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way2gosmartguy's review
4.0
An English Rose was a short and sweet story, by Allyson Abbott. It is the first story I have read by the author, but I would read another. The writing was easy to get into, and the characters were likeable. You should feel the mood switch in the character, throughout the story, and I liked that. It had some deep feelings, but wasnt a dark depressing story. I would give it a 4 star, as I enjoyed it, but wasnt blown away. I wish the book was longer, so we could dive deeper into Rose's feelings, and see the outcome of her daughter's dilemma. I was waiting for, and hoping for something to blossom between Rose and Fred. Unfortunately, the book went a different direction, and then ended. I felt it was too abrupt of a ending, it didnt wrap things up for me. I liked the way it was written, so we could see how Rose was feeling, and what she was thinking about, her memories, fears, passion, etc. I found it amusing how much she spikes her drinks, since you dont normally think about an older lady in that way! Good book, and I would like to see what else Abbott has out there.
kelli513's review
5.0
Book Review: An English Rose
Author: Allyson R. Abbott
FIVE STARS
Allyson Abbott has captured my heart with this book. A so sweet and endearing look into the mind of an 85 year old widow, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Rose is living alone in the home she shared for 50+ years with her husband Fred.
Rose is a homebody due to some physical limitations she has placed on herself, yet she makes her way out to walk to the store one day and meets a neighbor that lives down the street, Bill makes her laugh and smile like she hasn't done in years. She finds that she is missing things in life. Her world is turned upside down when she learns that her daughters have been keeping family news from her so that she doesn't get upset. When she learns what it is that her girls have been keeping from her, Rose makes up her mind that she is going to do her all to become the person she needs to be to keep her family secure.
GREAT book. The laughter and the tears this short book bring make you realize that no matter what you are going through in your own life, always look to those around you, they may also be suffering and you may not know it.
Kelli Harper
Author: Allyson R. Abbott
FIVE STARS
Allyson Abbott has captured my heart with this book. A so sweet and endearing look into the mind of an 85 year old widow, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Rose is living alone in the home she shared for 50+ years with her husband Fred.
Rose is a homebody due to some physical limitations she has placed on herself, yet she makes her way out to walk to the store one day and meets a neighbor that lives down the street, Bill makes her laugh and smile like she hasn't done in years. She finds that she is missing things in life. Her world is turned upside down when she learns that her daughters have been keeping family news from her so that she doesn't get upset. When she learns what it is that her girls have been keeping from her, Rose makes up her mind that she is going to do her all to become the person she needs to be to keep her family secure.
GREAT book. The laughter and the tears this short book bring make you realize that no matter what you are going through in your own life, always look to those around you, they may also be suffering and you may not know it.
Kelli Harper
carabellacullen's review
5.0
An English Rose by Allyson R. Abbott
5 stars!!!!!
I will be the first to admit that this was well out of my comfort zone for a genre of book but I have to admit that I did enjoy it. The book was a very unique way of bringing depression and getting older to the forefront. I was very impressed with the flow of the book as it is in first person pov of Rosemary. Seeing things through the eyes of a mature lady getting on in her years was an eye opener. I am impressed with the authors use of british slang.
The way the author brings the story to life is refreshing and I would definately read her works again. Rosemary is a character you feel quite endeared to and you just see your own older loved ones in her or perhaps yourselves in a few years on. The fact that Rosemary is older doesnt mean she is surplus to requirements and I am very glad that this book does a real good job of highlighting this as well as the many ways in which we should also care for our loved ones and let them know that they are not burdens and that they do have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with us.
5 stars!!!!!
I will be the first to admit that this was well out of my comfort zone for a genre of book but I have to admit that I did enjoy it. The book was a very unique way of bringing depression and getting older to the forefront. I was very impressed with the flow of the book as it is in first person pov of Rosemary. Seeing things through the eyes of a mature lady getting on in her years was an eye opener. I am impressed with the authors use of british slang.
The way the author brings the story to life is refreshing and I would definately read her works again. Rosemary is a character you feel quite endeared to and you just see your own older loved ones in her or perhaps yourselves in a few years on. The fact that Rosemary is older doesnt mean she is surplus to requirements and I am very glad that this book does a real good job of highlighting this as well as the many ways in which we should also care for our loved ones and let them know that they are not burdens and that they do have a wealth of knowledge and experience to share with us.
katie_83's review
5.0
An English Rose
By Allyson R Abbott
5 stars
Every time I pick up one of Allyson’s stories I know that I am in for a good read. This book was such a breath of fresh air to read, never before have I read a story like it. Her characters are always so well thought out and feel real. It was like I was reading a story about my own Grandmother. I really felt for Rose and the stage she had got to in her life. She didn’t want to give in but knew that to keep her independence something needed to give and she needed to accept a little help. I loved it when Rose met her new friend, it shows that you can meet anyone at any time in your life and connect with them. I enjoyed her interaction with her family and how she thought that they perceived her. I always find myself thinking about things when I finish one of this authors books and how some of the things she writes about are so true to life.
I can highly recommend this lovely short story and as always I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
By Allyson R Abbott
5 stars
Every time I pick up one of Allyson’s stories I know that I am in for a good read. This book was such a breath of fresh air to read, never before have I read a story like it. Her characters are always so well thought out and feel real. It was like I was reading a story about my own Grandmother. I really felt for Rose and the stage she had got to in her life. She didn’t want to give in but knew that to keep her independence something needed to give and she needed to accept a little help. I loved it when Rose met her new friend, it shows that you can meet anyone at any time in your life and connect with them. I enjoyed her interaction with her family and how she thought that they perceived her. I always find myself thinking about things when I finish one of this authors books and how some of the things she writes about are so true to life.
I can highly recommend this lovely short story and as always I look forward to reading more from this author in the future.
fish3718's review
5.0
An English Rose by Allyson R. Abbot
This is a touching story that will tug on your heart strings. I usually do not like "Romance" stories, but this one I love. It is a short, fast read about Rose who is 85 years young. She was widowed by her late husband, Fred after 50 years together. She was living and kept going and then Bill moved in next door. This story is how Rose and Bill interacted and fell in love again. Allyson Abbott has a writing technique that kept you interested and fall in love with Rose and Bill. If you look around you may just find someone who has a relationship like this.
This is a touching story that will tug on your heart strings. I usually do not like "Romance" stories, but this one I love. It is a short, fast read about Rose who is 85 years young. She was widowed by her late husband, Fred after 50 years together. She was living and kept going and then Bill moved in next door. This story is how Rose and Bill interacted and fell in love again. Allyson Abbott has a writing technique that kept you interested and fall in love with Rose and Bill. If you look around you may just find someone who has a relationship like this.
bwagner's review
4.0
An English Rose: A Mother's Love, A Love Inspired by Allyson R. Abbott is a sweet story about an elderly lady who realizes that she still has some life left in her. As always, this author has brought us a story that is engaging and will keep you reading until the end. Her creation of this character is great. I enjoyed how she told the story in the elderly lady's voice. I haven't read a story like this before. This is Rose's story. She starts feeling her age until she meets a new friend. Find out what happens she realizes there is still more to her life. She soon learns things about herself, it was like watching her growth through her life all over again. She really is a sweet character that you will fall in love with. I highly recommend this short story, as I know you will want to see what happens to an elderly person who finds her inner self again.
shannonlovesbooksandreading's review
4.0
An English Rose is a quick read about getting older. I liked this story. It was cute. It was safe. It shows a mother’s love, a grandmother’s love, a great grandmother’s love really starts with a love for herself. Having children and a mother of my own this short story brought out a few real life feelings. And as Rose says “…getting old is not fun. In fact, life is not fun anymore.” But everyone needs to have a friend. And Allyson Abbott shows us that, at any age, new friends are just waiting around the corner.
I enjoy reading Allyson Abbott’s stories. She writes something for everyone. I can definitely recommend this story and author.
I enjoy reading Allyson Abbott’s stories. She writes something for everyone. I can definitely recommend this story and author.
angelahayes's review
4.0
4 Stars
An English Rose is a lovely short story by Allyson Abbott. It is a mature woman’s romance, the main character being 85-year-old Rosemary (Rose) who narrates the story. I felt this was a really sweet story, that felt more like women’s fiction than a typical romance novel.
I can’t say that I have ever read a book from an 85-year old’s perspective before and to be honest I was very sceptical about whether the author could make the synopsis of the story work, or if it would resonate with me on any level. But, I had read a few of Ms. Abbott’s books before and enjoyed her style and how different her books are from others in the same genre, so I took a chance and am pleased that I did.
Rose lost her husband a few years ago, having watched him decline from dementia before finally succumbing to a stroke. She was angry that he suffered a slow and cruel decline, and felt guilty because on some level she felt relieved that the ordeal was over, but more than anything, she felt lost. Her family had their own lives- Rose had grandchildren and a great-granddaughter now. But she still felt like there was nothing to really live for. She wouldn’t give up because that wasn’t her way, but she’d lost her joy for life. She felt useless, and even though she still lived on her own and took care of herself, she still felt like a bit of a burden on her family.
One day when she on her way to the market, she meets Bill, who has a natural charm and an easy-going nature- he was kind and approachable and was easy to talk to. The two hit it off and Bill’s happy disposition sparked something inside Rose. He made her want to try new things and made her laugh, which she hadn’t done for a long time. She gets a new lease on life and decides to embrace the future, even though she is only too aware of her age and mortality.
This book was quite a thought provoking read. There were some really funny conversations and banter that brought a smile to my face. There were touching and emotional moments that made me connect to Rose and the story.
I admired Rose and her ‘get on with it’ attitude. She’s old-old school, all about making do, saving pennies, waste-not want-not, thriftiness and needing to feel productive. A far cry from our modern, ‘throw-away’, fast food, instant gratification, consumer societies. She is sweet, loving and caring- but has a backbone of steel with a no-nonsense and ‘proper’ attitude. Rose reminded me of my Nan.
The story was a little slow to get going, a bit like Rose, but this didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment of the book.
At the end of the book were some excerpts from several of Ms. Abbott’s other books, some of which I have read and other’s that are awaiting my attention. The excerpts give a great overview of Ms. Abbott’s work, a taste of what you can expect from her stories.
Another charming read from this talented author!
Thank you, Ms. Abbott!
An English Rose is a lovely short story by Allyson Abbott. It is a mature woman’s romance, the main character being 85-year-old Rosemary (Rose) who narrates the story. I felt this was a really sweet story, that felt more like women’s fiction than a typical romance novel.
I can’t say that I have ever read a book from an 85-year old’s perspective before and to be honest I was very sceptical about whether the author could make the synopsis of the story work, or if it would resonate with me on any level. But, I had read a few of Ms. Abbott’s books before and enjoyed her style and how different her books are from others in the same genre, so I took a chance and am pleased that I did.
Rose lost her husband a few years ago, having watched him decline from dementia before finally succumbing to a stroke. She was angry that he suffered a slow and cruel decline, and felt guilty because on some level she felt relieved that the ordeal was over, but more than anything, she felt lost. Her family had their own lives- Rose had grandchildren and a great-granddaughter now. But she still felt like there was nothing to really live for. She wouldn’t give up because that wasn’t her way, but she’d lost her joy for life. She felt useless, and even though she still lived on her own and took care of herself, she still felt like a bit of a burden on her family.
One day when she on her way to the market, she meets Bill, who has a natural charm and an easy-going nature- he was kind and approachable and was easy to talk to. The two hit it off and Bill’s happy disposition sparked something inside Rose. He made her want to try new things and made her laugh, which she hadn’t done for a long time. She gets a new lease on life and decides to embrace the future, even though she is only too aware of her age and mortality.
This book was quite a thought provoking read. There were some really funny conversations and banter that brought a smile to my face. There were touching and emotional moments that made me connect to Rose and the story.
I admired Rose and her ‘get on with it’ attitude. She’s old-old school, all about making do, saving pennies, waste-not want-not, thriftiness and needing to feel productive. A far cry from our modern, ‘throw-away’, fast food, instant gratification, consumer societies. She is sweet, loving and caring- but has a backbone of steel with a no-nonsense and ‘proper’ attitude. Rose reminded me of my Nan.
The story was a little slow to get going, a bit like Rose, but this didn’t detract from my overall enjoyment of the book.
At the end of the book were some excerpts from several of Ms. Abbott’s other books, some of which I have read and other’s that are awaiting my attention. The excerpts give a great overview of Ms. Abbott’s work, a taste of what you can expect from her stories.
Another charming read from this talented author!
Thank you, Ms. Abbott!
kirchersmiles's review
5.0
An English Rose: A Mother’s Love, A Love Inspired by Allyson R. Abbott
5 Stars (Only because there's no million stars option)
WOW, I do not think I've ever been so sad seeing the words The End in a book as I was when I saw them in this story.. This is my fourth or fifth book by this author and it left me wanting so so much more. I could have read 1000 pages about Rose. She is officially my new favorite book heroine EVER!!
The way this story was written was so so real, I felt like I knew these characters and while reading it I felt deep inside everything she was feeling, I've myself thought of my later years still to come and this story did nothing but give me hope. I swear I smiled throughout the entire story and laughed out loud a few times as well;
….Are you sure you can't stay for some gassypatch soup? Your so funny, Mum. No, I can't stay for gazpacho soup, but thanks for asking.
Then comes Bill on his scooter...I loved loved loved him!!!
I just can't say enough about this story, or this author. She is an absolute favorite and an immediate one click. Everyone should read this book, it was written so beautifully and I'm still completely upset that it's over.
Thank you Thank you Miss Abbott for a brilliantly written story that just plain made me feel good.
Loved it!!!
5 Stars (Only because there's no million stars option)
WOW, I do not think I've ever been so sad seeing the words The End in a book as I was when I saw them in this story.. This is my fourth or fifth book by this author and it left me wanting so so much more. I could have read 1000 pages about Rose. She is officially my new favorite book heroine EVER!!
The way this story was written was so so real, I felt like I knew these characters and while reading it I felt deep inside everything she was feeling, I've myself thought of my later years still to come and this story did nothing but give me hope. I swear I smiled throughout the entire story and laughed out loud a few times as well;
….Are you sure you can't stay for some gassypatch soup? Your so funny, Mum. No, I can't stay for gazpacho soup, but thanks for asking.
Then comes Bill on his scooter...I loved loved loved him!!!
I just can't say enough about this story, or this author. She is an absolute favorite and an immediate one click. Everyone should read this book, it was written so beautifully and I'm still completely upset that it's over.
Thank you Thank you Miss Abbott for a brilliantly written story that just plain made me feel good.
Loved it!!!
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