The Rose Girls

by Victoria Connelly

Thirty-year-old Celeste Hamilton’s life is at a crossroads: she has just left a disastrous marriage, and her estranged mother has recently died, leaving the family’s rose business in jeopardy. Reluctantly, Celeste returns to the family home, a moated manor house in Suffolk, to help her two younger sisters sort out the estate and revive the business.

Having endured the fallout from her mother’s Narcissistic Personality Disorder when she was younger, Celeste is filled with self-doubt and crippling insecurities. But she must find the strength and courage to take charge and make some tough decisions to keep the old house from falling down around them.

The Rose Girls is an uplifting, tender and romantic story of courage, perseverance and the healing power of family.

Genres: Fiction, Romance, Chick Lit, Contemporary, Audiobook, Adult, Contemporary Romance

310 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2015

About the author

Victoria Connelly grew up in Norfolk before attending Worcester College where she studied English Literature. After graduating, she worked her way through a number of jobs before becoming a teacher in North Yorkshire.

In 2000, she got married in a medieval castle in the Yorkshire Dales and moved to London. Five weeks after their wedding, her husband, a television news cameraman, was sent to Israel. Convinced something terrible would happen to him, she came up with the idea for a novel about a young widow who starts seeing angels on her desk at work, but was scared to write it in case she tempted fate. It was only years later that her husband admitted to having a bullet graze his shirt sleeve whilst filming in Israel!

Although having had articles and short stories published, it was only when Flights of Angels was published that Victoria was able to realise the dream of becoming a professional writer. Published as Unter deinem Stern in Germany, the novel was made into a film for television by award-winning Ziegler Film. Her second novel, The Unmasking of Elena Montella (Wenn es dich gibt), was published in 2007 and her third, Three Graces (Wohin mit der Liebe), was published in 2009. All three magical romantic comedies are now available as ebooks.

Her first novel to be published in the UK – Molly’s Millions – came out in 2009. This was followed by a trilogy about Jane Austen addicts: A Weekend with Mr Darcy, The Perfect Hero (US title: Dreaming of Mr Darcy) and Mr Darcy Forever.

The Runaway Actress was published in April 2012 and she is currently working on another romantic comedy, Wish You Were Here.

Reviews

[Lyuda · Rating 4 out of 5]

In a quite corner of East Anglia, there stood a centuries old manor completed with moat, surrounded by heavenly rose gardens. Roses, roses everywhere tantalizing passersby with their smell and beauty. Welcome to Little Eleigh Manor- not only the setting of the story but a major player in it. The current owners, three Hamilton sisters, must decide upon the death of their mother whether to rescue the beautiful but crumbing manor house that was in their family for three generations or to part with it.

This is a poignant story of sisters who must confront their past in order to move toward their future. It is told at a slower pace. The beautiful and charming setting makes an interesting contrast with their relationship burdened by painful memories of their cruel and narcissistic mother. Each sister must learn to sort their emotions, to deal with demons of the past and to find a way to understand, accept and open up their hearts to love.

This was a surprisingly good read. I loved the setting and realistic evolution of sisters' relationship. The story quietly grabbed me and wouldn't let me go.

[Marguerite Kaye · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was one of those books that was okay for me, but it didn't really have any highs or lows, it was a bit flat. The main thing that bothered me was the narrative tone - and I have to say, I wonder if this is the kind of book I'd have read very differently if I wasn't a writer myself. Flat, is how I'd describe it, and way, way too much telling and not showing with very few emotional peaks and troughs despite the fact that there was, actually, quite a lot of emotion going on.

The story is about three sisters, so that had me interested, and it's about the impact of a death in the family and the sisters dealing with what's left. So a good premise, as far as I was concerned. I think I was most disappointed in the fact that I felt a lot more could have been made of it. Celeste, the oldest sister and main character, has a huge amount of angst going on with her domineering mother dying and her marriage ending, but we get her feelings sort of second hand, as she analyses them after she's experienced them, if you see what I mean? There's no immediacy, and so there's less impact. She almost never mentions her marriage or her husband, she deals with her mother's legacy of a huge inferiority complex with what I felt was a good deal of restraint, and so I never really invested in her the way I should have. It's a shame, because this could have been a much more emotional book - but I would say that this is my preference, and maybe because as a writer, my romances are full of emotion when maybe this kind of book people like it toned down?

So this wasn't really for me, but if you prefer your books less angsty, good story, lots of context (roses, roses, roses) then it might be for you.

[Holly in Bookland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very enjoyable read by Victoria Connelly. I've read a couple of her Austen Lovers books and another stand-alone and have enjoyed each one. This one centered around three sisters. Each one was going through their own grief process after losing their mother, while also dealing with the everyday rounds of running their rose business. I liked all the characters, including Esther! There wasn't a lot of action or really anything truly exciting going on but just every day things that people actually go through. Which is why I liked this book. It made me feel that I was a part of these sisters lives. It all happens over a summer at Little Eleigh in the English countryside. There was the manor, the rose garden, a little county where everybody knows each other, and a moat:) It is my ultimate dream and Victoria Connelly described it so well that I was living there today! Everything about this book felt "real" to me. No insta-love!! (Which I greatly appreciate) Real problems, real love, real sisters.

**Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Olga · Rating 2 out of 5]

Primer libro que leo de esta autora y puedo decir que es correcto , sin sobresaltos y casi casi me ha parecido una película de la hora de la siesta ...

Tres hermanas unidas por las deudas y una casa en ruinas , un pasado marcado por una madre con una enfermedad mental que le impide ser madre y que crea a tres personas inseguras y con muchas carencias y un amor a las rosas 🌹 ...

Libro correcto para no pensar mucho !

[Karen Mace · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a keen gardener this is a wonderful little book that marries chick-lit with the A-Z of roses very successfully! The sisters are left with a crumbling manor house and ailing rose plant business after the death of their mother and this book is their story of how they overcome financial and personal difficulties. The constant references to so many varieties of roses was wonderful to read and it was very easy to imagine yourself wandering through their garden and the sights and scents!

predictable but enjoyable read

[Angie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable book set in modern-day Great Britain. The story centers around 3 sisters in a crumbling historic estate. Each have their own demons to deal with, along with coping with their mother's death and concerns on keeping the estate going. Although not a lot actually happens in this book, it's good. It reminded me a little of Rosamunde Pilcher's books, which I like a lot. Kind of had that gentle feel to it. Roses, of course, feature prominently:)

[Fina Andres garcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entrañable.
La verdad es que no esperaba que me fuese a gustar tanto, es un libro muy completo, está lleno de nostalgia y recuerdos; buenos y malos, transcurre en un entorno idílico, en una vieja mansión medieval rodeada de rosales de todo tipo, una historia muy familiar y sentimental, entre secretos y mentiras, problemas económicos y un dolor compartido entre las tres hermanas que hace que todo sea más complicado de lo que debería ser. Hay amor fraternal, reproches, ternura y muchas dudas con respecto al futuro tanto laboral como sentimental de todas.
Esta contada con mucho tacto, es muy fácil imaginarse paseando por todos esos lugares tan bonitos, la trama esta muy bien construida, hay cosas previsibles, pero no importa, la historia de los cuadros, de los abuelos y todo lo que representan para ellas, el dolor por tener que renunciar a muchas cosas para mantener otras. La relación con Esther y la ternura que desprende al final, ha sido como una de esas películas de domingo, pero con un final mejor elaborado.
A pesar del título, nada es de color de rosa, todas tienen su vida, ilusiones, sus personalidades muy bien diferenciadas y sus fantasmas personales. Hay nuevos proyectos y nuevas personas que entran en sus vidas y el final es muy bonito.
Creo que deberían darle un repaso, no se si es por la traducción o qué, pero he visto muchos fallos y palabras juntas entre otras cosas y es una lastima porque la historia no merece estar así.
Yo lo tengo de un sorteo y la edición es muy bonita y con un tacto aterciopelado.
Lo recomiendo.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book due to it's cover, with a cover like that it has to be good, right? For the most part, it was. I am a sucker for books about crumbling English manor houses and sisters.

The atmosphere of this book was awesome. I felt like I could totally see the manor house, the rose gardens, and grounds. I loved that!! I especially loved reading about the roses. I have many rose bushes in my yard and I had so much fun googling all the different rose varieties and reading about each one. I also liked each of the sisters and the whole novel had a comfy cozy feel to it. I just wish there was more of a plot line. No real drama or intrigue. Nothing too terribly exciting occurs. I kept thinking that there would be some kind of big reveal at the end but there wasn't. Just a predictable and tidy ending.

My Rating: Pretty good. If you like reading about a summer in the English countryside, surrounded by roses, and reading about sisters with secrets you will probably enjoy it. Just don't expect it to be something more than a cozy English novel. Rose enthusiasts will love all the rose references.

[Jacqueline · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maravilloso

Me encantó este maravilloso libro con perfume de rosas. Como disfruté esta historia de esta familia cultivadores de rosas que me transportó a los campos ingleses y a una vivienda medieval. Una novela llena de amor, dolor, superación, alegrías y esperanza.

[Cindy Spear · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful story about relationships between mother and daughters and sister siblings. Also, romantic attractions that include forbidden, failed and unrealised ones. This novel covers a lot of the issues that can arise between individuals inside and outside the family. But it also shows how to deal with the disappointments and embrace the good things in life. It is a story about loss, guilt, hurt and fear of failure but also healing, fresh starts and true love.

This longstanding manor has been in the family for many years but now it is left with the three sisters to deal with. Sadly, it needs serious repairs and they don’t have the money. How can they raise the funds and hold on to it? It is place of many memories—both good and bad but they try to find a solution to maintain it.

Art and roses are at the heart of this story (and a touch of floriography!). I discovered reading the background notes, these are things close to the author’s heart which is easy to see. As one of the sister’s states: ‘Roses are in our blood. We grew up surrounded by them, seeing them and smelling them, learning their names and breeding new ones. Some of our roses are like members of our family.’ There are some gorgeous floral descriptions and the healing effects of flowers (particularly roses) and how they can relax persons and enhance environments. It raises the misconception about roses being only of interest to women, and defies that thinking, by listing the great rose breeders who have been men. My own husband is a great rose lover: it’s his favourite plant to grow and nurture. He can really get stunning blooms from these flowers!

I enjoyed watching the sisters sort out their dilemmas and to see communication between them develop. There are some strong male characters in this story like Julian and Lucas. Overall it was an uplifting story with surprising romances, new beginnings for all (even the Manor) and happy endings; Loved it!

[Giuls · Rating 1 out of 5]

Io boh, non so nemmeno come commentare questo libro. Pessimo non credo che basti.
Ancora non ho ben capito quale sia lo scopo di questo romanzo, perché davvero secondo me non c’è. Una storia d’amore? Una storia di sorellanza? Un qualcosa che non ha senso che gira attorno ad una casa? Il romanzo in realtà è un mix delle tre cose, ma è fatto male, nulla prende il sopravvento sul resto e il finale risulta quindi un insieme di cose buttate lì a casaccio perché le idee erano finite e il libro si doveva concludere.
La parte peggiore del romanzo è sicuramente quella collegata alla madre: perché?, mi chiedo io. L’idea alla base non è nemmeno così male, ma ci sarebbero stati altri duemila modi almeno per concluderla. O almeno continuarla, perché una conclusione proprio non c’è stata, anzi.
E tutto questo senza nemmeno parlare delle protagoniste, personaggi inutili di cui avrei fatto decisamente a meno. Perché sono state la rovina di un romanzo che già stava cadendo verso un baratro profondissimo. Tutte e tre sono delle macchinette, che fanno dei gesti ripetitivi senza nemmeno pensare al perché lo stiano facendo. Ma probabilmente questo è dovuto al fatto che l’unico neurone che avevano (in tre) le ha abbandonate tempo fa…

[Marian · Rating 3 out of 5]

The third book I read in english, I like it, but I prefer less drama. I learn about roses and paintings.

[Sam · Rating 2 out of 5]

This isn't my usual type of read and although I did find the story quite charming I did also find it a little flat with not much going on despite ceilings caving in and the three sisters being at each others throats (sort of). The writing is nice to read and the characters do develop well as the story goes on but much of what happens is a predictable and unsurprising and oh so very sweet. I enjoyed it as something different to my normal fare but it wasn't really for me.

[Katie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this audiobook. Fiona Hardingham is a fabulous narrator and I look forward to listening to more from her.

The Rose Girls is a beautiful tale of sisterly love, family drama and the search for eternal love. Set in England, this story surrounds three sisters and their family manor; a complex mother, reforming their bonds and the hard decisions of their world that's falling apart.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me a chance to read this wonderful book about the Hamilton sisters, and their quest to find themselves after the death of their mother. This book starts out by introducing three sisters; Celeste, Gertrude, and Evelyn, all named after roses that grow on their estate grounds in the UK. As we learn more about the girls and their tumultuous relationships with the recently deceased Penelope, the author opens up a world of obstacles, many of which have come forth recently. I loved how Celeste was portrayed as the difficult and often defensive sister, with 'Gertie' and 'Evie' often referring Celeste to the likes of their mother, whom came across as narcissistic and cold. When Celeste meets Julian, the one in charge of bringing forth the family's paintings for sale at auction, her world is turned upside down, as more truths are revealed about her upbringing. With Gertie, the audience is left teething at her inability to realize the impossible, when she reveals her love for James Stanton, a married man whom loathes his wife. As the book goes on, Gertie realizes how her relationship with James has changed her perspective on life, deciding to take matters into her own hands as a result. As for Evie, she is portrayed as the 'weaker' sister, with her often blaming Celeste for not being present during their mother's demise. Evie then faces challenges of her own as she deals with Lukas coming back into her life, and a certain surprise that gathers the sisters together in a supportive manner. I loved how the author painted a beautiful portrait of the estate in which the Hamilton sisters lived on, and the way in which each of them pulled together to bring the business of Hamilton Roses back to life after their mother had passed on. As the book goes on, the author pinpoints the difficulties that each woman faced in their lives, with a focus on how their mother shaped their views on relationships, business, and children. Overall, I enjoyed reading how each of the sisters were able to find themselves, and the roles that suited their needs best. I also enjoyed the few unexpected turns, which included a friendship with the hasty Esther, and an up and coming business venture that saved Hamilton Roses in more ways then one.

[LindaW · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️s. Lovely novel set in England on a large, beautiful but somewhat dilapidated estate. Three sisters struggle to reconnect emotionally with each other after their emotionally cruel mother dies. While trying to keep the family rose business going, clearing up long neglected paperwork and trying to keep their house from falling down on them (literally!) they realize that they need more money in order to keep from selling the family manse. Their grandfather had purchased several beautiful old paintings that when auctioned will bring them the money they need. There are of course romantic entanglements, and other interesting side stories that keep the story interesting. Nice light read which is what needed - a palate cleanser - and I quite enjoyed it!

[Laureen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Basically I agree with Marguerite Kaye's review. The one thing that interested me was the history of roses bit but that wasn't a huge part of the story. I just didn't realise how much there is your learn about roses. But what I did discover was enough for me. The story just didn't do enough for me. I will have to look into the narcissist "disorder" though. I didn't realise it was a mental abnormality.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Rose Girls

I really love this book about Celeste, Gertrude, Evelyne Hamilton, the Rose girls, are named after different roses. The girls learning to trust each other and come to terms about how their mother treated them while growing up.
I was introduce to the Rose Girls in the Christmas Rose, then I came across The Rose Girls, I didn’t want the story to end.

[Pamoliverio · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Love, roses, conflict, roses, sisters, roses, England, what more could you want? Actually this was a very enjoyable read with a lot of real information about real roses placed inside a romantic novel. Just the thing to read during this time of social distancing.

[Allie Cresswell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pleasantly predictable

A moated manor and rose garden in Suffolk form the setting for this gentle story of three sisters coming to terms with the death of their charismatic but domineering mother.
The manor is crumbling and antagonism between the girls makes for more fissures but, in an up-beat and optimistic manner, they find the solution to all their problems is in their own hands.
A feel-good, undemanding read, perfect for a holiday or fireside read.

[Orlagh · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this. Nice easy read not to big of a book. Kind of wished there was a little more to the plot and little less arguing between the sisters. Loved all the details about the Roses now I want to buy some more. Look forward to reading more of her work.

[Ellie Effe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grazie alle sorelle Hamilton, Celeste, Gertie ed Evie, sono stata trasportata nella loro antica casa nel Suffolk, in Inghilterra, dove, dopo la morte della madre, si sono ritrovate a mandare avanti l’azienda di famiglia ormai sull’orlo del fallimento e a dover cercare di tenere in piedi la loro casa che sta letteralmente cadendo a pezzi a causa della mancata manutenzione.
Le tre sorelle non potrebbero avere caratteri e approcci alla vita più diversi. Celeste, la maggiore, è una donna che ha sofferto molto della figura della madre quando era bambina e vede solo i lati negativi di ogni situazione; Gertie, la sorella di mezzo, è una persona a cui piacciono le poesie e le rose che da decenni la sua famiglia coltiva, è taciturna ed è molto riflessiva; la sorella minore è Evie che, anche per la sua giovane età (21 anni) è molto impulsiva e quello pensa lo dice spesso senza mezze misure.
Presto Celeste si rende conto che, oltre a fare ordine nei conti dell’azienda di famiglia, dovrà fare i conti con lo spettro della figura della madre che non ha segnato solo lei, ma pure le sue sorelle.
È una storia a tratti lenta a causa dei numerosi flashback che però mi hanno dato modo di avere una panoramica più ampia della vicenda senza trascurare nessun punto di vista delle tre sorelle e di tutti i personaggi che ruotano loro attorno.
Sicuramente terrò d’occhio questa autrice che mi ha colpita perché è riuscita a raccontare una storia a tratti ingarbugliata con semplicità e chiarezza.

[ꕥ Ange_Lives_To_Read ꕥ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Celeste, Evelyn and Gertrude are the "Rose Girls" of the story. They are three sisters who live in a crumbling old manor house - complete with moat - from which they are trying to keep the family business going. Hamilton Roses are famous for their superior colors and amazing scent, but the business is in trouble due to the unexpected death of the girls' mother, Penelope, who had been running things.

The book had potential, but the writing is a bit amateurish and it's hard to really care about Celly, Evie, and Gertrude as they seem to be competing to see who can be the biggest nitwit. Penelope seemed to be the most interesting character, so it's a shame she was dead. This was not a terrible read, but in general, the characters aren't well developed and the plot is predictable. I found it ironic that the author actually mentions "I Capture the Castle" which is a much better book of this genre and obviously an inspiration.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

A beautifully written story that draws you in as if it is the most beautiful rose you have seen or smelt.

The Hamilton Sisters find themselves all back home together, mourning the loss of their mother in their own ways whilst all keeping secrets that hold them back from truly mourning her and moving forwards.
The family business is the tie that keeps them together but will it be the tie that binds them or a tie that allows the flowers to bloom.

It's a very different story from Victoria Connelly's "Austen Lovers" books, but just as un-put-downable. New characters to get to know, new locations to fall in love with!

Was very pleased that thanks to Amazon I got this a month before offical release just a shame that I read it so quickly!

[Sharon Patchett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank heaven for Amazon

I signed up for free books on a number of sights and got this for free. I am enjoying the British novels for adults. No sex scenes, nothing but a cute romance novel set in a lovely manor home crumbling down around three young women. A dysfunctional family, the recently deceased mother had a psychological disease that affected the three women in different ways. The book focuses on how they pull together their forces, sell their valued paintings to help pay bills and rebuild and old medieval wing of their English manor home, and talk about their true feelings for the first time in their lives. Each woman fell in love and the relationships were all different and for each of them to come to terms with.

[Sue Kitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lovely story about three sisters who each have their own problems as well as try to deal with the death of their mother and how they stick together to try and save their inheritance. The description of the English manor house and rose gardens was so vivid and beautiful that at times I felt as though I was there.
While the story kept me interested, I kept on waiting for something exciting to happen and never did, although I did enjoy it very much. It was a sweet story of love, courage and family.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book through the goodreads giveaway. The story was an easy predictable pleasant summer read. The added story of each daughter's challenged relationship with their mother gave the story more depth.

[Dorothy Lamp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rose girls review

Along with romantic stories, this book showed what occurs to family members when they have to live with other family members with personality disorders/mental illness.

[Valerie Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great book

This is a great book. The story line flowed easily. I couldn't put the book down! We need a part 2!

[etherealfire · Rating 3 out of 5]

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