Images of Rose

by Anna Gilbert

A subtle and mysterious romance set in nineteenth century England. Seafaring Captain Adam Westerdale has brought his frail bride to Saxelby Mill to enjoy the lush atmosphere of the English countryside. But as her health takes a turn for the worse, Captain Westerdale returns to the idyllic spot to bury her years later. Distraught, Westerdale returns to sea, leaving behind him two young daughters, Lucy and Ellen. Except for his infrequent visits Lucy and Ellen grow to the brink of womanhood happily without their father’s presence. They live in his absence and in their mother’s shadowy memory, dreaming of the day that their girlhood companion, Cousin Rose, would come to them at last. And that May morning when they spy the beautiful young woman dressed in gray, standing lost and alone at the mill gate, was the day it all began. Rose has come to touch their lives and nothing will ever be the same again. Lucy is overjoyed to finally meet Rose, but things are not what they seem and as the atmosphere in the house changes, Ellen begins to seek answers... Images of Rose is a beautifully written family saga which focuses on female relationships. Once in a great while, a novel appears of an intensely haunting quality and with a central character of rare complexity, elusory yet enduring. Such a novel was Rebecca and such a figure was the first wife at Manderlay. In this same tradition, Anna Gilbert has written a subtle and mysterious tale and again at its core is a beautiful and enigmatic woman. Anna Gilbert is the pseudonym under which Marguerite Lazarus (née Jackson) wrote her romance novels. She was the second child of a schoolmaster and she herself went on to become an English teacher at a grammar school. Other novels by Anna include The Look of Innocence, Remembering Louise, The Wedding Guest, The Long Shadow, and many more.

Genres: Fiction, Gothic, Victorian, Historical Fiction, British Literature

251 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 1974

About the author

Marguerite Jackson Lazarus
aka Marguerite J. Gascoigne, Anna Gilbert

Marguerite Jackson was born on 1 May 1916 in Durham, England, UK, daughter of Hannah, and John Jackson, an inspector of schools. On 1937, she obtained a BA with honours and on 1957 a MA at Durham University. She worked as Grammar school English teacher from 1938 to 1973. On 5 April 1956, she married Jacob "Jack" Lazarus.

She published Children's fiction as Marguerite J. Gascoigne, and later gothic romance novels as Anna Gilbert. Marguerite died at 88, on 24 September 2004 in North Yorkshire, England.

Reviews

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay, I found this book in the free bin at a local used book store. I can hardly resist a free book, even if I've never seen it before. I didn't necessarily have any high expectations for it, but I was pleasantly surprised. It is somewhat reminiscent of Victoria Holt (although not quite to that caliber), and there is a great mystery of who Cousin Rose is throughout the entire novel. The plot can become a bit wearing at times, but it was a fairly enjoyable quick read.

[Pat Camalliere · Rating 4 out of 5]

I almost put this book down about fifty pages in, but I’m glad I didn’t. after a slow start the story captured me, similar to the style of Daphne du Maurier’s classic works like Rebecca. Growing up in an isolated country mill, young Ellen and Lucy long to have their deceased mother’s cousin Rose come to live with them. When she finally arrives, the circumstances are unexpected and Rose herself behaves strangely. Soon an atmosphere of evil pervades the home and everything starts to go wrong. Ultimately Rose and Ellen are left alone to resolve their differences. Highly recommended.

[Rosemary Noble · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was a consistent gothic feel about this novel which I enjoyed very much. One or two typos which, as it is now offered by Endeavour, I did not expect. The writing was good and she kept the suspense going. On the whole, I liked the book.

[Kathy Barter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mystery, false ID, great story

I have read this book before. I realized it was familiar but I was enjoying the story all over again of two motherless sisters, a sea captain away for long periods of time and a long lost cousin .

[Virginia Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well done!

I thought the book was predictable , into the last few chapters . It was then that I really appreciated her style of writing and the suspense in which she kept you.

[Sharon Zink · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a Victorian read about character impersonation. It includes two daughters, an absent father, and a mysterious new stepmother. Parts of it were confusing to me.

[Dorothy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable suspense novel. The old English country atmosphere is the perfect setting for the story line.
Just thought the ending was a little rushed .