I have finished "Roses" and absolutely loved it! I could barely put it down for the last 1/2! It lived up to the all the family drama and romance talk for sure!
Percy, dear Percy Warwick, who is one of the main characters..oh how I loved Percy! The author painted the perfect picture of a strong, southern gentleman in Percy, one who loved and lost. Mary Toliver DuMont is the other main character, who like Percy loved much and lost much. Conflicted about her life early on when she inherits her family's farm at 16 years old..Mary struggles with the love of farming that runs through her blood and coming to age. Percy has loved her since the day she was born and wants nothing more than to marry her and spend his life with her. Mary can not let go of the farm and all it takes to run it day in and day out. Mary and Percy go on to marry other people and that is where the story takes flight.
I would say if you like a little romance, this is a great read! It may seem a bit daunting since it is a large book, but chances are it will fly by and even envoke a few tears along the way.
My next book is one you may have heard of, "Girl With The Dragon Tatoo" by Steig Larson(sp). I am psyched to begin as everyone I know that I has read it has LOVED it.
I know it's been quite a while since I've posted, things have been a little crazy around here. End of the school year and that it entails kept me pretty busy!
I was interested in this book first because of the cover. What girl doesn't like Roses!! I asked my friend that works at our local book store about it and she said it was a "epic family drama"... sounded like a great read for the summer. Here's the thing, it is epic. It's LONG! Honestly, it was slow going to start and I didn't know if I wanted to waste the time since it was really long. Then, the romance kicked and as you know I'm a sucker for a good romance!!
"Roses" takes place in the early 1900's set in eastern Texas. 3 aristocratic families move there from England. In England, the families grew roses, each a different variety. After coming to America they settle and expand their wealth by branching out and getting involved in different opportunities like growing cotton and timber. When they settle they name their town "Howbutker". The story follows the families, what ties them together and what tears them apart.
The story is told from Mary Toliver's perpective who inherits her family's cotton plantation at an early age when tides are changing in cotton farming. Since her adult life has barely begun when she inheirits the plantation, she struggles between her duty in running it and life. Mary's primary pursuer is Percy, who is the most elligible bachlor around. Mary loves Percy but feels connected to the plantation in a way Percy does not understand.
I am about half way through, enjoying the drama and romance. This is a fluff book, comparable to the old TV show "Dynasty"...great to start off my summer reading!!
