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The Book of Roses #6
Mender of Monsters
On a storm-torn night, a band of knights stagger through the gates of Wrenvale Abbey, one of their number bleeding from a sword wound to the head. Bound by her oaths as an infirmarer, Sister Hazel is tasked with saving the man's life. But her patient is no ordinary soldier–he is the barbarian known as Red Roger, butcher of peasants, burner of fields, defiler of churches. He is a monster, and Hazel holds his life in her hands. Yet as Hazel nurses Roger back to health, a growing fascination with her savage patient takes hold of her. What drives men to such cruelty, and what, if anything, does it take to bring them back from it?
As Roger's presence drives a growing wedge between Hazel's fellow nuns, challenges from a self-interested bishop and Roger's bloodthirsty comrades rise to threaten the abbey. Roger may be the linchpin holding the future of Wrenvale together, but with so much darkness in his past, how can he be trusted to do the right thing?
Sister Hazel must find a way to reach him.
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The Tales From The Book of Roses novels are shorter, standalone stories taking place within the Book of Roses setting. They can be read as an introduction to the series for newcomers, or as side stories to the broader narrative.
As Roger's presence drives a growing wedge between Hazel's fellow nuns, challenges from a self-interested bishop and Roger's bloodthirsty comrades rise to threaten the abbey. Roger may be the linchpin holding the future of Wrenvale together, but with so much darkness in his past, how can he be trusted to do the right thing?
Sister Hazel must find a way to reach him.
- - -
The Tales From The Book of Roses novels are shorter, standalone stories taking place within the Book of Roses setting. They can be read as an introduction to the series for newcomers, or as side stories to the broader narrative.
291 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 5, 2025
8 people are currently reading
15 people want to read
About the author
Kelly River
9 books14 followersKelly River is an author who dwells on the edge of the English countryside, forever losing themselves in rambling trails both fictional and material. An avid fan of reading, walking, games, and green teas, you might find them fondling a sheaf of freshly-picked grain or gazing at the canopy of trees beyond the garden fence while they write.
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
May 14, 2025
What to say about this book. I’ve read all of the others in the series. I’m just sitting in shock as I realize what this story is. A prequel. What a glorious surprise. Hazel and Roger. What a pair. I wanted them to end up together even though I knew it could never happen. I cried that it would never happen. And yet at the end I had a huge smile on my face. I love the way this author writes. I love the subjects. Relationships are always at the heart which is what I love. I simply cannot wait to read more.
June 12, 2025
At just 14, Hazel found refuge at Wrenvale Abbey, serving as a sister alongside her friend, Justinia. From a struggling village, Hazel’s life was filled with hardship, particularly as her father’s farm faced tough times. He entrusted his land to the Abbey to protect her from a cruel marriage, hoping they would welcome her as a novice. Everything was well until one fateful night.
It all started with screams; Hazel was jolted awake by shouting and rain hitting her window. Who could be causing such a disturbance at the Abbey? Were they soldiers, mercenaries, or the King’s guard? As she quickly gathered her thoughts, she realized a dozen men stood at the door, and they did not appear friendly. They were armed with swords and spears, and one of them was severely injured and in need of assistance.
Sister Hazel, a devoted servant of God, felt a deep calling to care for the vulnerable. Her faith guided her through challenges, but she was unexpectedly confronted by Red Roger, a man notorious for his dark past and the pain he had caused. Grappling with her revulsion for his actions—defiling churches and harming lives—she struggled to understand her place in this situation. Yet, a flicker of compassion emerged within her. How could she support someone so troubled while seeking justice? Determined to fulfill her purpose, she aimed to confront her deepest instincts and find a path to healing.
Mender of Monsters is the sixth installment in Kelly River’s The Book of Roses series, which consists of eight historical fiction novels. This series is designed to appeal to both younger and older audiences. Notably, Mender of Monsters can be appreciated as a standalone novel, making it accessible to new readers. After enjoying this book, I am strongly motivated to explore the remaining seven titles in this engaging series.
The characters of Sister Hazel and her fellow sisters at the Abbey were truly inspirational. They provided a deep understanding of that period, highlighting the challenges they faced and the obstacles they encountered in their daily lives. Red Roger is a protagonist whom you may initially dislike, but as the story progresses, you begin to see how even a seemingly bad character can have redeeming qualities. Although Wrenvale Abbey is a fictional setting, I felt completely immersed in its walls and grounds. The story beautifully weaves an underlying Christian theme throughout its narrative, offering profound insights and reflections on faith. Mender of Monsters by Kelly River deserves a glowing five-star rating for its thought-provoking messages and engaging storytelling.
It all started with screams; Hazel was jolted awake by shouting and rain hitting her window. Who could be causing such a disturbance at the Abbey? Were they soldiers, mercenaries, or the King’s guard? As she quickly gathered her thoughts, she realized a dozen men stood at the door, and they did not appear friendly. They were armed with swords and spears, and one of them was severely injured and in need of assistance.
Sister Hazel, a devoted servant of God, felt a deep calling to care for the vulnerable. Her faith guided her through challenges, but she was unexpectedly confronted by Red Roger, a man notorious for his dark past and the pain he had caused. Grappling with her revulsion for his actions—defiling churches and harming lives—she struggled to understand her place in this situation. Yet, a flicker of compassion emerged within her. How could she support someone so troubled while seeking justice? Determined to fulfill her purpose, she aimed to confront her deepest instincts and find a path to healing.
Mender of Monsters is the sixth installment in Kelly River’s The Book of Roses series, which consists of eight historical fiction novels. This series is designed to appeal to both younger and older audiences. Notably, Mender of Monsters can be appreciated as a standalone novel, making it accessible to new readers. After enjoying this book, I am strongly motivated to explore the remaining seven titles in this engaging series.
The characters of Sister Hazel and her fellow sisters at the Abbey were truly inspirational. They provided a deep understanding of that period, highlighting the challenges they faced and the obstacles they encountered in their daily lives. Red Roger is a protagonist whom you may initially dislike, but as the story progresses, you begin to see how even a seemingly bad character can have redeeming qualities. Although Wrenvale Abbey is a fictional setting, I felt completely immersed in its walls and grounds. The story beautifully weaves an underlying Christian theme throughout its narrative, offering profound insights and reflections on faith. Mender of Monsters by Kelly River deserves a glowing five-star rating for its thought-provoking messages and engaging storytelling.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews