What do you think?
Rate this book
Once Upon #4
Once Upon a Rose
In Nora Roberts' "Winter Rose," a young queen heals a wounded soldier on a remote island cursed with eternal winter—and warms her heart with the joys of true love.
In Jill Gregory's "The Rose and the Sword," an exiled princess’s last hope for recovering her lost kingdom lies with the embittered prince she is pledged to marry—a man as impossible as he is irresistible.
In Ruth Ryan Langan's "The Roses of Glenross," a lonely lass tends a haunted rose garden in an abbey in war-torn Scotland—while a heroic soldier basks in the pure glow of her love.
In Marianne Willman's "The Fairest Rose," a bold Irish warrior falls for the one woman who has the power to save his life—and hold his heart.
In Jill Gregory's "The Rose and the Sword," an exiled princess’s last hope for recovering her lost kingdom lies with the embittered prince she is pledged to marry—a man as impossible as he is irresistible.
In Ruth Ryan Langan's "The Roses of Glenross," a lonely lass tends a haunted rose garden in an abbey in war-torn Scotland—while a heroic soldier basks in the pure glow of her love.
In Marianne Willman's "The Fairest Rose," a bold Irish warrior falls for the one woman who has the power to save his life—and hold his heart.
389 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 1, 2001
24 people are currently reading
1357 people want to read
About the author
Nora Roberts
1,209 books59.7k followersNora Roberts is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of more than 200 novels, including Hideaway, Under Currents, Come Sundown, The Awakening, Legacy, and coming in November 2021 -- The Becoming -- the second book in The Dragon Heart Legacy. She is also the author of the futuristic suspense In Death series written under the pen name J.D. Robb. There are more than 500 million copies of her books in print.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
March 4, 2017
Winter Rose - Nora Roberts - 3/5 - Deirdre is queen of an isolated castle that has been cursed with perpetual winter and cut off from the rest of the world. When Prince Kylar wanders into the kingdom injured, Deirdre nurses him back to health. While healing, the two fall in love. But Kylar has responsibilities and must go home and Deirdre cannot and will not abandon her people. So how can they be together? Well, this was a pretty nice little fairytale. The characters were nice, with a bit of stubbornness that keeps them apart and this added that perfect touch of angst. The romance itself was sweet, typically Nora Roberts. Overall, a nice story.
The Rose and the Sword - Jill Gregory - 2/5 - I don't remember this story well and I didn't re-read it knowing that I disliked it. The princess is in exile and looking for a way to defeat the evil villain...but she needs to find this magic weapon and she needs her fiance prince who has disappeared to help her. She manages to go off and find him (he thought she was dead) and force him into marriage, because he is certainly reluctant. He however is not reluctant to consummate the marriage. They journey together, plenty of tension and all that. But the battle is kind of ridiculous. And for most of the story the Hero is a selfish ass and the heroine, while a little nicer about things and perhaps thinking of the bigger picture, is just as selfish IMHO. Not my favorite story.
The Roses of Glenross - Ruth Ryan Langan - 3/5 - Jamie and Alexa survived a dreadful massacre and are recuperating (both physically and mentally) in an abbey or convent or something. They encounter one another in the gardens and begin spending time with one another, healing and falling in love. This story was somewhat mediocre with a healthy dose of angst. Jamie is a laird and has to return to his home, but Alexa won't go with him. Personally, I think her reasons are ridiculous and I don't feel like there's a necessary reason for them to part. So it irritates me a bit...unnecessary angst. Also I find it a little strange that these two are having sex, in a convent, surrounded by nuns. Also - quite a bit of insta-love here.
The Fairest Roses - Marianne Willman - 3/5 - Mouse (yes, that is the heroine's name) is serving in the castle, invisible to most...easily forgotten (it's a spell). Tor has come to the castle in order to quest for the hand of the princess. Circumstances throw them together on a quest for the egg of the phoenix. As they go, they learn a lot about each other and I think fall in love. This was sort of confusing, maybe because we don't get inside Tor's head often enough. Half the story he comes across as a selfish asshole, but to hear him explain it at the end it's clear that he isn't. So I kind of understand why we don't get in Tor's head so much. But I have to wonder why Mouse fell in love with him in the first place...
The Rose and the Sword - Jill Gregory - 2/5 - I don't remember this story well and I didn't re-read it knowing that I disliked it. The princess is in exile and looking for a way to defeat the evil villain...but she needs to find this magic weapon and she needs her fiance prince who has disappeared to help her. She manages to go off and find him (he thought she was dead) and force him into marriage, because he is certainly reluctant. He however is not reluctant to consummate the marriage. They journey together, plenty of tension and all that. But the battle is kind of ridiculous. And for most of the story the Hero is a selfish ass and the heroine, while a little nicer about things and perhaps thinking of the bigger picture, is just as selfish IMHO. Not my favorite story.
The Roses of Glenross - Ruth Ryan Langan - 3/5 - Jamie and Alexa survived a dreadful massacre and are recuperating (both physically and mentally) in an abbey or convent or something. They encounter one another in the gardens and begin spending time with one another, healing and falling in love. This story was somewhat mediocre with a healthy dose of angst. Jamie is a laird and has to return to his home, but Alexa won't go with him. Personally, I think her reasons are ridiculous and I don't feel like there's a necessary reason for them to part. So it irritates me a bit...unnecessary angst. Also I find it a little strange that these two are having sex, in a convent, surrounded by nuns. Also - quite a bit of insta-love here.
The Fairest Roses - Marianne Willman - 3/5 - Mouse (yes, that is the heroine's name) is serving in the castle, invisible to most...easily forgotten (it's a spell). Tor has come to the castle in order to quest for the hand of the princess. Circumstances throw them together on a quest for the egg of the phoenix. As they go, they learn a lot about each other and I think fall in love. This was sort of confusing, maybe because we don't get inside Tor's head often enough. Half the story he comes across as a selfish asshole, but to hear him explain it at the end it's clear that he isn't. So I kind of understand why we don't get in Tor's head so much. But I have to wonder why Mouse fell in love with him in the first place...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2012
This book is actually four shorter romance (each about 90 pages), collected from four authors. I'll be reviewing each separately, up to a point.
Winter Rose
The concept was interesting. Perpetual snow and ice, two sisters in love with one man… a curse… very interesting. I was a bit disappointed, however, by the fact that there was only one generation who withstood this sort of cold. Perhaps I've been ruined by the White Witch of Narnia, eh?
The language got on my nerves every once in a while, too. At times Miss Roberts would put in some language that sounded distinctly medieval, whereas at other times it read a bit more like a contemporary novel. It was off-putting because they were so formal at times and so informal at others.
The Rose and the Sword
I liked the idea of this too. The rose and the sword… the fact that Britta had to find him and that he didn't really want to help her at the beginning. But the fight scene was a bit… nonsensical. How did this staff work, anyway?
The Roses of Glenross
I liked the garden. I liked the abbey. I liked the ghost, even. And the 'laird' as opposed to 'lord.' But it wasn't an overly fantastic story.
The Fairest Rose
Can you imagine a heroine named 'Mouse?' Well, her real name is Rosaline (I think…), but she's referred to as Mouse throughout the narrative, and it's fantastic. The adventure is enough to keep some interest in the story, but besides that and the plot twist concerning the queen at the end.
Really, if all the sex scenes/ more adult scenes were cut out, I think it would be easy enough for a child to read and perhaps even appreciate. It's not a particularly complicated book— more like semi-fairytales.
Winter Rose
The concept was interesting. Perpetual snow and ice, two sisters in love with one man… a curse… very interesting. I was a bit disappointed, however, by the fact that there was only one generation who withstood this sort of cold. Perhaps I've been ruined by the White Witch of Narnia, eh?
The language got on my nerves every once in a while, too. At times Miss Roberts would put in some language that sounded distinctly medieval, whereas at other times it read a bit more like a contemporary novel. It was off-putting because they were so formal at times and so informal at others.
The Rose and the Sword
I liked the idea of this too. The rose and the sword… the fact that Britta had to find him and that he didn't really want to help her at the beginning. But the fight scene was a bit… nonsensical. How did this staff work, anyway?
The Roses of Glenross
I liked the garden. I liked the abbey. I liked the ghost, even. And the 'laird' as opposed to 'lord.' But it wasn't an overly fantastic story.
The Fairest Rose
Can you imagine a heroine named 'Mouse?' Well, her real name is Rosaline (I think…), but she's referred to as Mouse throughout the narrative, and it's fantastic. The adventure is enough to keep some interest in the story, but besides that and the plot twist concerning the queen at the end.
Really, if all the sex scenes/ more adult scenes were cut out, I think it would be easy enough for a child to read and perhaps even appreciate. It's not a particularly complicated book— more like semi-fairytales.
March 20, 2017
Winter Rose 5/5
This was a fascinating read, and I actually really enjoyed it. A healer in the h, and a fighter in the H, it was a lovely meeting and a sweet and gradual love for the both of them. The ending's a mite rushed, but it's forgivable. :)
The Rose an the Sword 5/5
I adored this one so much! It was so well-written, and a really lovely story of two mismatched but intended souls. This was again, another story with a rushed climax and ending, but I can forgive it anything, given the really wonderful epilogue.
The Roses of Glenross 5/5
This was a gorgeous story, with a particularly well-written background for the h. I loved the supernatural element to it, and the ending practically tied things up nicely, where it could've been really awful, given the lead-up the the ending.
The Fairest Rose 5/5
The prologue was sooooo sad, and I didn't know if I could've enjoyed it any further, were it not for the H and h. I really enjoyed how Marianne Willman introduced the two strikingly different main characters and described their meetings.
This was a fascinating read, and I actually really enjoyed it. A healer in the h, and a fighter in the H, it was a lovely meeting and a sweet and gradual love for the both of them. The ending's a mite rushed, but it's forgivable. :)
The Rose an the Sword 5/5
I adored this one so much! It was so well-written, and a really lovely story of two mismatched but intended souls. This was again, another story with a rushed climax and ending, but I can forgive it anything, given the really wonderful epilogue.
The Roses of Glenross 5/5
This was a gorgeous story, with a particularly well-written background for the h. I loved the supernatural element to it, and the ending practically tied things up nicely, where it could've been really awful, given the lead-up the the ending.
The Fairest Rose 5/5
The prologue was sooooo sad, and I didn't know if I could've enjoyed it any further, were it not for the H and h. I really enjoyed how Marianne Willman introduced the two strikingly different main characters and described their meetings.
December 19, 2017
On a remote island, Deirdre rules her kingdom of ice. It's forever winter here and her people are trapped, cursed by her parents and her aunt for a love that never existed between them. When Kylar appears out of the snow, wounded and near death, Deirdre vows to save him for she has the gift of healing.
Kylar has heard of this place but only as a myth. He never expected to find the woman of his dreams here. Falling for Deirdre is easy, but convincing her to leave her people and come home with him is impossible.
Knowing that he has to go and she has to stay regardless of the way they feel for each other is just what may save this place and it's people.
Kylar has heard of this place but only as a myth. He never expected to find the woman of his dreams here. Falling for Deirdre is easy, but convincing her to leave her people and come home with him is impossible.
Knowing that he has to go and she has to stay regardless of the way they feel for each other is just what may save this place and it's people.
June 17, 2018
A "new" fairy tale from Nora Roberts which was very enjoyable and highly satisfactory in its ending.
September 27, 2018
Series of short stories best one Winter Rose. In which Our hero falls In love with our heroine. They must figure out a way to end a icy curse.
Read
June 27, 2019Read "The Rose and the Sword" by Jill Gregory; "The Roses of Glenross" by Ruth Ryan Langan
July 16, 2019
Nice set of stories. Good summer reading
Read
August 7, 2020NR only
October 20, 2021
This was fun, don’t @ me
October 31, 2024
4 romance authors tell tales of love with roses at their base. Winter Rose, The Rose & the Sword, The Roses of Glenross & The Fairest Rose.
July 2, 2025
Ok book. I love her books but not the far fetched magical ones
January 13, 2014
3.5 stars
Winter Rose by Nora Roberts
Done reading as a stand-alone book, I didn't know this was one of four novellas.
The Rose and the Sword by Jill Gregory
It felt like reading Sleeping Beauty. Lucius, that warrior and prince is kinda cheesy. 3/5
The Roses of Glenross by Ruth Ryan Langan
I can't exactly pinpoint but I felt that there were gaps un the story. 3/5
The Fairest Rose by Marianne Willman
This is the book I like best among the last three novellas. Magic, evil queen, action and passion among others are incorporated in the story. 4/5
Winter Rose by Nora Roberts
Done reading as a stand-alone book, I didn't know this was one of four novellas.
The Rose and the Sword by Jill Gregory
It felt like reading Sleeping Beauty. Lucius, that warrior and prince is kinda cheesy. 3/5
The Roses of Glenross by Ruth Ryan Langan
I can't exactly pinpoint but I felt that there were gaps un the story. 3/5
The Fairest Rose by Marianne Willman
This is the book I like best among the last three novellas. Magic, evil queen, action and passion among others are incorporated in the story. 4/5
April 12, 2016
All the stories were set in a fairy tale world. The stories mostly felt flimsy, probably due to the designated atmosphere and the relatively short length of the stories. Most of the characters tended towards archetypes.
The only one I really enjoyed was the last story by Marianne Willman "The Fairest Rose"; the characters om that story didn't feel quite so "fairy tale" and had more personality. "The Rose and the Sword" by Jill Gregory had potential, but would have worked better in a longer format.
The only one I really enjoyed was the last story by Marianne Willman "The Fairest Rose"; the characters om that story didn't feel quite so "fairy tale" and had more personality. "The Rose and the Sword" by Jill Gregory had potential, but would have worked better in a longer format.
September 9, 2016
I did like the stories in this book mmore than in the first one,which I will need to try to reread.These stories are the old fashioned PRN from before the currant Kenyon,Feehan,etc.type of stories nowdays.They are fun to read for a change and they are very short too.
I especially liked the story of the lake staying in perpetual winter until the handsome prince comes along and saves the day.
I especially liked the story of the lake staying in perpetual winter until the handsome prince comes along and saves the day.
August 23, 2008
Short and simple romance stories centering around the theme of a rose. I enjoyed both the first one and the last one. The dialogue is a little cheesy, but good for a beach read or just to get a feel good romance fix.
April 25, 2010
I enjoyed this book as I did all of the others in this series. The stories were clearly good against evil - age old themes, but well written, and an original & unusual approach to the subject. Not deep - but enjoyable.
August 16, 2011
Some of these stories were ok, but I had a really difficult time getting through Langan's story without repeatedly throwing the book down in disgust. Cheesy, outdated language and a weak plot caused me to quickly skim the rest of the story because I couldn't stomach reading it thoroughly.
February 5, 2012
Book rating (average of four stories)= 3.38 stars
Winter Rose by Nora Roberts
3.5 stars
The Rose and the Sword by Jill Gregory
3 stars
The Roses of Glenross by Ruth Ryan Langan
3 stars
The Fairest Rose Marianne Willman
4 stars
Winter Rose by Nora Roberts
3.5 stars
The Rose and the Sword by Jill Gregory
3 stars
The Roses of Glenross by Ruth Ryan Langan
3 stars
The Fairest Rose Marianne Willman
4 stars
October 2, 2013
Olá,
4 autoras.
O assunto nuclear é a rosa.
E, claro, descobre-se novas autoras de romances históricos.
Leiam,
Py
Hi,
4 author.
The main subject it´s a rosa.
And you find new romance author´s.
Rad,
Py
4 autoras.
O assunto nuclear é a rosa.
E, claro, descobre-se novas autoras de romances históricos.
Leiam,
Py
Hi,
4 author.
The main subject it´s a rosa.
And you find new romance author´s.
Rad,
Py
January 22, 2008
The Marianne Willman novella was excellent, but the other three, while well-written, didn't hold my interest.
Read
September 18, 2008F Rob
June 4, 2010
Lumayan bagus..
secara gw suka sama Nora Roberts
gabungan fantasi - paranormal
dan komposisinya pas
ga kebanyakan romance juga
trus yang diangkat dongeng2 rakyat Irlandia..
eksotis :))
July 8, 2009
A series of four romance stories. Ok fluff reading. I liked Winter Rose by Nora Roberts and The Fairest Rose by Marianne Williams, the best.
January 16, 2011
I like it because I never read fairy tales for adults before. It was really change for me and it was good reading.
June 30, 2011
All four stories are superbly written tales of romance.
June 21, 2011
Four wonderful tales of a man and woman destined to greatness who find each other and their true destiny. I really enjoyed this book even though I am not a romance reader. Well-written tales.
June 16, 2011
Four novellas by four talented romance writers. I like all four stories, sort of like fairy tales for grown ups. My favorite is 'The Rose of Glenross' with the loss and ghosts, very nice.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews