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A review by emmdahl
Roses in Red Wax by Louise Mayberry
5.0
I was thoroughly enamored with "Roses in Red Wax" by Louise Mayberry. This historical romance novel contains all of my favorite elements: a rich Scottish history, a slow-burning romance, spicy scenes, a reverse grumpy/sunshine dynamic, a hero who falls first, and a heroine who ultimately saves the hero.
The story is set in 1820, during the early industrialization of Scotland. This period saw farmers and their families forced from their homes to crowd the city slums, where they worked long hours for minimal pay. The depiction of this era in Scottish history was both enlightening and engaging to read about.
The main characters, Jane Stuart and Percy Sommerbell, navigate these challenges from very different perspectives. Jane, a young woman who has suffered a multitude of losses, including her childhood love, her parents, and her home and community, feels numb to life. Percy, on the other hand, is the carefree son of a self-made man who would rather be enjoying life's pleasures in Greece than helping with his father's business in Glasgow. Despite her reluctance, Jane is drawn to Percy and their back-and-forth banter is delightful to read. Once Jane overcomes her fears and embraces her love for Percy, the two finally find their happy ending.
I was thoroughly impressed with Mayberry's debut novel and couldn't put it down until I reached the end! I eagerly anticipate her next book in the series.
The story is set in 1820, during the early industrialization of Scotland. This period saw farmers and their families forced from their homes to crowd the city slums, where they worked long hours for minimal pay. The depiction of this era in Scottish history was both enlightening and engaging to read about.
The main characters, Jane Stuart and Percy Sommerbell, navigate these challenges from very different perspectives. Jane, a young woman who has suffered a multitude of losses, including her childhood love, her parents, and her home and community, feels numb to life. Percy, on the other hand, is the carefree son of a self-made man who would rather be enjoying life's pleasures in Greece than helping with his father's business in Glasgow. Despite her reluctance, Jane is drawn to Percy and their back-and-forth banter is delightful to read. Once Jane overcomes her fears and embraces her love for Percy, the two finally find their happy ending.
I was thoroughly impressed with Mayberry's debut novel and couldn't put it down until I reached the end! I eagerly anticipate her next book in the series.