Rose House
By Tina Ann Forkner
Reviewed by Martha Artyomenko
From Back Cover:
Still mourning the loss of her family in a tragic accident, Lillian Diamon finds herself drawn back to the Rose House, a quiet cottage where four years earlier she had poured out her anquish among its fragrant blossoms. She returns to the rolling hills of the Sonoma Valley in search of something she cannot quite name. But then Lillian stumbles on onto a unexpected discovery. in the La Rosaleda Gallery is a painting that captures every detail of her most private moment of misery. What kind of artist would dare intrude on such a personal scene and how did he happen to witness it?
A captivating novel rich with detail, Rose House explores how brushstrokes of pain can illuminate the true beauty of life.
My Review:
This beautiful story really digs deeply into the pain of one woman, Lillian. She lost her husband and her babies in a tragic accident and in that, lost her sister as well, although she is still living. Still not knowing the hows or whys behind the accident, Lillian wonders why people are following her or if she imagines it, as well as being tired in her job in a the kitchen…she takes a vacation back at the place she rested four years before when the loss occurred. While there, she discovers a painting of herself in the gallery. It is not just any painting though, it is a painting of one of her most private and sorrowful moments and she wishes to find out who painted it and who knew her pain that deeply.
This book deals with many topics, infidelity of a spouse, loss of loved ones, and loss of loved ones who are still living. You can almost feel the grief through these pages as you read them and you know the loss Lillian and Geena suffered when they lost their parents, when Lillian loses her husband and children and then you feel the healing that they also experience. There is a strain of mystery throughout the story with an exciting conclusion that keeps you spellbound through the whole book! This book is a beautiful story that you will want to read. You can also pick up Ruby among Us, by the same author and read some more about the same people…
-Martha
I read Tina's book and it is wonderful. You feel Lillian's pain as you turn the pages. It was one that I had trouble putting down. Tina did a fantastic job. I will be posting a review soon.
Blessings,
Mary
You did a a beautiful job reviewing, "The Rose House." I really liked this book and felt the same as you…Lillian's loss and her way into healing.
Gayla Collins