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The Rose Garden summary
Brief summary
The Rose Garden by Susanna Kearsley is a captivating historical fiction novel that follows the journey of Eva Ward as she discovers a mystical rose garden that allows her to travel back in time to the 18th century. Filled with romance, mystery, and adventure, this story will transport you to another era.
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The Rose Garden
Summary of key ideas
The Journey Back in Time
In The Rose Garden by Susanna Kearsley, we meet Eva Ward, a woman who has recently lost her sister. Grieving and feeling lost, she travels to the coastal town of Cornwall, England, to scatter her sister's ashes. Here, she stays at Trelowarth House, a place she visited often as a child. However, her return is marked by strange occurrences, including hearing voices and experiencing time slips.
One day, while exploring the house's rose garden, Eva is transported back to the 18th century. She finds herself in the midst of a smuggling operation and is mistaken for a long-lost relative. She meets Daniel Butler, a man who is both charming and enigmatic. As Eva tries to make sense of her situation, she realizes that she has traveled back in time and is now living in the year 1715.
Love and Loyalty in the Past
As Eva adjusts to her new reality, she forms a close bond with Daniel and his family. She learns about their involvement in smuggling and the Jacobite cause, a political movement seeking to restore the exiled Stuart monarchy to the British throne. Eva also discovers that her sister, who had a deep interest in history, had a connection to this time period and had visited the same place in the past.
As Eva becomes more entwined in the lives of the people around her, she finds herself falling in love with Daniel. However, she is torn between her growing feelings for him and her desire to return to her own time. She also grapples with the knowledge of the historical events that will unfold, including the failed Jacobite uprising and its dire consequences for those involved.
The Struggle to Return
Despite her love for Daniel and his world, Eva is determined to find a way back to her own time. She seeks the help of Fergal, a local man who is aware of her time-traveling abilities. Together, they work to understand the mysterious forces that control Eva's movements between the past and the present. Meanwhile, Eva continues to navigate the dangers of the 18th century, including the threat of discovery and the looming Jacobite rebellion.
As the Jacobite uprising approaches, Eva's situation becomes increasingly perilous. She must make difficult choices about where her loyalties lie and whether she is willing to risk everything to stay with Daniel. At the same time, she remains determined to uncover the truth about her sister's connection to this time period and the reasons behind her own time-traveling abilities.
A Bittersweet Conclusion
In the final act of The Rose Garden, Eva's efforts to return to her own time come to a head. She faces unexpected challenges and heartbreaking revelations, forcing her to confront the full extent of her feelings for Daniel and the life she has come to know in the past. Ultimately, Eva must make a choice that will determine her future and the future of those she has grown to love in the 18th century.
As the novel concludes, Eva's journey comes full circle, bringing her back to the present day. However, her experiences in the past have left an indelible mark on her, shaping her understanding of love, loyalty, and the enduring power of history. The Rose Garden is a captivating blend of romance, time travel, and historical intrigue, offering a poignant exploration of the choices we make and the lives we lead.
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What is The Rose Garden about?
The Rose Garden by Susanna Kearsley is a captivating tale of time travel and romance. When Eva ventures to a beautiful estate in Cornwall, she discovers an ancient garden with the power to transport her back to the 18th century. As she navigates this unfamiliar world, she unravels family secrets and finds unexpected love. This enchanting novel will take you on a magical journey through time.
The Rose Garden Review
The Rose Garden (2011) follows a woman who discovers a gateway to the past in a Cornish mansion's rose garden. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Featuring a mix of time travel, romance, and historical elements, it offers a captivating and multi-layered storyline.
- The intricate character development and relationships make the narrative rich and engaging, drawing readers into the protagonist's journey seamlessly.
- With its beautifully described settings and intriguing plot twists, the book ensures that boredom is never an option, keeping readers hooked till the end.
Who should read The Rose Garden?
- Readers who enjoy historical fiction with a touch of romance
- Individuals who appreciate well-researched and atmospheric settings
- Those who are intrigued by the idea of time travel and its impact on relationships
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The Rose Garden FAQs
What is the main message of The Rose Garden?
The main message of The Rose Garden revolves around love, loss, and the power of second chances.
How long does it take to read The Rose Garden?
Reading The Rose Garden takes a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in 15 minutes.
Is The Rose Garden a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Rose Garden is worth reading for its captivating blend of history and romance, drawing readers into a compelling tale.
Who is the author of The Rose Garden?
The author of The Rose Garden is Susanna Kearsley.
What to read after The Rose Garden?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Rose Garden, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- A Canticle for Leibowitz by Walter M. Miller
- The Boy in the Striped Pajamas by John Boyne
- Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Ingalls Wilder
- Wide Sargasso Sea by Jean Rhys, Judith L. Raiskin
- Just After Sunset by Stephen King
- Whereabouts by Jhumpa Lahiri
- Hearts in Darkness by Laura Kaye
- Every Heart a Doorway by Seanan McGuire
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nunzio DeFilippis
- Side Jobs by Jim Butcher