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My African Rose
Rose has convinced Rorke to invest in Cobblers Bar and Grill, a local tavern in a mining town south of Johannesburg, after the sale of their former workplace. Changing from corporate careers to entrepreneurship presents unique challenges.
The nation enters its third year of majority rule, while the Springboks triumph in the 1995 world cup. Although the newlyweds are happy, there are worrisome national issues.
Their business reflects the escalating violence in the country. Minor provocations lead to physical fights among regulars, regardless of gender. The ongoing conflict and deep-rooted prejudices arise from differences in race, beliefs, and gender.How will things pan out for Rose and Rorke as we explore their journey in book 3 of the series 'The Wilde Collection'.
The nation enters its third year of majority rule, while the Springboks triumph in the 1995 world cup. Although the newlyweds are happy, there are worrisome national issues.
Their business reflects the escalating violence in the country. Minor provocations lead to physical fights among regulars, regardless of gender. The ongoing conflict and deep-rooted prejudices arise from differences in race, beliefs, and gender.How will things pan out for Rose and Rorke as we explore their journey in book 3 of the series 'The Wilde Collection'.
Kindle Edition
Published July 26, 2025
6 people want to read
About the author
David Farrell
3 books23 followersDavid Farrell, the author of The Wilde Collection fictional memoir series, lives in a rural village on the banks of the Mighty Waikato River.
While planning his next book, he walks through the magnificent landscapes of Aotearoa, New Zealand with his new muse, Zelda, by his side. A Kiwi Heading Dog rescued from the pound.
With his partner Jeanne and daughter Amy, they now live a harmonious life after a challenging journey from Southern Africa
Connect with David on social media he loves to connect with his readers.
While planning his next book, he walks through the magnificent landscapes of Aotearoa, New Zealand with his new muse, Zelda, by his side. A Kiwi Heading Dog rescued from the pound.
With his partner Jeanne and daughter Amy, they now live a harmonious life after a challenging journey from Southern Africa
Connect with David on social media he loves to connect with his readers.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
September 8, 2025
My African Rose is a fascinating, down-to-earth story about a couple, Rose and Rorke, who follow their dream of opening a bar and grill in South Africa. Set in the vibrant era of discos, karaoke nights, and live music, this book really pulled me in. I found myself totally absorbed in the way they planned every step of starting the business, from the nitty-gritty of setting up the bar, to the deeper observations of the people who walked through its doors.
What I really loved was how the author didn’t just gloss over the business side, he takes you right into the heart of the daily grind, the challenges, the small victories, and the real human connections. It’s all very genuine.
Character-wise, Rose is strong, sharp, and observant, definitely the heart of the place. Rorke brings this charm and relaxed vibe, but he’s got a deep understanding of people too. The way they navigate each customer type made me smile there’s “The Joker,” “Doom and Gloom,” “The Sloth,” and more. Each one is described with humour and insight so relatable that I could picture every character vividly.
Another fun highlight? The cocktails! I had no idea what a Springbok shot or Dom Pedro was, but the author does a great job explaining them, it made me want to try one myself. The music and nightlife add another layer, and if you’re a Billy Joel fan, you’re in for a treat, his music plays a nostalgic role in the story.
If you're interested in South African culture, nightlife, or just love a story rooted in real human experiences, with laughs, struggles, and great atmosphere, give this one a go. It’s heartfelt, and full of soul.
Highly recommend. A 5 star review from me. Thank you to the author for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
So who does David Farrell write similar to? If you have read any of Tony Park's books, Bryce Courtenay (The Power of One) and Peter Goodwin (When a Crocodile Eats the Sun.)... then add My African Rose to your list.
What I really loved was how the author didn’t just gloss over the business side, he takes you right into the heart of the daily grind, the challenges, the small victories, and the real human connections. It’s all very genuine.
Character-wise, Rose is strong, sharp, and observant, definitely the heart of the place. Rorke brings this charm and relaxed vibe, but he’s got a deep understanding of people too. The way they navigate each customer type made me smile there’s “The Joker,” “Doom and Gloom,” “The Sloth,” and more. Each one is described with humour and insight so relatable that I could picture every character vividly.
Another fun highlight? The cocktails! I had no idea what a Springbok shot or Dom Pedro was, but the author does a great job explaining them, it made me want to try one myself. The music and nightlife add another layer, and if you’re a Billy Joel fan, you’re in for a treat, his music plays a nostalgic role in the story.
If you're interested in South African culture, nightlife, or just love a story rooted in real human experiences, with laughs, struggles, and great atmosphere, give this one a go. It’s heartfelt, and full of soul.
Highly recommend. A 5 star review from me. Thank you to the author for a gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
So who does David Farrell write similar to? If you have read any of Tony Park's books, Bryce Courtenay (The Power of One) and Peter Goodwin (When a Crocodile Eats the Sun.)... then add My African Rose to your list.
June 18, 2025
This brilliant series continues to impress, and My African Rose is no exception. Love the relationship between Rose and Rorke. This is a special love story.
August 10, 2025
My African Rose is a literary memoir, immediately immersing the reader into South Africa in the 1990s amidst all the political turmoil and events.
In the book we meet Rory and Rose, two colleagues who fall for each other, eventually marrying and leaving the corporate world to run the Cobblers Bar and Grill, a local tavern in a mining town south of Johannesburg. Having both previously worked in the business world, the transition to being running their own business is challenging but at times fulfilling.
In the background of their story is the tempestuous world of South Africa, now in its third year of majority rule where violence soon becomes the norm even amongst their customers.
With the addition of children and the continued escalation of violence, Rory and Rose have to dig deep to decide on a way forward for their life and business and ultimately for their own safety and those of their family. The ending is both poignant and uplifting.
I really enjoyed reading the story of how Rory and Rose got together and the difficult decisions they had to make in a country that was imploding all around them. I loved the endurance of Rory and Rose’s love for each and their commitment to make things good for their family, a vision which shone through the whole story.
Whilst this book 3 (of 3) in the series, The Wilde Collection it works well as a standalone. Or, like me, you can get the first in the Series and find out more!
In the book we meet Rory and Rose, two colleagues who fall for each other, eventually marrying and leaving the corporate world to run the Cobblers Bar and Grill, a local tavern in a mining town south of Johannesburg. Having both previously worked in the business world, the transition to being running their own business is challenging but at times fulfilling.
In the background of their story is the tempestuous world of South Africa, now in its third year of majority rule where violence soon becomes the norm even amongst their customers.
With the addition of children and the continued escalation of violence, Rory and Rose have to dig deep to decide on a way forward for their life and business and ultimately for their own safety and those of their family. The ending is both poignant and uplifting.
I really enjoyed reading the story of how Rory and Rose got together and the difficult decisions they had to make in a country that was imploding all around them. I loved the endurance of Rory and Rose’s love for each and their commitment to make things good for their family, a vision which shone through the whole story.
Whilst this book 3 (of 3) in the series, The Wilde Collection it works well as a standalone. Or, like me, you can get the first in the Series and find out more!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews