The Rose Bride: A Retelling of the White Bride and the Black Bride (Once Upon a Time Series) Book

SUMMARY: When Rose's mother dies, her only comfort is the exquisite rose garden her mother left behind. The purple blossoms serve as an assurance of her mother's love. But Rose is dealt a second blow when her father dies and his greedy widow, Ombrine, and her daughter, Desirée, move in and take over the manor in true Cinderella fashion.

Fate has been cruel to Ombrine and Desirée, too. So despite their harsh ways, Rose has compassion. But these feelings are bitterly tested when, in a rage, Ombrine tears out the garden. Rose nearly gives up all hope--until a chance meeting with the king. Happiness might be within her reach, but first she must prevail over Ombrine. And then she must determine if she has the courage to love.

REVIEW: This was an unfamiliar fairy tale to me, but I enjoyed the retelling in an adult version. This one was written much more in the fairy tale style with all the ingredients of hero, heroine, magic potions, spells, changelings, evil stepmothers/stepsisters etc. It was much darker than the others that I have read so far. The elements of love, grief and death are central to the theme of this book.

I did feel like the deep devotion to the Greek Gods and the mixture of French words thrown in now and again were a bit incongruous. But it was obvious that the devil was the enemy along with the witchcraft. Overall a good book but I didn't care for it as much as the others I have read so far.

FAVORITE QUOTES: "It's not your love that holds her hostage. It's your need. True love wants, but it doesn't need. True love things of the beloved first."