Book Review & Giveaway: "Roses" by Leila Meacham (Ends 2/15)

ROSES

by Leila Meacham

Fiction (Hardcover Book)

Published:  1/6/2010

624 Pages

Retail:  $24.99

Book Description:

Spanning the 20th century, the story of Roses takes place in a small East Texas town against the backdrop of the powerful timber and cotton industries, industries controlled by the scions of the town’s founding families. Cotton tycoon Mary Toliver and timber magnate Percy Warwick should have married but unwisely did not, and now must deal with the deceit, secrets, and tragedies of their choice and the loss of what might have been–not just for themselves but for their children, and children’s children.

MY REVIEW:

Okay so when I first heard of the book “Roses” by Leila Meacham, I was intrigued by its storyline but leery of the 624 pages. It seemed like an awful lot of pages and I worried I would get bored half way through it, boy was I wrong. “Roses” is broken down into thee parts and inside those are various chapters spawning three generations of characters. It flows well and really kept me reading until I finished. I thought the book dragged a little bit, but I didn’t mind it as it really developed its characters. The only flaw is that there are so many names to remember and sort out that I would have liked a chart or something to glance back at, but maybe I just have a bad memory!

The story of “Roses” reminded me of a Lifetime Movie (would have to be a long movie too) or a continuing Soap Opera. It tells the tale of three generations of the powerful founding families of Howbutker, Texas. I could really picture the characters and town, with their loyalties, traditions, and legacies. I loved the main characters, Percy and Mary, and felt the author developed their love story quite well. It is full of deceit, stubbornness, secrets, betrayal, love and more. It is not a typical romance novel, but like a mystery novel. I would highly recommend this book if you like romance novels with a mystery-twist, Gone With the Wind (as it was compared to), or you like historical stories.

BUY IT:  You can buy “Roses” at your local bookstore or at Amazon.

GIVEAWAY:  One winner will receive this book “Roses” by Leila Meacham.

WIN IT: Check out the New Releases at Hachette Book Group and comment on another title you like!

Mama’s Money Savers Disclaimer: I was given this book to review. This review is 100% my opinion and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this product review.