Black Rose

Starred review from May 16, 2005
Book two of Roberts's In the Garden trilogy (following Blue Dahlia
) ably showcases the author's many strengths, from her creation of appealing characters to her melding of the eerily paranormal with the delightfully down-to-earth. Rosalind Harper is the owner of a historic Tennessee mansion and the force behind the thriving garden business on its grounds. Widowed young and then scarred by an unwise second marriage, Roz has sworn off dating, instead inviting a collection of family, friends and their children to share her home. Unfortunately, the house is also inhabited by a mysterious ghost, known as the Harper Bride. Roz hires genealogist Dr. Mitchell Carnagie to track the Bride's identity, but the unpredictable and passionate relationship that develops between the two sets off still more malignant displays from the ghost. Roberts postpones the ghost story's resolution for the trilogy's end, but brings Roz and Mitch to a satisfying commitment complete with realistic power struggles and peace treaties among their various children. Roz's inherited privilege is off-putting at times, and her calm in the face of ghostly attacks seems far-fetched. Yet she remains a warmly appealing heroine, resolutely finding her path through a midlife romance that is more complex and hard-fought than 20-something love. Agent, Amy Berkower
.

Starred review from June 1, 2005
In an effort to discover the origins of Amelia, the ghost who haunts Harper House, no-nonsense Rosalind Harper hires genealogist Mitch Carnagie and finds passion and unexpected love as well as a few more pieces of the puzzle. A beautifully described setting, well-depicted secondary characters, just enough botanical detail to intrigue amateur gardeners, and a plot that skillfully unfolds to reveal current answers while keeping some secrets are highlights of this engrossing, emotionally involving story. Roberts here continues the "In the Garden" trilogy begun in "Blue Dahlia". "Red Lily" follows in December. Roberts lives in Keedysville, MD.

Copyright 2005 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2005
Roz Harper has a thriving gardening business and family and friends she dearly loves, but every so often she misses having a man in her life. Roz loved her first husband and the father of her children, but her second husband turned out to be a cheating, thieving scoundrel who left her wary of romance. When Roz hires a genealogist to investigate her family's past, and hopefully discover the identity of the "Harper Bride" ghost who haunts Harper House, the chance for romance unexpectedly reenters Roz's life. But once Roz begins dating Mitchell, the Harper Bride's visits turn increasing violent as the ghost does her worst to prove to Roz that all men are untrustworthy. Roberts takes a smart, stubborn, and refreshingly older heroine, pairs her up with a hero who appreciates her strengths, and, writing with her usual sharp wit, works her reliable brand of literary magic in the second title in her Garden trilogy, an irresistible and occasionally quite-eerie tale of romance, family, and friendship.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2005, American Library Association.)