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The Gold Rose
From the early 1940s, The Gold Rose, a secret rescue agency with Asian origins, has used a unique system to ferret out and save victims in every corner of the world. Charlotte Hunt-Basse, an agent with The Gold Rose, must face numerous challenges to save the lives of two of her assignments-Pinkie and Babe.
Two-year-old Pinkie, discovered abandoned on a dirt road during a violent storm, is whisked off to Mexico by oil-heir Clint Sutton and his girlfriend, Angelina. Years later, Pinkie is stolen away to Argentina by an aging Romani. In a bizarre twist, a rogue agent of The Gold Rose returns Pinkie to America, only to sell her to a woman in Los Angeles. When the agency locates Pinkie again, Charlotte must throw all caution to the wind to rescue her.
Babe, the child of Texas missionaries, is hidden by two Chinese families during the Japanese invasion and ensuing Communist takeover in China. She is forced by the second family to live incognito as a "boy" for several years. Martial arts are banned, but the grandfather teaches Babe Yǒng Chūn in deepest secrecy. The civil war escalates, and Babe finds herself on a dangerous quest for survival as she journeys alone through enemy territory toward the faintest hope of rescue.
SECRETS, SURVIVAL, AND TRAGEDY!
Award-winning Author Jodi Lea Stewart delivers another thrilling must-read novel.
Two-year-old Pinkie, discovered abandoned on a dirt road during a violent storm, is whisked off to Mexico by oil-heir Clint Sutton and his girlfriend, Angelina. Years later, Pinkie is stolen away to Argentina by an aging Romani. In a bizarre twist, a rogue agent of The Gold Rose returns Pinkie to America, only to sell her to a woman in Los Angeles. When the agency locates Pinkie again, Charlotte must throw all caution to the wind to rescue her.
Babe, the child of Texas missionaries, is hidden by two Chinese families during the Japanese invasion and ensuing Communist takeover in China. She is forced by the second family to live incognito as a "boy" for several years. Martial arts are banned, but the grandfather teaches Babe Yǒng Chūn in deepest secrecy. The civil war escalates, and Babe finds herself on a dangerous quest for survival as she journeys alone through enemy territory toward the faintest hope of rescue.
SECRETS, SURVIVAL, AND TRAGEDY!
Award-winning Author Jodi Lea Stewart delivers another thrilling must-read novel.
412 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 21, 2023
2 people are currently reading
41 people want to read
About the author
Jodi Lea Stewart
11 books80 followers Hey there... thanks for visiting!
As the author of eight novels, I have a rather simple method for writing. I channel everything I’ve experienced, heard, seen, read, or researched into my readers through the tantalizing written word. I adore producing unexpected reading adventures in different parts of the world with characters difficult to forget.
I call myself a high-concept author with a literary pen because I firmly believe readers want to experience more than a plot or plot lines, more than nonstop action, and more than a quick genre formula. I think they want to know how the characters feel during their experiences, what they look like, what they wear, what they think, and how they are forever changed by what happens to them and because of them.
Latest launch: THE GOLD ROSE
February 2023
Next: Another Historical Fiction Novel, "The Bulls of ******" in 2025. I'll share the whole title soon.
As the author of eight novels, I have a rather simple method for writing. I channel everything I’ve experienced, heard, seen, read, or researched into my readers through the tantalizing written word. I adore producing unexpected reading adventures in different parts of the world with characters difficult to forget.
I call myself a high-concept author with a literary pen because I firmly believe readers want to experience more than a plot or plot lines, more than nonstop action, and more than a quick genre formula. I think they want to know how the characters feel during their experiences, what they look like, what they wear, what they think, and how they are forever changed by what happens to them and because of them.
Latest launch: THE GOLD ROSE
February 2023
Next: Another Historical Fiction Novel, "The Bulls of ******" in 2025. I'll share the whole title soon.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
April 21, 2023
"If broken hearts made noise, the room would be filled with clatter."
The Gold Rose by Jodi Lea Stewart is an interesting amalgam of stories that appear disparate at first but coalesce into a brilliant saga of lives intertwining and interlocking across the years. Pinkie, Babe, and Charlotte seemingly have nothing in common, but is that true? Are we not all connected on this small planet in some way? The Gold Rose is ultimately about suffering and saving; revenge and redemption; and war and peace across countries and within hearts. But what exactly is the link throughout this unique, unrestrained fiction? Enter altruism on the global stage and an embossed gold rose on a black business card.
Only Charlotte’s narrative, in 1958, is first person point of view, setting her role apart in this historical fiction as a new agent at the underground ROSE Organization. How does she know Babe and Pinkie, whose distressing and dangerous childhoods in the 1940s unfold throughout? The answer and more (so much more) are revealed methodically and skillfully across this literary journey.
The ROSE Organization is an unequivocally wonderful yet heartbreakingly flawed idea, especially when it is still nascent in 1948. The very act of secretly helping others has traditionally been a battle between good and evil, even from within and among trained and trusted cohorts, and Jodi Lea Stewart adroitly highlights this painful truth across the pages of The Gold Rose. But not all is melancholy in this literary gem. Many characters are good and delightful and will capture your heart, such as Clint in Texas; Bonzini in Argentina; and, my personal favorite, sweet and likable Luka.
Stewart's writing is detailed and purposeful, outlining Babe's terror and bravery in China; Pinkie's mistreatment and resilience in Mexico, Argentina, and then Los Angeles; and Charlotte's determination to save them both. This well-told story will sink deeply into the thoughts and hearts of readers and leave a lasting impression and the desire to read more from this talented author.
I received a free copy of this book from Lone Star Book Blog Tours in exchange for my honest review.
The Gold Rose by Jodi Lea Stewart is an interesting amalgam of stories that appear disparate at first but coalesce into a brilliant saga of lives intertwining and interlocking across the years. Pinkie, Babe, and Charlotte seemingly have nothing in common, but is that true? Are we not all connected on this small planet in some way? The Gold Rose is ultimately about suffering and saving; revenge and redemption; and war and peace across countries and within hearts. But what exactly is the link throughout this unique, unrestrained fiction? Enter altruism on the global stage and an embossed gold rose on a black business card.
Only Charlotte’s narrative, in 1958, is first person point of view, setting her role apart in this historical fiction as a new agent at the underground ROSE Organization. How does she know Babe and Pinkie, whose distressing and dangerous childhoods in the 1940s unfold throughout? The answer and more (so much more) are revealed methodically and skillfully across this literary journey.
The ROSE Organization is an unequivocally wonderful yet heartbreakingly flawed idea, especially when it is still nascent in 1948. The very act of secretly helping others has traditionally been a battle between good and evil, even from within and among trained and trusted cohorts, and Jodi Lea Stewart adroitly highlights this painful truth across the pages of The Gold Rose. But not all is melancholy in this literary gem. Many characters are good and delightful and will capture your heart, such as Clint in Texas; Bonzini in Argentina; and, my personal favorite, sweet and likable Luka.
Stewart's writing is detailed and purposeful, outlining Babe's terror and bravery in China; Pinkie's mistreatment and resilience in Mexico, Argentina, and then Los Angeles; and Charlotte's determination to save them both. This well-told story will sink deeply into the thoughts and hearts of readers and leave a lasting impression and the desire to read more from this talented author.
I received a free copy of this book from Lone Star Book Blog Tours in exchange for my honest review.
April 18, 2023
The Gold Rose is a good story with an impressive amount of great action. It runs the full gamut of human emotion, and it takes the underdog motif to a refreshing level - thrice!
The story follows the adventures of three women—Charlotte, Pinkie and Babe—as they traverse a number of horrible obstacles as they grow from young girls into young women. Each woman has her own unique story in her own unique setting, ranging from Texas to Mexico to China and beyond. The only similarity between the three is that they all need some type of help to break free of the oppression that encompasses them.
Each of the three stories is told separately, with chapters alternating between them. Charlotte’s story is told in the first person narrative, while the other two are told in third person.
The timeline of the stories spans from just before World War Two to the late 1950s. However, although the three stories are told between alternating chapters, they are not told chronologically. Time-wise, Charlotte’s story starts after the other two, despite it beginning in the first chapter. It doesn’t seem to me that Charlotte is telling the stories of Pinkie and Babe to the reader, which make this timeline presentation a bit offsetting to me.
I think the author did a great job with the overall description. With the story taking places in a number of countries, there are plenty of opportunities for description to be included without being overdone. Further, the author incorporated more than just the sense of sight. For example, this is how the author described a hallway one of the characters came upon: “The hallway reeks of urine-soaked carpet, almost making me gag. The scent-ghosts of smoke and a thousand spilled liquors haunt the soured corridors.”
Within each woman’s story, there are other significant characters that are unique to that story. Some are pretty integral to the plot. These characters somewhat disappear from the story and are only brought up again as backstory near the end of the book. In each story, it is only logical that there will be a union between these other characters and the main women at some point. I think these reunions could and should have been handled differently in the story. I acknowledge, however, that this would make the book longer. Maybe that’s why the author handled it the way she did.
It may appear by some of my comments that I did not enjoy the story. That’s not true! I did enjoy it. I thought the storylines were very original, and the situations these girls were put in are somewhat shocking, yet highly believable. I happen to love good underdog stories—and this is one of them. Actually, it’s three of them!
The story follows the adventures of three women—Charlotte, Pinkie and Babe—as they traverse a number of horrible obstacles as they grow from young girls into young women. Each woman has her own unique story in her own unique setting, ranging from Texas to Mexico to China and beyond. The only similarity between the three is that they all need some type of help to break free of the oppression that encompasses them.
Each of the three stories is told separately, with chapters alternating between them. Charlotte’s story is told in the first person narrative, while the other two are told in third person.
The timeline of the stories spans from just before World War Two to the late 1950s. However, although the three stories are told between alternating chapters, they are not told chronologically. Time-wise, Charlotte’s story starts after the other two, despite it beginning in the first chapter. It doesn’t seem to me that Charlotte is telling the stories of Pinkie and Babe to the reader, which make this timeline presentation a bit offsetting to me.
I think the author did a great job with the overall description. With the story taking places in a number of countries, there are plenty of opportunities for description to be included without being overdone. Further, the author incorporated more than just the sense of sight. For example, this is how the author described a hallway one of the characters came upon: “The hallway reeks of urine-soaked carpet, almost making me gag. The scent-ghosts of smoke and a thousand spilled liquors haunt the soured corridors.”
Within each woman’s story, there are other significant characters that are unique to that story. Some are pretty integral to the plot. These characters somewhat disappear from the story and are only brought up again as backstory near the end of the book. In each story, it is only logical that there will be a union between these other characters and the main women at some point. I think these reunions could and should have been handled differently in the story. I acknowledge, however, that this would make the book longer. Maybe that’s why the author handled it the way she did.
It may appear by some of my comments that I did not enjoy the story. That’s not true! I did enjoy it. I thought the storylines were very original, and the situations these girls were put in are somewhat shocking, yet highly believable. I happen to love good underdog stories—and this is one of them. Actually, it’s three of them!
April 16, 2023
I'm going into this review saying I only read about the first paragraph of the synopsis and decided I wanted to check out this book. So I came in not completely knowing I would be reading three people's stories. After the first couple of times switching points of view, I was able to follow along pretty quickly and really got into each story.
I found myself reading this book as if I were reading three different short stories, one about Pinkie, one about Babe, and the other about Charlotte. Even though they were their own stories, I loved the concept of how the author tied each unique story into the other. The stories had some similarities, especially the lost child theme, but overall, our main characters were strongly written in a way that each felt like its own and that I was reading something completely different that still tied in by the end.
The reader will also appreciate our author giving our main characters lots of growth through their trauma. There are some mediums that I have come across where they talk about children characters having trauma but then the child doesn't really change their personality at all. In real life, if someone is going through something traumatic, such as being kidnapped or having to flee from their government, that's going to inevitably impact their character. I was glad our author showed us how with each traumatic event, our three main characters reacted appropriately, even when I wanted them to act happy, such as Pinkie seeing Luka for the first time in like 4 years, but she didn't because she thought he was dead this whole time and didn't want those feelings of hope to come back to her again.
My only complaint about this story, other than getting used to going through the points-of-view was Clint's character. I just didn't like him and I'm sure that was the author's point, but he's this guy who claims that this girl who he hasn't seen in years is just going to marry him because he loves her and it was just very toxic masculinity in my eyes. Unfortunately, the girl he is waiting for does end up marrying him, but there was something about him feeling this need to be a stereotypical knight-in-shining-armor rubbed me the wrong way and I could have read this story without his character and been just fine.
Overall though, I enjoyed reading the story of Pinkie, Babe, and Charlotte. It's a story that gives you hope that there are people in this world that care. It's also a story of survival and triumph and not losing hope, even if you have just a sliver left. I give The Gold Rose a 4 out of 5 stars and I recommend giving it a read.
I found myself reading this book as if I were reading three different short stories, one about Pinkie, one about Babe, and the other about Charlotte. Even though they were their own stories, I loved the concept of how the author tied each unique story into the other. The stories had some similarities, especially the lost child theme, but overall, our main characters were strongly written in a way that each felt like its own and that I was reading something completely different that still tied in by the end.
The reader will also appreciate our author giving our main characters lots of growth through their trauma. There are some mediums that I have come across where they talk about children characters having trauma but then the child doesn't really change their personality at all. In real life, if someone is going through something traumatic, such as being kidnapped or having to flee from their government, that's going to inevitably impact their character. I was glad our author showed us how with each traumatic event, our three main characters reacted appropriately, even when I wanted them to act happy, such as Pinkie seeing Luka for the first time in like 4 years, but she didn't because she thought he was dead this whole time and didn't want those feelings of hope to come back to her again.
My only complaint about this story, other than getting used to going through the points-of-view was Clint's character. I just didn't like him and I'm sure that was the author's point, but he's this guy who claims that this girl who he hasn't seen in years is just going to marry him because he loves her and it was just very toxic masculinity in my eyes. Unfortunately, the girl he is waiting for does end up marrying him, but there was something about him feeling this need to be a stereotypical knight-in-shining-armor rubbed me the wrong way and I could have read this story without his character and been just fine.
Overall though, I enjoyed reading the story of Pinkie, Babe, and Charlotte. It's a story that gives you hope that there are people in this world that care. It's also a story of survival and triumph and not losing hope, even if you have just a sliver left. I give The Gold Rose a 4 out of 5 stars and I recommend giving it a read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 18, 2023
The Gold Rose tells the stories of three women who are part of a clandestine rescue organization. It takes us through the lives of Charlotte, Pinkie, and Babe, and details for us how they got to where they are today.
The book opens with Charlotte, stranded in a bus station overnight after a disastrous encounter. She has plenty of time to think back over two of the assignments that meant the most to her: Pinkie and Babe. Their stories then unfold through Charlotte’s memories.
I can’t decide whose story tugs on my heart more. Babe, the daughter of missionaries to China, is divided from her family during the Communist revolution. She is again separated from the family in whose care she was left, sent to another family and compelled to live as a boy. As conditions under Communist rule become more oppressive and her host family falls more in line with the Party, Babe realizes she can’t stay, and she strikes out on her own to make a long journey in hopes of being reunited with her parents.
Pinkie is alone on a deserted road, a toddler whose parents are both dead nearby. Angelina, the girlfriend of a Texas oilman, takes Pinkie to raise as her own. But in a cruel twist, Pinkie is kidnapped by a grasping, greedy Roma woman hoping to use Pinkie for her own gain and taken far from the only mother she knows. Can anyone restore Pinkie to Angelina, or is she lost forever?
Jodi Lea Stewart takes us on a vivid journey through pre-communist China into the Revolution, Mexico and South America, and the United States. She creates places and people that you can almost see, almost reach out and touch, and she describes parts of history that I hadn’t given much thought to. What was it like to live in China as the Communists came to power? Would I have been able to withstand the pressure to conform, or would I, too, have given in like Babe’s host family? If I were Pinkie, going from bad to worse, could I have ever found it in me to trust again?
The tension in each character’s story is compelling, and you can’t help but love Pinkie and Babe. I could also relate to Charlotte, raised in the South as she was. Her story may not be quite as dramatic and intense as the other two, but she has suffered her own hurts as well. Stewart’s portrayal of people deeply affected by trauma, with that trauma impacting how they continue to live and relate to others, is very realistic.
There is heartache and difficulty here, but the story ends on an upswing. The ROSE Organization offers hope where there was none and help even when providing that assistance is challenging. Makes you think that deep down, there are still decent people left who want to make the world a better place. This was an enjoyable read for me, and I’d recommend it to anyone who likes historical fiction.
The book opens with Charlotte, stranded in a bus station overnight after a disastrous encounter. She has plenty of time to think back over two of the assignments that meant the most to her: Pinkie and Babe. Their stories then unfold through Charlotte’s memories.
I can’t decide whose story tugs on my heart more. Babe, the daughter of missionaries to China, is divided from her family during the Communist revolution. She is again separated from the family in whose care she was left, sent to another family and compelled to live as a boy. As conditions under Communist rule become more oppressive and her host family falls more in line with the Party, Babe realizes she can’t stay, and she strikes out on her own to make a long journey in hopes of being reunited with her parents.
Pinkie is alone on a deserted road, a toddler whose parents are both dead nearby. Angelina, the girlfriend of a Texas oilman, takes Pinkie to raise as her own. But in a cruel twist, Pinkie is kidnapped by a grasping, greedy Roma woman hoping to use Pinkie for her own gain and taken far from the only mother she knows. Can anyone restore Pinkie to Angelina, or is she lost forever?
Jodi Lea Stewart takes us on a vivid journey through pre-communist China into the Revolution, Mexico and South America, and the United States. She creates places and people that you can almost see, almost reach out and touch, and she describes parts of history that I hadn’t given much thought to. What was it like to live in China as the Communists came to power? Would I have been able to withstand the pressure to conform, or would I, too, have given in like Babe’s host family? If I were Pinkie, going from bad to worse, could I have ever found it in me to trust again?
The tension in each character’s story is compelling, and you can’t help but love Pinkie and Babe. I could also relate to Charlotte, raised in the South as she was. Her story may not be quite as dramatic and intense as the other two, but she has suffered her own hurts as well. Stewart’s portrayal of people deeply affected by trauma, with that trauma impacting how they continue to live and relate to others, is very realistic.
There is heartache and difficulty here, but the story ends on an upswing. The ROSE Organization offers hope where there was none and help even when providing that assistance is challenging. Makes you think that deep down, there are still decent people left who want to make the world a better place. This was an enjoyable read for me, and I’d recommend it to anyone who likes historical fiction.
April 20, 2023
Three riveting stories of overcoming the odds converge in this glorious historical fiction novel!
The Gold Rose is a new historical fiction novel from the pen of veteran author Jodi Lea Stewart, and it was absolutely riveting! Contained in the story of the secretive Gold Rose operations are three unique stories of overcoming past tragedy and trauma and how they converge into one.
Each one of the three main female characters has a separate storyline. Both Babe and Pinkie’s stories begin in the 1940s, prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor. Charlotte (CeeCee Jones) narrates her own tale, which picks up in Bangor, Maine, Greyhound bus station on a cold night in the 1950s. Every couple of chapters, the viewpoint and storyline switch from one woman to another, but I had no difficulty keeping them straight. Each made for such compelling reading that I would be hard-pressed to single out one as my favorite.One of the many aspects I liked about the book is how much geography is covered during its telling. It opens in Bangor, Maine, with Charlotte, but readers are quickly transported across the globe as the three unique dramas unfold: Texas, Mexico, Argentina, and China all serve as backdrops to these women’s stores. The author is sparing with details of the settings, but it is done with skill and precision so you can see, hear, and feel the essence of wherever the characters are at any given point in their tale.
The author’s writing drew me into the story from the very start. It seemed like no time had passed from when I read the first line until I looked up to take a break and found that a couple of hours had passed. I was that absorbed by this story.With its compelling drama, engaging characters, and evocative settings, I recommend THE GOLD ROSE to readers looking for an exciting and highly satisfying historical drama in which to immerse themselves.
I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Lone Star Book Blog Tours.
April 12, 2023
I’m in two book clubs and some members are experts at figuring out how a title is a perfect reflection of the book. I’m not always good at that but with this book – I got it! The title is not describing a delicate flower – think about it. Gold – a harder, more substantial and complex substance. Gold has the legend behind it of something that lasts. In this book Gold, carries through the entire book as also the essence of each character yet with a softer flower side.
This story is a web of characters, time periods and countries. The author slowly sets the reader up and enters them into each character’s life with finesse and patience. But then the gloves come off and the reader needs to be ready for the constant turmoil that these characters live in. While well written and a definite page turner, don’t stop because you’re just going to keep it bouncing around your mind until you figure out what happens with each character.
Charlotte’s story is the spinal column connecting the other characters and as such is the center the book keeps coming back to. However first, the reader is introduced to the limbs – Babe and Pinkie. Each in a slightly different time period. Pinkie is found after crawling away from a horrific accident. She is rescued only to be kidnapped and taken to another country. Babe loses not only her parents and siblings but her identity as she must live as a boy for her protection.
Told in various characters’ voices, the reader gets to sit on their shoulders as the progression of their lives leads to adventures, survival and attachments.
This story is a web of characters, time periods and countries. The author slowly sets the reader up and enters them into each character’s life with finesse and patience. But then the gloves come off and the reader needs to be ready for the constant turmoil that these characters live in. While well written and a definite page turner, don’t stop because you’re just going to keep it bouncing around your mind until you figure out what happens with each character.
Charlotte’s story is the spinal column connecting the other characters and as such is the center the book keeps coming back to. However first, the reader is introduced to the limbs – Babe and Pinkie. Each in a slightly different time period. Pinkie is found after crawling away from a horrific accident. She is rescued only to be kidnapped and taken to another country. Babe loses not only her parents and siblings but her identity as she must live as a boy for her protection.
Told in various characters’ voices, the reader gets to sit on their shoulders as the progression of their lives leads to adventures, survival and attachments.
April 14, 2023
Disclaimer: I received a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest review from Lone Star Literary.
The Gold Rose is a historical fiction novel written in a multi viewpoint style with the year ranging from 1937 to 1959. The author Jodi Lea Stewart does a wonderful job with the development of each character and the unraveling of the eventful history of Charlotte, Babe, and Pinkie. The author has a unique skill with writing such an engaging, enthralling, and captivating novel. I have degree and it is such a treat to come across a well written historical fiction novel. When people think history, they often think of the boring and not so exciting parts. However, the author brings in some of the most exciting parts by highlighting the thrilling danger lurking around the corner moments in history that often get lost in historical fiction. My attention was captured from the beginning as I got a chance to get to know each character by getting to dig deeper into their lives and the dire circumstances they overcame. You can tell the author did extensive research when trying to provide readers with a glimpse of what life would have been like during the Communist takeover in China. She uses such thoughtful language when describing brutal moments and when highlighting the strength of the female characters. Lastly, I enjoyed how the author took me on an action packed rescue adventure around the globe.
I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in historical fiction novels.
The Gold Rose is a historical fiction novel written in a multi viewpoint style with the year ranging from 1937 to 1959. The author Jodi Lea Stewart does a wonderful job with the development of each character and the unraveling of the eventful history of Charlotte, Babe, and Pinkie. The author has a unique skill with writing such an engaging, enthralling, and captivating novel. I have degree and it is such a treat to come across a well written historical fiction novel. When people think history, they often think of the boring and not so exciting parts. However, the author brings in some of the most exciting parts by highlighting the thrilling danger lurking around the corner moments in history that often get lost in historical fiction. My attention was captured from the beginning as I got a chance to get to know each character by getting to dig deeper into their lives and the dire circumstances they overcame. You can tell the author did extensive research when trying to provide readers with a glimpse of what life would have been like during the Communist takeover in China. She uses such thoughtful language when describing brutal moments and when highlighting the strength of the female characters. Lastly, I enjoyed how the author took me on an action packed rescue adventure around the globe.
I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in historical fiction novels.
April 20, 2023
The Short Story: Fabulous
My Review:
Wow-This book! The Gold Rose hooked me immediately and didn’t let go until the last page.
The Gold Rose is a secret society charged with aiding victims around the globe. Charlotte Hunt-Basse, daughter of a wealthy but distant father, is a member of the group. The book opens with Charlotte stranded overnight in a train station. With nothing to do, she uses her time to reflect on her life. As the story unfolds we learn about two of the women she helped to rescue, Pinky and Babe.
Pinky was found as a toddler by Angelina as she and her brother evaded the authorities in Texas and fled to Mexico. Angelina is distraught when Pinky is later kidnapped by a gypsy and taken to Argentina. Pinkie’s story is one of constant emotional trauma and neglect. Babe’s father was a minister in China before the outbreak of war. In order to survive, she must live as a boy and then a young man. The plight of both girls makes for a compelling story full of historical details. I especially enjoyed Babe’s narrative in China as the communists take over the country.
As Charlotte ruminates on her life, she has a startling revelation; her personal journey to the Gold Rose is not what she imagined it to be…
I really enjoyed The Gold Rose. It has so much going for it: history, mystery and amazing characters with rich, complex lives. The ending is satisfying, but left me wishing there was more. I highly recommend this fantastic book!
I rate this book 5 Stars!
My Review:
Wow-This book! The Gold Rose hooked me immediately and didn’t let go until the last page.
The Gold Rose is a secret society charged with aiding victims around the globe. Charlotte Hunt-Basse, daughter of a wealthy but distant father, is a member of the group. The book opens with Charlotte stranded overnight in a train station. With nothing to do, she uses her time to reflect on her life. As the story unfolds we learn about two of the women she helped to rescue, Pinky and Babe.
Pinky was found as a toddler by Angelina as she and her brother evaded the authorities in Texas and fled to Mexico. Angelina is distraught when Pinky is later kidnapped by a gypsy and taken to Argentina. Pinkie’s story is one of constant emotional trauma and neglect. Babe’s father was a minister in China before the outbreak of war. In order to survive, she must live as a boy and then a young man. The plight of both girls makes for a compelling story full of historical details. I especially enjoyed Babe’s narrative in China as the communists take over the country.
As Charlotte ruminates on her life, she has a startling revelation; her personal journey to the Gold Rose is not what she imagined it to be…
I really enjoyed The Gold Rose. It has so much going for it: history, mystery and amazing characters with rich, complex lives. The ending is satisfying, but left me wishing there was more. I highly recommend this fantastic book!
I rate this book 5 Stars!
July 22, 2025
"A thrilling and heartfelt journey of secrets, survival, and resilience!"
The Gold Rose completely swept me away! Jodi Lea Stewart has such a unique gift for storytelling
she weaves action, emotion, and suspense with a warmth that makes every character feel alive.
I especially loved Charlotte Hunt-Basse, whose courage and grit kept me turning the pages late into the night. Pinkie and Babe’s intertwined journeys were heartbreaking yet filled with hope, and the historical details were rich enough to make me feel like I was right there.
Jodi’s writing reminds us that even in the darkest moments, resilience and human connection shine through. If you love stories about overcoming adversity, heart-pounding escapes, and the power of found family, The Gold Rose is an absolute must-read.
Can’t wait to dive into more of Jodi Lea Stewart’s books!
The Gold Rose completely swept me away! Jodi Lea Stewart has such a unique gift for storytelling
she weaves action, emotion, and suspense with a warmth that makes every character feel alive.
I especially loved Charlotte Hunt-Basse, whose courage and grit kept me turning the pages late into the night. Pinkie and Babe’s intertwined journeys were heartbreaking yet filled with hope, and the historical details were rich enough to make me feel like I was right there.
Jodi’s writing reminds us that even in the darkest moments, resilience and human connection shine through. If you love stories about overcoming adversity, heart-pounding escapes, and the power of found family, The Gold Rose is an absolute must-read.
Can’t wait to dive into more of Jodi Lea Stewart’s books!
March 10, 2023
It is very enjoyable reading. The story is full of actions and surprises. Charlotte is selfless and passionate about her assignments although she has to fight back her fear and insecurity. She is one of the agents we need with heart and soul for others. I love all the characters that make the whole plot move so smoothly. When I finish reading it, I will come back to update my review with more.
April 20, 2023
Featured on Lone Star Book Blog Tours. Lone Star Blogger Team average rating: 4.5.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews