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The Mystery of the Wooden Rose #1
Before the Rose: The Gypsy's Curse
Before the Rose, the Gypsy’s Curse. (Prequel to The Wooden Rose)
They say the sins of the fathers fall on the sons, but what of the sins of the mothers…
Mary always manages to get her own way. As a child, she is stubborn, determined, acts without thinking, and never considers the consequences of her actions. The old Mother tries to explain to her that what she says and does will come back to her three times over, good or bad. When she angers her common sense and control disappear, and then she worries about the old Mothers words.
When Mary helps her older sister Coralina to run away with the miller’s son, she is blamed for not telling her father. Johnny her childhood sweetheart has a calming influence on her, and later they marry and have a child, a beloved daughter Rosa. When Rosa is fourteen, her sweetheart Eddie, carves a piece of wood into the shape of a rose and gives it to Rosa as a token of his love. Later they marry at the Tinkers Heart, near Cairndow on the shores of Loch Fyne, and it’s a time of celebration for all.
Mary, a natural witch, practices healing, and casts simple, personal spells, but she often forgets the power of her words, her deeds, and her actions. She utters a vile curse, which haunts a family to this day, but it haunted Mary too, and her thoughtlessness repays her when she least expects it, in tragic and heartbreaking ways. This fascinating romantic suspense, set in and around Glasgow and Ayrshire will keep you hooked to the very end and leave you wanting more. This is a charming mysterious love story.
They say the sins of the fathers fall on the sons, but what of the sins of the mothers…
Mary always manages to get her own way. As a child, she is stubborn, determined, acts without thinking, and never considers the consequences of her actions. The old Mother tries to explain to her that what she says and does will come back to her three times over, good or bad. When she angers her common sense and control disappear, and then she worries about the old Mothers words.
When Mary helps her older sister Coralina to run away with the miller’s son, she is blamed for not telling her father. Johnny her childhood sweetheart has a calming influence on her, and later they marry and have a child, a beloved daughter Rosa. When Rosa is fourteen, her sweetheart Eddie, carves a piece of wood into the shape of a rose and gives it to Rosa as a token of his love. Later they marry at the Tinkers Heart, near Cairndow on the shores of Loch Fyne, and it’s a time of celebration for all.
Mary, a natural witch, practices healing, and casts simple, personal spells, but she often forgets the power of her words, her deeds, and her actions. She utters a vile curse, which haunts a family to this day, but it haunted Mary too, and her thoughtlessness repays her when she least expects it, in tragic and heartbreaking ways. This fascinating romantic suspense, set in and around Glasgow and Ayrshire will keep you hooked to the very end and leave you wanting more. This is a charming mysterious love story.
283 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 5, 2016
About the author
Soraya
78 books45 followersI am not using Goodreads as there are book being displayed that I did not write
Im sorry for any inconvenience - If you wish to see my books please visit my website https://www.soraya.co.uk
Blessings Soraya
Im sorry for any inconvenience - If you wish to see my books please visit my website https://www.soraya.co.uk
Blessings Soraya
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
November 5, 2025
Before the Rose: The Gypsy’s Curse by Soraya is a beautifully written tale of love, fate, and the power of words. Set against the hauntingly vivid backdrop of Scotland, this prequel to The Wooden Rose blends romance, mystery, and a touch of magic with seamless grace. Soraya’s storytelling captures the heart with rich emotion and timeless themes of family, choices, and consequence. A mesmerizing read that lingers long after the final page perfect for those who love heartfelt, mystical historical fiction.
September 6, 2020
An absolutely stunning read from cover to cover. Seeing the growth of Mary and how decisions she makes affect not only herself but those around her leave you curious and wanting more. The first book in the series nicely sets the stage and ends in a way that is both satisfying and instantly leaves you needing to pick up and start reading book 2.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews