River Queen Rose

In Old California #1

by Shirley Kennedy

The ramshackle River Queen Hotel is home to vagabonds, gamblers, and heathens—and now, to new widow Rose Peterson. The rundown Gold Rush establishment is the only thing her late husband, Emmet, left her. Despite its raucous saloon and ladies of the evening, Rose can see the hotel’s potential. Her late husband’s family claim that sheltered Rose isn’t capable of running the Sacramento inn herself. But she is determined to make a new life for herself and her young daughter, even if it means flying in the face of custom and propriety. She feels as if she hasn’t a friend in the world.

Except, perhaps, one. Decatur “Deke” Fleming, a tall, lanky Australian who once served as Emmet’s farmhand. Pride prevents Deke from revealing his moneyed past; conscience keeps him from confessing his feelings for the still grieving widow. But when Rose is tempted by wealthy civic leader and hotel owner Mason Talbot, Deke may be the only person who can save her—and the one man capable of reviving her bruised and battered heart.

Genres: Romance, Historical, Historical Romance, Historical Fiction

200 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 26, 2017

About the author

First place (GOLD) winner in the Romance category of the 2013 Independent Publisher (IPPY) awards for THE LAST OF LADY LANSDOWN.

I was born and raised in Fresno, California, where I graduated from Fresno High School. I lived in Canada for many years, enjoying skiing and riding horses, and am a graduate of the University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada with a B.S. in Computer Science.
I've had many jobs in my lifetime, including working for several years as a computer programmer/analyst. However, my true passion has always been writing, so I quit my day job (something you're never supposed to do) and started writing Regency romances. After publishing several Regencies with Ballantine, Signet, and Camel Press, I switched genres.
Now I'm writing western romances for Kensington Lyrical Press, all taking place in the Gold Rush days of the 1850's. I love this period of time. There's so much to write about! With my shelves full of research books, I doubt I'll change genres again.
I have two daughters and am forever proud of their accomplishments--and grateful, too, that both are the kind of loving, supportive daughters every mother hopes she'll have. I live in Las Vegas, Nevada, where I belong to the Las Vegas chapter of Romance Writers of America.
I love hearing from my readers and can be reached at mailto:shirleyken360@gmail.com

Reviews

[Suze · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a long journey Rose is about to be reunited with her husband. Emmet was never her great love, but Rose needed the security of marriage and a family. Emmet traveled to Sacramento and bought the River Queen Hotel, a den of inequity, a shady hotel that's the place to be for gamblers, drunks and prostitutes. Because of the gold rush there are plenty of customers and there's a lot of money to be made. However, just before Rose's arrival Emmet unexpectedly dies. Because of new laws Rose inherits everything he's left behind. She has to fight her in-laws for it, but Rose is determined to run the hotel and turn it into a respectable and successful place.

Rose stumbles upon all kinds of trouble. Hardly anybody expects a woman to run a business by herself. She has employees she can't trust and there are people who are living in her building she can't just throw out. She's determined to overcome each obstacle though. With a little help from new friends and employees she has to build a reputation. Will Rose be able to pull it off and will her hotel indeed become the fine and well loved establishment she envisions?

River Queen Rose is a wonderful story. I was immediately captivated by Rose. She's strong, capable and smart. She knows what she wants and isn't afraid to speak her mind. This sometimes leads to trouble, but eventually it gets her far. I greatly admired how she listens to her heart, is gentle, kind and caring and fights for what she believes in. She's a truly magnificent main character and I loved every single page of her story. I read it in one sitting and couldn't put it down.

Shirley Kennedy has a fabulous enchanting writing style. I really enjoyed reading about Rose's adventures. Every day brings something new and Shirley Kennedy's vivid descriptions are making the story come to life incredibly well. I liked that River Queen Rose is a book about love, family, business and friendship. It's versatile and multilayered. Rose has many battles to fight and she doesn't back down. She's an amazing fierce woman who deserves love and happiness in her future. Finding out if she'd get it kept me on the edge of my seat. I absolutely adored River Queen Rose, it's a brilliant mesmerizing story.

[Jessica · Rating 1 out of 5]

So I'm home sick worth strep today and this book nearly knocked me out I was so bored. By halfway through nothing of interest had really happened, a deeper plot had only been hinted at, and we still hadn't found out a shed of detail about all the characters seemed to be hiding. The language was stiff and I don't think I've ever read a more boring heroine or meek hero. He is continually stopping himself from saying anything about who I assume is going to be the villain of the piece, but like if he's really that problematic why would home boy send the lady he likes off to date him. I didn't care enough to find out so I quit this one before the boredom made me more miserable than the strep.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Historical romance set in 1854 in Sacramento. Plot interesting. Some of it seemed a bit unbelievable for the time period, but it is fiction after all. Some sexual situations but not explicit.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as a Goodreads giveaway. 


I had little expectation for this book to be honest, and it blew me away! It's such an easy read and it pulls you in pretty quickly. I didn't think I would like that it takes place in 1845, but that hasn't bothered me at all. I think it gave so much more character to Rose. It helped you understand her. I love how she seemed such an innocent woman in the beginning and I loved seeing her grow and fight to stand up for herself countless times! 


Several different men were introduced and I don't particularly care for any of them. It's also very strange that she was open to having a relationship with Mason (no spoilers!) so early on after what he had done to her family. She's seeking what every woman wants, a man to sweep us off our feet and I am content with how it ended! 


I love how the story was short and to the point, there were some active scenes that did not take one hundred pages to get the point across, it was concise, which was a big change from what I have been reading. 


I thoroughly enjoyed this book! 

[Kelly Tyree · Rating 5 out of 5]

River Queen Rose is a historical tale about a woman, Rose Peterson, whose husband, Emmet, left his family behind to find his fortune in the Gold Rush. He finally achieved enough wealth and has asked his family to join him. Rose travels with their young daughter and in laws to meet Emmet. When they arrive at his farm, they learn he has died in a duel that he supposedly caused.

Rose has always lived in the shadows of her in laws. She married her husband but there was no true love between them. He left behind a hotel that is well built but caters to the miners in the community. Rose finds out that she is the one who has inherited the hotel. It is expected she will sign it over to her in laws so that they may sell it. But Rose decides to follow her dreams and keep the hotel and turn it around.

Deke Fleming was the hired hand at Emmet's farm. He is an Australian man who came to seek his fortune in the Gold Rush. He was in an accident traveling and broke his leg. When Rose meets him, his leg is in a cast. She finds him refreshing and easy to talk to. Deke is eager to get his cast off so he can show Rose he is not just a crippled man. He offers her friendship and support but he is developing feelings for her. She is also developing feelings for Deke but a successful business man is attempting to court her. He is the man who was involved in the duel the killed Emmet. When Rose decides to reject the advances of this man and his offers to purchase her hotel, the danger becomes real.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would like to thank Goodreads and the Author of this book for providing a copy of this book to me. I really enjoyed this book. It is a sweet romance starring a recently widowed woman who is trying to find a place for herself after the death of her husband. Her husbands family think that she is incapable of doing anything for herself much less taking ownership of the hotel that her husband left her. This book is fast paced and a quick read complete with a love triangle. You will not be disappointed with this book.

tammyannbooks.blogspot.com

[E · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Gold Rush days were a great draw to San Francisco and Sacramento. The men who ventured to find their fortunes left behind wives, sweethearts, children, and parents. Most of these men did not find fortune and perished. Those who were lucky enough made it back, maybe not as rich as they liked. One such man was Emmet Peterson. Emmet managed to buy a farm and hotel in old Sacramento. The River Queen was no ordinary hotel, but a pleasure house, gambling joint, and restaurant – everything a miner would want to spend his hard earned gold nuggets. Emmet had the means now to send for his wife, child, siblings and parents. Things looked ideal until they weren’t. Emmet dies in a duel just before his family arrives. The family arrived the day Emmet was buried. Rose and the rest of the family are devastated. Emmet’s father assumes control of every aspect of their lives. Rose is not happy about it, but what can a recently widowed woman do. She assumes that she will not inherit and her father-in-law assumes he will. Believe it or not, California was more progressive than most of the other states. When Rose finds out she is determined not to be such a coward and defends her rights for herself and her daughter. As the story progresses, Rose finds herself growing with each adventure she is thrown into. The characters in the story are rich and colorful. The portrayal of Old Sacrament brings the story life. I think you will find this book entertaining, but above all, dreams can come true if you have the courage to make them happen.

I own this e-book from Goodreads.com

[Sandy N · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was given this book from Netgalley. This is the story of Rose and Deke. I found Rose too passive and almost submissive to her in laws. She did found her voice after a few chapters but I was already lost. This is a very sweet historical romance with no steam. If that is what your are into then this book is for you. I do prefer more steam in my books.

[Susanb · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book very much. I rushed to read it to find out what happened with the people in the story. A love story set in old California gold rush time.

[Ginger Pollard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won the kindle edition of this book from Goodreads. Thank you, Goodreads! This is a quick, really good book. It's a sweet love story which I enjoyed. I look forward to reading more in this series.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hero Deke--- Heroine Rose
I enjoyed this adventurous story. The characters and plot is well developed. A good page turner the ending had a complete and satisfying HEA.

GA

[AnnMarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

River Queen Rose is the first book in the In Old California series by Shirley Kennedy.

Rose Peterson is the mother of one little girl and a woman who likes to keep the peace, especially with her in-laws who can be particularly trying. Finding herself a widow she decides that she wants to take over the running of the River Queen Saloon, left to her by her late husband. Its patrons are mostly gold miners who just want an easy feed, lots of alcohol, gambling, and the charm of the prostitutes that work there. The place is run down, filthy and no place for a lady. Despite her in-law's disgust, Rose knows that she can make something of the place, turning it into a high-class establishment. She wants to clean up the place including removing the prostitutes. She needs to stop being a woman who likes to keep the peace, she needs to toughen up and she needs friends, but, will her new friends be ones that she can trust?

Deke Fleming is an Australian that worked on Rose's farm left to her by her husband. As her in-laws have taken control of the place it isn't long before they lay Deke off. Time enough though for him to meet Rose and for him to feel attracted to her. He manages to cheer her up a little and becomes one of her new friends, one she can definitely trust. He is her go-to guy when she needs to have a shoulder to cry on, advice, and a good listening ear. She's even a little attracted to him, but they are just friends, right?

The story revolves around the relationships Rose makes with the people of her new hometown, the challenges she faces trying to get the saloon to be a respectable establishment, and perhaps find love, all while being looked down upon by her in-laws who even try to keep her daughter from her. It's an emotion-filled story, one with some heart-wrenching scenes, others laugh out loud ones, and yet more that were beautifully sweet. I loved reading how Rose battled against adversity. The author easily made me love some characters and loathe others, then there was Rose: sometimes I really admired her, yet others I thought she was a shallow woman not worthy of a good man's affections. I think it made her seem more real though, especially with all that she was going through in her life.

I only have one negative thing to say about the book which is that on a couple of occasions when aspects of the story were brought to their conclusion, they seemed too abrupt. I felt as if there was scope for much more detail. That said, I still enjoyed the story and definitely want to read the next in the series.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers' copy of this book.

[Candy Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

The family is on a wagon train, almost done with their very long trip. They find Emmet Peterson's farm, and pull in. Emmet has been killed. His wife (Rose), is having a hard time, as is the rest of the family. Deke Fleming is the hired man from Austraila.
What a read, the emotions, the fear, so much pain. But there were some humorous moments. Rose had to stand up to her in-laws, they didn't want her to do anything but womens work. But she had inherited a gambling, eating and brothel hotel. She knew she could do it..The characters were amazing, they showed the emotions they felt at the time and everyone seemed so life like.. The dialogue made sense and matched what we might have said under the same circumstances. There were so many twists in the plot, The author did a wonderful job of keeping things straight and had a well written and interesting story. It is easy to read and any questions you may have had are answered. I loved the story, it had so much going for it.

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

It wasn't easy to be a widow in 1845 Sacramento. Rose's husband is killed in a duel just before she arrives after a long journey and she finds herself in possession of a hotel. She makes her own way and her own decisions, despite the judgmental attitudes of her in-laws. There's a little romance, including one with eek - Mason who killed her husband Emmet- and with Deke, an Australian. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This is good historical fiction and a fast entertaining read. The title indicates this is the first book in a series; I'm looking forward to spending more time with these characters.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is very dramatic, suspenseful and sad. Deke is a real sweetheart, he's quiet, kind, caring, honorable and a little insecure. Rose is weak, naive, gullible and caring. Deke befriends Rose and falls in love, while Rose is happy being courted by the man who killed her husband. There were so many times I wanted to just get in her face and say "Wait, you're going to do what? Hello, wake up." There were a few characters to like, a few to hate, a few who are amusing and a few who are crazy. With the twists and drama in the storyline, it's a good story.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Goodreads. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.

[Christine Woinich · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an interesting read. Rose is a woman who finds out how strong she really is, and she is such an innocent that she is endearing. Deke is a man with secrets but very much a gentleman. I loved their interactions, and I loved the setting. The story includes some dark moments but I feel that it had to their journey.

I received a copy of this story through Netgalley, and this is my unsolicited review.

[Theresa Wade · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by Shirley Kennedy. This is a very interesting and enjoyable story. The story had a very smooth, fast paced, and easy flow read to it. The story began strong and full of action and continued to the end. It was a story with no extra useless or repetitive dialog. The writing kept me focus on the story through out the entire book. I will be checking out other stories by Shirley. Thank you for a great story.

[R Z · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick, fresh, satisfyingly cute read. I was interested in this due to having lived near Sacramento almost all of my life, and could definitely picture the surroundings with an almost vivid clarity. The romance was cute, but what drew me into the story was how Rose was going to keep the River Queen afloat and what that darn mosutache twirling villain was up to.

Will probably check out more by this author for some more fun historical romances.

(I won this in a goodreads giveaway.)

[Laurie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this as a goodreads giveaway, and it's nice to have it in my collection. The story was good in many ways, and the only sexual content was implied, not specific... making me like it more. At times I felt Rose's thoughts were too 'contemporary', but the overall story and happy ending made the book worthwhile

[Kaylee Dolat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the novel. The most enjoyable process was watching the main character grow from obedient housewife back to her former self as she ran the inn. The moral questions that arose for her to face were intriguing. I enjoyed reading the character step outside of her comfort zone and take care of business in a time period when many women were unable to.

[Nicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action packed romance

Wow, I loved this story. Rose is an amazing character. I like her ability to forgive and her strong desire to make a place for herself in an era when women were under valued. A good cast of characters in a great story. This one was a winner.

[Brenda Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much letting me read it. I look forward to read more of your books.

Easy time follow and the characters in the book are very entertaining, I like the twists. You did a great job.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gold Rush romance

Historical romance during the California Gold Rush period about a woman who discovers her husband has died, and left her a hotel and casino.

[Cissie Breland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Never underestimate a woman. She may have always been submissive, but thankfully found her voice. I loved reading about what else was gained.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed the time period, the plot, and the characters. A very good story with strong women characters! Good summer read!

[Marene · Rating 4 out of 5]

quick read. Free from Barnes and Noble.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit on the predictable side but a good story.

[Lavender]

Placeholder

I won this book via Goodreads Giveaways.

[KarnagesMistress]

I received this book for free through Goodreads Giveaways. It is a Kindle book.