I absolutely loved this book. It has everything I look for in a good read. I liked the hero, Harrison and heroine Mary Rose. In fact, I loved the entire Clayborne family. Garwood does an excellent job of creating four brothers who personalities are distinct and whose gifts are unique. I also liked that the brothers came from diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds. I don't see that too often in this genre. The storyline itself was different and I liked it.And while there is the element of romance in this story, what drew me into it was the theme of family -- family loyalty and family love. I cared about the characters. I found myself crying with them, laughing with them, sharing in their joy and sorrows. It was especially heart wrenching to read about the boys being a homeless gang and the circumstances that lead to their dire situation. But I also rejoiced with them as they bonded together, as family, and worked hard to overcome their circumstances. The reader sees that family is not defined by blood, but rather authentic relationship. The story is so well written that I felt like I was there with them. I also liked how Garwood used the tool of letter writing to cover gaps in time and move the story along. Initially, I thought the writing was too detailed and didn't require 500+ pages. But the more I read the more I appreciated the detail, because this is how I became emotionally involved in the story. This is how I came to understand the main characters and even the secondary characters, who were also quite interesting.My only minor critique of the story involved Mary Rose's character. I only started to really like her during the last half of the book, while on her stay in London. I believe the intent was to cast her as being a kind and compassionate person, but in the beginning she seemed to lack common sense, and was childish (rather than naive or innocent)reckless and impulsive. It was difficult to imagine Harrison (or any man) falling in love with her. But I finally warmed up to her character.I highly recommend this book, especially if you are looking for a story that revolves around family, has romance, history, humor, drama and suspense. Garwood is one of my favorite authors and books like this is the reason for such admiration.
5–This Book Owns My Heart–Stars I can't even begin to express how much I love this story. I'm a HUGE Julie Garwood fan and I pretty much love any historical romance she writes, but this book stole my heart like few of her other stories have. This heartwarming book is a little different than Garwood's usual fast-paced, fun-loving, and whimsical romances. It's longer, is more drawn out, and doesn't just center on the love story. For the Roses is a tale about family, friendship, and love. It features the Claybornes, four young orphaned boys who find a baby girl and band together to give her what non of them has ever had: A FAMILY. It's chock-full of richly developed and unique characters, excellent and witty dialogue, captivating and exceptional storytelling, and a swoon-worthy romance. This book and its characters will alway hold a special place in my heart. I laughed with them, cried with them, ranted with them, and rejoiced with them. I can't think of a better gift an author can give to her readers than to create a story that will forever live in their imagination. I highly recommend this book. Note: If you've never read this author before, I would suggest starting with one of her other books. As much as I love this story, it isn't one I would recommend for a first time Julie Garwood reader. I would recommend The Bride (my favorite), The Secret, or Ransom.
What do You think about For The Roses (1996)?
A friend, Sandi Layne, told me that THIS was the Julie Garwood book to read. She was right!I LOVED this from the moment the four boys found Sidney who turns out to be a girl. These young men know what FAMILY is and they raise Mary Rose to be an articulate, knowledgeable, kind, caring woman.Each chapter ends with a letter to Mama Rose, the eldest brother's mama, who has become the mama to all five of them. It doesn't matter that four of the five have NEVER even met her, she's their MAMA and through letters she helps raise them all to be wonderful people. The color of their skin, the blood that runs through their veins, none of that matters. FAMILY is what matters.The mystery of just WHY little Mary Rose was tossed out like so much trash comes to light through the endeavors of Lord Harrison Stanford MacDonald, an attorney who works for the little girl's father. She has been long sought and now she's found.This quote made me swoon:"I'm wearing clothes in my thoughts and dreams though. What am I wearing in yours?" she asked. "Me."Yes...very hot!Her father lives in England and Mary Rose's character leads her to meet him, to assure him that she is fine, that she is well loved.Her experiences there broke my heart, and hers too.I found myself on the edge of my seat during the last few pages. I loved it!And the best part? There are MORE books ready to be read, so that we can see Mary Rose's brothers find their own HEA...maybe I really don't need to sleep for the next week, I need to read!Yes, this one is going on my BEST BOOKS EVER list...thanks Sandi! I'll be reading this one again!!!!
—Kathie (katmom)
Una novela que empieza de una forma increíble. En esta historia se remarca la importancia de la familia, pero de una familia que no tiene por qué estar unida por la sangre, sino por el amor, sin importar el color de la piel, la edad, el género... La verdad es que es una historia muy bonita en un principio, después ya es más típica. La protagonista femenina es un poco candida, todo le sale bien, a veces parece que tiene carácter, otras no... Es divertida porque todo es poco común y sus hermanos crean escenas divertidas, dan ganas de conocerlos más.
—Galena Sanz
Great read!! Very different from the other Julie Garwood books I have read. Love the story of how three young boys find a little girl in an ally dumpster and take it upon themselves to raise her. I really enjoyed the western twist that was added in her book. Thoroughly like how Garwood shows all sides of life in the ninetieth hundreds. She ties in the city life of England streets, to the luxurious life of the wealthy then goes to a western life of danger yet peaceful and simple living, then tied in how slavery rights were slowly changing. She covered it all in one family's life, the Claybourne's life. I feel a good romance, action and warm feel good book!
—Elizabeth Kuetemeyer
