautiful n it even had mytery weaved into the story !
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted May 8, 2012
This story is every bit of a five star rating.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.onedesertrose
Posted April 5, 2012
I Also Recommend:
At the opening of the story, Libby Sawyer and her father are spending the summer at a lake cottage, though their actual home was in Colden, Massachusetts, on Winslow Street. Libby leads a quiet, yet interesting life of drawing her father’s inventions in detail. Lying underneath her vivacious and gracious personality lies a secret that brings her great shame.
Mikhail (Michael) Dobrescu has arrived from Romania to claim his deceased uncle’s home that was willed to him, but it just happens to be Libby’s father’s home in Colden. Thinking the home is abandoned, Michael and his family overtake the home in an unconventional way, which alienates him from all the Colden residents. It would take the courts to decide on who actually owns the home.
Despite Libby’s outrage at Michael’s actions, she finds herself enamored by him. In fact, she is accused of fraternizing with the ‘enemy’ and her father commanded her not to see the family. But her Christian upbringing could not watch the family suffer though they themselves have been ousted from their own home.
What a heart-rending story of loyalty and love. I was so enthralled with the characters, as the author brought out their genuineness in a way that you could not resist. I thought about them throughout the day, as though they were real friends. The relationships were both delightful and yet difficult to bear at times, but I found them comparable to relationships today, albeit the mysterious circumstances that brought Michael to America. The secrets behind his actions propelled the story forward.
The tender, loving actions of Michael seemed contradictory to his large stature and initial gruff introduction. The author played on Michael and Libby’s attraction, their Christian beliefs, and their true desire to help each other as social outcasts. Their looming romance eventually becomes the talk of the town, despite her father’s feelings.
Deceit from other family members ups the ante to the suspense of the story. It played well into the relationships between father and son and father and daughter. It illuminates the dangers of having favorites among children.
Elizabeth Camden’s book, The Rose of Winslow Street, is a book I’d recommend to anyone for its historical flavor as well as the romance. The details are exquisite and make the story rich. I have to admit that the cover of the book was one reason I wanted to read it, but it’s the content that won me over. I look forward to reading other books by Elizabeth.
This book was provided by Jim at Bethany House in exchanged for my honest review. No monetary compensation was exchanged.
Michael aka Mikhail Dobrescu flees his homeland in Romania to claim his inheritance in the Colden, Massachusetts. He could care less that the has is inhabited. It is very apparent that someone is living in the house and has been for some time.
Michael has his two young sons in tow along with his sister, Lady Mirela. He is also in company with two hulking men, as is he, Turk and Joseph, that seem to be providing protection for the Michael's family.
Libby Sawyer and her father, Professor Sawyer whom are away on vacation with Libby's brother,Jasper, his wife, Regina and their daughter, Tillie. Libby is completely unaware that there are squatters have inhabited her home. When the Professor Sawyer is notified about the squatters and the demand from Michael that it his rightful inheritance the Professor is advised to send Libby to talk with Michael as to what proof he has as to the ownership of the estate.
Libby finds a brute of a man along with a couple very large guards. But after visiting the at the house she became aware that Michael's sister was ill and his two son's were being bullied by the town's children. It was also apparent that the town had ostracized the new family in their town, refusing to sell them food or supplies. Libby found this appalling and took Michael's son's to town letting the local's know that they were not helping her family by refusing food and supplies to the Dobrescu.
Not to disappoint the readers but there seems to be an attraction between Michael and Libby even though they were not sure they could trust each other. It is evident that with the ongoing legal battle over the house one of the families were going to be homeless. Can they put the legal battle aside and pray that God will provide for the families. What is God's will in this case of who will obtain legal ownership of the estate.
I enjoyed this story so very much. It was difficult to know who was going to win the ownership of the estate.
The attitude and demeanor of Libby's father brought him off as emotional abusive to his daughter favoring his precious son over his daughter.
The author has outdone herself with this book. The characters were a hodge podge mix of people. The author provides my twist and turns in this story that are somewhat unexpected. You will not want to put this book down. It is one of those all nighters. Fix you a pot of coffee curl up by the fire and enjoy.
I highly recommend this book.
I rated this book a 5 out of five.
Disclosure
I was provided a free copy of this book from Bethany House Publishing for review. I was in no way compensated for this review, it is my own opinion.
ChristysBookBlog
Posted March 5, 2012
The Rose of Winslow Street by Elizabeth Camden is a historical romance with drama and humor. Libby Sawyer's life is steady, not wonderful, but routine, and she's learned to be happy within her small town of Colden, Massachusetts. She lives alone with her father and uses her artistic talent to help him plan and detail his many inventions, despite her secret that has kept her from finding a husband. When she and her father go on summer vacation on the coast, their home is taken over by Michael Dobrescu of Romania, who lays claim to their home and is desperate to keep it as a home for his family. Michael is quickly at odds with the people of Colden who wage war on the intruder, but Libby sees the family's isolation and at first reaches out out of charity, but soon finds herself fitting into this family better than she has ever fit into her own. Both Michael and Libby have secrets that make for convenient misunderstandings, but they have quick chemistry. As a reader, I never took to Michael. Camden spends far too much time describing his bulging muscles, and I have to admit, I was a bit disappointed in Libby for allowing his physical beauty to blind her to his other flaws. The story is a bit over the top, but despite the occasional dark turns, Camden keeps it light with a touch of humor which kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted March 4, 2012
This book had a creative and unique story line, dynamic and endearing characters, and a steady but not too fast pace. I loved it and definitely recommend it.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Icecream18
Posted March 3, 2012
The Dobrescu family arrives on Winslow Street in Colden, Massachusetts. The Romanian family breaks into the house that Michail claims is his own. Libby Sawyer and her father have lived in the house ever since her professor - father purchased the decrepit building, putting years of work into rehabbing it. Michail expects a legal battle; he puts all of his remaining funds into securing a lawyer. Yet, once Libby meets the family, understands the terror that sent them fleeing across countries and oceans, and begins to love Michail, she feels pulled in two directions: loyalty to her father or affection/friendship for Michail. Libby lets her faith guide her as she deals with well-meaning neighbors who treat the Dobrescus badly and a father who has loved but often belittled her.
Michail changes his name to Michael to become American. His faith in America and its laws reminded me of what a great country we live in. At first, Michael’s physical size is a perfect match for his outsized temper and protectiveness for his sons, friends, and especially for his frail sister. Through the situations in the book, Michael softens up – especially when the reader learns of another talent of his …other than war and soldiering. Libby’s attempts to be fair and friendly are almost hard to read because they are met with a large rebuff from Michael. Between that, her father’s refusal to believe in her, and her sister-in-law’s betrayal, she seems almost too patient and accepting to be true. However, her stubbornness and intelligence lead her to discover the mystery of her father’s inventions. Midway through the book, you’ll be rooting for her to find a way to be with Michael and solve all the problems surrounding the two families.
Liberty "Libby" Sawyer lives with her Father the Professor in a home her father has restored. While they are away at the beach with her brother Jasper, his wife Regina, and precocious daughter Tillie. Into town arrives the Dobrescu family straight from Romania. They break in and claim the house is theirs left to them by a deceased Uncle. This family includes the head Michael, his two sons Andrei and Luke, his Sister Lady Mirela, a Man from Turkey Raghib "Turk, and Joseph "The Giant" who has come with them.
When the Professor finds out about the stealing of his home, he goes bananas, now who wouldn't. Can you imagine going away, only to find out that someone else is now living in your home, and claim it is theirs??
Libby after meeting the family does take pity on them and brings them food. She feels this is what God would want from her, even if her Dad does not approve. In doing so she becomes fond of all of them, especially Michael, and the boys. She ends up trying to help Michael find a certain type of tree to help in his perfume business.
You will be horrified as to what Michael does to the roses in his yead and others. Just imagine someone coming into your yard and copping down your plants!
This is a really good story, with a lot of twists and turns. Don't miss this one!
I received this book from the Publisher Bethany House, and was not required to give a positive review.
diana56
Posted February 12, 2012
When I first picked up The Rose of Winslow Street I wasn't too excited about it. The description didn't catch my interest that much. When I opened the book and started reading it, I was hypnotized. The story plot was unique and new.
Michael Debrescu, a widower, and his family take control of a house that belongs to Libby Sawyer's father. Michael claims that the house was given to him by his Uncle's will.
Libby Sawyer's father and Michael go into court to decide who gets the house. Through out the book Libby finds herself falling in love with her father's enemy. Libby Sawyer helps Michael and learns about his true identity.
I didn't think I would like this book but Elizabeth Camden surprised me. I congratulate her on writing such a great novel and can't wait to read her other novels.
Bobbie6
Posted February 12, 2012
This is a delightful story of acceptance and love. The descriptions of scenery and setting are vivid. The reader easily envisions the rickety barn, the fields of roses and the blackberry bushes. The characters are developed throughout the story, so the reader feels with them, sees what they see, and learns the lessons they learn. The compulsion Michael experiences as he cuts down the rose bushes is realistic; the reader feels the pressure without understanding the reasoning. The dialog is very well written and Michael’s word usage is distinct, but not intrusive. The reader experiences the fragrance of history, culture, relationship and moral lessons.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.
Overview
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 ...