The Immortal Rose Wyndham: The Beginning

by B. Roman

From 18th Century France to 20th Century San Francisco, the Promise of the Rose Crystal both empowered and mystified Grace Moreau and her daughter Rose Wyndham.

They fought for women’s rights, suffered prejudice and conspiracy theorists, and blazed their way through a male-dominated world to define their own roles in society. Through it all they poignantly resisted romantic desire, for if they fell in love the power of the Rose Crystal would be impotent and they - and their lovers - would die.

A romantic adventure spanning 250 years, B. Roman's 'The Immortal Rose Wyndham' is a story where the power of music, and the belief in a purpose greater than oneself, provide the mystery and magic that creates miracles.

The Immortal Rose Wyndham is an inspiring story of women’s empowerment and the personal choices they make to live their own destiny.

248 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 10, 2023

About the author

Feel free to contact me on Twitter
@BMoonSinger1
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Read about my books at Next Chapter Publishing:
https://www.nextchapter.pub/authors/b...

I hope you will enjoy my latest book: "The Immortal Rose Wyndham: The Beginning" (Moon Singer Series Book 4) a multi-generational saga about women blazing their way in a male-dominated world to define their own role in society.

For Christmas-themed books that inspire all year long, please look for my two children's books, (under the name Barbara Roman) available in print, e-book and audio book editions:
"Alicia and the Light Bulb People in Star Factory 13." Beautiful illustrations by Vladimir Cebu. A wonderful story of friendship and achieving your star potential through the magic of believing.
"Hubert in Heaven - a hi-tech angel gets his wings" a delightful children's book with a Christmas theme but with a timely and ageless message for all of us.
My latest children's book, "The Prince Who Was A Piccolo" is a metaphorical tale about an unhappy Prince who seeks his own musical identity to save the kingdom from disaster.

Since childhood, I've been torn between two worlds: writing and singing. It's difficult to serve "two masters," as they say, but I was compelled to do so. When I was not singing, I was writing; when I was not writing, I was singing.

I've learned, for me, that one creative expression nurtures the other. Much of my writing has a musical theme somewhere in the plot, or is the plot. Whether it's in my non-fiction writing about the power of music itself, in picture books and stories and, of course, in writing music and lyrics for songs.

It is natural, therefore, that my trilogy of adventures for young readers, "The Moon Singer" series has its roots in musical theories and metaphors,entwined with the magic and mystery of metaphysical concepts and matters of ethics, faith, compassion, love, and heroism.

Most of all, I hope my books inspire readers to know that, whatever their circumstances in life - just as my young "hero" David Nickerson learns - their greatest challenges are opportunities for growth and strength, and that their "disability" can be their greatest gift.

In my long life (won't tell you how long!), my path has gone every which way but straight to my goals, but I believe that my time for dream and soul fulfillment is NOW. Perhaps my books will inspire that belief in you as well.

Reviews

[Grady · Rating 5 out of 5]

An eloquent and meaningful novel

Author B. Roman shares that ‘since childhood, I've been torn between two worlds: writing and singing. Now I do both. (While still working a day job!).’ Roman’s gift for expression of her beliefs she wishes to impart to a young adult audience stem from this combination of music and pen. Her singing is evident in her writing and her philosophy is the bride of both gifts – allowing music to assume flight when words fail. Her Moon Singer series (now that trilogy is superbly augmented with Book 4) has its roots in musical theories and metaphors, entwined with the magic and mystery of metaphysical concepts and matters of ethics, faith, compassion, love, and heroism.

Roman’s lyrical prose provides an overture in the Prologue: ‘A delicate petal from the mystical Hawthorne tree flutters down with the gentleness of a butterfly and brushes her face, then falls to the ground, damp with her tears. “What’s wrong, Mama?” “Nothing is wrong, Dearest,” Grace assures her daughter. “These are tears of joy. Soon, everything will be right. But there will be some changes that may startle and confuse you...’ Having secured our attention, the story launches, distilled by Roman as follows: ‘From 18th Century France to 20th Century San Francisco, the Promise of the Rose Crystal both empowered and mystified Grace Moreau and her daughter Rose Wyndham. They fought for women’s rights, suffered prejudice and conspiracy theorists, and blazed their way through a male-dominated world to define their own roles in society. Through it all they poignantly resisted romantic desire, for if they fell in love the power of the Rose Crystal would be impotent and they - and their lovers - would die.’

Though a successful paranormal fantasy, this fourth volume, written seven years after the ‘trilogy,’ blends the contemporary women’s rights issues into a splendid postscript that deserves attention. Said before, and here repeated, symphonic in structure and in mastery of themes and variations, B. Roman has created a tale for young adults that is not only an uplifting tale but also one with philosophical grounds that should encourage all readers to view life anew. Brava, B. Roman!

[Mari · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fabulous fantasy tale as it follows the life of the women who wear the Rose Crystal and live for incredible long years as they try to discover the reason they must keep it safe and hand it on to the next one. You follow their lives as they achieve incredible prestige for their times without the benefit of marriage, but the romance and heartbreaks are there. This tale will take you into the twentieth century without divulging its secrets. The author has done a superb job of research and has written a fantastic ending. I had feared this might be a novel for the very young. I am happy to say, I was very wrong.

[Mary Yarde · Rating 5 out of 5]

History is filled with stories of those who sought immortality, yet few pause to consider what one might do with such a gift if it were truly granted. In "The Immortal Rose Wyndham: The Beginning", B. Roman presents a sweeping historical fantasy that explores not simply the allure of eternal youth, but the weight of responsibility that accompanies it. Spanning centuries and shaped by real historical events, this novel blends philosophical reflection with human drama to tell a story about legacy, sacrifice, and the enduring power of compassion.

At the centre of the narrative lies the mysterious Rose Crystal, a pendant imbued with extraordinary power. When worn by its guardian, the crystal appears capable of granting youth, vitality, remarkable longevity, and at times even healing. Yet its influence is governed by strict moral conditions and remains deeply mysterious, responding to character and intention rather than human command. Those who approach it with ill intent are rejected by its power, while even its rightful guardians often find themselves uncertain of how or when it will respond. Immortality, in Roman’s world, is not a reward for ambition but a burden entrusted to those strong enough to carry it.

The story begins in eighteenth-century France with Grace Moreau, a woman whose intellect and independence set her apart in a society that rarely encouraged such qualities in women. Grace’s life changes irrevocably when her father receives the Rose Crystal from a mysterious gambler as payment for a debt and entrusts it to her care. From that moment onward, Grace becomes the crystal’s guardian, inheriting both its remarkable benefits and the profound responsibilities that accompany such a mysterious gift.

Roman places Grace’s story within the vibrant intellectual world of Enlightenment-era Paris. The salons of the period—centres of philosophical debate and cultural exchange—serve as the backdrop for Grace’s development as a thinker and advocate for social reform. Here she encounters ideas about human rights and political liberty that were transforming European society. These gatherings were among the few spaces where women could influence intellectual discourse, and Roman captures the vibrant spirit of these salons with careful historical detail.

Yet the promise of enlightenment soon collides with the darker realities of revolution. As the French Revolution erupts, the ideals of liberty and equality become overshadowed by political extremism and violence. Roman depicts this period with a clear sense of its volatility, reminding readers that progress is rarely achieved without profound upheaval. Grace witnesses the devastating consequences of ideological conflict, including the persecution and execution of reformers whose voices challenged the established order.

These events shape Grace’s growing sense of responsibility. Rather than withdrawing from the upheaval around her, she becomes increasingly aware of the hidden injustices faced by women in everyday life. One particularly disturbing discovery involves young women working in the garment trade who are slowly being poisoned by arsenic-based green dyes used in fashionable trims and artificial flowers. Roman uses this episode to highlight the darker side of fashion and industry, revealing how easily the health and safety of working women could be sacrificed for beauty and profit. Through Grace’s outrage and compassion, the novel reminds us that social progress often begins with the courage to confront uncomfortable truths.

Her life, however, is defined not only by responsibility but also by personal sacrifice, as the power of the crystal demands a life guided by restraint rather than personal desire. Guardianship of the crystal carries personal costs that shape the course of Grace’s life, creating a constant tension between human longing and moral duty. Roman portrays this conflict with emotional depth. Grace is neither an untouchable immortal nor a distant mythic figure, but a woman keenly aware of the cost of the path she has chosen. Her extended youth becomes both a blessing and a burden, granting her time to accomplish meaningful work while denying her the ordinary happiness enjoyed by others. It is this tension between power and sacrifice that gives the novel much of its emotional and philosophical strength.

The story then turns to Rose Wyndham, Grace’s daughter and the next guardian of the Rose Crystal. When Grace passes the pendant to Rose, she also passes on the responsibilities that have shaped her own life. Rose inherits not only the crystal’s power but also the lessons her mother learned through decades of experience.

Rose’s long life allows Roman to explore how history unfolds across generations as the world changes around a woman who must remain forever young. While Grace’s earlier journey takes her from Enlightenment-era Paris to America, Rose’s story unfolds within the United States, where she builds a life shaped by the passing decades. Over time, she reinvents herself, at different moments becoming a singer, entrepreneur, and eventually a quiet benefactor to those around her.

Her longevity provides opportunities for influence and prosperity, yet it also isolates her from the natural rhythms of human life. Friends grow old and pass away while Rose remains unchanged, carrying both the privilege and the burden of memory across generations. Roman treats this emotional isolation with sensitivity, illustrating how extended life can create a profound sense of distance between the immortal and the mortal world.

Despite these challenges, Rose ultimately comes to embrace the deeper purpose of the crystal. She comes to understand that its power is not meant for personal gain but for stewardship. Wealth accumulated over time allows her to support communities, assist the vulnerable, and quietly shape the futures of those around her. Even then, the crystal never fully reveals its nature, offering its power unpredictably and reminding its guardians that it cannot truly be commanded.

Roman also hints at a wider mythology surrounding the crystal. In the closing pages, the Rose Crystal is suggested to be connected to other sacred artefacts within the broader Moon Singer series. This revelation expands the scope of the story and suggests that the events unfolding here are only the beginning of a much larger narrative.

Throughout the novel, Roman’s prose carries a reflective and often lyrical quality. Her background in music is evident in the way she uses musical imagery and rhythm within the narrative. Music becomes both a literal and symbolic presence, representing harmony, inspiration, and the unseen forces that shape human existence. Roman subtly connects this idea of harmony to the Rose Crystal itself. Just as music seems to arise from a deeper order beyond human understanding, the crystal’s powers reveal themselves only at certain moments, reminding its guardians that it cannot truly be commanded. These elements lend the story a philosophical dimension that distinguishes it from more conventional historical fantasy.

Roman also deserves credit for the thoughtful way she portrays women navigating the social limitations of their time. Characters such as Grace and her contemporaries challenge expectations not through brute force but through intellect, resilience, and quiet determination. Their struggles reflect real historical efforts by women to claim a place within the intellectual and political life of their societies.

At times, the narrative pauses to reflect on questions of morality, destiny, and spiritual purpose. These contemplative passages slow the pace of the story but also deepen its thematic richness. Roman invites readers to consider not only what it means to live a long life, but how such a life should be lived.

Seen in this light, the novel emerges as a story about responsibility—about the difficult choices that accompany power and the sacrifices required to honour a greater purpose. Grace and Rose are not merely guardians of a mystical jewel; they are stewards of a legacy rooted in compassion, courage, and service to others.

Rich in historical atmosphere and philosophical depth, Roman’s novel ultimately reminds readers that the true measure of immortality is not endless youth, but the legacy one leaves behind. Through the intertwined journeys of Grace and Rose, B. Roman delivers a story that lingers beyond its final page—a reflection on how courage, compassion, and conviction can echo across generations long after a single life has ended.

Review by Mary Anne Yarde
Yarde Book Promotions

[Carly Rheilan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Immortal Rose Wyndham mixes magical realism and social commentary to recount the praeternaturally long lives of the wearers of a magical stone, which passes - for the duration of this book - down the female line of a prosperous family over a period of two and half centuries.

The demands of the stone's magical powers include that the wearer must eschew romantic love and marriage, which enables the story to illustrate the constraints facing single women throughout this period. In the thrall of the magical stone, the ever-young women at the heart of the story forge lives not defined by marriage and motherhood - though they have their share of yearning as they turn away from the attractions of romantic love.

Instead they build successful businesses on the edges of high society: in fashion, entertainment, gambling... Their careers are peppered with moments of virtuous social principle, but also sometimes cross the line into seedy activities. One woman creates a fashion house which deliberately avoids the toxic dyes which destroyed the lives of many seamstresses during that period - but she also builds up a profitable sideline making alluring frocks for a high class brothel that trafficks child prostitutes. As well as keeping the wearers perpetually young, the stone has the powers to heal or to mitigate the effects of illness - though these powers are only uncertainly understood by the wearers and within the remit of this story used only occasionally, and only to help friends and acquaintances to recover from illnesses or have less painful deaths.

The book is engaging as a standalone - constantly enlivened by colourful incident and sparkling settings, with the mystery of the stone weaving it's magic throughout. It is also a prequel to the Moon Singer series, and will have a particular resonance to readers who have enjoyed those books and know more of the stone's ultimate destiny.

[J.G. Harlond · Rating 3 out of 5]

“What could make life worthwhile when love is forbidden?”
The Immortal Rose Wyndham: The Beginning (Book IV) by B. Roman is curious tale of the benefits and troublesome complexities of having eternal life. Grace Moreau, a young Frenchwoman living with her parents at the court of Versailles in 1750, comes into possession of a rose crystal pendant. The crystal gives its bearer the power of healing and immortality – providing the bearer never shares her life, romantically, with anyone. From the first moment we see how Grace suffers under the suspicion of having supernatural powers and the tragic effects of envy as her acquaintances grow old, yet she has not a wrinkle. The story takes the reader through the ‘Terror’ following the French Revolution, across the Channel to England, then on to San Francisco, where, now a centenarian, Grace hands the crystal to her young daughter Rose, who was conceived through rape. In many respects this is a tale of mothers and daughters, but it also includes the plight of much less fortunate women working in the garment industry and on the stage.
The book contains a number of informative sections on historical living conditions, which young people should find of interest, but as an older reader the didactic content distracted me from the other-worldly-ness of the story. I also struggled with anachronistic modern idioms and concepts such as ‘spin’ and ‘networking’. Despite this, the novel is quite an old-fashioned in that it tells a story, giving the reader little chance to form their own opinions. Given that the plot covers two centuries, characters aren’t developed or complex, and we only see the world as it affects Grace and Rose. Nevertheless, this is a curious and interesting chocolate-box read many young women – and not so young – can enjoy.
Jane Harlond - iWIC Reviewer

[Brian Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having previously read the author's Moon Singer series I was interested to see how this prequel would shape up in relation to the earlier books.
In short, it took my breath away in places as Barbara Roman took me back in time nearly 3 generations in a story that told of love, though unrequited, of personal grief and tragedy, mingled with artistic and musical talent across the years. The magical crystal we would later meet in the Moon Singer books is here, and the gifts it bestows on those who inherit it leads us through the theatre and music halls of pioneering America to a river boat of sheer unadulterated luxury, though in the background there is a terrible jealousy that threatens whoever possesses the crystal, and those they hold dear. This is not just a bit story for young adults, it reaches out to all ages and at times, I could almost feel the power of the crystal, being unable to put the book down late into the night, when I should have been asleep. I felt drawn to go on reading, pulled by the power of the words on the pages. In the end, I felt a great sadness at reaching the book's conclusion. I haven't enjoyed a book so much in a long time and I wish I could award it more than the five star rating I have given it. I feel sure others will feel as I do, pulled in by the power of the crystal. A wonderful read, and highly impressed and recommended.

[Réal Laplaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Immortal Rose Wyndham: The Beginning (The Moon Singer Book 4) by B. Roman. While this story is categorized as an historical fantasy, I would challenge that as somewhat marginalizing - it's more than that. The story doesn't read like a typical fantasy, in fact, despite the "fantastical" aspect of the Rose Crystal which imparts special powers to the holder, the rest of the story is a fascinating historical ride across a time span of 250 years. It begins with Grace Moreau, who, as a young lady coming of age, receives a crystal from her father as a gift. The father is told by the man who gave it to him as payment for a debt owed, that the crystal gives the holder immortality and other powers of healing, but there's a catch; they can never become romantically involved with anyone, not ever, or the power of the crystal ceases. We live through lifetimes of events as Grace Moreau and later, her daughter, Rose Wyndham, take the reader through twists and turns, romance and "almost" romance, and considerable real-life drama threaded in this well-written story. We see through the eyes of these two women, what life and the world looks like, moreover, what it feels like to cheat death. It leaves one pondering this question: is immortality, on a purely human level, actually a desirable thing, or is it a curse. Read the book - it's a good one.

[Elaine Milks · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Immortal Rose Wyndham: The Beginning, by B. Roman

The story is a fantasy about what might have been in France if women had been treated as equals. It takes place after the revolution that removes the monarchy. Trying times for women especially. Very interesting and hard to put down. Many hard choices have to be made and the women are wonderful. Barbara Roman is an awesome writer, really enjoy her books.