Rose excels at sweet talking. Judith escapes north to Canada searching for freedom. Two dissimilar women suddenly find their lives connected.
1859. Rose Goodwin, a shopkeeper’s wife, volunteers occasionally with an anti-slavery society. Her experiences, however, leave her unprepared to accept her new assignment – nurse Judith, an ill refugee, back to health and help her discover freedom.
At first, Rose resists, believing Judith will soon die. However, a promise to her husband that she will at least try to assist Judith turns into an obsession. Rose will do whatever it takes to ensure not only that Judith lives but that she has the best life possible.
What will Rose sacrifice to guarantee she completes her assignment?
Stories from behind the spotlight — rock star romances that are honest, passionate, and deeply human.
Melina Druga writes heartfelt stories about love, resilience, and the ties that connect us all. Best known for her contemporary rock star romances, she brings authenticity and emotional depth to a world often clouded by stereotypes — crafting stories that reflect the realities of being rock stars and the women who love them.
Her novels blend passion and vulnerability, exploring the complexities of love, identity, and second chances. Each book invites readers into the lives of characters who are flawed, hopeful, and achingly human, reminding us that even in the spotlight, the heart tells the truest story.
Earlier in her career, Melina explored historical fiction and nonfiction, and her love of the past continues to shape the emotional depth and texture of her writing.
When she’s not writing, Melina can often be found listening to music, exercising or watching musicians’ interviews. She believes stories, like songs, have the power to heal, inspire and remind us that love, in all forms, is worth the journey.
A moving novel that follows the characteristic historical fidelity with which the author describes the environment and the circumstances faced by the protagonists. Even though it is brief, its characters, especially Rose, do not fail to question the reader about the prejudices and injustices that are "accepted" in a society, and the awareness that it is necessary to take together with personal actions, according to our possibilities, to that our environment manages to change towards a better future for all. _______ Conmovedora novela, que sigue la característica fidelidad histórica con que la autora describe el entorno y las circunstancias que enfrentan los protagonistas. Aún siendo breve, sus personajes, especialmente Rose, no dejan de interpelar al lector sobre los prejuicios e injusticias que son "aceptados" en una sociedad, y la conciencia que es necesario tomar junto a las acciones personales, de acuerdo a nuestras posibilidades, para que nuestro entorno logre ir cambiando hacia un futuro mejor para todos.
What a remarkable story in Rose's Assignment by Melina Druga. I am a definite fan of this author! Whatever this author writes, I want to read. Rose has a story of her own, and what a magnificent story it is. In previous works by this author, Rose is the grandmother of Hettie. Now, here we are, learning about Rose's strength, and how much of an impact she made on her family and others. She was part of the Underground Railroad that ran up to Canada. The story takes the reader back to 1859, years after Canada finally abolished slavery (1834). Rose faces a challenge, and almost looks at it as a defeat or lost cause, but Lewis knows how to get her focused again, and take care of what needs to be done, lost cause or not. Druga certainly did her research, and hits all the notes of a historical story, but it is more than just a story. It tugs at your heart. It shows how life was, and there is this connection between Judith and Rose, that almost seems impossible. A very well told story, actually, it's all about showing the story and getting to know the characters, and this certainly does that. It’s definitely un-put-downable! It is always an honor to read this author's books. This author is a great storyteller. Masterfully written! Rose's Assignment is a definite recommendation by Amy's Bookshelf Reviews.
I’ve read several titles by this author and have enjoyed each, with Rose’s Assignment among the latest of these. Druga does a great job at wrapping historical details into bite-sized nuggets and entwining them throughout her narratives. For example, we hear of the fashion of the day- crinoline- via Rose’s internal thoughts while working in her husband’s store. But, it does not take away from the serious nature of the overall plot or what reader’s learn about the Underground Railroad. The characters and their interactions are believable. The subject matter — sometimes heartbreaking — a necessary story that was beautifully told. A free copy of the book was provided to me by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I loved Judith and Rose’s story. I was very impressed with this character Rose showed so much strength and courage. Working with the Underground Railroad was dangerous and there were so many pitfalls. This book showcased this and Rose’s story in a brilliant way. It starts with a reluctant Rose and finished in a lifelong friendship. It was a marvelous piece. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
Wonderful book that shows compassion and helping others out. The friendship between Rose and Judith is touching. I enjoyed reading it and I recommend Melina's book.
Roses assignment is the third book in the Heddy’s Ancestors series by Melina Druga. Rose Goodwin is Lucretia‘s mom and Heddie‘s grandmother and in the book she’s 20 years old living with her husband Louis Goodwin above the Mercantile store whenT mrs. Hart and her daughter come to beg her assistance. They all belong to the society that helps refugees slaves from America gets settled in Canada. Unfortunately, one arrived who looks on the verge of death and they want rose to tend to her until she gets better. at first, Rose says she cannot do it, due to her two young boys, The store and of course her husband, Louis. Rose feels bad and it doesn’t help that Louis eggs are on and tells her she should be more charitable because rose sees herself as a giving person and doesn’t mind begging donations for the runaways, but tending to a sick woman in roses opinion is all too much. Due to roses personality, Louis sways her into excepting the assignment. It doesn’t take long for rose to feel like she is in over her head not to mention after tending to Judith for months and seeing her get better now Lewis says she spends too much time with the runaway and when Louis wakes up and finds Rose gone, it is just all too much for him and he wants her to settle Judith so she can tend to her family. it is Barry Canada in 1859 and women should listen to their husbands, but unfortunately, Louis is married to Rose who has a mind and opinions of her own. This book made me laugh. I loved Rose so much. I thought her friendship with Judith felt so authentic, unlike other books where, they make the main character seem like an angel sent from heaven. Rose was a bumbling mess when speaking to Judith and always found herself saying the wrong thing and it made me laugh out loud. I love this authors books and cannot wait for the next book. These short reads are heartwarming and I just love them.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This author really knows how to make history come alive! I felt like I’d been carried back to in time, put in a position to help someone, then left to figure it out with very little guidance. If you’ve read previous books, Rose is Lucretia’s mother and Hettie’s grandmother. It is another wonderful story about this family with many strong, modern (for their time) women. It shows both Rose’s interest in the plight of former slaves as she helps one very ill young woman and her life as a young wife and mother of two very young children. I was most struck by some of the problems Rose had to solve; they took much time, effort and creativity for Rose to solve, yet, in reality, should have been simple and obvious. The stark inequalities and attitudes of the time are shown in some very memorable scenes. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Very deep book covering uncomfortable subjects and getting out of comfort zone. Pulls you in and makes you feel. Lots of good morals and concepts. Sometimes we need to give of ourselves to help others even when it makes our life a little harder for a time. Also addresses a little bit the horrors of slavery. Rose herself was a tough women but like us all had insecurities. Judith as well so strong. So strong. To go through what she did and still make it out alive.
Doing the right thing, making hard decisions, getting dirty to help, sacrifice of self ( time, family, things) being kind, abuse, freedom, slavery, illness, dealing with others who suffered abuse, learning to help.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.