Picking Up the Pieces

Rose Gardner Mystery #5.5

by Denise Grover Swank

While Rose might be reeling from the news that Joe’s ex-girlfriend is pregnant, she’s got bigger issues to deal with. One, putting her business back together albeit with a new partner and into two separate entities; and two, trying to keep the Fenton County Sheriff’s Department from figuring out the true identity of the Lady in Black.

**Novella following Thirty-Two and a Half Complications in the USA Today bestselling Rose Gardner Mystery series.** Includes POVs from Violet, Bruce Wayne, Joe, and Mason.

Genres: Mystery, Romance, Fiction, Ebooks, Novella, Contemporary, Mystery Thriller

130 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 1, 2014

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picking Up the Pieces is #5.5 in the Rose Gardner Series by Denise Grover Swank. First of all, anyone that knows me knows that I am somewhat obsessed with both this series and this author. In fact, people may even go so far as to avoid the subject with me in fear of setting me off on a fan girl tangent. I found Picking Up the Pieces to be a very important part of this series. For the first time ever we are getting points of view from Violet, Bruce Wayne, Joe, and Mason. In fact, both the novellas in this series, Falling to Pieces and this one I feel are just as important as the full length books. They add so much that I can’t imagine not including them.

I read this novella in three parts, one part released each month by D.G. Swank. In the first part we got Violet’s POV and a lot more of the childhood history of Violet and Rose. I still ended this section with a strong dislike for Violet. Even though her sense of protectiveness for Rose is strong, it somehow has poisoned her. She wants to control Rose and when Rose finally took control of her own life, well, Violet just couldn’t accept that.

In the second section we got Bruce Wayne and Joe’s POV’s. I loved getting inside Bruce Wayne’s head. His loyalty to Rose is true. And there is a big reveal here regarding Joe’s past.

The third section which I just finished today featured Mason and again Joe. We finally got the history of Mason and his sister Savannah. And even though I have developed a strong dislike for Joe, he actually redeemed himself somewhat in this section. And do we finally see a truce between Joe and Mason? I’m not sure if that is even possible. We also get to know Maeve, Mason’s Mom a little bit better.

“You thought you had found your peace and strength in Rose. And I can see why you’re so taken with her. But I think you need to find your peace and strength in yourself. If you find it in someone else, that person will be destined to disappoint you and let you down. But if you find it in yourself, you will be a richer person, and your relationships will be richer for it.”

If you are reading or plan to read this series, I hope you will include the two novellas. You won’t be disappointed. And what is in store for Rose next? I can’t wait to find out when Thirty-Three and a Half Shenanigans is released on November 4.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Fascinating Stars...This was quite the insightful novella depicting multiple POVs including Rose, Mason, Joe, and Violet; sharing their individual responses to events experienced in the previous novel...this novella allowed me to explore each character in more depth and develop a stronger understanding of their motivations; specifically Violet and the life experiences she endured that contributed to how she navigates her relationship with Rose; how her initial good intentions have warped with time and have gotten misdirected; it allowed me to feel compassion for her, but at the same time, recognize her unhealthy coping mechanisms and the potential for disaster as a result...Denise Grover Swank has developed a complex cast of characters with dynamic relationships that leave the reader wanting more and more...I look forward to the continuation of the storyline and how the mysteries will unfold:)

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVE this series. I mean LOVE, LOVE, LOVE. Denise Grover Swank (“Swank”) is one of my all-time favourite authors. This novella, while short, is still an amazing read. If you haven’t already downloaded your free copy of “Picking Up the Pieces” (yes, I said free), you still have some time left. Just go to Swank’s website and sign up for her newsletter and follow the instructions. You have until November 3, 2013. Otherwise you’ll have to order it online.

The novella is a little different from the other novels in the series as this one explores the lives of Violet, Bruce Wayne, Mason, and Joe a little more, all written from their POV.

I’d like to take this opportunity to discuss one particular person who really sticks under my craw and that’s Violet, Rose’s big sister. From her POV we get a better insight as to her character, and her relationship with Rose, her mother, and her husband. I personally think the woman is delusional. Regardless of how she justifies her actions, in particular her relationship with Rose, none of it rings true. Nothing does. She still continues to lie to the town-folk instead of telling the truth and setting the story straight.

““They say your mother left you a bunch of money, and that you stole it from your sister. You’ve opened the nursery, but you’re forcing you sister to work there, taking advantage of her vulnerable state.””

--“Thirty and a Half Excuses”

In addition she has no clue how to run a business even though she says she does and blames Rose for every downfall, even belittling her every chance she gets. Then she goes behind Rose’s back and makes Joe a partner in their business. I really wish that Rose would stop letting Violet walk all over her. As much as Rose has grown since book 1, she continues to be a doormat when it comes to her sister. Yes, Rose does say what’s on her mind to Violet (something Violet is still getting used to), but she still falls for whatever pathetic excuse Violet doles out. Is anyone else not tired of this bullshit? I have to wonder if Swank will continue on this path, or surprise us all and have Rose tell her off once and for all.

For those of you who are reading this amazing series, don’t forget to read the novellas. They’re a must-read. The only downside to reading this novella? I want book 6 in my hands right freakin’ now!!!

[Ian · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love this series. I love Denise Grover Swank's writing. I love the characters in these books.
But honestly, this is a disaster.
It's not really about anything. Maybe if it was free, I would say it's worth the effort for the serious fans. Hell, charge a dollar and might say it's worth it, but it's not worth $2.33.

It's told from multiple POVs and....
You know what? I finished it less than an hour ago and I've already forgotten what it's about. The synopsis tells me it's about Rose breaking up her business into two separate entities. I wanted it to be about that. If it was about that I think I might have liked it. But whatever it was about, it wasn't worth my time.

[Diane (Books and Tequila Blog) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved getting some extra points of view in this novella! In Picking Up The Pieces we get in the heads of Violet, Joe, Mason and even Bruce Wayne. It was fun to get more sides to the story and I can’t wait to dive into “Shenanigans” next!

[I · Rating 4 out of 5]

oh Violet you're a b*tch! I was starting to empathize with you and then you go and ruin everything on the last pages of the part 1! can't wait for part 2 and 3!

and Joe I just don't know how you recovered my sympathy...

[Jo Ann Reinhold · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how Denise gives us more insights into her character in these novellas. Once again Denise, you have brought your characters to life for your readers! Great Job!

[ReBecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book by Denise Grover Swank!! I absolutely loved getting others perspective and opinion on what is happening in the series. This one was even more enjoyable because you got to learn more about Mason, Joe, and Violet's past and what has happened in their life to make them who they are in the present. I needed this book because I was really starting to get angry with the characters and their actions, but this book helped explain so much of why they are being the way they are. Another great read!!! :)

[Suze Prescot · Rating 5 out of 5]

Other Voices

The Rose Gardner mysteries are written in the first person, Rose, whereas this - and Falling to Pieces - allow us to hear from the other characters. The fallout from the previous stories are examined by Joe (who seemed so perfect and ended up so weak), Mason, and the self-deluded Violet. It is her voice which shocks the reader the most.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know the pieces fit!

*spoilers may lie ahead if you have not yet read the novella!*

Picking Up the Pieces is a great novella installment that gives you a little taste of everyone!

The first thing you should know, which should come as no surprise if you’ve read everything in the series so far, is that Hilary is the devil. Bruce Wayne’s POV was charming only made me want to see MORE of him! He is a magnificent fella. Violet has turned out to be quite the complicated character. On one hand and I want to be on her side, but she’s been so incredibly selfish and manipulative that I have a hard time feeling bad for her when it’s all said and done.

Most of all I LOVED seeing a glimpse Mason’s past with his sister. Her story is tragic and I would really love to learn more about her. Speaking of sisters, I am still waiting to meet Joe’s phantom sister!!! Maeve talking with Joe, and Joe finally standing up to face his past was the cherry on top of a perfect installment. I am hoping that we will get to see Joe talking with Jonah in the future… he could use a therapist of sorts. As always, Rose is quite the firecracker and it is always fun to see where she goes next.

Five stars from this happy reader. Thank goodness Thirty-Three and a Half Shenanigans will be released in TWO DAYS!

[Find Me Behind a Book · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do I even start? I loved this novella. We get the point of view of not only Rose, but Joe, Violet, Bruce Wayne, and Mason. There are so many emotions running through me as I write this review. We learn a lot through this novella. First off, Violet... I have no words for her. We find out why she cheated on her husband. In my honest opinion, the only one to blame for her life is herself. She made the life she "wanted" and should deal with each and every aspect of it and not blame it on Rose, because she felt the need to protect her. Joe.. my heart breaks for him for more than just the fact that he is expecting a baby with Hilary. We find out another reason why Mason doesn't like Joe. I love that in the end Mason and Joe will be working together. I love both Mason and Joe and I find myself constantly tossing over who I want Rose with more. They would both be great for her as they both love her more than they love themselves and would do absolutely anything for her. Rose is one lucky girl.

This is a quick read but definitely worth every page. The extra information that Swank shares with us through this novella help develop the series even more. You get a better understand of why the characters make the decisions that they do and why they are where they are in life.

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is a must read not only for Denise Grover Swank fans but all rom/com/sleuth fans.

The series is about Rose Gardner and her every day life that is anything but 'everyday' living. The main books are all in Rose's POV. The two novellas that accompany this series have some of the other main characters POV. Therefore they are very important to the story line. You get to know what these characters are thinking and why they re-acted to different situations.

I love anything DGS writes but this is my favourite series so far (she has a new one coming out January 11th -The Substitute from the Wedding Pact Series). I enjoyed this novella immensely, filling in some pieces of the previous books but also asking more questions to be answered in Thirty-Three and a Half Shenanigans due November 4th.

I don't want to add any spoilers in this review, but would like to add that my favourite parts were Mason's chapters - Rose's boyfriend. <3 #TeamMason!

If you are reading the Rose Gardner Mysteries, then you really need this novella to help you understand what is making the other characters tick.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

So I know I'm a little late to the rose Gardner mystery series but omg I couldn't put the darn books down. I stubbled up on the first book a long time ago and then got busy with life and never read it, so I decided a week and a half ago to finally read it. Once I finished the first book in a day in a half I went ahead and bought the 3 box sets that were available. I was glad I did it that way as I was able to read all the novellas in between as well. I ended up getting emersed into these books I read the whole rose Gardner mystery series in a week and a half I immedietly fell in love with all the characters and found myself rooting for relationships to last, others to end, and new Ines to start. I felt like I was part of the story so much that when some dangerous was happening my heart rate was going crazy, and then when something sad I felt emotional like these characters were real that they were my friends. I know it sounds weird but this author really makes you feel what's happening.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Picking up the Pieces. After all the bombs dropped in Thirty-two and Half Complications, it was great getting some different perspectives in this novella. While Denise's novellas are short, they're always packed full of details that really enhance the series. I still hate Hiliary. I absolutely loved having Bruce Wayne's POV. He's a terrific character and I want to see more of him! Violet's POV does help explain her better and she has turned out to be quite the complicated character. On one hand and I want to be on her side, but on the other, she’s been so incredibly selfish and manipulative that I have a hard time feeling bad for her when it’s all said and done. The bits with Joe and Maeve were very touching as well.

[Laila Nelke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short novella gives us points of view from Violet, Bruce Wayne, Joe, and Mason about events in previous book so I think it's important to read this one as well to get to know those characters more.
And there I really fell in love with Maeve (Mason's mother). She is so wise and lovely person you just love her!

“You thought you had found your peace and strength in Rose. And I can see why you’re so taken with her. But I think you need to find your peace and strength in yourself. If you find it in someone else, that person will be destined to disappoint you and let you down. But if you find it in yourself, you will be a richer person, and your relationships will be richer for it.”

[Brandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love that this book includes the Points of View from Violet, Joe, Bruce and Mason!
Putting life back together seems to be a consistent struggle for Rose. I can relate to that!

One of my favorite parts of Denises' writing is the depth that she brings to each character. None of the main or supporting characters are left unattended. Each has their own background and storyline. I love learning more about each of the characters and watching them grow. The depth and realness of the characters pulls at your heartstrings. Denise's writing is so relatable. It is like you are reading about your bestfriend!

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well just finished the first installment of the novella. Love it! It answered some the questions I was asking at the end if the last book. Is Hillary really pregnant? What is with Violet? And hopefully the next installments will answer - what will Mason do about the Black Lady? Keep it up. Really enjoy the series.

[CM · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little novella brought back the thing that makes me love Rose's story. After 31½ I was a bit dissapointed, but now I'm anxiously waiting for 33½!

[Charity · Rating 5 out of 5]

November 4th until the next book?! Too long!

[Colette Wills · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is amazing! Drama and romance mix to make an awesome read.

[Imjussayin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Picking Up The Pieces: Rose Gardner Mystery 5.5
Reading in chronological order is recommended but not necessary

In A Nutshell: A story written for fans and/or to generate income. It is the missing or edited chapters from thirty-two and a half complications told from the POVs of Rose, Mason, Joe, and Violet.

The Plot:Distinctly lacking.

The Protagonist: Rose is one of life's late bloomers, but she is finding her feet and becoming independent. Rose has the honesty of a child with all the hilarious consequences. She is a loving and lovable character who cares for those on the margins. Rose has the "sight." Naturally, the uncontrollable gift manifests at the most inconvenient of times.

Could not recommend in good conscience.


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Book Rating

Sexual Content: 16
Language: 16
Violent: 16
Would I read the next one or reread ? Unlikey for a novella

My rating system (* = star)
0* Could not finish this book (waste of time)
1* Finished the book but didn't like it.
2* Finished the book it was okay.
3* A good read worth your time.
4* An excellent read often with a novel concept or unusual plot.
5* A great read. A prominent example of the genre.

[Tammy Moldovan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the different points of view

This novella gives us a glimpse of the aftermath of Violet allowing Joe to pay off the loan on the Gardner’s Sisters Nursery (book 5). We get some chapters from Violet, Mason, Bruce Wayne and Joe’s POV not just the story from Rose’s. We get to see some back story as well as their current thought processes which allowed me to think better of some characters and worse of others. Despite being short, the novella was well written, the characters had dimension and the storyline was engaging. This novella is not really a standalone, it needs to be read after the previous book in the series in order to get the full effect of the plot lines. I am excited to read more in the series as Rose continues to grow, make missteps, and fall into messy situations.

[Angela Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a novella from the point of view of several of the characters. We finally get Mason, Violet, and Bruce Waynes POV!! Rose and Joe are in here as well. I love these novellas because its really n ice to see what the other characters are doing while rose isnt around and of course there is their feelings for rose and what she doing. It is bonus material and not necessary to read if you choose not to but it helps to feel connected to these characters to get better acquainted with them!

[Sondra Wayman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great novella from DGS that fills in the blanks with background stories as well as the thoughts of other characters. This is a must read or you miss a lot of the story of Rose and her family and friends. This novella is told from the point of view of her sister Violet, Bruce Wayne and her two boyfriends - Joe and Mason. These novellas are worth the time and money if you are as hooked as I am on Rose Gardner and her great friends!

[Andrea Hastings · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Picking up the Pieces. After all the bombs dropped in Thirty-two and Half Complications I really needed some different perspectives. I was glad Denise Grover Swank included perspectives from Violet, Bruce Wayne, Mason, and especially Rose about her new role as Lady in Black and her new business partner, and Joe concerning his bomb that Hilary dropped at the end on Thirty-two and a half Complications.

[Emily Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this novella! We get a glimpse into other characters in this series to find out why they do the things they do. We get to know them and their secrets. I have a softer spot for some of the characters I previously branded as villains. I feel as thought I have a deeper connection to some of these characters and we can see a side of them that they keep hidden from Rose. Its a short, easy read.

[Denise Hoover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Different Points of View...

I really enjoyed getting the backstory to a lot of the characters. To understand their feelings and why the way they are. I’m still not a fan of Violet nor of Joe. I’m loving Maeve though. She’s so kind and sweet. This book is definitely an important novella to read because it gives you insides into a lot of Joe and Mason’s past. Onto Thirty-Three and a Half Shenanigans!

[Samantha Malstrom · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! Picking up the Pieces is quality writing and really adds to the Rose Gardner Mystery story line. It is great being able to see point of views and backstories from other characters and now they all feel more three-dimensional in the series. In my opinion the novellas are just as important to the series as the main books and are just as fun to read!

[Sheri P · Rating 5 out of 5]

This between the numbers novella is just as wonderful as the first. I enjoy how the story is told through the lens of various characters. I enjoyed Joe and Mason's exchange and the scene between Joe and Maeve is especially touching. And not to mention that the end of the novella hints at might be to come in Thirty=Three and a Half Shenanigans.

[Samantha Whitley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this novella. It gives you so much back story to each character, so you feel like you know them better. Also you get a small insight on the current troubles and how they might be handled in the next book. I loved learning more about all the main characters and how they are responding to all the current drama!