BOOK 1, THE BRIDE TRAIN
STORY-LINE VALENTINE’S ROSE:
Author E. E. Burke created an intriguing and satisfying novel filled with emotion in Valentine’s Rose. The first book in a new series, the reader will find everything needed for an enjoyable and entertaining read. Set in Kansas during the height of the railroad boom, the workers are desperate for women. Hoping to calm down the fights and destruction, the railroad devises a plan to bring brides out west.
The men nor the brides get exactly what they thought they would. Primarily, the men are dirty, crude, and unmannerly. The women are from varied backgrounds and do not look fondly on a marriage raffle with themselves as the prize.
Rose Muldoon, former laundress, grew up in the Five Point District of New York. No worse slum existed. Rose is looking for love and security in her husband. Due to unforeseen circumstances, Rose finds herself married to Constantine Valentine, formerly of the English nobility. Can these two polar opposites forge a lasting marriage? Will Val leave Rose to return to England if he finds his fortune? Come and follow Rose and Val through heartache, tribulation, and trials, as they journey from strangers in a marriage of convenience.
Grab your favorite beverage and have a seat. Come along as my romance novel review of Valentine’s Rose follows.
CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, AND DEVELOPMENT:
Without a doubt, E. E. Burke will grab the reader immediately with Valentine’s Rose. Filled with wonderful historical facts and beginning with a journal, the reader’s swept up into the romance of the western expansion era. I found the background given for Rose sad and unfortunately, true to the times. The Irish lived in deplorable conditions, poor if any food, packed in slums and taken advantage by the factory lords.
The glimpse into Roses’ life was sad indeed. However, Burke created a strong and independent woman in this character. I loved watching Rose grow and mature. In turn, Val’s character was unlikable at times, pitying at others, as you come to realize Val has a problem. One he has fought all his life. Subsequently, Burke gave him characteristics which shine by the end of the story. As a result, I came to care for these characters and was sad to say goodbye. Of course, all good stories must have a villain; Burke crafted a splendid villain for this story.
With a well-plotted story-line and good clean prose, Burke created a first-class beginning for this series. I look forward to the next books. I hope we see more of Val and Rose in future episodes.
VALENTINE’S ROSE RECOMMENDATION: STARS 4
Finally, in concluding my romance novel review of Valentine’s Rose, I gave this book 4 well-deserved stars. I would not hesitate to buy this book for my self or a friend. Well-written and developed with clean smooth pacing, Valentine’s Rose provides hours of clean entertainment. Burke had no need of fluff or sex to fill the pages, as the her story-telling talent alone, carried this book.
Finally Please Note:
Additionally, I received this book from the author and chose to voluntarily review the book with an honest romance novel review. Lastly, book reviews of any novel are dependent on the book review author’s opinion. Consequently, all book reviews on-line and on my blog, are my opinions. Without a doubt, the ARC did not affect my voluntary romance novel review.