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Rose Galbraith
Young, beautiful Rose is desperate! She and her beloved mother had planned to travel to Scotland so that Rose could discover her heritage. Then, suddenly, Rose's mother had died. To honor her memory, Rose went through with the trip, though doing so meant going to live with the wealthy relatives who had shunned her mother for marrying outside of Scotland's elite.
But the glamour of her relative's castle and its priceless possessions can not hide the heartlessness of the inhabitants . . . or calm Rose's fear of the unscrupulous aristocrat who is scheming to marry her. Rose's only hope and comfort come from the letters she receives from handsome Gordon McCarroll, a friend she became reacquainted with as she began her journey. But can even Gordon save her from the people who seem determined to take control of her life. . . ?
But the glamour of her relative's castle and its priceless possessions can not hide the heartlessness of the inhabitants . . . or calm Rose's fear of the unscrupulous aristocrat who is scheming to marry her. Rose's only hope and comfort come from the letters she receives from handsome Gordon McCarroll, a friend she became reacquainted with as she began her journey. But can even Gordon save her from the people who seem determined to take control of her life. . . ?
282 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1940
55 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
About the author
Grace Livingston Hill
579 books568 followersalso wrote under the pseudonym Marcia MacDonald
also published under the name Grace Livingston Hill Lutz
A popular author of her day, she wrote over 100 novels and numerous short stories of religious and Christian fiction. Her characters were most often young female ingénues, frequently strong Christian women or those who become so within the confines of the story.
niece to Isabella MacDonald Alden
also published under the name Grace Livingston Hill Lutz
A popular author of her day, she wrote over 100 novels and numerous short stories of religious and Christian fiction. Her characters were most often young female ingénues, frequently strong Christian women or those who become so within the confines of the story.
niece to Isabella MacDonald Alden
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
January 4, 2026
This is a very sweet story, full of faith and hope and love. I think I would have enjoyed it even more as a teenager and early 20-something. I’ll have to remember to track down a physical copy to give as a gift to my goddaughters when they’re teenagers in several years. I think Aunt Janet’s redemption may be my favorite thing. Also Rose’s father’s family. I’d love a continuing story about Kirsty.
March 29, 2021
4.5 stars
I enjoyed this story. It felt a little slow in the beginning, but then it grew more interesting. I really liked Rose and her interactions with her relatives and her determination to trust in the Lord and not worry when everything looked dark. Gordon was such a gentleman and I enjoyed his relationship with his parents and Rose. The Galbraith family was a delight! I loved each one of them and wouldn’t mind stopping to visit them the next time I’m over that way.
I really appreciated that there was more focus on Christian things in this story than in some other books by this author. It was a sweet, tender story that I’m sure I’ll read again some time.
I enjoyed this story. It felt a little slow in the beginning, but then it grew more interesting. I really liked Rose and her interactions with her relatives and her determination to trust in the Lord and not worry when everything looked dark. Gordon was such a gentleman and I enjoyed his relationship with his parents and Rose. The Galbraith family was a delight! I loved each one of them and wouldn’t mind stopping to visit them the next time I’m over that way.
I really appreciated that there was more focus on Christian things in this story than in some other books by this author. It was a sweet, tender story that I’m sure I’ll read again some time.
July 6, 2014
I haven't read a book by Grace Livingston Hill since my teenage years. I am happy to have found her again. GLH was one of the first Christian authors and the gospel is preached throughout her stories. Those that love the Lord are eager to share their knowledge and love with those who have not yet come to know Him.
Rose Galbraith has recently lost her dear mother. Her father passed away several years ago. A trip had been planned to visit relatives in Scotland and Rose makes the journey alone. By chance, a school mate from a few years ago has come to deliver some documents to another passenger on the ship. Gordon McCarroll and Rose meet just as the call for all going ashore is announced. They share a few tender moments and Gordon's kindness helps to carry Rose through the beginning of this sad and lonely trip. They agree to write to each other and their courtship is carried on through their letters. It is sweet and touching. Rose meets relatives who are stiff and sour and some who are good and generous. She navigates these new experiences with an almost childlike trust in the Lord that I wish I had more often.
Rose Galbraith has recently lost her dear mother. Her father passed away several years ago. A trip had been planned to visit relatives in Scotland and Rose makes the journey alone. By chance, a school mate from a few years ago has come to deliver some documents to another passenger on the ship. Gordon McCarroll and Rose meet just as the call for all going ashore is announced. They share a few tender moments and Gordon's kindness helps to carry Rose through the beginning of this sad and lonely trip. They agree to write to each other and their courtship is carried on through their letters. It is sweet and touching. Rose meets relatives who are stiff and sour and some who are good and generous. She navigates these new experiences with an almost childlike trust in the Lord that I wish I had more often.
June 17, 2015
So... I read this book primarily just to get it out of my house (I was sorting books for a charity sale), and even though the paperback was well under 200 pages, I almost didn't make it through.
I've read a few decent books by this author, but this is certainly not one of them. There is virtually no conflict in the story (despite the best attempts by the blurb to imply that the heroine is in danger of being forced into an unwanted marriage -- spoiler, she really isn't!), and the characters are such cardboard cutouts they make make preteen fanfiction tropes look complex. Additionally, it's probably the preachiest G. L. Hill book I've ever read, complete with long Scripture excerpts and letters in which the lead couple discuss their respective theology. Repeatedly. I'm fairly certain there is more ink devoted to theology than anything approaching romance in this book.
Complete summary of book, which I'm not going to spoiler tag because that would imply there's something to spoil: Perfect Mary Sue is sad because her mother has died and she's broke. Her old school chum Gary Stu, who is both wealthy and God-fearing, meets her by chance (and randomly kisses her). She thinks he's nice, but she is on her way to visit estranged relatives. Said relatives are miserable, greedy, godless people who want her to marry a creepy neighbor who owes them money. She says no. She then visits her other relatives, who are all fellow perfect Mary Sues (and appropriately God-fearing), and writes a lot of letters to Gary Stu about the Bible. Gary Stu shows up and they get married, and the evil relatives are so moved by her perfect Mary Sue ways that they all decide to read the Bible, too. THE END.
I wish I were making that up, but sadly, that's the story -- but with a lot more crystalline tears and trembling fingers and perfect Mary Sue-ness. :P The best thing about this book was that the edition I had (a 1970s-vintage paperback) tried so desperately to make it sound interesting that they actually fabricated a FAKE EXCERPT for inside the front cover, in which the heroine was faced with a terrible choice and had to make a snap decision about marrying for love or money. Pretty gutsy of the publisher, since nothing even remotely like that happened in the book.
I've read a few decent books by this author, but this is certainly not one of them. There is virtually no conflict in the story (despite the best attempts by the blurb to imply that the heroine is in danger of being forced into an unwanted marriage -- spoiler, she really isn't!), and the characters are such cardboard cutouts they make make preteen fanfiction tropes look complex. Additionally, it's probably the preachiest G. L. Hill book I've ever read, complete with long Scripture excerpts and letters in which the lead couple discuss their respective theology. Repeatedly. I'm fairly certain there is more ink devoted to theology than anything approaching romance in this book.
Complete summary of book, which I'm not going to spoiler tag because that would imply there's something to spoil: Perfect Mary Sue is sad because her mother has died and she's broke. Her old school chum Gary Stu, who is both wealthy and God-fearing, meets her by chance (and randomly kisses her). She thinks he's nice, but she is on her way to visit estranged relatives. Said relatives are miserable, greedy, godless people who want her to marry a creepy neighbor who owes them money. She says no. She then visits her other relatives, who are all fellow perfect Mary Sues (and appropriately God-fearing), and writes a lot of letters to Gary Stu about the Bible. Gary Stu shows up and they get married, and the evil relatives are so moved by her perfect Mary Sue ways that they all decide to read the Bible, too. THE END.
I wish I were making that up, but sadly, that's the story -- but with a lot more crystalline tears and trembling fingers and perfect Mary Sue-ness. :P The best thing about this book was that the edition I had (a 1970s-vintage paperback) tried so desperately to make it sound interesting that they actually fabricated a FAKE EXCERPT for inside the front cover, in which the heroine was faced with a terrible choice and had to make a snap decision about marrying for love or money. Pretty gutsy of the publisher, since nothing even remotely like that happened in the book.
February 24, 2015
I had no idea this was a christian fiction book when I picked it up from my local used book store, but I’m very glad I did. After Rose’s dear mother dies, Rose decides to continue on with their plans to visit her mother’s family in Scotland, and then continue on to visit her father’s family. But when Rose shows up at her maternal Aunt’s castle, she finds the hard and bitter woman her Aunt has become and a greedy and manipulative Uncle eager to marry her off to the son of the man her mother shunned. They think to get their hands on Rose’s ‘inheritance’ that was left to her by her father.
Poor Rose loses her mother and then shows up at her mother’s childhood home only to be manipulated and prodded into marrying a wretch of a man. Thank God she had the foresight to get out if there as soon as she could, and thank God for her correspondence with Gordon, without which she may not have had the courage. While spending time with her father’s family, Rose grows closer to them and Gordon as they continue to correspond with each other through the mail. They both feel and unmistakable connection and kinship even though an ocean separates them.
I like that when Gordon finally shows up and declares his love for Rose, she works up the fortitude and courage to go back to her mother’s family and try set things right. This story is pretty cheesy and hokey, but I actually adored that about it. My only complaint about this book is that sometimes I couldn’t figure out what was being said when her father’s family got to speaking in their Scottish dialect. It was hard to decipher it all. Other than that, I really enjoyed this book and even went back to that book store to pick up more books by this author.
Poor Rose loses her mother and then shows up at her mother’s childhood home only to be manipulated and prodded into marrying a wretch of a man. Thank God she had the foresight to get out if there as soon as she could, and thank God for her correspondence with Gordon, without which she may not have had the courage. While spending time with her father’s family, Rose grows closer to them and Gordon as they continue to correspond with each other through the mail. They both feel and unmistakable connection and kinship even though an ocean separates them.
I like that when Gordon finally shows up and declares his love for Rose, she works up the fortitude and courage to go back to her mother’s family and try set things right. This story is pretty cheesy and hokey, but I actually adored that about it. My only complaint about this book is that sometimes I couldn’t figure out what was being said when her father’s family got to speaking in their Scottish dialect. It was hard to decipher it all. Other than that, I really enjoyed this book and even went back to that book store to pick up more books by this author.
May 2, 2018
Fantastic Christian stories
Fantastic Christian stories, of which this is one. Grace Livingston Hill, has written wonderful stories that depict GOD'S presence in the lives of ordinary people.
Fantastic Christian stories, of which this is one. Grace Livingston Hill, has written wonderful stories that depict GOD'S presence in the lives of ordinary people.
April 11, 2023
4.5⭐️ It has been many years since I have read a book by this author and I don’t remember enjoying it nearly as much as I did this one. It is a sweet story of redemption and faith, as well as a gentle romance. I will certainly be reading more GLH books now I’ve enjoyed this one so much.
October 2, 2009
I fell in love with Grace Livingston Hill 35 years ago and am still re-reading her books. I'm reading this one again currently.
November 27, 2012
My first introduction to Scotland!
November 9, 2014
This is probably my favorite of all the Grace Livingston Hill books I've read so far.
October 14, 2015
It was written in 1940 but it's story is moving in the mystery of how their are things in ones faith that guide us all on life's path.
March 2, 2017
This was a super sweet story having just the right amount of romance and family relations. I loved seeing how the characters changed, and seeing how God's Light truly shined in the story.
April 6, 2018
Reading the Scottish language or what Mrs. Hill wrote for it back then made this book difficult to read. It was a great story and a typical book for Mrs. Hill, but I had to assume a lot of the dialog because of the way it was written. I even tried to read it out loud and that didn't seem to help either. I did like the ending to this one.
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January 22, 2008Hill, Grace Livingston
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January 8, 2009YAI-Gal
September 26, 2021
Loved this book. Set in Scotland which is an uncommon spot for GLH, but it was a good read. Really spoke to my faith.
April 20, 2019
"Rose Galbraith" is a Christian romance originally published in 1940. It reflected the events, customs, and social attitudes of that time. Rose had just lost her mother (and her father died earlier) as she sets out on a trip to Scotland to visit her parent's relatives. A trip that she was supposed to do with her mother, so she's cheered up when a handsome classmate from high school happens to see her on the ship right before it sets off and gives her a kind farewell.
She visits her mother's estranged family only to realize that they mean to marry her off to an unpleasant local noble to gain her inheritance. She resists telling them that she's poor as that would prove (by their standards) that they were right to stand against her mother's marriage to her father. So she must resort to fleeing to her father's family, who are expecting her and sure to protect her.
Along the way, both the heroine and her love learn more about God and to trust His protection. The set up sounds a bit silly, but the author pulled it off alright. The characters think about and discuss what one should look for in a spouse.
She visits her mother's estranged family only to realize that they mean to marry her off to an unpleasant local noble to gain her inheritance. She resists telling them that she's poor as that would prove (by their standards) that they were right to stand against her mother's marriage to her father. So she must resort to fleeing to her father's family, who are expecting her and sure to protect her.
Along the way, both the heroine and her love learn more about God and to trust His protection. The set up sounds a bit silly, but the author pulled it off alright. The characters think about and discuss what one should look for in a spouse.
August 20, 2024
This is cookie-cutter GLH writing at it's finest.
What do I mean?
1. Poor dear mother dies.
2. Girl left all alone, crying out to God.
3. Snobby, modern people all around her.
4. ONE person who isn't like the others appears.
5. Nasty rich relations with nefarious intentions.
6. Good-hearted poor church people to lift her up.
7. Rich relation has stroke/heart attack/illness - becomes invalid.
8. Reading random scripture passages makes it all better.
9. ONE person shows back up and declares love.
10. Happily ever after.
It was good. Mostly because I liked the contrast of America vs. Europe, Castle vs. Cottage, Rich vs. Poor, sour vs. sweet, loneliness vs. belonging. It was well done.
But it was cookie-cutter, for GLH.
What do I mean?
1. Poor dear mother dies.
2. Girl left all alone, crying out to God.
3. Snobby, modern people all around her.
4. ONE person who isn't like the others appears.
5. Nasty rich relations with nefarious intentions.
6. Good-hearted poor church people to lift her up.
7. Rich relation has stroke/heart attack/illness - becomes invalid.
8. Reading random scripture passages makes it all better.
9. ONE person shows back up and declares love.
10. Happily ever after.
It was good. Mostly because I liked the contrast of America vs. Europe, Castle vs. Cottage, Rich vs. Poor, sour vs. sweet, loneliness vs. belonging. It was well done.
But it was cookie-cutter, for GLH.
February 28, 2020
sweet story but typical GLH/ Heroine loses both her parents and goes to live with unknown relatives that for whatever reason seek to take her down. there is always a slimy guy chasing her and she eventually gets rescued by a rich handsome hero who is also being chased by a slimy individual. even though its predictable and almost 100 years old so very dated it is still enjoyable and a breath of fresh air after the other book i just finished. as always i will read it again and I would recommend it
November 22, 2024
Rose Galbraith
Grace Livingston Holl has a special style of writing. I love that she includes a Christian theme in all her works. They all seem to have a way of helping one to understand what being a God loving Christian is all about.
Grace Livingston Holl has a special style of writing. I love that she includes a Christian theme in all her works. They all seem to have a way of helping one to understand what being a God loving Christian is all about.
January 23, 2025
Wonderful Christian story
Amazing that the author had such a vision in writing to transcend time. The characters feel modern in thinking because they follow their faith. Wonderful book. I can't wait to read the 100s of others by this author.
Amazing that the author had such a vision in writing to transcend time. The characters feel modern in thinking because they follow their faith. Wonderful book. I can't wait to read the 100s of others by this author.
October 13, 2019
A beautiful story of Rose, how she loved the Lord. How her life was changed so quickly. The writer pulled you into the story and you become part of Rose.
August 4, 2020
One of Mrs.Hill's best books.
This is the best book I have read. Over the years I have read many, and the love of God shines through.
This is the best book I have read. Over the years I have read many, and the love of God shines through.
April 27, 2021
Truths
Every time I read it I find something I had not thought of before. I love Grace's way of imparting the truths of scripture.
Every time I read it I find something I had not thought of before. I love Grace's way of imparting the truths of scripture.
June 24, 2021
Awesome
February 13, 2023
I haven't read a Grace Livingston Hill book in ages. A friend gifted me one for Christmas. It felt ancient with the wording and the way it was written but I still enjoyed it.
July 12, 2024
What a wonderful love story with Christian values woven throughout!
July 19, 2024
Wonderful!
This is such a wonderful book full of encouragement for the believer and non-believer. The Scottish accents were written so well that one felt they could hear it.
This is such a wonderful book full of encouragement for the believer and non-believer. The Scottish accents were written so well that one felt they could hear it.
February 28, 2024
This book was in some ways similar to "Phoebe Deane", which I was listening to on Librivox in between reading this one on Kindle. In both books, Prince Charming arrives in time to rescue the orphaned damsel in distress from a dangerously persistent and evil suitor.
I'm not usually a fan of fairy tales or fantasies - and this was fairy tale complete with Scottish castles and cottages - but I did enjoy this book.
It also had some Christian content woven in that wasn't just a light frosting... I plan to write on the verses Rose read to her Uncle for a worried neighbor of mine.
I'm not usually a fan of fairy tales or fantasies - and this was fairy tale complete with Scottish castles and cottages - but I did enjoy this book.
It also had some Christian content woven in that wasn't just a light frosting... I plan to write on the verses Rose read to her Uncle for a worried neighbor of mine.
April 13, 2021
3.5 stars (Probably would have been 4 except I struggled with the Scottish dialect writing)
Compared to Crimson Roses (see my review of that one for more exciting opinions!) this GLH book had quite the normal relationship build. (GLH is, in point of fact, a romance author, for whatever the plot blurb of this novel will lead you to believe.) The heroine (Rose) and hero (Gordon) (they have to be labeled as "hero" and "heroine" - this is Grace freaking Livingston Hill) meet in highschool and actually KNOW each other for years before meeting by chance again as Rose is sailing for Europe after the death of her mother. As she travels to Scotland and meets relatives - both friendly and fearsome - she in encouraged by her pen pal relationship with Gordon (who she admires, but thinks only sees her as a friend).
And while yes, this book does have a lot of theology written through the pages, compared with some of her other romances, there is actually a decent bit of character development too. There is less insta-love and more mutual understanding between our hero and heroine, so when Gordon finally comes to Scotland and they get married in a week, it actually doesn't seem that weird or unexpected. They had been writing for months and had known each other for years!
One important thing though - do not be fooled by the description of this book! There is not much intrigue at the creepy old castle. While there is a slight mystery element, and the rich neighbor is rather creepy, the reader never really senses that Rose is in danger or that there is any chance of a tragedy befalling her. No complaints about that from me - I read GLH because I'm looking for old fashioned escapism, not because I want some high suspense novel. Just thought it was important to point out.
All told, I enjoyed this book. I did put it down halfway through and almost forgot to finish reading it before it was due back at the library, so that may not bode well for it. But as I was reading another GLH book at the same time that was absolutely TERRIBLE, this one looks great in comparison! Keep that in mind, too!
Compared to Crimson Roses (see my review of that one for more exciting opinions!) this GLH book had quite the normal relationship build. (GLH is, in point of fact, a romance author, for whatever the plot blurb of this novel will lead you to believe.) The heroine (Rose) and hero (Gordon) (they have to be labeled as "hero" and "heroine" - this is Grace freaking Livingston Hill) meet in highschool and actually KNOW each other for years before meeting by chance again as Rose is sailing for Europe after the death of her mother. As she travels to Scotland and meets relatives - both friendly and fearsome - she in encouraged by her pen pal relationship with Gordon (who she admires, but thinks only sees her as a friend).
And while yes, this book does have a lot of theology written through the pages, compared with some of her other romances, there is actually a decent bit of character development too. There is less insta-love and more mutual understanding between our hero and heroine, so when Gordon finally comes to Scotland and they get married in a week, it actually doesn't seem that weird or unexpected. They had been writing for months and had known each other for years!
One important thing though - do not be fooled by the description of this book! There is not much intrigue at the creepy old castle. While there is a slight mystery element, and the rich neighbor is rather creepy, the reader never really senses that Rose is in danger or that there is any chance of a tragedy befalling her. No complaints about that from me - I read GLH because I'm looking for old fashioned escapism, not because I want some high suspense novel. Just thought it was important to point out.
All told, I enjoyed this book. I did put it down halfway through and almost forgot to finish reading it before it was due back at the library, so that may not bode well for it. But as I was reading another GLH book at the same time that was absolutely TERRIBLE, this one looks great in comparison! Keep that in mind, too!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews