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The Girl with the Stolen Rose: An epic, heartbreaking and romantic page-turner
1922: Holding my hands in his, the only father I’ve ever known whispers the words that will change the course of my ‘Darling Rose, my most loyal maid. I’ve spent my life collecting the rarest of flowers from around the world. But now the time has come to return them to their rightful home. Promise me you will?’
All her young life, Rose has lived on the Cornish coast. Her days are spent quietly helping the only father she has ever known catalogue his botanical collection of rare flowers as she traces each unfamiliar location on the globe, dreaming of faraway places…
Until one day, before his final breath, he asks her to travel to the other side of the world to return a stolen flower to its rightful home. Rose has never been outside her own village, and the idea of stepping aboard a steamship fills her with fear. But when she looks into the eyes of the man who raised her, she knows she must keep her promise.
Arriving in Greece, Rose is in awe of the wild Aegean sea sparkling against the rugged coastline. This is where the delicate wild rose once grew, and where she must ensure it returns to the land. But before she can fulfil her promise, will a chance meeting with a mysterious fisherman change her fate forever?
One hundred years later, Alice Middlemist Jones stands on the same secluded Greek island, determined to find out what happened to Rose. If she does, will she find the answer to a question that has haunted her for years?
What can an orphaned maid and a lost young woman say to each other across a century of starry nights? What really happened to Rose? And what will this beautiful, wild Greek island teach Alice about herself?
An absolutely heartbreaking and unforgettable novel about two women’s courage, sacrifice, and unexpected journeys to discovering who they really are. This unputdownable story set by the crystal-clear waters of Greece is perfect for fans of Lucinda Riley, Victoria Hislop and Santa Montefiore.
Readers are loving The Girl with the Stolen Rose:
‘Breathtaking… emotional, romantic and unforgettable… Perfect.’ karensdisneylibrary, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Beautiful… made me feel like I was there.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Makes you want to pack a suitcase and go… I really loved.’ aleksabooks95 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
All her young life, Rose has lived on the Cornish coast. Her days are spent quietly helping the only father she has ever known catalogue his botanical collection of rare flowers as she traces each unfamiliar location on the globe, dreaming of faraway places…
Until one day, before his final breath, he asks her to travel to the other side of the world to return a stolen flower to its rightful home. Rose has never been outside her own village, and the idea of stepping aboard a steamship fills her with fear. But when she looks into the eyes of the man who raised her, she knows she must keep her promise.
Arriving in Greece, Rose is in awe of the wild Aegean sea sparkling against the rugged coastline. This is where the delicate wild rose once grew, and where she must ensure it returns to the land. But before she can fulfil her promise, will a chance meeting with a mysterious fisherman change her fate forever?
One hundred years later, Alice Middlemist Jones stands on the same secluded Greek island, determined to find out what happened to Rose. If she does, will she find the answer to a question that has haunted her for years?
What can an orphaned maid and a lost young woman say to each other across a century of starry nights? What really happened to Rose? And what will this beautiful, wild Greek island teach Alice about herself?
An absolutely heartbreaking and unforgettable novel about two women’s courage, sacrifice, and unexpected journeys to discovering who they really are. This unputdownable story set by the crystal-clear waters of Greece is perfect for fans of Lucinda Riley, Victoria Hislop and Santa Montefiore.
Readers are loving The Girl with the Stolen Rose:
‘Breathtaking… emotional, romantic and unforgettable… Perfect.’ karensdisneylibrary, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Beautiful… made me feel like I was there.’ Goodreads reviewer, ⭐⭐⭐⭐
‘Makes you want to pack a suitcase and go… I really loved.’ aleksabooks95 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
324 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 18, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
October 25, 2026
This was a great read that had my feet itching to go travelling, escaping the chilly autumnal weather. For sure, the writer truly brings alive the sunny climes of Santorini, making this not only a great bit of escapist fiction, but ideal if you want to travel from the comforts of your own sofa.
The novel begins with an intriguing scene whereby Rose’s father, who has adopted her, her sister Poppy, and three other ‘maids’ warns them all that their household is cursed, thanks to him stealing rare flowers from all over the globe. In order to escape such a dreadful fate, on his deathbed, he orders them to all return the pressed flowers to their rightful homes. In Rose’s case, this is Santorini, and this is the start of what I hope is a series about all five women and their experiences.
Dual timeline, this book shifts between Rose’s journey to Santorini in 1922 and meeting Demetrius. In present day, Alice is following Rose’s trail and is keen to know what happened to this woman. Alice suspects she may have a connection with Rose, thanks to Alice’s unusual middle name and I was burning with curiosity about how this link would be established. The writer faithfully alternates between the two periods and I felt equally invested in both timelines, completely immersed in Santorini and a tale of love, loss and happiness.
There is no denying that Rose’s story is a mix of love and tragedy. Knowing how her story ends back at the remote house on the Cornish coast, I wanted to learn why she was unable to fulfil her dreams in Santorini. Similarly, Alice’s time in present day seems to parallel Rose and I enjoyed seeing how she investigated the past whilst giving attention to her developing feelings for Nico. Like Rose, I wanted to see Alice have her own happy ending and the more I learned about her character, the stronger this desire became.
I really enjoyed this story and am excited for the next story. I hope that Matthews continues to write about the setting with a similar strength that is seen in this novel because it certainly created an forgettable atmosphere to the plot. Rose’s story comes to symbolise confinement and whilst Santorini offers freedom, there is an invisible net that closes in on her. In contrast, for Alice, this is a place of liberation and I found that made the conclusion all the more satistying.
With thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The novel begins with an intriguing scene whereby Rose’s father, who has adopted her, her sister Poppy, and three other ‘maids’ warns them all that their household is cursed, thanks to him stealing rare flowers from all over the globe. In order to escape such a dreadful fate, on his deathbed, he orders them to all return the pressed flowers to their rightful homes. In Rose’s case, this is Santorini, and this is the start of what I hope is a series about all five women and their experiences.
Dual timeline, this book shifts between Rose’s journey to Santorini in 1922 and meeting Demetrius. In present day, Alice is following Rose’s trail and is keen to know what happened to this woman. Alice suspects she may have a connection with Rose, thanks to Alice’s unusual middle name and I was burning with curiosity about how this link would be established. The writer faithfully alternates between the two periods and I felt equally invested in both timelines, completely immersed in Santorini and a tale of love, loss and happiness.
There is no denying that Rose’s story is a mix of love and tragedy. Knowing how her story ends back at the remote house on the Cornish coast, I wanted to learn why she was unable to fulfil her dreams in Santorini. Similarly, Alice’s time in present day seems to parallel Rose and I enjoyed seeing how she investigated the past whilst giving attention to her developing feelings for Nico. Like Rose, I wanted to see Alice have her own happy ending and the more I learned about her character, the stronger this desire became.
I really enjoyed this story and am excited for the next story. I hope that Matthews continues to write about the setting with a similar strength that is seen in this novel because it certainly created an forgettable atmosphere to the plot. Rose’s story comes to symbolise confinement and whilst Santorini offers freedom, there is an invisible net that closes in on her. In contrast, for Alice, this is a place of liberation and I found that made the conclusion all the more satistying.
With thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 7, 2026
The Girl with the Stolen Rose by Cora Matthews was a beautifully written book from start to finish but . . . You will need tissues and Lots of them. The Girl with a Stolen Rose is a heartbreaking and romantic book set in dual timelines that was a great page-turner. Cora Matthews the author wrote from her heart and was such a beautiful story which is set in Santorini in Greece, and told by two POV's
Rose and Alice Middlemist Jones.
Rose lives in the 1920's and she is holding hands of her father, who has spent most of his life collecting the rarest of flowers from around the world. But now the time has come to return them to their rightful home.
Now Rose is climbing aboard a steamship bound for Greece, a precious bloom wrapped carefully in her luggage, and Rose is filled with nervous excitement. She has never left her village before, and never known anything outside her life at Ashbourne House. But she has made a promise to her father, the one she refuses to break, and she needs courage now more than ever to carry this promise out.
