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In the Garden #3
Червена лилия
Xейли Филипc пpиcтигa в Mемфиc c нaдеждaтa дa пocтaви нoвo нaчaлo зa cебе cи и неpoденoтo cи дете. Hе иcкa пoдaяния oт дaлечнaтa cи poднинa Poз, a caмo paбoтa в пpoцъфтявaщия u` гpaдинapcки центъp. Тук тя нaмиpa дoм, в кoйтo е зaoбикoленa oт кpacoтa и нaй-дoбpите пpиятели нa cветa. Cpед тяx е и Xapпъp, cинът нa Poз, към кoгoтo Xейли не е безpaзличнa. Зa paдocт нa млaдaтa женa, мaлкaтa u` дъщеpичкa Лили cилнo cе пpивъpзвa към негo. Ho Xейли не cмее дa pиcкувa и дa зaгуби вcичкo тoвa зapaди увлечениетo cи. Кoгaтo тo oбaче cе oкaзвa твъpде cилнo, зa дa му уcтoи, тя тpябвa дa pеши дaли е гoтoвa oтнoвo дa cе дoвеpи нa cъpцетo cи …
352 pages, Paperback
First published November 29, 2005
1125 people are currently reading
9219 people want to read
About the author
Nora Roberts
1,209 books59.6k followersNora Roberts is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 200 novels, including Hideaway, Under Currents, Come Sundown, The Awakening, Legacy, and coming in November 2021 -- The Becoming -- the second book in The Dragon Heart Legacy. She is also the author of the futuristic suspense In Death series written under the pen name J.D. Robb. There are more than 500 million copies of her books in print.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,186 reviews
February 19, 2016
This was a very satisfying end to a very enjoyable trilogy. It was also a bit of a scary book as the household ghost started to step up her haunting and actually started possessing one of the main characters. Creepy! Nora Roberts is a very talented writer of romance. She must be because it is not one of my favourite genres but I can always enjoy one of her books. Especially when she adds in a bit of the supernatural. A good read and I am sorry I have finished the series.
November 3, 2017
Solid ending to the series. Some of the characters were a bit irritating and the plot sometimes drooped a bit, but all in all a good ghost story.
Hayley’s character was the most irritating at times. Her and Harper’s love story seemed to lack some of Nora’s usual depth, but still it was a good story. And I learned a lot about horticulture, so there’s that.
Hayley’s character was the most irritating at times. Her and Harper’s love story seemed to lack some of Nora’s usual depth, but still it was a good story. And I learned a lot about horticulture, so there’s that.
April 21, 2020
The third book in the In the Garden trilogy and this one is all about Hayley and Harper. It's also where I greatly worried that our resident ghost, Amelia wasn't going to go gentle without a fight. This time she begins invading Hayley's body!!
It was absolutely terrifying and I must admit that this has definitely been one of my favorite trilogies from Nora Roberts.
Goodreads review published 21/04/20
It was absolutely terrifying and I must admit that this has definitely been one of my favorite trilogies from Nora Roberts.
Goodreads review published 21/04/20
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2024
Over a year ago, pregnant Hailey Phillips came to Memphis looking for a job at In the Garden Nursery, which was run by her distant cousin, Rosalind. There she got a job and a new start on life. Now she has a beautiful young daughter, a job that she loves, and several good friends, including Roz's oldest son, Harper Ashby. But things are changing. Hailey is starting to have feelings for Harper. When he returns those feelings, the resident ghost doesn't like their romance. Amelia has always haunted Harper House, singing to the children who grew up there. But she doesn't like the men who live there. In fact, she hates their lying, cheating ways. And Amelia is not happy about Hailey's relationship with Harper. She will do anything to stop it.
This is the 3rd book in the In the Garden Trilogy. Thankfully, this book didn't have the constant talk about plants and gardens. The romance was decent, but not great. Much of this book dealt with finding out information about Amelia in hopes they can send her to a better place. We learned something about her that did not endear her to me. In fact, I lost some of the sympathy that I had for her in the last two books. Overall, a decent ending to the series. My rating: 4 Stars.
This is the 3rd book in the In the Garden Trilogy. Thankfully, this book didn't have the constant talk about plants and gardens. The romance was decent, but not great. Much of this book dealt with finding out information about Amelia in hopes they can send her to a better place. We learned something about her that did not endear her to me. In fact, I lost some of the sympathy that I had for her in the last two books. Overall, a decent ending to the series. My rating: 4 Stars.
August 21, 2025
As the conclusion to this trilogy, it was a satisfying read. All the questions were answered, and every loose end was neatly tied up. The romance between Harper and Hayley was sweet, even if it was predictable. Lily, the adorable toddler, often stole the spotlight. However, the Harper Bride ghost taking control of Hayley's mind was unsettling and downright creepy. Gardening enthusiasts will appreciate this series, as gardening plays a significant role throughout.
February 21, 2018
3 Estrellas. Probablemente influya en mi opinión personal los días tan estresantes en que lo he leído, lo he notado porque no le dedicaba tiempo ni me enganchaba, cosa que me parece una auténtica lástima, porque realmente quería que este libro me gustara más que los anteriores, no ha podido ser.
Lo admito, tenía muchísimas ganas de esta historia, y mis expectativas eran altas: cierre de trilogía, unos protagonistas que me encantaban, juntos, por separado, de todas las maneras, los adoro a los dos, y la resolución final de lo que ocurrió con Amelia, pero ni con esas. No es un mal libro, ni es una mala historia, sólo pienso que me ha pillado en mala época para leerlo, y que el principal problema han sido mis expectativas.
La historia de Harper y Hayley empieza poco después del anterior libro. Con las primeras parejas ya casadas y establecidas, solo nos quedaba la pareja de jóvenes, el heredero de los Harper, el propio Harper (sí, su madre no se comió la cabeza, y menos mal que tiene otro apellido), y la prima lejana, Hayley, que se presentó en "Dalia azul" embarazadísima y buscando trabajo. Ha pasado año y medio y ya tiene a su preciosa niña, Lily (adoro las escenas en que sale, sobre todo con Harper, imaginarlos era para caerse la baba).
Pero aquí los tenemos, año y medio conviviendo juntos, sabiendo que entre ellos había mucha química, pero frenados y sin iniciar nada ¿Por qué? Porque ahora llegaba su historia. Desde el primer libro vimos la atracción existente entre Harper y Hayley. Para Hayley, Harper era el chico inalcanzable, guapo, seguro de sí mismo, y el heredero de la mansión Harper junto con el negocio del vivero, y Hayley no se sentía lo suficientemente segura como para ir tras él, sobre todo porque su madre la salvó del fango cuando más lo necesitaba, y siente que la está traicionando. Por el lado de Harper, le frenó primer el estado de Hayley, una joven guapa y soltera, pero embarazada, y para quien su prioridad principal es su niña ¿Dónde entraba él? Bueno, bastó que estallara la chispa entre ellos para comenzar su romance.
El problema es que no he empatizado tanto con su romance como me hubiese gustado; bonito, sencillo, sin giros ni sobresaltos. Repito, adoro a los protagonistas, me caen genial, Hayley me parece increíble y Harper es un amor ¿Por qué no han conseguido enamorarme? Es algo que me da mucha rabia, porque me ha faltado emoción en la historia.
En cuanto a la investigación sobre el fantasma de Amelia, sí, en este libro se resuelve (que para eso es el último), y la verdad es que no es lo que me esperaba, yo también tenía mis suposiciones, y esperaba algo más tétrico, culpa mía por ser tan morbosa, pero también me ha sabido a poco, y aunque el fantasma ha sido una constante en este y los otros libros, por desgracia se ha mostrado muy molesta, y en "Lirio rojo" me ha cabreado bastante.
La resolución fue la esperada, sí, es una novela romántica y la trilogía debía terminar como termina, pero este libro en general me ha sabido a poco. Para futuras historias, espero ir con otras expectativas. Ha sido un buen cierre de trilogía, y como historia no desmerece. De todas formas pienso que Nora Roberts es siempre una apuesta segura, y en general la trilogía del "Jardín" ha merecido la pena; una trilogía entretenida sobre tres mujeres, madres solteras, viudas etc., cada una en una etapa de la vida distinta, y las tres trabajando en el negocio del vivero de Roz, de cómo encuentran el amor, y como telón de fondo el misterio sobre el fantasma de la mansión.
Lo admito, tenía muchísimas ganas de esta historia, y mis expectativas eran altas: cierre de trilogía, unos protagonistas que me encantaban, juntos, por separado, de todas las maneras, los adoro a los dos, y la resolución final de lo que ocurrió con Amelia, pero ni con esas. No es un mal libro, ni es una mala historia, sólo pienso que me ha pillado en mala época para leerlo, y que el principal problema han sido mis expectativas.
La historia de Harper y Hayley empieza poco después del anterior libro. Con las primeras parejas ya casadas y establecidas, solo nos quedaba la pareja de jóvenes, el heredero de los Harper, el propio Harper (sí, su madre no se comió la cabeza, y menos mal que tiene otro apellido), y la prima lejana, Hayley, que se presentó en "Dalia azul" embarazadísima y buscando trabajo. Ha pasado año y medio y ya tiene a su preciosa niña, Lily (adoro las escenas en que sale, sobre todo con Harper, imaginarlos era para caerse la baba).
Pero aquí los tenemos, año y medio conviviendo juntos, sabiendo que entre ellos había mucha química, pero frenados y sin iniciar nada ¿Por qué? Porque ahora llegaba su historia. Desde el primer libro vimos la atracción existente entre Harper y Hayley. Para Hayley, Harper era el chico inalcanzable, guapo, seguro de sí mismo, y el heredero de la mansión Harper junto con el negocio del vivero, y Hayley no se sentía lo suficientemente segura como para ir tras él, sobre todo porque su madre la salvó del fango cuando más lo necesitaba, y siente que la está traicionando. Por el lado de Harper, le frenó primer el estado de Hayley, una joven guapa y soltera, pero embarazada, y para quien su prioridad principal es su niña ¿Dónde entraba él? Bueno, bastó que estallara la chispa entre ellos para comenzar su romance.
El problema es que no he empatizado tanto con su romance como me hubiese gustado; bonito, sencillo, sin giros ni sobresaltos. Repito, adoro a los protagonistas, me caen genial, Hayley me parece increíble y Harper es un amor ¿Por qué no han conseguido enamorarme? Es algo que me da mucha rabia, porque me ha faltado emoción en la historia.
En cuanto a la investigación sobre el fantasma de Amelia, sí, en este libro se resuelve (que para eso es el último), y la verdad es que no es lo que me esperaba, yo también tenía mis suposiciones, y esperaba algo más tétrico, culpa mía por ser tan morbosa, pero también me ha sabido a poco, y aunque el fantasma ha sido una constante en este y los otros libros, por desgracia se ha mostrado muy molesta, y en "Lirio rojo" me ha cabreado bastante.
La resolución fue la esperada, sí, es una novela romántica y la trilogía debía terminar como termina, pero este libro en general me ha sabido a poco. Para futuras historias, espero ir con otras expectativas. Ha sido un buen cierre de trilogía, y como historia no desmerece. De todas formas pienso que Nora Roberts es siempre una apuesta segura, y en general la trilogía del "Jardín" ha merecido la pena; una trilogía entretenida sobre tres mujeres, madres solteras, viudas etc., cada una en una etapa de la vida distinta, y las tres trabajando en el negocio del vivero de Roz, de cómo encuentran el amor, y como telón de fondo el misterio sobre el fantasma de la mansión.
June 26, 2019
8.5/10
estupendo cierre para la trilogía. Me ha gustado mucho este libro, aunque me interesaba más la historia de Amelia que la historia de los protagonistas
estupendo cierre para la trilogía. Me ha gustado mucho este libro, aunque me interesaba más la historia de Amelia que la historia de los protagonistas
December 18, 2012
I really hate to give Nora Roberts low marks on a book, but this one leaves me no choice. Instead of a neat wrap to a compelling trilogy, it was more of a dragged-out ending to a story that just didn’t stretch far enough. In “Blue Dahlia” we met the whole crew starring in this series and got an introduction to the Harper Bride, who haunts Harper House, where most of them live. In “Black Rose” we learned more about the Harper family, and how the Harper Bride fit into it. In this book, the rest of the secrets about the Harper Bride were revealed, but as to the romance, it felt like a rehash of things we already read in books 1 and 2.
Hayley Phillips appeared at Harper House in “Blue Dahlia,” pregnant and alone in the world. She’s a distant cousin by marriage of Roz Harper, the mistress of Harper House, and the owner of the gardening center she started. Even six months pregnant, Hayley caught the eye of Harper Ashby, Roz’s eldest son who lives in a guest house on the property and works with grafting and other technical aspects of running the garden center. Hayley’s daughter Lily was born in the second book, and loves Harper like she would a daddy, so Hayley is fearful if she follows her feelings for Harper that everything will get messed up and she’ll have to leave her wonderful new home. When she finally acts on her feelings and finds that Harper reciprocates, there isn’t much more to be said. So, instead of having their budding relationship develop, there are too many scenes where Hayley discusses her feelings with Roz, while going on and on about how odd it is to discuss her love life with her lover’s mother.
Meanwhile, the Harper Bride is becoming a lot more than a benign ghost who sings to children and breaks the occasional dish. Amelia, as the ghost is known, starts to inhabit Hayley’s body and mind, often sliding her own peevish thoughts in with Hayley’s, and showing Hayley the world through her twisted view. Because of this, the crew at Harper House becomes a bunch of amateur psychologists who analyze the whys and wherefores of the ghost’s thoughts, feelings, and lifestyle. In short, it became a bit much. I half expected them to call Dr. Mira for her input, but they appeared to have it all worked out themselves, all the way down to determining that the resident ghost really wouldn’t have been a good mother after all. I also just didn’t care for the way the final showdown with the ghost went down. It was too obvious what was going to happen, as well as being a bit anticlimactic.
Naturally, a person can’t read the first two books of this trilogy and skip the third. Just don’t expect as much from this one as the first two. All three books are filled with likeable and admirable characters. It just felt as if the story had already been told by the time we got to the third book.
Hayley Phillips appeared at Harper House in “Blue Dahlia,” pregnant and alone in the world. She’s a distant cousin by marriage of Roz Harper, the mistress of Harper House, and the owner of the gardening center she started. Even six months pregnant, Hayley caught the eye of Harper Ashby, Roz’s eldest son who lives in a guest house on the property and works with grafting and other technical aspects of running the garden center. Hayley’s daughter Lily was born in the second book, and loves Harper like she would a daddy, so Hayley is fearful if she follows her feelings for Harper that everything will get messed up and she’ll have to leave her wonderful new home. When she finally acts on her feelings and finds that Harper reciprocates, there isn’t much more to be said. So, instead of having their budding relationship develop, there are too many scenes where Hayley discusses her feelings with Roz, while going on and on about how odd it is to discuss her love life with her lover’s mother.
Meanwhile, the Harper Bride is becoming a lot more than a benign ghost who sings to children and breaks the occasional dish. Amelia, as the ghost is known, starts to inhabit Hayley’s body and mind, often sliding her own peevish thoughts in with Hayley’s, and showing Hayley the world through her twisted view. Because of this, the crew at Harper House becomes a bunch of amateur psychologists who analyze the whys and wherefores of the ghost’s thoughts, feelings, and lifestyle. In short, it became a bit much. I half expected them to call Dr. Mira for her input, but they appeared to have it all worked out themselves, all the way down to determining that the resident ghost really wouldn’t have been a good mother after all. I also just didn’t care for the way the final showdown with the ghost went down. It was too obvious what was going to happen, as well as being a bit anticlimactic.
Naturally, a person can’t read the first two books of this trilogy and skip the third. Just don’t expect as much from this one as the first two. All three books are filled with likeable and admirable characters. It just felt as if the story had already been told by the time we got to the third book.
May 11, 2008
I always hate when trilogies end, and the "In the Garden" trilogy (BLUE DAHLIA, BLACK ROSE, and now RED LILY) is no exception. You get to know the characters so completely, and feel such a connection with them, that they become almost real--and you just want to keep on reading about their lives!
RED LILY is the story of Harper Ashby, oldest son of Rosalind (BLACK ROSE), and Hayley Phillips. Hayley had come to Harper House the previous year, pregnant and alone, to beseech Roz, a distant cousin through marriage, for a job. Unwed, with her baby's father out of the picture, Hayley wasn't looking for a handout, but for a chance to start over. What Roz offered her was so much more--a job, a place to stay at the renowned Harper House, and a family.
Now she has her daughter Lily, a great job, and a roof over her head, but lately she's been thinking of Harper, the man whose been her friend through it all, in a brand-new light--that of a love interest. Afraid to ruin their friendship by telling him how she feels, she keeps quiet. Harper, on the other hand, has wanted Hayley in a more than friendly fashion ever since he laid eyes upon her--pregnant and all--more than a year ago. But he's sure that she doesn't think of him in the same way, and he's leary of messing up the friendship that means to much to him.
As these two friends--both wanting to be so much more--fight their attraction to each other, the resident ghost of the house, the Harper Bride, kicks into high gear. She's always been loving and kind to the children in the house, singing them lullabies in the night, but she seems to hate men, and she's become especially violent now that Hayley is entertaining thoughts of romance.
As the whole crew--Roz and her new husband Mitch, a geneologist trying his hardest to discover who the Harper Bride really is; Stella and Logan, both employees of Roz's In the Garden shop; and Hayley and Harper, who live on Harper/Ashby land--try to figure out the Bride's agenda, their lives are in danger, and their hearts and passions intertwine with that of the ghost's.
I loved this entire trilogy, and read RED LILY in one day. It was a perfect conclusion to this powerful family saga, and I was especially happy to finally learn the answers to who the Harper Bride was, and what happened to her.
I will admit that there was one surprise twist to the storyline that I didn't see coming, and wasn't really thrilled with, but since Ms. Roberts wrote it and I didn't, I can't complain! Overall, the story was still great, and in time I learned to live with what I thought was an unnecessary plot device.
Pick up this trilogy today--you won't be disappointed!
RED LILY is the story of Harper Ashby, oldest son of Rosalind (BLACK ROSE), and Hayley Phillips. Hayley had come to Harper House the previous year, pregnant and alone, to beseech Roz, a distant cousin through marriage, for a job. Unwed, with her baby's father out of the picture, Hayley wasn't looking for a handout, but for a chance to start over. What Roz offered her was so much more--a job, a place to stay at the renowned Harper House, and a family.
Now she has her daughter Lily, a great job, and a roof over her head, but lately she's been thinking of Harper, the man whose been her friend through it all, in a brand-new light--that of a love interest. Afraid to ruin their friendship by telling him how she feels, she keeps quiet. Harper, on the other hand, has wanted Hayley in a more than friendly fashion ever since he laid eyes upon her--pregnant and all--more than a year ago. But he's sure that she doesn't think of him in the same way, and he's leary of messing up the friendship that means to much to him.
As these two friends--both wanting to be so much more--fight their attraction to each other, the resident ghost of the house, the Harper Bride, kicks into high gear. She's always been loving and kind to the children in the house, singing them lullabies in the night, but she seems to hate men, and she's become especially violent now that Hayley is entertaining thoughts of romance.
As the whole crew--Roz and her new husband Mitch, a geneologist trying his hardest to discover who the Harper Bride really is; Stella and Logan, both employees of Roz's In the Garden shop; and Hayley and Harper, who live on Harper/Ashby land--try to figure out the Bride's agenda, their lives are in danger, and their hearts and passions intertwine with that of the ghost's.
I loved this entire trilogy, and read RED LILY in one day. It was a perfect conclusion to this powerful family saga, and I was especially happy to finally learn the answers to who the Harper Bride was, and what happened to her.
I will admit that there was one surprise twist to the storyline that I didn't see coming, and wasn't really thrilled with, but since Ms. Roberts wrote it and I didn't, I can't complain! Overall, the story was still great, and in time I learned to live with what I thought was an unnecessary plot device.
Pick up this trilogy today--you won't be disappointed!
July 17, 2018
This trilogy is amazing. My mother recommended me this author and her books... and it's amazing! You can find love, family, friendship... in this book, I really, really, really loved Harper. He is... such a romantic, protector man. The characters are amazing, the story is awesome, the writing is wonderful.
April 5, 2011
This was my favorite in this Trilogy.
At first I thought the trilogy got off to a bit of a slow start for me in Book 1, Blue Dahlia. But for me trilogies seem to hit the ground running and suck me right in, or it's a slower build when the groundwork is being laid and the characters are introduced.
I felt the trilogy built on itself and got better and better with each story, and this was a very fulfilling conclusion. When nearing the end I felt like I knew these characters and didn't want the story to end.
Specifically to Book 3, Red Lily:
I knew Hayley and Harper would make a great romantic match from their first meeting in Book 1. The slow build of friends to lovers and Harper's complete love and acceptance or Hayley's daughter Lily was so sweet. This story also puts the old ghosts to rest (literally) when they uncover the mystery of the Harper Bride, but not before she pulls some major creepy stunts. The continuations of Stella and Logan, Roz and Mitch, and David was nice as well and added a lot to the story.
Very nice trilogy, definitely a keeper. And leave it to Nora to create a rich and romantic gardening centered trilogy while managing to leave out tired flower cliches like rose petals in the bed. Very well done!
At first I thought the trilogy got off to a bit of a slow start for me in Book 1, Blue Dahlia. But for me trilogies seem to hit the ground running and suck me right in, or it's a slower build when the groundwork is being laid and the characters are introduced.
I felt the trilogy built on itself and got better and better with each story, and this was a very fulfilling conclusion. When nearing the end I felt like I knew these characters and didn't want the story to end.
Specifically to Book 3, Red Lily:
I knew Hayley and Harper would make a great romantic match from their first meeting in Book 1. The slow build of friends to lovers and Harper's complete love and acceptance or Hayley's daughter Lily was so sweet. This story also puts the old ghosts to rest (literally) when they uncover the mystery of the Harper Bride, but not before she pulls some major creepy stunts. The continuations of Stella and Logan, Roz and Mitch, and David was nice as well and added a lot to the story.
Very nice trilogy, definitely a keeper. And leave it to Nora to create a rich and romantic gardening centered trilogy while managing to leave out tired flower cliches like rose petals in the bed. Very well done!
January 25, 2015
Well - Roberts did not turn me...I still don't like Hayley. Book three of trilogies always lets me down. But, I still gave it three stars because the other characters were still interesting enough to me to keep me reading until the end even though I knew how things would work out with Haley and Harper.
Red Lily should have been a final ending to what was a compelling and moving trilogy. But what the reader got instead was a very over-drawn and labored ending to a story that didn't really exist in the character of focus: Hayley. In Blue Dahlia we met the intriguing cast of characters in the series to include the infamous "Harper Bride" ghost lurking in the halls of Roz Harper's home. Black Rose showed us more of the secrets of the ghost and how the choices the women were making in their lives impacted the behavior of the ghost - particularly with regards to men. And Red Lily basically rehashed it all through Hayley - a character I could simply not care about. And to honest, I found myself struggling to understand how Stella or Roz were friends with her - and Harper, Roz's son loving her? It just didn't add up - Hayley is a snot.
She originally arrived on Roz's door step alone and pregnant in book one. Because of a very distant cousin relationship, Roz Harper, the owner of Harper House takes her in. And even though she's six months along, her son Harper has eyes for Hayley. WAIT - WHAT????? That in and of itself was weird to me. Hayley's daughter Lily arrives in book two, and she latches onto Harper like he's her daddy putting Hayley in an awkward position - should she act on her feelings with Harper or snap his head off again - which is how she treats him for pretty much the entire trilogy. (Hence why I couldn't buy their romance at all). When she finally acts on her feelings and Harper is in agreement, well - that's that. Their relationship doesn't grow for the reader, and when there are moments of interaction they seem to just be mad at each other: All. The. Time. And then Hayley babbles about her feelings with Roz, while persistently reminding us that it's awkward because she's his mother. It's creepy. It's weird. And it's unrealistic - I get that this is fiction but it should somewhat mirror real life.
The Harper Bride is terribly upset at Harper and Hayley's newfound love (you could see why in this case). Amelia, the ghost, starts to possess Hayley reliving her life with men as a lady of the night. And again - this is creepy. Amelia is Harper's great great grandmother (as the genealogy done by Mitch shows) and there are scenes where Amelia possesses Hayley while she's having sex with Harper - yep...incest. I don't care if she's a ghost - that line of thinking was just too much for me. The final showdown with the ghost was obvious and anticlimactic.
Trilogies should be read in full and I'd normally say not to give up on them - but Nora, on this one I'd tell the reader to just skim it, because there just isn't much story here. I liked all the characters in this series, except Hayley, and she didn't merit her own novel.
This won't stop me from picking up a Nora Robert's book again, but sadly this ending just didn't do it for me.
Red Lily should have been a final ending to what was a compelling and moving trilogy. But what the reader got instead was a very over-drawn and labored ending to a story that didn't really exist in the character of focus: Hayley. In Blue Dahlia we met the intriguing cast of characters in the series to include the infamous "Harper Bride" ghost lurking in the halls of Roz Harper's home. Black Rose showed us more of the secrets of the ghost and how the choices the women were making in their lives impacted the behavior of the ghost - particularly with regards to men. And Red Lily basically rehashed it all through Hayley - a character I could simply not care about. And to honest, I found myself struggling to understand how Stella or Roz were friends with her - and Harper, Roz's son loving her? It just didn't add up - Hayley is a snot.
She originally arrived on Roz's door step alone and pregnant in book one. Because of a very distant cousin relationship, Roz Harper, the owner of Harper House takes her in. And even though she's six months along, her son Harper has eyes for Hayley. WAIT - WHAT????? That in and of itself was weird to me. Hayley's daughter Lily arrives in book two, and she latches onto Harper like he's her daddy putting Hayley in an awkward position - should she act on her feelings with Harper or snap his head off again - which is how she treats him for pretty much the entire trilogy. (Hence why I couldn't buy their romance at all). When she finally acts on her feelings and Harper is in agreement, well - that's that. Their relationship doesn't grow for the reader, and when there are moments of interaction they seem to just be mad at each other: All. The. Time. And then Hayley babbles about her feelings with Roz, while persistently reminding us that it's awkward because she's his mother. It's creepy. It's weird. And it's unrealistic - I get that this is fiction but it should somewhat mirror real life.
The Harper Bride is terribly upset at Harper and Hayley's newfound love (you could see why in this case). Amelia, the ghost, starts to possess Hayley reliving her life with men as a lady of the night. And again - this is creepy. Amelia is Harper's great great grandmother (as the genealogy done by Mitch shows) and there are scenes where Amelia possesses Hayley while she's having sex with Harper - yep...incest. I don't care if she's a ghost - that line of thinking was just too much for me. The final showdown with the ghost was obvious and anticlimactic.
Trilogies should be read in full and I'd normally say not to give up on them - but Nora, on this one I'd tell the reader to just skim it, because there just isn't much story here. I liked all the characters in this series, except Hayley, and she didn't merit her own novel.
This won't stop me from picking up a Nora Robert's book again, but sadly this ending just didn't do it for me.
December 27, 2020
3.5 stars
A satisfying end to this trilogy, that just kept improving with each book.
I’ve wanted to read their story since book one, and it didn’t disappoint. Amelia’s story was really interesting as well and the whole mystery surrounding it had a good ending.
In all, a solid trilogy!
A satisfying end to this trilogy, that just kept improving with each book.
I’ve wanted to read their story since book one, and it didn’t disappoint. Amelia’s story was really interesting as well and the whole mystery surrounding it had a good ending.
In all, a solid trilogy!
February 17, 2018
La verdad es que tenía muchas ganas de esta pareja y de este libro en general; uno, porque Hayley y Harper durante los dos libros anteriores me han gustado mucho tanto juntos como separados y dos, porque finalmente en este libro se resolvía el misterio de la Novia Harper, el fantasma que habitaba en la mansión y que hacía más malas obras que buenas. Y la verdad, no me ha decepcionado para nada.
Sobre la historia de los protagonistas, me ha gustado mucho. Harper es un amor con mayúsculas y Hayley es una mujer de armas tomar. Si a eso añadimos a la pequeña Lily, la hija de un año de Hayley a la mezcla, lo que sale es una historia tierna a la vez que apasionada.
Lo único malo de su relación, ha sido Amelia, la novia Harper, que ha estado incordiando a este parejita haciendo que Hayley fuera su recipiente para hablar, actuar y pensar y por lo tanto, hubiera ahí unas conversaciones y escenas un poco espeluznantes.
Sobre Amelia, decir que no me esperaba ese final, Sí sabíamos muchas cosas, pero no que el final de esa mujer fuera así, eso no es una madre. Si quieren saber de qué hablo, ya saben, lean la serie, no se van a arrepentir.
Los secundarios han vuelto a ser la guinda del pastel, desde Roz y Mitch, pasando por Logan, Stella, David y los niños.
En definitiva, Nora Roberts lo ha vuelto a hacer. A pesar de ser una historia sencilla y sin mucho más sobresaltos que un fantasma psicótico, me ha vuelto a enganchar a su pluma y a sus historias. Deseando estoy de seguir leyendo obras de esta mujer.
Sobre la historia de los protagonistas, me ha gustado mucho. Harper es un amor con mayúsculas y Hayley es una mujer de armas tomar. Si a eso añadimos a la pequeña Lily, la hija de un año de Hayley a la mezcla, lo que sale es una historia tierna a la vez que apasionada.
Lo único malo de su relación, ha sido Amelia, la novia Harper, que ha estado incordiando a este parejita haciendo que Hayley fuera su recipiente para hablar, actuar y pensar y por lo tanto, hubiera ahí unas conversaciones y escenas un poco espeluznantes.
Sobre Amelia, decir que no me esperaba ese final, Sí sabíamos muchas cosas, pero no que el final de esa mujer fuera así, eso no es una madre. Si quieren saber de qué hablo, ya saben, lean la serie, no se van a arrepentir.
Los secundarios han vuelto a ser la guinda del pastel, desde Roz y Mitch, pasando por Logan, Stella, David y los niños.
En definitiva, Nora Roberts lo ha vuelto a hacer. A pesar de ser una historia sencilla y sin mucho más sobresaltos que un fantasma psicótico, me ha vuelto a enganchar a su pluma y a sus historias. Deseando estoy de seguir leyendo obras de esta mujer.
March 19, 2008
A very satisfying end to the In the Garden trilogy. Again, as with many of Nora's books, it was Harper, the male lead who I found to be the most interesting character. I liked his quiet, introspective ways, as well as his lean, hot sexiness, of course. And I liked him and Hayley together as a couple. They worked for me.
My one regret about this trilogy is that we didn't get a romance for David, Harper's best friend, Roz's right hand man and housekeeper and the best cook and babysitter alive. *grin* Yeah, I'd like Nora to be writing a little bit of gay romance. I'd be totally down with that.
So, looking for a fun and sexy romantic trilogy with fun heroines and sexy heroes and lots of terrific dialogue and hot sex scenes? Give the In the Garden trilogy a try. I don't think you'll regret it.
My one regret about this trilogy is that we didn't get a romance for David, Harper's best friend, Roz's right hand man and housekeeper and the best cook and babysitter alive. *grin* Yeah, I'd like Nora to be writing a little bit of gay romance. I'd be totally down with that.
So, looking for a fun and sexy romantic trilogy with fun heroines and sexy heroes and lots of terrific dialogue and hot sex scenes? Give the In the Garden trilogy a try. I don't think you'll regret it.
March 12, 2020
“I’ve got to side with Harper on this, Roz.” Logan gave an apologetic shrug. “I don’t see sitting down here while three women go up there
alone. I don’t give a rat’s ass if it’s sexist.”
My lady parts are all a flutter, unabashed sexism is soooo haaaawt!
This is just one of several annoying passages in this installment of the series. The true shame is that Roberts, in all the decades she’s been writing, still hasn’t figured out how to divorce sexism from romance or heroism.
alone. I don’t give a rat’s ass if it’s sexist.”
My lady parts are all a flutter, unabashed sexism is soooo haaaawt!
This is just one of several annoying passages in this installment of the series. The true shame is that Roberts, in all the decades she’s been writing, still hasn’t figured out how to divorce sexism from romance or heroism.
May 25, 2012
by Nora Roberts
4 Star Trilogy
Nora Roberts introduces 3 women whose lives become intertwined: Roz, the elegant 40 something Southern belle and owner of Harper House/In the Garden nursery and retail store; Stella, the 30 something mother and perfectionist Yankee is manager of In the Garden: while Hayley is the pregnant 20 something distant cousin of Roz and also works at In The Garden. The store and gardening/gardens are very prominent in the trilogy. For those who don't like gardens or gardening, you won't like all of NR's descriptions and gardening details.
The Harper Bride and her story is a wonderful ghost story and her presence, the mystery of her identity, and what happened to her become paramount to the three women, especially when romance finds each woman. Roberts blends romantic suspense and a ghost story to lead the reader to last sentence in the trilogy.
The Blue Dahlia focuses on Stella who loses her husband and is left to raise her young sons. She moves back to Memphis to be closer to her father and step-mother while she manages Roz's In the Garden. Stella learns she must live in Harper House with Roz and David. She worries about her sons when she hears a lullaby sung by no-one she can see, but feels the chill of the Harper Bride. She is driving crazy everyone at work, especially hunky Logan. When Stella and Logan make a connection, the Harper Bride invades her dreams. Could the Bride-always benign in the past-hurt Stella by harming her boys and Logan?
The Black Rose is Roz's story, though Stella and Hayley are still living at Harper House. Stella is still lovingly General Rothchild and Hayley still amuses everyone with her charming naiveté and factoids. Roz loves being an honorary grandmother to Stella's boys and Hayley's Lily, but needs more and turns to her In the Garden business to create a new 'baby' for herself. Sexy Dr. Carnegie now can devote his time to the Harper Bride mystery and to Roz herself if she'll let him. But Bryce and the Harper Bride have other plans. Roz's reputation, business, and life are in danger. Could Blood kill blood? As Mitch Carnegie gets closer to Roz and the identity of the Harper Bride, the Bride grows more demonic and dangerous.
The Red Lily finishes the Harper's Bride story using Hayley as its prominent character. The Bride finds Hayley's sympathy and flesh inviting. Harper, Roz's son, finally admits to himself and to Hayley that he too loves her since he first saw her. Hayley feels the same towards Harper, but will she risk their friendship and his life to be with him? Lily is already calling Harper, Daddy, much to the displeasure of the Bride. Harper looks so much like Reginald, and must die. Will Hayley follow her heart or will she protect Harper from the Bride? Whatever she does, Hayley knows the Bride will be out of women's lives for good.
The Black Rose was the BEST in the Trilogy, while Red Lily was the weakest. In Red Lily, Hayley became a caricature of her character than in the other books. The character was crasser and less confident. In The Garden was perfect, despite major destruction in The Black Rose. Roberts tells her readers that the garden will be important in each book in her letters to the reader. Either Roberts lost her focus or was up against a hard deadline; however all in all the Trilogy is worth reading. I give 4 stars on this Trilogy.
August 24, 2012
My least favorite of the trilogy, but it's not a bad book, I don't think. Since Hayley has been my favorite of the three women of In the Garden, I'm sad I didn't like her book better. There's a lot to like with a perky, optimistic girl facing difficulty with a smile and willingness to dig into the hard work to get where she wants to be.
Unfortunately, there were two large facets of the novel that really grated on me. First, and unsurprising if you've read my reviews of the other two, is Amelia Connor. The ghost hunt takes center stage for much of this novel as the group homes in on who she was and why she might be sticking around beyond death. How anybody can maintain any degree of sympathy for Amelia after learning the details of her life and death is beyond me. Selfish people harming innocent others don't get to play on my sympathy, I'm sorry, they just don't.
Second, while Harper is an enigma through most of the first two novels, he didn't improve any on further acquaintance. Yeah, he's great with Lily and has a sincere attachment, even love, for her and Hayley and that's all good. But he is also one of those guys who thinks autocratic declarations and unilateral action are not just manly but good and even right. I'm sorry, but I just do not find those traits attractive in a man and that put a lot of distance between me and his relationship with Hayley. Yes, she's the perfect partner for him because a) she doesn't give in to those episodes and let him have his way and b) she doesn't hold them against him, either. And yes, he provides Hayley with love and unconditional support (when he isn't all autocratically unilateral and stuff). Still, his fits of macho were off-putting and uncomfortable to me.
Still and all, Roberts excels at showing the good in her characters, as well as their flaws, and the story was entertaining enough to grab and hold my attention despite those things I didn't like. And in the end, that's all I really ask for.
A note about Steamy: Again, the steam was pretty light in this novel. I wonder if this series was deliberately lighter steam than normal for some reason—an experiment for Roberts, maybe? It seems striking that all three would have fewer and shorter explicit scenes than I find “normal” for Nora Roberts.
Unfortunately, there were two large facets of the novel that really grated on me. First, and unsurprising if you've read my reviews of the other two, is Amelia Connor. The ghost hunt takes center stage for much of this novel as the group homes in on who she was and why she might be sticking around beyond death. How anybody can maintain any degree of sympathy for Amelia after learning the details of her life and death is beyond me. Selfish people harming innocent others don't get to play on my sympathy, I'm sorry, they just don't.
Second, while Harper is an enigma through most of the first two novels, he didn't improve any on further acquaintance. Yeah, he's great with Lily and has a sincere attachment, even love, for her and Hayley and that's all good. But he is also one of those guys who thinks autocratic declarations and unilateral action are not just manly but good and even right. I'm sorry, but I just do not find those traits attractive in a man and that put a lot of distance between me and his relationship with Hayley. Yes, she's the perfect partner for him because a) she doesn't give in to those episodes and let him have his way and b) she doesn't hold them against him, either. And yes, he provides Hayley with love and unconditional support (when he isn't all autocratically unilateral and stuff). Still, his fits of macho were off-putting and uncomfortable to me.
Still and all, Roberts excels at showing the good in her characters, as well as their flaws, and the story was entertaining enough to grab and hold my attention despite those things I didn't like. And in the end, that's all I really ask for.
A note about Steamy: Again, the steam was pretty light in this novel. I wonder if this series was deliberately lighter steam than normal for some reason—an experiment for Roberts, maybe? It seems striking that all three would have fewer and shorter explicit scenes than I find “normal” for Nora Roberts.
November 14, 2017
Full review now posted!
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
This was my favorite installment in the series! Hayley is Roz’s distant cousin from Little Rock, who packed up her life and moved after her dad passed away and she found herself “in trouble” from getting too cozy with a friend. When she showed up on the doorstep of Harper House, she was six months pregnant and banking on family ties to give her and her baby a chance at a fresh start. But she wasn’t looking for charity. Hayley is a hard worker, determined to earn every opportunity she’s given.
Now, Hayley’s baby, a gorgeous girl named Lily, is fourteen months old and has never known a home outside Harper House. Hayley has built herself a life here, and a family. She couldn’t be happier, except for the fact that she’s been celibate for almost two years and can’t seem to focus her attentions on anyone but Harper, Roz's son and Hayley’s coworker and semi-boss. Turns out the feeling is very, very mutual. But neither will act because they both assume that their not just alone in their feelings, but wrong to even have them. Thankfully, something changes, and we get my favorite of the three romances that make up this series.
We also get a lot more of our crazy, angry ghost. We finally find out who she is, what she wants, and how she died. And we find out all of these things in large part from Hayley, who the ghost has decided makes a perfect vessel. So, in the course of this trilogy, our haunting goes from mainly benign spirit with an almost singular interest in singing children to sleep, to a poltergeist with rage issues and a serious hatred for any male above the age of twelve and any women who develops a romantic interest in one of said males, to a sly, conniving entity who has discovered the fine art of possession, but with an even bigger heaping helping of lunacy that seems to be expanding all the time.
Like all Nora stories, we have a happy ending, with the mystery element neatly tied up. Which is why I enjoy her novels so much; I always know exactly what I’m getting, and sometimes predictability is a nice change of pace. Nothing is more comforting that sitting down with a book you already know you’re going to love.
Original review can be found at Booknest.
Rating: 4.5/5 stars
This was my favorite installment in the series! Hayley is Roz’s distant cousin from Little Rock, who packed up her life and moved after her dad passed away and she found herself “in trouble” from getting too cozy with a friend. When she showed up on the doorstep of Harper House, she was six months pregnant and banking on family ties to give her and her baby a chance at a fresh start. But she wasn’t looking for charity. Hayley is a hard worker, determined to earn every opportunity she’s given.
Now, Hayley’s baby, a gorgeous girl named Lily, is fourteen months old and has never known a home outside Harper House. Hayley has built herself a life here, and a family. She couldn’t be happier, except for the fact that she’s been celibate for almost two years and can’t seem to focus her attentions on anyone but Harper, Roz's son and Hayley’s coworker and semi-boss. Turns out the feeling is very, very mutual. But neither will act because they both assume that their not just alone in their feelings, but wrong to even have them. Thankfully, something changes, and we get my favorite of the three romances that make up this series.
We also get a lot more of our crazy, angry ghost. We finally find out who she is, what she wants, and how she died. And we find out all of these things in large part from Hayley, who the ghost has decided makes a perfect vessel. So, in the course of this trilogy, our haunting goes from mainly benign spirit with an almost singular interest in singing children to sleep, to a poltergeist with rage issues and a serious hatred for any male above the age of twelve and any women who develops a romantic interest in one of said males, to a sly, conniving entity who has discovered the fine art of possession, but with an even bigger heaping helping of lunacy that seems to be expanding all the time.
Like all Nora stories, we have a happy ending, with the mystery element neatly tied up. Which is why I enjoy her novels so much; I always know exactly what I’m getting, and sometimes predictability is a nice change of pace. Nothing is more comforting that sitting down with a book you already know you’re going to love.
Original review can be found at Booknest.
September 10, 2020
Probably 3.5 stars on this one. The ghost story kept ramping up through each book, and in this one it moves into possession. I enjoyed the main characters but felt the ending was a little abrupt, maybe even a little flat after all that buildup. And I did kind of hope David would end up with someone, too. Review to come.
February 17, 2020
Último livro desta trilogia.
Gostei muito de ficar a conhecer a história da Hayley, personagem que já conhecemos desde o primeiro livro e ver o momento em que ela e o Harper se aprecebem que estão apaixonados um pelo outro.
Neste livro finalmente ficamos a conhecer o que aconteceu à Amelia, o fantasma que assombra a casa da família Harper, e realmente é uma história que tem uns contornos muito tristes.
Uma vez mais, gostei muito dos enredos que a Nora Roberts nos oferece.
Gostei muito de ficar a conhecer a história da Hayley, personagem que já conhecemos desde o primeiro livro e ver o momento em que ela e o Harper se aprecebem que estão apaixonados um pelo outro.
Neste livro finalmente ficamos a conhecer o que aconteceu à Amelia, o fantasma que assombra a casa da família Harper, e realmente é uma história que tem uns contornos muito tristes.
Uma vez mais, gostei muito dos enredos que a Nora Roberts nos oferece.
March 30, 2022
Red Lily
3 Stars
At Harper House, Hayley Phillips has found a home and a family for herself and her small daughter, Lily. But Hayley feels restless and unsettled, primarily due to her growing attraction to Harper Ashby - the oldest son of her friend and employer. Unfortunately, the house's resident ghost isn't at all pleased with the development of Hayley and Harper's relationship. Will the truth about her past finally be revealed and enable Hayley and Harper to find happiness together?
Of the three romances in the series, Harper and Hayley's is the best. They have great chemistry and their feelings for one another are believable. The connection between Harper and baby Lily is particularly engaging.
While there is still some focus on the horticultural themes, they definitely take a back seat to the revelations regarding the identity and fate of the Harper Bride. To be honest, I was expecting a more exciting conclusion to this arc, but it sort of fizzles at the end.
Moreover, as the details about Amelia's life and her actions emerged, I found what little sympathy I had for her dissipate.
3 Stars
At Harper House, Hayley Phillips has found a home and a family for herself and her small daughter, Lily. But Hayley feels restless and unsettled, primarily due to her growing attraction to Harper Ashby - the oldest son of her friend and employer. Unfortunately, the house's resident ghost isn't at all pleased with the development of Hayley and Harper's relationship. Will the truth about her past finally be revealed and enable Hayley and Harper to find happiness together?
Of the three romances in the series, Harper and Hayley's is the best. They have great chemistry and their feelings for one another are believable. The connection between Harper and baby Lily is particularly engaging.
While there is still some focus on the horticultural themes, they definitely take a back seat to the revelations regarding the identity and fate of the Harper Bride. To be honest, I was expecting a more exciting conclusion to this arc, but it sort of fizzles at the end.
Moreover, as the details about Amelia's life and her actions emerged, I found what little sympathy I had for her dissipate.
January 26, 2015
Red Lily by Nora Roberts is book 3 of a series. Each book can be independently read. Young love and new love gives you a special spring to your steps and a glow to your cheeks. Hayley lost herself a little when her father died. A young premed student helped with her loss but unfortunately left her pregnant. She was at a loss, angry at first, but she couldn't have an abortion. When she went to confront the baby's dad, he had met the love of his life and she decided to do all by herself. She sold the house, packed up the car and drove to her cousin Roz to see if she could stay with her until she got on her feet. Roz welcomed her and gave her a place to live and a job at the nursery. When Hayley had the baby she named her Lily. The resident ghost Amelia became active. Harper helped Hayley a lot with the baby. Harper is Roz's oldest son. He likes Hayley. Lily loves Harper. She always goes to him. Amelia, the ghost, possesses Hayley's body. Roz's husband Mitch is researching the ghost. Hayley is rather smitten with Harper. She takes manners in her own hands and kisses Harper. He kisses her back. Will they learn Amelia's mystery in time to prevent harm coming to them?
February 16, 2010
I'm totally disappointed with Nora Roberts. I really wanted to like her but I couldn't. I thought there must be a reason for why she is so famous, but this series was not a good one. I only enjoyed the first book in the series, the rest were not very good.
I really hated the ghost story, I really didn't care for it, it was boring. I did enjoy the first book because the ghost was a secondary element in it, but in the 2nd and 3rd book it was mentioned too much.
And about the romance, it never did develop correctly, I felt most of the time like something was missing. The characters talked in a way which did not let you get to know them. All the time I felt like actions were taking place but feeling and emotions were left as secondary elements, you never get to know the characters. I really wanted to get finished with this series. I wouldn't recommend it. I mean, it had some good parts, just not good enough. With all the amazing books that are out there I would not loose my time with this one.
I really hated the ghost story, I really didn't care for it, it was boring. I did enjoy the first book because the ghost was a secondary element in it, but in the 2nd and 3rd book it was mentioned too much.
And about the romance, it never did develop correctly, I felt most of the time like something was missing. The characters talked in a way which did not let you get to know them. All the time I felt like actions were taking place but feeling and emotions were left as secondary elements, you never get to know the characters. I really wanted to get finished with this series. I wouldn't recommend it. I mean, it had some good parts, just not good enough. With all the amazing books that are out there I would not loose my time with this one.
May 28, 2018
It was so nice to be back with these characters, and what a great way to end the trilogy. I loved the ghost aspect of this series and couldn't wait to see how it ended. I'm very pleased. I love Nora's writing and her friendships. She clearly knows what a positive relationship and friendship looks like.
May 10, 2024
This is the third in a trilogy. Hayley is a single mom and has been staying and working with Roz since just before having baby Lily. She is head over heels in love with Roz’s son, Harper. There is also a ghost living in the house, Amelia. Amelia seems to love children and will sing to them, including Lily. But she can be nasty otherwise. Not only that, it’s not long before she appears to periodically be possessing Hayley!
This was ok. I see that I was more interested in the ghost story (than the romances) in the first two books, but even Amelia’s story didn’t appeal to me all that much this time around. It was ok, but nothing more for me.
This was ok. I see that I was more interested in the ghost story (than the romances) in the first two books, but even Amelia’s story didn’t appeal to me all that much this time around. It was ok, but nothing more for me.
January 10, 2024
Страхотна поредица.От трите книги третата най-много ми хареса,мистерията и страховитите моменти с призрака на Амелия се задълбочават и се наблегна повечко на разкриването й.Романтиката не е натрапчива и всичко върви леко и приятно...макар и малко страшните моменти,а финала страхотен и развръзката ми хареса :)Препоръчвам.
September 4, 2021
Omgosh, this ending!!!! I finally, FINALLY know what happened to Amelia!! The people in this Trilogy are so sweet, and I just loved all of them. So much love and friendship. I adored every moment of these books!!
December 26, 2019
Dos três, achei este o melhor, mesmo assim ficou aquém da outras trilogias que li desta autora.
May 28, 2020
4 stars - Chick-lit/Paranormal Romance
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