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Rose Gardner Mystery #1-3.5
Rose Gardner Mystery Box Set
Box set of the first three books and novella in the USA Today bestselling Rose Gardner Mystery series.
When Rose Gardner decides she's done frittering her days away at the DMV, she turns Henryetta, Arkansas upside down as she navigates life, love and the investigation of a murder every now and then.
Twenty-Eight and a Half Wishes:When Rose sees a vision of her murder, she’s done frittering her life away and makes a list. Her sexy neighbor Joe offers to help yet refuses to cooperate with #15-- do more with a man. But time’s running out and suddenly dying a virgin in the county jail becomes the least of her worries.--winner of the Write Touch Readers' Award 2012
Twenty-Nine and a Half Reasons:Rose thinks a jury summons means a morning off from work, until she sees a vision of the murderer in the men’s restroom: a huge problem since the murderer isn’t the one on trial. If that weren’t enough, Rose is caught between her sister Violet and her new boyfriend Joe. Henryetta, Arkansas just got messier. --USA Today Bestseller
Thirty and a Half Excuses:While Rose and Violet open their nursery, an elderly woman on Rose’s street dies. The police rule her death from natural causes, but Rose and her cranky neighbor Mildred disagree. --iBooks Best of 2013
Falling to Pieces:(novella) Rose struggles with heartbreak with the support of her new friends while Joe gets support from someone in his past.
Next in Series:
Thirty-One and a Half Regrets:: January 9, 2014
When Rose Gardner decides she's done frittering her days away at the DMV, she turns Henryetta, Arkansas upside down as she navigates life, love and the investigation of a murder every now and then.
Twenty-Eight and a Half Wishes:When Rose sees a vision of her murder, she’s done frittering her life away and makes a list. Her sexy neighbor Joe offers to help yet refuses to cooperate with #15-- do more with a man. But time’s running out and suddenly dying a virgin in the county jail becomes the least of her worries.--winner of the Write Touch Readers' Award 2012
Twenty-Nine and a Half Reasons:Rose thinks a jury summons means a morning off from work, until she sees a vision of the murderer in the men’s restroom: a huge problem since the murderer isn’t the one on trial. If that weren’t enough, Rose is caught between her sister Violet and her new boyfriend Joe. Henryetta, Arkansas just got messier. --USA Today Bestseller
Thirty and a Half Excuses:While Rose and Violet open their nursery, an elderly woman on Rose’s street dies. The police rule her death from natural causes, but Rose and her cranky neighbor Mildred disagree. --iBooks Best of 2013
Falling to Pieces:(novella) Rose struggles with heartbreak with the support of her new friends while Joe gets support from someone in his past.
Next in Series:
Thirty-One and a Half Regrets:: January 9, 2014
939 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
146 people are currently reading
620 people want to read
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December 1, 2016
UPDATE: Pamela .....This update is 'especially' for your eyes..... and for all slutty-wonderful friends....
which is most of you. Haha!
I read this ENTIRE box set (I never do that: 900+ pages of this 'drama') --two years ago --- day by day while I was sweating in my sauna. (my private relaxing time on my old Kindle).
Pamela is a friend here on Goodreads who reads more 'romance' books than anyone I know. We are 'buds' --- We read very different type of books most of the time.
I told her to send me some 'great-crappy-trashy-quirky-mystery-fun-suggestions' -- I promised to give it a 'go'. I read EVERY book in this set. I was addicted --- I still remember the slutty fun I had. cozy-mystery-romance! --- They also came 'free'. I have no idea what they cost now. Thank you Pamela! YES....I did read them....(as you asked me today). You can see my old review here as proof! lol xoxo
Happy Holidays ---Its official --December is here! -- May everyone have a save -joyful month!!!
OLD REVIEW: 2 years ago: (gee...I was smart --I wrote SHORT reviews back then)!
In general --I'm not a fan of reading a 'BOX-SETS'. I sure don't go looking for them --(even if they are a Kindle-free-deal) --
but my friend put in the good word for this 'Mystery-Box-Set'. I was engaged with the story immediately -(in all 3 books).
which is most of you. Haha!
I read this ENTIRE box set (I never do that: 900+ pages of this 'drama') --two years ago --- day by day while I was sweating in my sauna. (my private relaxing time on my old Kindle).
Pamela is a friend here on Goodreads who reads more 'romance' books than anyone I know. We are 'buds' --- We read very different type of books most of the time.
I told her to send me some 'great-crappy-trashy-quirky-mystery-fun-suggestions' -- I promised to give it a 'go'. I read EVERY book in this set. I was addicted --- I still remember the slutty fun I had. cozy-mystery-romance! --- They also came 'free'. I have no idea what they cost now. Thank you Pamela! YES....I did read them....(as you asked me today). You can see my old review here as proof! lol xoxo
Happy Holidays ---Its official --December is here! -- May everyone have a save -joyful month!!!
OLD REVIEW: 2 years ago: (gee...I was smart --I wrote SHORT reviews back then)!
In general --I'm not a fan of reading a 'BOX-SETS'. I sure don't go looking for them --(even if they are a Kindle-free-deal) --
but my friend put in the good word for this 'Mystery-Box-Set'. I was engaged with the story immediately -(in all 3 books).
Want to read
April 23, 2015Only $1.48 / 99 pence on kindle!
UK - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rose-Gardner-...
US - http://www.amazon.com/Rose-Gardner-My...
UK - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rose-Gardner-...
US - http://www.amazon.com/Rose-Gardner-My...
January 20, 2014
These books captivated me right from the first page.
Rose starts off being quiet a shy girl and then transforms and grows into this independent woman.
Each book I read, i could not stop until i got to the end, too which I then had to read the next book because i wanted to know what happens. Needless to say for 48 hours I did not do half of the activities I was meant to do.
The challengers that Rose faces helps her grow and develop and as a young reader, I connected with her straight away and felt as though I knew her and wanted to know her story.
Denise has a wonderful writing style and i can not wait to explore more of her works.
February 7, 2016
The Rose Gardner Mystery series is one of the best series out there and you will want to read this book.
The series follows the adventures or maybe it's misadventures of one Rose Gardner. She is small town girl, who has the gift of visions. Her whole life she has been abused by her mother and made to feel like a freak. She has no life and no friends, until the day she sees her own life ends.
As she decides to take control of her life and to finally start living a whole new worlds opens up to Rose. She friends some great friends, find and loses the love of her life and learns that her gift is not something to fear but is something that can be used to help people.
Pick up this box set and come on a journey of a girl who was lost but begins to find herself through everything she experiences.
The series follows the adventures or maybe it's misadventures of one Rose Gardner. She is small town girl, who has the gift of visions. Her whole life she has been abused by her mother and made to feel like a freak. She has no life and no friends, until the day she sees her own life ends.
As she decides to take control of her life and to finally start living a whole new worlds opens up to Rose. She friends some great friends, find and loses the love of her life and learns that her gift is not something to fear but is something that can be used to help people.
Pick up this box set and come on a journey of a girl who was lost but begins to find herself through everything she experiences.
August 12, 2014
The first book took a while to get into, and I'll admit that Rose's visions seem like gimmicks at first. If I hadn't been looking for a free book to read on the plane home(only Book 1 is free on iTunes), I probably wouldn't have come across this series. Yet, the characters are so relatable, and the series of unfortunate events so amusing, that you're quickly hooked in this series. It's a nice, easy read for over the summer -- exactly the kind of break I need from the academic reading I do the rest of the year as a grad student. I'm excited for the last 2 books in the series to come out this fall.
April 5, 2016
I discovered the Rose Gardner Mystery series through this box set. I believe that box sets are one of the best ways to get into a series. I was instantly hooked with the first book - 28 ½ Wishes and to have 29 ½ Reasons, 30 ½ Excuses and the novella Falling to Pieces all together is a book lovers dream come true. I love this series and main character, Rose Gardner. In the books 1 – 3.5, you see Rose grow from shy and naïve girl into a strong and loving woman. The supporting characters are plentiful and each have their quirks and places in the stories. If you are looking for fun and heartwarming stories with mystery and charm, this box set is for you.
September 29, 2016
Loved it
I got the first book free. It was great, and I looked forward to the next. I saw that there were a few bad reviews and frankly, I was worried. But I bought the set because it was cheaper than buying the books individually. I'm so glad I did! It's mostly lighthearted, funny, with a bit of mystery and romance. A very good distraction from every day life, reading is my break. I loved that the chapters are short, so I could read for a few minutes and not be lost when I came back. They are not difficult reads and do not require a lot of thought, which may be not everyone's bag, and is why I didn't give it 5 stars. I do love these books, though!
I got the first book free. It was great, and I looked forward to the next. I saw that there were a few bad reviews and frankly, I was worried. But I bought the set because it was cheaper than buying the books individually. I'm so glad I did! It's mostly lighthearted, funny, with a bit of mystery and romance. A very good distraction from every day life, reading is my break. I loved that the chapters are short, so I could read for a few minutes and not be lost when I came back. They are not difficult reads and do not require a lot of thought, which may be not everyone's bag, and is why I didn't give it 5 stars. I do love these books, though!
October 5, 2015
My all time favorite series!! I can't get enough of Rose!!! This series will draw you in from book one and keep you turning the page until your caught up with the series. Then you will be in withdrawal waiting for the next book to be released. The series is humorous, heartwarming and emotional. Denise is an excellent writer and has a way of have making the characters real to you. You will obsess over this series, trust me I know from experience. I highly recommend her books to everyone. Make sure you start with book one in the series "Twenty-Eight and a Half Wishes".
November 21, 2015
I read these first books as they came out so getting them in a box set was great. I love the character development that Denise gets in her books. Rose works at the DMV and one day has one of her visions when a strange man comes to her window. The only problem with that is, Rose always blurts out what she sees as she comes out of her visions. She sees herself dead, sitting on her mom's sofa. Well, that just gets the ball rolling. Next thing you know, Rose is being charged with her mother's murder. This story rolls right along with a love triangle, murder and mayhem.
January 19, 2016
Great series in a neat package - part 1, From the time I began 28 1/2 Wishes, I fell in love with Rose. She is quirky, funny, naïve, and believable. I am so glad there is a box set to get the books and novellas together - it makes reading the series on the Kindle so much easier. Once you start reading, you won't stop after the first novel. I had already purchased the books individually for iBooks, but I purchased the box sets to use on my new Kindle. I love how the box set flows seamlessly form one book to the next.
November 17, 2015
Wow, can you not love this box set! It's the beginning of Rose. Watch a timid award girl with visions, who believes it best to hid from the world change right before your eyes. Come with Rose as she grows into a strong amazing woman, who people can't help but love. Don't worry there is plenty of mystery and crimes to be solved along the way! If there's anything Rose is good at it's falling into the middle of murder.
April 21, 2016
I fell in love with Rose in the first 25 pages. How can you not? And she just keeps getting better and better with each novel. I am so thankful I found this series and this author. She is without question my very favorite author. A little romance, a little mystery, a little drama, a little humor. These books have it all. Give them a try. You won't be sorry. You will find yourself staying up too late to finish one!
July 3, 2016
This series is about a young women named Rose Gardner who turns Henryetta, Arkansas upside down as she navigates life, love, and investigation of murder every now and then. This amazing series storyline flows through perfectly with each books and novellas. This series will make you cry and laugh so much through out the series. The characters are realistic. You will fall in love with this series right from the beginning. A must read.
May 12, 2016
I stumbled upon Twenty-eight and half wishes on the iBook store for free. The summary seemed interesting and decided why not it's a free book. I discovered a gem!! I fell in love with Rose and Joe from the very beginning. I had to find out what happens so I went ahead and purchased the entire series. If you are hesitant to try out this series, don't be! It is amazing!! An incredible page turner series. It keeps you guessing. Great work Denise! Big fan!!
September 15, 2016
I actually found the Rose Gardner Mystery Series on an accident, but I am so happy I did. I instantly fell in love with reading. I wasn't a big reader until this series. But as soon as I started reading it sucked me it. Rose Gardner, along with Denise Grover Swank will also have a special meaning to me, they made me fall in love with reading! If you're looking for a new book series then look no farther. This has everything all wrapped up into one amazing story.
April 3, 2015
This is a great box set. The mystery that is in this set is going to keep you 1. laughing 2. suspicious of every resident and 3. either hate or love Joe and or Mason. In this set, you get to know Rose Gardner and her quirky antics. You will run around Henryetta figuring out what happened, who done what, and with whom. You will not be disappointed in this set.
November 21, 2016
Romance with a twist of lemon.
At first they series appears to be your standard cozy romantic mystery, but over the three novels and the novella, characters change and grow. Some turn out to have feet of clay and some to be innocent despite all circumstances suggesting otherwise.
The Kindle edition is well written and well edited, and I look forward to the next in the series.
At first they series appears to be your standard cozy romantic mystery, but over the three novels and the novella, characters change and grow. Some turn out to have feet of clay and some to be innocent despite all circumstances suggesting otherwise.
The Kindle edition is well written and well edited, and I look forward to the next in the series.
May 2, 2015
A novel that I could relate too.
Once I started reading I couldn't stop. I can totally relate to Rose. She made me laugh and cry. Fortunately or unfortunately the emotions were totally relatable. Highly recommend
Once I started reading I couldn't stop. I can totally relate to Rose. She made me laugh and cry. Fortunately or unfortunately the emotions were totally relatable. Highly recommend
June 9, 2014
Quirky mystery-romance! The main character is a hoot. These are quick to read, escapism at its best!
November 18, 2016
Love this series !! One of my favorite series. Characters are well developed. Never want it to end !
November 22, 2016
Love rose.
Reading made me feel like I knew rose. I enjoyed the book and can't wait to read the next box set. The novella in the middle is perfect
Reading made me feel like I knew rose. I enjoyed the book and can't wait to read the next box set. The novella in the middle is perfect
January 12, 2019
TWENTY EIGHT AND HALF WISHES
Working for the DMV could prove deadly for her, with the though he / Mr Crocker was going to kill her before fainting. They think she did it to get an early start for the week end which they said no. A vision that she was in, if that’s the case, she makes a bucket list.
TWENTY. NINE AND HALF REASON
Chosen as a juror, seeing a vision of the true murderer and it’s not the one on trial. Trouble follows when she visits the scene, asking questions.She is curious of what to do, has a quirky nature and Joe the cop next door, is someone special.
THIRTY AND HALF EXCUSES
Arkansas and televangelist come to town. Her sister Violet and her opening a nursery. She seems more settle now that her mother isn’t harping at her,
Elderly women are dying, she doesn’t think they are natural deaths. So once again she finds things that bring trouble. With Joe doing undercover, he’s busy. A lot of laughs, she has matured some from the first books.
FALLING TO PIECES
Joe leaves Rose , to protect her. She is grieving, can she pick up the pieces.
He has big plans, and is alone. This one deals a lot with the emotions going on. Trying to decide what they want, not parents or friends.
Good series, watching Rose mature along with the other characters.
Working for the DMV could prove deadly for her, with the though he / Mr Crocker was going to kill her before fainting. They think she did it to get an early start for the week end which they said no. A vision that she was in, if that’s the case, she makes a bucket list.
TWENTY. NINE AND HALF REASON
Chosen as a juror, seeing a vision of the true murderer and it’s not the one on trial. Trouble follows when she visits the scene, asking questions.She is curious of what to do, has a quirky nature and Joe the cop next door, is someone special.
THIRTY AND HALF EXCUSES
Arkansas and televangelist come to town. Her sister Violet and her opening a nursery. She seems more settle now that her mother isn’t harping at her,
Elderly women are dying, she doesn’t think they are natural deaths. So once again she finds things that bring trouble. With Joe doing undercover, he’s busy. A lot of laughs, she has matured some from the first books.
FALLING TO PIECES
Joe leaves Rose , to protect her. She is grieving, can she pick up the pieces.
He has big plans, and is alone. This one deals a lot with the emotions going on. Trying to decide what they want, not parents or friends.
Good series, watching Rose mature along with the other characters.
July 6, 2016
Rose Gardner Mystery Box Set #1
I read the first book in this series (it was a free ebook, and I believe it still is free to download,) and enjoyed it enough (plus the box set #1 and #2 came up for sale at a very cheap price,) so I thought I'd try the next few books in this series.
I'll break my reviews down for each book, and then give an overall rating on the box set.
Book 1: Twenty-Eight and Half Wishes. I have reviewed this book separately, so I won't review it again here. The basic review is: I enjoyed the balance between serious and humor in this book. The protagonist is sweet, innocent and enjoyable to read. I love the language the author used for Rose. It fit her character very well. (Or maybe that's just the natural, southern Arkansas accent.) I give it three stars. It made me curious as to how the character would evolve. A decent read; no cliffhanger. If a reader stopped here, it would be OK. (6/25-26)
Book 2: Twenty-Nine and a Half Reasons. I got to tell you. I'm really not liking this story as much as the first one. Here's why. First the good: I love Rose so much. She is so strong and able to stand on her own two feet. I enjoy her visions, her mouth, and just her overall sense of good, especially when it comes to wanting to help others. Its refreshing to read a protagonist that so pure in heart. Now negatives: Enter Joe, and everything goes to hell in a handbag. She gets weak, and acts like she can't do anything right. And then Joe doesn't support her as much as I think she deserves. And too much HANKY-PANKY! This story starts with a possible chance for Rose to experience a new relationship with Austin, but then he disappears and I never read about him again. What was up with that? I don't understand when authors do that. And then Rose tangles with another gentleman in Mason. Now, I like Mason. He's the opposite of Joe, but there is something much more to Mason. He's prickly, but sensitive too. I'd like to know more about Mason. But Joe. Joe just really bugs me in this story. He makes Rose forget about the important things. It's like her libido takes over when he shows up. And I wish the author would just concentrate on the real story here-the mystery of who killed the hardware manager-instead of all the lovey-dovey stuff. I get it. Rose is in love. But this is also Rose's FIRST love. I worry that the author is going to make this all wine and roses with Rose and Joe, when first loves never last and that's not reality. (Not that the hanky-panky is bad...just...ICK!...too much...too fast!) Plus, while I learn more about Joe, there is something about him (I can't put my finger on it,) that I just don't like. I can't shake that he's not really all that and a bag of chips, but I don't know why. There is a nice balance with what is going on in Violet and Mike's life. And we still don't learn anymore about Rose's mom. The last five chapters of the book really were intense...and I loved it. Finally, the romantic foo-foo was gone and we had a real story going on. Also, more of the real Joe came out, which really showed a different side to him. The plot really thickens in those chapters, and almost, I say almost wipes out the mushy other chapters in the book. As it was, I just skimmed/skipped over those icky lovey parts and focused on the mystery. The mystery story, and the parts when Rose as on her own, being her good, pure self were the strongest in this story. Thankfully, there was a still a balance of humor, but not as strong as in the first book. Unfortunately, I can only give this story two stars. The mystery story was a solid three stars; all the mushiness in the first two-thirds of the book left a bad taste in my mouth, and dropped it to two. (6/26-28)
Book 3: Thirty and a Half Excuses. This book made me very happy. Rose is so much better when she's away from one of her admirers, and this one definitely proved it. There is still both men in her life, but one is coming to the top in showing how much he cares about and supports her, despite her unusual ability. There is also another list in here, which continues to build off the title. (Even if the list appears to show Rose doing a complete 180 degree turn as she contemplates her boyfriend.) There is a continuation of characters introduced in the first book, but Muffy doesn't get as much love in this book, and that's unfortunate, because I love that dog's role in the story as much as I love Rose. This book felt complete from beginning to end. It was well thought out and at the end I thought, "hmmm...this author had been building up to this point since the first book." Maybe not true, but it certainly read like it, looking back from the end. (Certainly these clues started in book two, if not earlier.) While I said in the first book's review, that a reader could stop after book one, I no longer feel that way going forward. This book really sucked me in, and leaves me wondering what is going to happen next. A reader could stop here if s/he chose, but I'm glad I gutted through book two to get to this one, because of how smooth, and quickly it read. Three solid stars.(6/28-29)
Book 3.5: Falling to Pieces. (AKA: Thirty and Thirty-One) This novella gives more insight into Joe and his family. (Not that I necessarily wanted one. They are plain....well...I'll leave that up to others to decide what they are. Other readers may feel differently than I.) This story alternated between Rose and Joe and what happens mainly after the end of (or near the very end of) book three. It, fortunately, was quick read. Fortunate because it felt slimy to me. But I feel like the author created this story not only to shed this light on Joe's family, but to set it up for books that come after this one. There were some glaring typos in this one...but not excessively. Low three stars. (6/29)
Overall a three star set.
I read the first book in this series (it was a free ebook, and I believe it still is free to download,) and enjoyed it enough (plus the box set #1 and #2 came up for sale at a very cheap price,) so I thought I'd try the next few books in this series.
I'll break my reviews down for each book, and then give an overall rating on the box set.
Book 1: Twenty-Eight and Half Wishes. I have reviewed this book separately, so I won't review it again here. The basic review is: I enjoyed the balance between serious and humor in this book. The protagonist is sweet, innocent and enjoyable to read. I love the language the author used for Rose. It fit her character very well. (Or maybe that's just the natural, southern Arkansas accent.) I give it three stars. It made me curious as to how the character would evolve. A decent read; no cliffhanger. If a reader stopped here, it would be OK. (6/25-26)
Book 2: Twenty-Nine and a Half Reasons. I got to tell you. I'm really not liking this story as much as the first one. Here's why. First the good: I love Rose so much. She is so strong and able to stand on her own two feet. I enjoy her visions, her mouth, and just her overall sense of good, especially when it comes to wanting to help others. Its refreshing to read a protagonist that so pure in heart. Now negatives: Enter Joe, and everything goes to hell in a handbag. She gets weak, and acts like she can't do anything right. And then Joe doesn't support her as much as I think she deserves. And too much HANKY-PANKY! This story starts with a possible chance for Rose to experience a new relationship with Austin, but then he disappears and I never read about him again. What was up with that? I don't understand when authors do that. And then Rose tangles with another gentleman in Mason. Now, I like Mason. He's the opposite of Joe, but there is something much more to Mason. He's prickly, but sensitive too. I'd like to know more about Mason. But Joe. Joe just really bugs me in this story. He makes Rose forget about the important things. It's like her libido takes over when he shows up. And I wish the author would just concentrate on the real story here-the mystery of who killed the hardware manager-instead of all the lovey-dovey stuff. I get it. Rose is in love. But this is also Rose's FIRST love. I worry that the author is going to make this all wine and roses with Rose and Joe, when first loves never last and that's not reality. (Not that the hanky-panky is bad...just...ICK!...too much...too fast!) Plus, while I learn more about Joe, there is something about him (I can't put my finger on it,) that I just don't like. I can't shake that he's not really all that and a bag of chips, but I don't know why. There is a nice balance with what is going on in Violet and Mike's life. And we still don't learn anymore about Rose's mom. The last five chapters of the book really were intense...and I loved it. Finally, the romantic foo-foo was gone and we had a real story going on. Also, more of the real Joe came out, which really showed a different side to him. The plot really thickens in those chapters, and almost, I say almost wipes out the mushy other chapters in the book. As it was, I just skimmed/skipped over those icky lovey parts and focused on the mystery. The mystery story, and the parts when Rose as on her own, being her good, pure self were the strongest in this story. Thankfully, there was a still a balance of humor, but not as strong as in the first book. Unfortunately, I can only give this story two stars. The mystery story was a solid three stars; all the mushiness in the first two-thirds of the book left a bad taste in my mouth, and dropped it to two. (6/26-28)
Book 3: Thirty and a Half Excuses. This book made me very happy. Rose is so much better when she's away from one of her admirers, and this one definitely proved it. There is still both men in her life, but one is coming to the top in showing how much he cares about and supports her, despite her unusual ability. There is also another list in here, which continues to build off the title. (Even if the list appears to show Rose doing a complete 180 degree turn as she contemplates her boyfriend.) There is a continuation of characters introduced in the first book, but Muffy doesn't get as much love in this book, and that's unfortunate, because I love that dog's role in the story as much as I love Rose. This book felt complete from beginning to end. It was well thought out and at the end I thought, "hmmm...this author had been building up to this point since the first book." Maybe not true, but it certainly read like it, looking back from the end. (Certainly these clues started in book two, if not earlier.) While I said in the first book's review, that a reader could stop after book one, I no longer feel that way going forward. This book really sucked me in, and leaves me wondering what is going to happen next. A reader could stop here if s/he chose, but I'm glad I gutted through book two to get to this one, because of how smooth, and quickly it read. Three solid stars.(6/28-29)
Book 3.5: Falling to Pieces. (AKA: Thirty and Thirty-One) This novella gives more insight into Joe and his family. (Not that I necessarily wanted one. They are plain....well...I'll leave that up to others to decide what they are. Other readers may feel differently than I.) This story alternated between Rose and Joe and what happens mainly after the end of (or near the very end of) book three. It, fortunately, was quick read. Fortunate because it felt slimy to me. But I feel like the author created this story not only to shed this light on Joe's family, but to set it up for books that come after this one. There were some glaring typos in this one...but not excessively. Low three stars. (6/29)
Overall a three star set.
August 29, 2018
It took me a little bit to get into this series, but I am loving it now.
Rose Gardner always has had "visions" about the people she is next to. Most of them are silly and not all of them come true, but one day she has a vision at her job, the DMV, when a man comes to the counter. She sees her own death and it makes her pass out. She then makes a list of things she would like to do before her death. Only living home with her mother, who seems to hate her and loves to control her, doing those things will be tough. Her married sister, Violet is on her side and her new neighbor, Joe, seems interesting. When her mother turns up dead instead of Rose, her whole life starts changing. And the whole town thinks she did it. So Rose sets about to prove her innocence while starting to spread her wings. And get involved with her neighbor, who isn't who he seems to be.
That's jus the first book in the series. The series is a continuing story where Rose continues to grow and her circle of friends gets wider, as does her circle of enemies. The falling to pieces novella broke my heart for Rose and Joe and while I can see where things are headed for Rose, I am still team Joe. I know he has some major growing up to do and needs to learn to stand up to his family, but I can't help but hope down the line they can be together. At least he is still involved in the series and I can't wait to start the next box set.
Rose Gardner always has had "visions" about the people she is next to. Most of them are silly and not all of them come true, but one day she has a vision at her job, the DMV, when a man comes to the counter. She sees her own death and it makes her pass out. She then makes a list of things she would like to do before her death. Only living home with her mother, who seems to hate her and loves to control her, doing those things will be tough. Her married sister, Violet is on her side and her new neighbor, Joe, seems interesting. When her mother turns up dead instead of Rose, her whole life starts changing. And the whole town thinks she did it. So Rose sets about to prove her innocence while starting to spread her wings. And get involved with her neighbor, who isn't who he seems to be.
That's jus the first book in the series. The series is a continuing story where Rose continues to grow and her circle of friends gets wider, as does her circle of enemies. The falling to pieces novella broke my heart for Rose and Joe and while I can see where things are headed for Rose, I am still team Joe. I know he has some major growing up to do and needs to learn to stand up to his family, but I can't help but hope down the line they can be together. At least he is still involved in the series and I can't wait to start the next box set.
September 20, 2017
Everyone who's anyone needs this series in their life! I mean c'mon the first book is free so no loss if for whatever reason it's not for you (but who are we kidding) and then when you're pulled in by the mayhem that is Henryetta you can pick up the rest of the series! It has it all, a little romance, a lot of comedy, some mystery and suspense too! This is an awesome book series! I flew right through them because I could not put them down. Pick them up if you love a good crime partner series that will leave you laughing!
First book in the series is FREE! Yes, you read that right! Now go! Stop what your doing and go out and get this series! Like, right now! Don't miss out! #WhyAreYouStillHere #ThreeDaysOnly #TickTock
First book in the series is FREE! Yes, you read that right! Now go! Stop what your doing and go out and get this series! Like, right now! Don't miss out! #WhyAreYouStillHere #ThreeDaysOnly #TickTock
March 7, 2018
This Rose Gardner Mystery box set has 3 full length books and a novella. Rose has lived a sheltered life until an accidental run in with a man that ends up murdering her mother, leaving Rose to take the fall for it. Rose sees her death in her visions of the future so she creates a list of everything she wants to do before she dies.
Throughout this series you watch Rose grow and become the person she wants to be. She makes friends and opens her own business. She investigates and gets into trouble. She has a big heart and tries to save everyone she can.
Throughout this series you watch Rose grow and become the person she wants to be. She makes friends and opens her own business. She investigates and gets into trouble. She has a big heart and tries to save everyone she can.
October 9, 2022
Not a fan off the direction that the series took with a lot of the characters. When you veer from the main characters beginning story or couples created that was so much of the story line or theme of the first few books. You root for them or see them having a on and off relationship or end up together. The string of men in Rose's life just waiting around for her just was a bit unrealistic in the end. Also the everyone that was of good character in the first few books suddenly turned shandy or criminal in such a tiny town. The excitement from book to book just ran out of spark to keep going.
April 7, 2018
Volume One of this series introduces you to Rose Gardner. When we first meet her she is a quiet unassuming woman and through circumstances beyond her control she grows into a confident woman surrounded by a great network of friends.
I stumbled upon the first book in this volume on accident, but was hooked halfway through. I read the rest of the volume in less than a week! You will not be able to put this book down until you finish!
I stumbled upon the first book in this volume on accident, but was hooked halfway through. I read the rest of the volume in less than a week! You will not be able to put this book down until you finish!
January 15, 2018
Awesome Series
So, I was reading a crossover book, Rose and Helena Save Christmas, that I really enjoyed. I had read the complete Ghost-in-Law series by another author who wrote the Helena piece. I thought I would try Denise Grover Swank's books and learn more about the Rose character. So happy I did. The series of 9.5 books is complete, and I was able to buy them all in 3 box sets. I put aside everything I was doing to completely read all 9.5 books. Love, love, love them. So now I am writing the reviews. The characters have heart. They grew up in heart breaking environments and had the strength of character to evolve into wonderful people. But the mysteries are what clinched my love for the series. The mysteries are involved, sometimes complex, and often times filled with dangerous activities. This is a great series. Be prepared for a reading binge.
So, I was reading a crossover book, Rose and Helena Save Christmas, that I really enjoyed. I had read the complete Ghost-in-Law series by another author who wrote the Helena piece. I thought I would try Denise Grover Swank's books and learn more about the Rose character. So happy I did. The series of 9.5 books is complete, and I was able to buy them all in 3 box sets. I put aside everything I was doing to completely read all 9.5 books. Love, love, love them. So now I am writing the reviews. The characters have heart. They grew up in heart breaking environments and had the strength of character to evolve into wonderful people. But the mysteries are what clinched my love for the series. The mysteries are involved, sometimes complex, and often times filled with dangerous activities. This is a great series. Be prepared for a reading binge.
July 12, 2018
Let me just say, I highly recommend this box set for those who haven’t yet started this series. Why?! Because once you start reading this series, you’re going to want to keep reading... and reading... and reading. At least with the box set, you’ll have several of the first novels available.
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