Now, a hundred years have passed and Alice Middlemist Jones stands on the very same secluded island and grief has taken everything from her. Alice is on a quest to uncover the truth of her real identity. All she has to do is piece together all the clues about her unique middle name brought her to Greece where she meets Nico, who is a gardener who shows her a wild rose garden hiding secrets of its own.
WoW . . . this book was just beautiful and I highly recommend it and to have lots of tissues nearby as you will so need them!
Big Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC.
Rose and Alice Middlemist Jones.
Rose lives in the 1920's and she is holding hands of her father, who has spent most of his life collecting the rarest of flowers from around the world. But now the time has come to return them to their rightful home.
Now Rose is climbing aboard a steamship bound for Greece, a precious bloom wrapped carefully in her luggage, and Rose is filled with nervous excitement. She has never left her village before, and never known anything outside her life at Ashbourne House. But she has made a promise to her father, the one she refuses to break, and she needs courage now more than ever to carry this promise out.
Now, a hundred years have passed and Alice Middlemist Jones stands on the very same secluded island and grief has taken everything from her. Alice is on a quest to uncover the truth of her real identity. All she has to do is piece together all the clues about her unique middle name brought her to Greece where she meets Nico, who is a gardener who shows her a wild rose garden hiding secrets of its own.
WoW . . . this book was just beautiful and I highly recommend it and to have lots of tissues nearby as you will so need them!
Big Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for my ARC.
September 21, 2026
Ah Santorini. Greece is always my favorite setting to read about.
I enjoyed that this story was told in dual timeline. 2 women 100 years apart. Alice is on the hunt for the truth about where her middle name came from and information on Rose and the missing maids.
Both Alice and Rose find love on Santorini. I always enjoy a little romance with my historical fiction. There’s miscommunication and interference by others in both of their relationships, which was frustrating to read, but definitely gave depth to the story.
This is my first book by Cora and I’m really looking forward to reading more of this series and learning about the other women that were sisters to Rose.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my copy of this book.
I enjoyed that this story was told in dual timeline. 2 women 100 years apart. Alice is on the hunt for the truth about where her middle name came from and information on Rose and the missing maids.
Both Alice and Rose find love on Santorini. I always enjoy a little romance with my historical fiction. There’s miscommunication and interference by others in both of their relationships, which was frustrating to read, but definitely gave depth to the story.
This is my first book by Cora and I’m really looking forward to reading more of this series and learning about the other women that were sisters to Rose.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for my copy of this book.
September 3, 2026
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher, for which I thank them.
“The Girl with the Stolen Rose” is the first book in a new series by Cora Matthews. I found this historical fiction book to be … okay. I thought the set-up was fine, though it was a bit slow, but I found it interesting. But, one of the things I always want from a historical fiction book is to learn something new - and besides the information about the flower, there wasn’t anything new for me in this book. I found the modern story to be full of way too many conveniences (though if they didn’t happen, no story, so I get it) but it felt really obvious. I think this might be an interesting series, but I’d honestly have to wait for the second book to see. I think, for me, this book relied a bit too much on the romance, which I found, honestly, not interesting. I think, overall, this wasn’t the book for me, but I can see others enjoying it.
“The Girl with the Stolen Rose” is the first book in a new series by Cora Matthews. I found this historical fiction book to be … okay. I thought the set-up was fine, though it was a bit slow, but I found it interesting. But, one of the things I always want from a historical fiction book is to learn something new - and besides the information about the flower, there wasn’t anything new for me in this book. I found the modern story to be full of way too many conveniences (though if they didn’t happen, no story, so I get it) but it felt really obvious. I think this might be an interesting series, but I’d honestly have to wait for the second book to see. I think, for me, this book relied a bit too much on the romance, which I found, honestly, not interesting. I think, overall, this wasn’t the book for me, but I can see others enjoying it.
October 13, 2026
1924 Botanist John Ashbourne’s final wishes are for his adopted daughters to each undertake a journey to return a flower to break a curse...
The Girl with the Stolen Rose is a dual timeline novel set a century apart on the Greek island of Santorini. It is the first book in a series and I assume that each sister's journey will be covered.
Rose is the first of the sisters to leave home. She has a rose that she needs to return to an abbey on Santorini. She falls very ill on the boat then falls in love with Demetrius who carries her ashore. But Rose is expected to return home and marry once she has accomplished her mission.
In the other timeline in 2023 Alice wants to explore the mystery of her middle name Middlemist. She finds a link to John Ashbourne, and travels to Santorini for its garden festival. She quickly falls in love with organiser Nico who has sworn off women after awful break up so it seems their relationship is doomed from the start.
The book is written using alternating chapters in the past and present. I felt equally immersed in both timelines and really liked Rose and Alice's characters. The romances were both rather sudden and neither couple have a proper chance to get to know each other due to time constraints and the interference of other characters.
I enjoyed the mystery of Alice's middle name although it was quite obvious based on the prologue and the arrival of a person from a particular country. The geographical and historical setting provides an interesting backdrop to the plot and character dynamics. I am definitely intrigued by what happened to the rest of Rose's sisters so am looking forward to the rest of the series.
The Girl with the Stolen Rose is an immersion into two strong timelines.
The Girl with the Stolen Rose is a dual timeline novel set a century apart on the Greek island of Santorini. It is the first book in a series and I assume that each sister's journey will be covered.
Rose is the first of the sisters to leave home. She has a rose that she needs to return to an abbey on Santorini. She falls very ill on the boat then falls in love with Demetrius who carries her ashore. But Rose is expected to return home and marry once she has accomplished her mission.
In the other timeline in 2023 Alice wants to explore the mystery of her middle name Middlemist. She finds a link to John Ashbourne, and travels to Santorini for its garden festival. She quickly falls in love with organiser Nico who has sworn off women after awful break up so it seems their relationship is doomed from the start.
The book is written using alternating chapters in the past and present. I felt equally immersed in both timelines and really liked Rose and Alice's characters. The romances were both rather sudden and neither couple have a proper chance to get to know each other due to time constraints and the interference of other characters.
I enjoyed the mystery of Alice's middle name although it was quite obvious based on the prologue and the arrival of a person from a particular country. The geographical and historical setting provides an interesting backdrop to the plot and character dynamics. I am definitely intrigued by what happened to the rest of Rose's sisters so am looking forward to the rest of the series.
The Girl with the Stolen Rose is an immersion into two strong timelines.
October 24, 2026
The Girl with the Stolen Rose by Cora Matthews
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 4 stars
Set in Santorini, Greece… that alone had me happily reading! But it was the secrets from the past that kept me turning the pages.
In 1922, Rose leaves her quiet life on the Cornish coast to fulfil a promise to the man who raised her: return a stolen flower to its rightful home. A hundred years later, Alice arrives on the same Greek island, searching for answers about Rose and her own past.
Written in alternating chapters between the past and present, this was a story where I enjoyed both timelines. Rose and Alice each bring their own history to the story, and I loved gradually discovering the secrets connecting them across the years.
This is the first book in a new series by Cora Matthews, and I'm already looking forward to reading the other books and finding out what happened to the four other women.
A lovely mix of family secrets, self-discovery and a beautiful Greek setting. Another book to feed my love of reading about places I'd happily escape to!
Do you enjoy stories that move between the past and present?
⭐⭐⭐⭐ - 4 stars
Set in Santorini, Greece… that alone had me happily reading! But it was the secrets from the past that kept me turning the pages.
In 1922, Rose leaves her quiet life on the Cornish coast to fulfil a promise to the man who raised her: return a stolen flower to its rightful home. A hundred years later, Alice arrives on the same Greek island, searching for answers about Rose and her own past.
Written in alternating chapters between the past and present, this was a story where I enjoyed both timelines. Rose and Alice each bring their own history to the story, and I loved gradually discovering the secrets connecting them across the years.
This is the first book in a new series by Cora Matthews, and I'm already looking forward to reading the other books and finding out what happened to the four other women.
A lovely mix of family secrets, self-discovery and a beautiful Greek setting. Another book to feed my love of reading about places I'd happily escape to!
Do you enjoy stories that move between the past and present?
September 21, 2026
I’m not saying this book made me want to book a flight to Santorini… but I’m also not saying it didn’t. 😂✈️
This was such a lovely, atmospheric read. I really enjoyed the dual timeline, moving between Rose in 1922 and Alice in the present day, as the two stories slowly begin to connect.
The Greek island setting was definitely one of my favourite parts. The hidden gardens, the sea, the secrets from the past… I could almost feel the warm breeze while I was reading. 🌊☀️
I also liked the gentle romance and the way the story gradually reveals more about Rose and Alice. It has that sense of mystery and family history that I always enjoy in this type of book.
A perfect choice if you’re looking for a book that will transport you somewhere sunny for a few hours.
This was such a lovely, atmospheric read. I really enjoyed the dual timeline, moving between Rose in 1922 and Alice in the present day, as the two stories slowly begin to connect.
The Greek island setting was definitely one of my favourite parts. The hidden gardens, the sea, the secrets from the past… I could almost feel the warm breeze while I was reading. 🌊☀️
I also liked the gentle romance and the way the story gradually reveals more about Rose and Alice. It has that sense of mystery and family history that I always enjoy in this type of book.
A perfect choice if you’re looking for a book that will transport you somewhere sunny for a few hours.
September 21, 2026
🌟🌟🌟🌟
This is a great story with two POV’s between 1924 and 2023.
Rose lives during the 1920's and goes to Santorini to learn about her past. Fast forward to 2023. We meet Alice who is also on a quest of discovery.
There are four sisters in the story so I’m hoping there will be four more stories about each sister. Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
#TheGIRLwiththeSTOLEnROSE #CoraMatthewsBookTour #NetGalley #Bookouture #NewBook #ILoveBooks #BookLove #Bookstagram
This is a great story with two POV’s between 1924 and 2023.
Rose lives during the 1920's and goes to Santorini to learn about her past. Fast forward to 2023. We meet Alice who is also on a quest of discovery.
There are four sisters in the story so I’m hoping there will be four more stories about each sister. Many thanks to the author, Bookouture and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of the book. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
#TheGIRLwiththeSTOLEnROSE #CoraMatthewsBookTour #NetGalley #Bookouture #NewBook #ILoveBooks #BookLove #Bookstagram
September 20, 2026
I found this story to be sad and poignant.
First, I’m intrigued by what happened to the rest of the missing Middlemist maids.
There is no worse feeling than loving someone and not being able to be with them.
I felt the worst for Demetrius because Rose made decisions without consulting with him and that was very unfair.
I didn’t care for Rose very much but I Alice was a great character.
Thanks NetGalley and Bookouture for the early read.
First, I’m intrigued by what happened to the rest of the missing Middlemist maids.
There is no worse feeling than loving someone and not being able to be with them.
I felt the worst for Demetrius because Rose made decisions without consulting with him and that was very unfair.
I didn’t care for Rose very much but I Alice was a great character.
Thanks NetGalley and Bookouture for the early read.
November 1, 2026
This was a book with 2 timelines, and was done well. I loved the descriptions of Santorini and felt like I was there. I was invested in both Alice's and Rose's story lines. The story has moments of happiness and joy, along with sadness and heartbreak.
I want to thank the publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read the ARC. I recommend!
I want to thank the publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read the ARC. I recommend!
September 23, 2026
A very beautiful and descriptive story told in the 1920s and 2020s via Rose and Alice. Slipping between Cornwall and the Greek Island.
Its very interesting how the ladies stories interconnect, with flowers, love, loss, hope and pain sprinkled within its a recommended read.
Its very interesting how the ladies stories interconnect, with flowers, love, loss, hope and pain sprinkled within its a recommended read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really liked Alice and Rose in this book. They were both strong minded women despite from different times. The beautiful description of Santorini made me feel I was there with them and their troubles.
September 19, 2026
Thank you Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC.
It was a good read. told in two timelines, between Cornwall and Greece. The modern part was ok, I preferred the 1924 timeline.
The premise reminded me bit of Seven Sisters series with flowers.
3.5 stars
September 30, 2026
I really enjoyed this story. I thought it was very well written and I love a dual timeline and multiple pov's. I love that he wanted her to deliver all the flowers back to where they came from and that she found live whole doing it and also in the future timeline as well that she found love too. I thought the world building was incredible and I highly recommend
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews