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heatheringwood's review
5.0
Swept back in time with this period piece, Louise Mayberry painted the picture of the 1820's in a restless Scotland, while pushing the status quo with more forward thinking themes around child labor, factory working conditions and slavery. I so appreciate a strong female character and Jane did not disappoint. As a fan of apple trees myself, it was fun to read of Jane's love of botany and the wonderful trees and their cultivation. And while we don't like Pearcy much in the beginning, he comes into his own as he finds an opportunity for something different than he planned on with Jane.
Roses in Red Wax was a wonderful story that I had hoped would not end so soon! I was left wanting more of of Jane and Pearcy's story as they fell in love and developed their lives together. And it had just enough spice to add to the heat of this a romance novel.
P.S. I am still thinking about this book and I plan to go back and re-read it again to revisit these beloved characters and the scenes that the author is so good at painting for the reader.
Roses in Red Wax was a wonderful story that I had hoped would not end so soon! I was left wanting more of of Jane and Pearcy's story as they fell in love and developed their lives together. And it had just enough spice to add to the heat of this a romance novel.
P.S. I am still thinking about this book and I plan to go back and re-read it again to revisit these beloved characters and the scenes that the author is so good at painting for the reader.
duchess7ate9's review
4.0
✨ARC Book Review✨
Roses in Red Wax by @louise.mayberry.writes
Releases on March 3, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Roses in Red Wax by @louise.mayberry.writes
Releases on March 3, 2023
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
bookishmya's review
5.0
The story of Percy & Jane has left me with a mesmerizing glow of contentment. Truly a beautifully told story that perfectly blends the sweet, tender emotions of love, the tragic pain of loss and the healing powers of love and acceptance with the realism of the world around them. The true realities of the factories and the ‘improvement’s’ of Scottish farming tell a very real and powerful story of injustice. Seeing how this affects each of the characters and how they choose to deal with them is inspiring. The romance, the doubt and the pining of Percy and Jane’s love was truly moving. I longed with them, felt the pain of their doubt and revelled in their joys. This story is such a gem for a debut novel! Louise Mayberry has definitely come out of the gate with a strong start. I cannot wait to return to Darnalay and experience Cam’s story.
jess_justmaybeperfect's review
4.0
Roses in Red Wax by Louise Mayberry. First, a HUGE thank you to this debut novelist for asking us to join her ARC team.
We really enjoyed this book! One big thing that jumped out: there are so many larger tropes and mini tropes it feels like a love letter to romance novels. And we love that. ❤️
This book takes place in Scotland. The heroine is the “disgraced” daughter of an Earl living with her brother, a medical student, in Glasgow. The hero is the nephew of the heroine’s good friend. He is a party boy Englishman in Scotland to check on his wealthy father’s business holdings. She’s an
We really enjoyed this book! One big thing that jumped out: there are so many larger tropes and mini tropes it feels like a love letter to romance novels. And we love that. ❤️
This book takes place in Scotland. The heroine is the “disgraced” daughter of an Earl living with her brother, a medical student, in Glasgow. The hero is the nephew of the heroine’s good friend. He is a party boy Englishman in Scotland to check on his wealthy father’s business holdings. She’s an
j_lynn_a80's review
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
erinarkin20's review
3.0
I have to admit, Roses in Red Wax caught my eye because of the cover. It is my first book by this author so I wasn't sure how it was going to go but I ended up enjoying the story and am looking forward to more books in this series.
The fmc in this story is Jane Stuart and I thought Mayberry did a great job of building out who she was / her background. At first it was a little fuzzy as to what was going on moving from the prologue to the story but I found myself enjoying her as a character. I also thought the relationship she had with her brother was well done too. As she is introduced (and initially pretty offended by) to Percy Sommerbell, the nephew of a friend, she has to make some decisions that will not only impact her but his future as well.
I thought Mayberry did a good job of building out the character's backgrounds to help drive the story forward. It isn't without conflict and as more is revealed it becomes clear as to why Jane and her brother are in the situation they are in. And when Percy has to face the fact that he now has responsibilities, it all comes together for these two...but not without some hardship.
This was a pretty quick and enjoyable read. If you're looking for a new adult historical romance series to start, consider picking this one up.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy in exchange for a review.
The fmc in this story is Jane Stuart and I thought Mayberry did a great job of building out who she was / her background. At first it was a little fuzzy as to what was going on moving from the prologue to the story but I found myself enjoying her as a character. I also thought the relationship she had with her brother was well done too. As she is introduced (and initially pretty offended by) to Percy Sommerbell, the nephew of a friend, she has to make some decisions that will not only impact her but his future as well.
I thought Mayberry did a good job of building out the character's backgrounds to help drive the story forward. It isn't without conflict and as more is revealed it becomes clear as to why Jane and her brother are in the situation they are in. And when Percy has to face the fact that he now has responsibilities, it all comes together for these two...but not without some hardship.
This was a pretty quick and enjoyable read. If you're looking for a new adult historical romance series to start, consider picking this one up.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the copy in exchange for a review.
laurencoyle's review
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
alisonb's review
4.0
What a wonderful debut! Beautifully written with romance, history, and the growth and change of two individuals-one lost in the cloud of grief and one longing to be himself while becoming more aware of the power he holds to influence the lives of many.
As an added bonus there was an epistolary period between Percy and Jane that did a beautiful job of filling in the time that they were apart and creating a sense of anticipation of what was to come.
I especially loved Jane's knowledge of botany and Percy's love of music. Being a prolific romance reader I have seen similar plots and similar main characters, but never together and with their unique set of circumstances.
Well written and engaging, Roses in Red Wax would be a wonderful option for those interested in where to start reading historical romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As an added bonus there was an epistolary period between Percy and Jane that did a beautiful job of filling in the time that they were apart and creating a sense of anticipation of what was to come.
I especially loved Jane's knowledge of botany and Percy's love of music. Being a prolific romance reader I have seen similar plots and similar main characters, but never together and with their unique set of circumstances.
Well written and engaging, Roses in Red Wax would be a wonderful option for those interested in where to start reading historical romance.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
glo68's review
5.0
What a wonderful debut novel for this extremely talented new author! An intriguing and unique plot, a Scottish setting and so much interesting information about plants, music and nineteenth century factories, all contribute to create an astounding book. And of course the characters are the center of it all. Percy, a young and carefree musician, a hedonist who wants nothing to do with his father’s business, except enjoying the money said business provides, is suddenly forced to face the reality of the Glasgow spinning mills and the dreadful work condition of the workers of his family’s factories. And he cannot remain unfazed by it… Jane is escaping her own harsh reality, the loss of her family and her heritage, and she’s numbed by grief. Will they be able to save each other and maybe save other people in the process? What’s sure is that these are two beautifully fleshed-out characters and that the side characters are equally vivid and realistic. I so look forward to Cameron (Jane’s brother) story! A truly beautiful book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
themeadowlibrary's review
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
“She knew it was the music that had calmed her. His music.”
A unique perspective with strong themes and an intensely beautiful romance at the heart.
This book is so dramatic, and yet it feels grounded in reality. It was a very unique historical romance! The writing is very well done, and the story kept me turning pages well after my bedtime.
But my favorite part was the characters! It took me a while to warm up to our heroine, Jane, but by the halfway mark I understood her anxieties and hesitations and really grew to like her. Our hero, Percy also undergoes a transformation, but he’s more likable from the start. And by the end of the book they are the most romantic couple.
The side characters were all so well written that I want to read more about them! I am thrilled to read other books in this series, so much so I’m already guessing who will get their own books. Personally I hope Percy’s sister gets a book, and his travel friend, and Cameron’s friend Tavish, but honestly I would even be interested in a book about Michael (the cousin/villain). It was interesting that there is a whole chapter from Michael’s perspective, really showing a theme of this book- even people who do bad things are usually trying their best with what they know.
A few things weren’t my cup of tea. The big reveal of Jane’s identity was kind of anticlimactic- it’s revealed earlier in the chapter in a throwaway line before she tells Percy, which I found strange. The third act is very, very tense; for a book with an anxious heroine, it was pretty anxiety inducing! And at first I really did not like Jane, which made it hard to get into the book.
But overall, even though it is a hectic ride through a nuanced landscape, the journey is fun and the happily ever after felt more satisfying for the troubles along the way!
Star Rating: 3.25/5
Tropes: Letters, hidden identity, insta lust
CW: Violence, death, confinement, alcohol, mental health, injury, medical content, blood
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement
Moderate: Violence, Car accident, Child death, Classism, Death of parent, Grief, Panic attacks/disorders, Alcohol, Death, Mental illness, Blood, Gun violence, Medical content, and Medical trauma
Minor: Infidelity