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The Tea Rose
Where Roses Fall
Bestselling and award-winning author Jennifer Donnelly continues her Rose Petals series – novella-length stories set within the world of her beloved Tea Rose saga.
It’s the summer of 1900 in London’s gritty East End. The ruthless, complicated gangster Sid Malone rules the streets of Whitechapel with an iron fist, but cannot rule his own heart.
A forbidden love for India Selwyn Jones, an idealistic young doctor, torments Sid. He’s certain the violence of his underworld life will only lead to tragedy for a soul whose kindness and decency are like nothing he’s ever known.
When India’s new hospital is robbed in a stealthy nighttime raid, Sid’s worst fears are confirmed. Convinced a powerful rival is closing in, he distances himself from India to keep her safe. But what he doesn’t see is that the one who needs saving might just be himself.
Where Roses Fall is set between parts one and two of The Winter Rose, the second book of The Tea Rose saga.
Praise for The Rose Saga
The Tea Rose
"Steeped in melodrama, revenge and a maddeningly star-crossed romance, The Tea Rose is a fine yarn ... Bottom Guilty pleasure."
People Magazine
The Winter Rose
"The Winter Rose confirms Donnelly's place among the elite writers of epic historical fiction. Lyrical and captivating, The Winter Rose is an astounding work that will speak to your heart."
The Strand Bookstore, New York City
The Wild Rose
"Enjoy the 600-plus pages of romance, harrowing exploits, cinematic backdrops, cliffhangers, and plot twists."
Publisher's Weekly
It’s the summer of 1900 in London’s gritty East End. The ruthless, complicated gangster Sid Malone rules the streets of Whitechapel with an iron fist, but cannot rule his own heart.
A forbidden love for India Selwyn Jones, an idealistic young doctor, torments Sid. He’s certain the violence of his underworld life will only lead to tragedy for a soul whose kindness and decency are like nothing he’s ever known.
When India’s new hospital is robbed in a stealthy nighttime raid, Sid’s worst fears are confirmed. Convinced a powerful rival is closing in, he distances himself from India to keep her safe. But what he doesn’t see is that the one who needs saving might just be himself.
Where Roses Fall is set between parts one and two of The Winter Rose, the second book of The Tea Rose saga.
Praise for The Rose Saga
The Tea Rose
"Steeped in melodrama, revenge and a maddeningly star-crossed romance, The Tea Rose is a fine yarn ... Bottom Guilty pleasure."
People Magazine
The Winter Rose
"The Winter Rose confirms Donnelly's place among the elite writers of epic historical fiction. Lyrical and captivating, The Winter Rose is an astounding work that will speak to your heart."
The Strand Bookstore, New York City
The Wild Rose
"Enjoy the 600-plus pages of romance, harrowing exploits, cinematic backdrops, cliffhangers, and plot twists."
Publisher's Weekly
176 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 2024
About the author
Jennifer Donnelly
48 books8,383 followersJennifer Donnelly is the author of fourteen novels - Beastly Beauty, Poisoned, Stepsister, Lost in a Book, These Shallow Graves, Sea Spell, Dark Tide, Rogue Wave, Deep Blue, Revolution, A Northern Light, The Tea Rose, The Winter Rose and The Wild Rose - and Humble Pie, a picture book for children. She is a co-author of Fatal Throne, which explores the lives of King Henry VIII's six wives, for which she wrote the part of Anna of Cleves, Henry's fourth wife.
In 2023, she published Molly's Letter, the first in a series of novella-length stories called Rose Petals set in the world of her three-volume Tea Rose series -- followed by Where Roses Fall in August, 2024.
Jennifer grew up in New York State, in Lewis and Westchester counties, and attended the University of Rochester where she majored in English Literature and European History.
See Jennifer's full bio on Wikipedia.
In 2023, she published Molly's Letter, the first in a series of novella-length stories called Rose Petals set in the world of her three-volume Tea Rose series -- followed by Where Roses Fall in August, 2024.
Jennifer grew up in New York State, in Lewis and Westchester counties, and attended the University of Rochester where she majored in English Literature and European History.
See Jennifer's full bio on Wikipedia.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
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August 12, 2024The Tea Rose saga has a new chapter! To all of you who have joined me on my new journey into an old story, thank you from the bottom of my heart! I have loved spending time with my beloved Rose saga characters again: Fiona and Nick in Molly's Letter, and, now, Sid and India – the forbidden lovers from The Winter Rose – in Where Roses Fall.
But what I really love is sharing this world with you, my dearest readers. Your enthusiasm, encouragement and engagement with the Rose saga – the original books and now these follow-up "Rose Petals" – sustains me, and I’m so happy that you’re with me to discover the new stories and unexplored threads within The Tea Rose, The Winter Rose, and The Wild Rose!
So … what’s the deal with Where Roses Fall? Here’s a little spoiler-free Q&A to set the stage:
Q: You called Where Roses Fall a “Rose Petal” – is it a new Tea Rose saga book?
A: It is, but like Molly's Letter, the first of my Rose Petal stories set within the world of the Rose saga, it’s a novella, not a massive 700-page Tea Rose-style novel. A novella is longer than a short story but shorter than a full novel … though Where Roses Fall is quite long for a novella – the hardcover edition is almost 200 pages!
Each Rose Petal story centers on an episode in the lives of characters from the original Rose saga books -- some major characters, some who might’ve been just a quick mention in the original. Or they might be entirely new characters that none of us have met before – like young Jimmy Evans in Where Roses Fall. He’s brand new, but I think you’ll love him – I do!
Q: Where Roses Fall is set within The Winter Rose. Can we assume that Sid Malone and India Selwyn Jones are in it?
A: And how! It’s all about the difficult, dangerous early days of Sid and India’s relationship, and how close it all came to ending before it even began. But you’ll recognize other characters, too. The villains in Sid’s crime gang. Police Sergeant Roddy O’Meara. The boisterous Moskowitz family, whom I particularly love – this story allowed me to develop them more than I could in The Winter Rose, and it was wonderful to get to know them a little better this time around.
Q: Where and when is Where Roses Fall set?
A: It’s set in London in 1900. Between parts one and two of The Winter Rose.
Q: Do I need to read The Winter Rose before I read Where Roses Fall?
A: You don’t have to – the story stands on its own if you don’t know any of the characters or the backstory – but you’ll have a lot more context if you read at least part one of The Winter Rose (and The Tea Rose, for that matter) first.
Q: Where and when can I buy Where Roses Fall?
A: Wherever you buy books on August 15 – though you can pre-order it now from most retailers, both brick-and-mortar and online (Amazon, oddly, only sells the Kindle ebook on pre-order … the paperback and hardcover will become available there on the 15th). You can also get a signed copy directly from me on my website shop. The audiobook (read by the amazing Jill Tanner, who read all the Rose saga books, including Molly's Letter), will be out later this year.
Q: Where can I learn more?
A: I have quite a bit about Where Roses Fall on my website and social media channels (I’m @jenwritesbooks on most platforms). And for more about the Rose Petals project, you can check out my Q&A on Molly's Letter here on Goodreads – I left it as the first review of that book (like I’m doing now for Where Roses Fall!).
Q: What’s next for the Rose Petals project?
A: I’m definitely doing a third Rose Petal story. I think I know what it’s going to be … but I’m still ironing out the plot. Stay tuned!! ❤️🌹❤️
But what I really love is sharing this world with you, my dearest readers. Your enthusiasm, encouragement and engagement with the Rose saga – the original books and now these follow-up "Rose Petals" – sustains me, and I’m so happy that you’re with me to discover the new stories and unexplored threads within The Tea Rose, The Winter Rose, and The Wild Rose!
So … what’s the deal with Where Roses Fall? Here’s a little spoiler-free Q&A to set the stage:
Q: You called Where Roses Fall a “Rose Petal” – is it a new Tea Rose saga book?
A: It is, but like Molly's Letter, the first of my Rose Petal stories set within the world of the Rose saga, it’s a novella, not a massive 700-page Tea Rose-style novel. A novella is longer than a short story but shorter than a full novel … though Where Roses Fall is quite long for a novella – the hardcover edition is almost 200 pages!
Each Rose Petal story centers on an episode in the lives of characters from the original Rose saga books -- some major characters, some who might’ve been just a quick mention in the original. Or they might be entirely new characters that none of us have met before – like young Jimmy Evans in Where Roses Fall. He’s brand new, but I think you’ll love him – I do!
Q: Where Roses Fall is set within The Winter Rose. Can we assume that Sid Malone and India Selwyn Jones are in it?
A: And how! It’s all about the difficult, dangerous early days of Sid and India’s relationship, and how close it all came to ending before it even began. But you’ll recognize other characters, too. The villains in Sid’s crime gang. Police Sergeant Roddy O’Meara. The boisterous Moskowitz family, whom I particularly love – this story allowed me to develop them more than I could in The Winter Rose, and it was wonderful to get to know them a little better this time around.
Q: Where and when is Where Roses Fall set?
A: It’s set in London in 1900. Between parts one and two of The Winter Rose.
Q: Do I need to read The Winter Rose before I read Where Roses Fall?
A: You don’t have to – the story stands on its own if you don’t know any of the characters or the backstory – but you’ll have a lot more context if you read at least part one of The Winter Rose (and The Tea Rose, for that matter) first.
Q: Where and when can I buy Where Roses Fall?
A: Wherever you buy books on August 15 – though you can pre-order it now from most retailers, both brick-and-mortar and online (Amazon, oddly, only sells the Kindle ebook on pre-order … the paperback and hardcover will become available there on the 15th). You can also get a signed copy directly from me on my website shop. The audiobook (read by the amazing Jill Tanner, who read all the Rose saga books, including Molly's Letter), will be out later this year.
Q: Where can I learn more?
A: I have quite a bit about Where Roses Fall on my website and social media channels (I’m @jenwritesbooks on most platforms). And for more about the Rose Petals project, you can check out my Q&A on Molly's Letter here on Goodreads – I left it as the first review of that book (like I’m doing now for Where Roses Fall!).
Q: What’s next for the Rose Petals project?
A: I’m definitely doing a third Rose Petal story. I think I know what it’s going to be … but I’m still ironing out the plot. Stay tuned!! ❤️🌹❤️
September 9, 2024
The Winter Rose is my most favourite book in the universe, and this was everything I was hoping for. Would love to see this series on the screen!
September 5, 2024
If you've read the Tea Rose series and are a fan, you will absolutely enjoy this novella. It's about Sid Malone and a great addition to the overall series!
September 1, 2024
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS!!!!sorry I'm shouting but Sid and India from the Winter Rose are my fave couple, and I remember writing in my review for that book how much I loved Ella and the Moscowitz family too. This novella is set during the time Ella and India are setting up their own hospital and have their own crazy busy clinic for the residents of Whitechapel at the Moscowitz' home, while Sid battles his conscience - the bad boy who can't help love the good girl. Actually this book is set during one of my fave time periods in the Winter Rose book - I can't get enough of these characters and India is such a good match for him! she really kicks butt when she needs to - and here ..well no spoilers, just read it!! if you loved them in the Winter Rose you'll love them in this extra section of the book!! Where Roses Fall has danger, love and laughter, heartbreak and heartwarming happiness, and everything inbetween. I laughed so hard in some parts - even the new characters were awesome! this novella not only lived up to (my admittedly high) expectations but was even better - everything I hoped for and more! I'm so grateful for the new Rose Petal novellas, they seamlessly fit in and really add to the main stories without any retcons or feeling out of place. This was fantastic, I loved every second and I'll be re-reading for sure!
August 23, 2024
Thank you Jennifer Donnelly for getting me out of my reading slump with this little masterpiece. I cannot believe 10 years after I first started reading (and rereading) this series, I get to learn a little more about my favorite characters and world.
This book was so real, and raw, and heartbreaking. This was the sweetest surprise and I am so glad the author decided to write another novella❤️
This book was so real, and raw, and heartbreaking. This was the sweetest surprise and I am so glad the author decided to write another novella❤️
December 8, 2024
Another great novella for this series. Just like its predecessor, this one made me cry multiple times, quite a feat for something less than 200 pages long. These novellas aren't necessary for the enjoyment of the main books in the series, but they add such a lovely layer of extra depth. Of the original three books, The Winter Rose was always my favorite, and this novella absolutely lived up to my expectations. I can't believe how many times I got choked up.
September 9, 2024
So lovely to be immersed once again in the world of The Winter Rose, one of my all time favorite books. It's fun to get a chance to spend more time with Sid and India. Both headstrong, well drawn characters, on the backdrop of London slums and criminal gangs. There is an epic feel to their love story and the whole trilogy is so expansive, filled historical details and delightful secondary characters like Jimmy Evans, Sargeant O'Meara and the Moskovitz family. Pleasure to read such good writing
August 24, 2024
Cute novella, to complement some of the future events in “The winter rose”.
May 31, 2025
Finished this within an hour! There's a lot packed into this novella. If you loved The Winter Rose, you'll love this too.
August 18, 2024
I have been a huge Jennifer Donnelly fan since forever and I expected to love this story ... so no surprise that I did. Not sure I expected a whole new character/family (and potential future storyline) in what's framed as a mere "novella set within the world of the Winter Rose," though.
But Donnelly manages to pull it off: she sticks cleanly within the story arc of the Winter Rose, while introducing a new major character -- Jimmy Evans, plus his young family -- and their own compelling story of struggle and (maybe one day) triumph. Doing that without impacting the original story is some seriously clever storytelling. I suspect she's testing -- or teasing -- what could be a whole new branch of the already massive (and growing) Tea Rose saga tree. I hope so!
I did not re-read the Winter Rose in advance of Where Roses Fall, but had no problem picking the story right back up. Donnelly provides enough backstory to remind you of who's who -- or if you haven't read the Winter Rose at all, enough that you're not completely lost (though if you haven't read The Tea Rose and at least part one of The Winter Rose, I'd suggest you do -- there's an enormous amount history and drama behind these characters that you'll miss without it). There are a lot of characters in this (more than Molly's Letter, I believe), so some of the villains in Sid's gang took some reacquaintance.
Speaking of clever, Donnelly buries a lot of little references and inferences and Easter eggs in all her work, and she drops some bombs here. Trying not to spoil, but . Clever, indeed.
This is big for a novella -- both in length and in scope. Between the page count and the whole new family to care about, this really feels like an expansion of the Tea Rose saga. Bring it on!
But Donnelly manages to pull it off: she sticks cleanly within the story arc of the Winter Rose, while introducing a new major character -- Jimmy Evans, plus his young family -- and their own compelling story of struggle and (maybe one day) triumph. Doing that without impacting the original story is some seriously clever storytelling. I suspect she's testing -- or teasing -- what could be a whole new branch of the already massive (and growing) Tea Rose saga tree. I hope so!
I did not re-read the Winter Rose in advance of Where Roses Fall, but had no problem picking the story right back up. Donnelly provides enough backstory to remind you of who's who -- or if you haven't read the Winter Rose at all, enough that you're not completely lost (though if you haven't read The Tea Rose and at least part one of The Winter Rose, I'd suggest you do -- there's an enormous amount history and drama behind these characters that you'll miss without it). There are a lot of characters in this (more than Molly's Letter, I believe), so some of the villains in Sid's gang took some reacquaintance.
Speaking of clever, Donnelly buries a lot of little references and inferences and Easter eggs in all her work, and she drops some bombs here. Trying not to spoil, but . Clever, indeed.
This is big for a novella -- both in length and in scope. Between the page count and the whole new family to care about, this really feels like an expansion of the Tea Rose saga. Bring it on!
March 17, 2026
Just finished reading Where Roses Fall by Jennifer Donnelly, and it was amazing! This book is connected to The Winter Rose, so to really understand it, you should read that first. And to grasp The Winter Rose, you need to start with The Tea Rose, making it a whole series with a total of five books. In Where Roses Fall, we dive into the story of Dr. Jones and Sid—a doctor and a criminal from two different worlds who fall madly in love. To understand how Sid ended up in his lifestyle, you definitely need to read the earlier books. Dr. Jones saves him, and she’s the first person he ever truly opens his heart to. Their love changes them both. Out of all the books in the Tea Rose series, The Winter Rose and this one are my favorites. This book fills in parts of the story that weren’t told in The Winter Rose. If you want to peek into their future, check out the last book in the series, The Wild Rose. While the main characters there aren’t Dr. Jones and Sid, you do learn how they create a family together and open clinics, which is so heartwarming! If you enjoy powerful love stories with themes of redemption, you need to read this!
September 5, 2024
A wonderful addition to the Tea Rose series. Can't wait for the next installment. I wish there were more than novellas to look forward to (hint, hint). Any chance of a full-blown story based on this series?
November 4, 2024
This novella has its moments, but it didn't quite match the excitement of the rest of the series. The plot was less captivating, and I found myself wanting more. It just didn’t hold my attention like the other books did.
December 29, 2024
I don’t know why I like these books as much as I do. They’re so soppy. Maybe because I listen to the audiobooks and the reader is excellent (though I think she made Jimmy and Ollie sound too young, minor complaint).
January 13, 2025
Loved this book as much as I loved the Tea Rose
Series. I love everything Jennifer Donnelly writes. I can’t wait to see her books come to life on film! Highly recommend you read every book she’s written.
Series. I love everything Jennifer Donnelly writes. I can’t wait to see her books come to life on film! Highly recommend you read every book she’s written.
February 12, 2026
Love the Rose Series
Jennifer Donnelly is my favorite author. Her writing draws you in from the first page.
This complicated love story holds you throughout the book and leaves you wanting more and wanting to re-read the books!
Jennifer Donnelly is my favorite author. Her writing draws you in from the first page.
This complicated love story holds you throughout the book and leaves you wanting more and wanting to re-read the books!
October 16, 2024
Nice interim story about Sid Malone the crime boss and Dr. India Jones. Loved the extra information about their love story!
February 9, 2025
It was better than Molly's letter, but not as good as the actual tea rose trilogy.
April 4, 2025
This novella made me remember just how fabulous the Tea Rose series is and makes me want to re-read the whole series! It was a fabulous look back into the lives of Sid and India.
June 25, 2025
A bit too melodramatic and very predictable. Disappointing.
July 20, 2025
I listened to this while walking. I enjoyed listening.
January 18, 2026
SO GOOD. I couldn’t put it down. Wish I could stay in this world forever. Please keep writing Jen 🙏
April 25, 2026
Have loved all the Tea Rose books!
April 28, 2026
Very short. Felt like it was half a book with much more story left in it.
August 6, 2026
FASCINATING & HEARTFELT SERIES!
I loved these Tea Rose Series & wish she would write more like this! The Tea Rose became one of my favorite books I’ve read l loved it!
I loved these Tea Rose Series & wish she would write more like this! The Tea Rose became one of my favorite books I’ve read l loved it!
October 1, 2024
I can't even put into words what it means to me that Jennifer Donnelly decided to re-visit this story. I have a very worn paperback of The Winter Rose on my book shelf that my mom gave me for Christmas of 2006. I don't know how many times I've read it. Sid and India are my favorite literary couple!
November 11, 2025
Great novella, wish this had been included in the book it would have given more depth to the relationship when I was reading it.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews