For the Roses

The story is all about realizing that family isn't about blood or skin color. Family is about love. If we all remember that without skin we are the same, we could be happier and safer in this world of ours.

The characters seem real, each one in the story you have met at some point in your life. How you have dealt with them may determine how you would have responded to Adam, Douglas, Cole, Travis and of course Mary Rose. I believe I married a man much like Cole which is probably why he was my favorite. This is my third time reading this book and I still love it. The story telling is fantastic and the characters memorable.

After the FBI stories, of the Buchannan family et al, I decided to give this a go. Was not expecting such a great story, I was caught up from start to the end. Characters really stood out. Loved the adoption of Mama Rose as everybody's mother. This is a story of needs must and does well to remind us that we desperately need our fellow man to get on and make sense of life. Have already started reading the sequel.

I read all the Clayborns series...LOVED THEM!!! I love how these kids formed this unique bond. Such wonderful faith in each other!! They could count on each othe thru everything. Love their sibbling banter, too.

New book! Arrived quickly. I purchased this for a nursing home resident who had talked about how much she had loved this book several years ago. She was thrilled to receive it and told me the entire story. Although I didn't read it, it seems like a very interesting book.

New book! Arrived quickly. I purchased this for a nursing home resident who had talked about how much she had loved this book several years ago. She was thrilled to receive it and told me the entire story. Although I didn't read it, it seems like a very interesting book.

This novel was made into the Hallmark Hall of Fame movie, "Rose Hill"; and because of that, I purchased the book.

About half way into the story, what began as a wholesome novel, worthy of Hallmark Hall of Fame, turned into a trashy sexual novel, with a rape scene that is depicted by the author as romance. Julie Garwood, may or may not have a talent for writing, but lacks the ability for story telling. It is true that authors tend to write out of their own experiences, so perhaps Garwood has suffered through sexual deviancy,herself. If so, I am sorry for her. Unfortunately, I can not call her or her novels good or worthy if she uses her writing to pass on deviancy to unsuspecting innocence. For that I say, shame!

A good story will have some virtue; and in order for virtue to shine, there must also be it's opposite. All truly good literature must have the battle between good and evil. I clarify this, so that readers will not misunderstand my critic of Garwood's writing. However, one can depict the dark side without being explicit. This is where Garwood has missed the mark in creating a good story.

Hallmark edited and changed her story quite a bit when creating the movie, "Rode Hill", thus creating a story worthy of the description, "good". Readers can only hope that Julie Garwood learns from this example.

I don't readily advise people to watch a move over reading the book, nor avoid the book from which a movie is made, but in this case, I strongly advise that you skip the novel completely and watch Rose Hill instead. My author signed hard-copy of Julie Garwood's "For the Roses" is going into the trash, where it belongs.

Reviewed at Another Look Book Reviews

Well it was bound to happen eventually I'm sure. There is actually a Julie Garwood book that I did not fall in love with. I guess there is a first time for everything.

The prologue starts the setting off in New York City, 1860 and it was a spectacular beginning. I immediately was absorbed into the story and thought for sure For the Roses was going to be a total winner. The story begins with a group of misfit throw-away street boys who form a tight bond and create their own family unit. They are huddled together in a back alley and their world is changed upside down with the discovery a bald baby girl in a basket. The oldest boy is thirteen and he is a runaway black slave named Adam. Adam is the only one of the boys that is not an orphan and he remains in contact through letters with his mama who is still a slave in the south. Throughout the years, Adam seems to become a father figure to the rest of the boys even though he is only a few years older. He is the glue that holds them all together.

The baby girl is named Mary Rose by the boys and the newly formed family unit of brothers decide to raise her and venture out west into the territories. For the Roses jumps ahead years forward to the present day Montana, 1879. I loved how Julie Garwood used handwritten letters by the kids to Adam's mama who officially becomes each of their adopted mother as well. These letters offer a perfect insight into how they grew to become the adults they were in their present day. It was a great way to view the past without having to write flashbacks or chapters of background.

Having said that, one of the issues I did have with For the Roses was how long the book was. I think the book should have been edited a bit more and about 100 pages or so should have been cut. Many times the story just dragged along and there were lots of scenes that just didn't need to be as long as they were. I felt the urge to do some major skimming along and for me that is unheard of in a Julie Garwood book.

The characters were all likable enough and the talkative Mary Rose put a smile on my face more than once. Even though Harrison was actually Lord Harrison, the "Lord" part really didn't have much play in the territory of Montana. It was enjoyable reading about Harrison getting his ranch hands dirty and his butt bruised.

Eventually Mary Rose's infant past is caught up to her and that is mostly what For the Roses is based on. It just really dragged on to finally get there.

There are other books in the series and I will gladly read on so that I can read about what becomes of the brothers.

Teasers: horse with an attitude, cave sleepover, blank canvas, Blue Belle

Great read! For all the reviews that state this book is disturbing, they aren't putting themselves back in that era. Values were 'vastly' different than they are today. Men ruled and women were raised substantially different then they are now. Besides, the book is fiction, but as close to reality in that time period as it could be. A wonderful read. Flowing prose, terrific character development and an unconfined ebb, everything you want a story to be.

You can't go wrong with this book, a page turner and a very easy read. Did I mention that its fiction?

For the Roses by Julie Garwood is a paperback that is well-worn in my personal library. Garwood's talent for making her heroines spunky, daring, and innocent, while allowing them to be strong, is a plus for her books. Mary Rose is no exception.

Mary Rose interacts with her family and friends with caring. She allows her interactions to be realistic and fun. It is easy to visualize this spunky heroine. She is allowed a temper, even at times that women are angry for no reason, but has that temper in such a fun way that one cannot be angry back at her. Garwood's pen allows endearment, not anger. Mary Rose realizes her complaining makes her brothers uncomfortable, so she complains when she wants them to quit bothering her because they change the subject or find another place to go. She gives caring to Corrie, a woman living away from civilization because she was treated horribly by indigents and is disfigured. She protects Corrie from trouble-makers in town when they attempt to burn Corrie out.

Although this is an older book, it is worth a read, even if you are not a lover of historical romance. Her characters are individual, not dull, and bring a good time to the reader. This is the kind of book that is enjoyable, relaxing, and fun.

NOTE: I purchased this book with my own funds.

This story and the entire series was beautiful. It illustrates what family is all about. Family is not just about blood its about LOVE,TRUST,RESPECT & LOYALTY. If this was required reading in high school maybe we wouldn't be a nation full of Jerry Springer guest. The selflessness of the young men in this story is inspiring. These young men show that even if life has been tough on you there is hope. This book and the entire Claybourne series really touched me. Julie Garwood is a sure thing!! I love all of her stories. ****WARNING JULIE GARWOOD FANS**** the movie ROSEHILL that is suppose to be based on this wonderful book in my opinion was awful!! They made Mary Rose out to be very selfish and mean. They KILLED OFF COLE!!! They never showed the family bonds that were created and were the main part of this lovely story. In essence everybody grew apart in the movie. They even leave you feeling that Adam will die of consumption eventually.. It was sad and depressing and I feel it didn't capture the magic of this book!!!

This book was a great read, classic Garwood and a book you don't want to miss. I do have to give it 4 stars due to fact it took a while for me to get into the book. It just took a little longer to have the story set up- not a reason to miss out on this book. Once the story was set up, it was smooth sailing. What I love about Garwood is the depth she brings to a story, you don't just read it, she shows it to you in her writing.

This is the first "Frontier" book I have read and enjoyed greatly. I felt I was right along side the Claybourne family with their struggles. There are two books left in the trilogy, The Claybourne Brides (One white rose, One Pink Rose, One red rose) and Come the Spring. I am most looking forward to reading Cole's story in Come the Spring.

Julie---we are not worthy!!!!!!! I have read For the Roses several times (I have it in hardcover for the "I Love this Book--If you Touch them you DIE" shelf). I have recently finished the Red, White and Pink Rose series and have loved every brother--cant wait for you to tell Coles story!!! I even named 4 trees after the brothers. All of my friends who have read your books and I agree "I wish she would write faster" but then again we know that your books are something special to look forward to. EVERYONE read this book--you will not be sorry, you will love all of the Clayborne brothers, and Mary Rose with her sweet giving spirit. Then go on to read the other novelas that Julie has wrote about the Claybourns. Once again---I am not worthy of the joy your writings have brought into my life. Thanks :

I was becoming disappointed in Garwood's books because of the "Me, puissant hero. You, ineffective heroine." style she was adopting. With this book, she has achieved a great triumph: she penned a believable, romantic and above all, humorous tale.
Too many novels have trite dialogue or exaggerated sex scenes and Garwood manages to steer clear of both. "For the Roses" entertained me so much that I had to put it down more than once so that I could stop laughing at the antics of the characters. I especially loved her heroine, Mary Rose Clayborne, because the young woman was intelligent, sassy and sweet. She also has a strong streak of common sense not often found in the gloriously beautiful and reckless heroines that populate lesser author's works. Mary Rose is definitely NOT monotonous or vain.
I like the structure of the novel, with its chapters interspersed with letters written by the Clayborne family to their matriarch and Mary Rose's namesake, Mama Rose. The characters come alive through the letters and we gain an insight into their personalities that we would not normally have.
Bravo, Ms. Garwood! This is the most excellently written novel of yours I have ever read.

I purchased this book a few years back after watching that Rose Hill Movie a few years back. I just finally read the book in got lost in box from a couple of moves.

I don't think I watched the movie on it's premiere viewing however, anyway. As many know, the movie is much different than the book. Changing character profiles even.

The book's main theme is about family and how family is not necessarily about blood but about love and trust. And that's a main difference from the movie and novel, except maybe the role of Harrison or the other Rose, was that the brothers were very frank with little Mary Rose. She was wild, opinionated and full of love for her adopted family.

It makes you want to know more about this family and you can in the future books but that is going ahead just a bit. For The Roses explained how family could be across the sea or down south. Family could be maintained by a letter. I miss letters. But still that was not the only point. It was family was made but not in the traditional sense.

Her friend Eleanor, had similarities to her and I liked how they played out. Harrison too. Though, I have to agree there were times that I just wanted to go into the book and smack or kick him. But he did love Rose and it just made the story interesting. Still, I did want to kick him so. :)

Still a great book to read and looking forward to read the rest of the books in the series. (Currently on book 3)

Three young street urchins find an unexpected surprise in a basket one evening in a New York alleyway. With that discovery their lives' journey begins.

Ms Garwood writes characters with wonderful distinct personalities. The evolution of those young boys to their adult selves is nothing short of amazing. One minute I was cheering them on the next I wanted to join in the yelling at the dinner table.

Loved the romance between Harrison and Mary-Ellen. I was surprized at the powerful reaction I had to their finally getting together.

But the story goes deeper still, you have to love Mama Rose and Mary-Ellen's father and relatives. Read all about them and enjoy. I couldn't put the book down and have reread it already.

i normally love julia garwood's books. i was excited this was available for my kindle. the story/plotline was clever but the writing was atrocious. the dialogue between the characters felt like it was written for 3rd graders. i hate the word "yeah" and to think that someone from scotland, a lawyer to boot, would use that word over and over again??? i don't think so. someone should have helped her edit this book. also the kindle had so many typos that they should give a partial refund.
i am glad her writing improved over the years.

Garwood has started this really bad habit of 5 characters trying to talk at once. What was once funny in her earlier books is now becoming annoying. She tries too hard to be funny. She may have one character say something, then it's seven paragraphs later before another one answers. You lose track of what is going on. I think this is her worst book ever, followed only by the other rose books, which I call "Stupid," "Stupider, and "Stupidest." Very lazy and unimaginative writing, all designed to get us to buy them and lead up to the next one. She could learn something from Nora Roberts, who never gets lazy in any story. I've quit reading Julie Garwood. I'm tired of spending money on stories that drive me nuts.

This book is filled with characters the reader can really know and love. I found myself there, with the Clayborne family, in the heart of Montana. Mary Rose is a loveable and believable heroine. Harrison is the man every woman would love to have for her own. Each Clayborne brother is his own person, and at the end of the book, I felt as if I knew each one personally. A definite must-read for Garwood fansr, and historical romance fans everywhere. A triumph!

Over the years I have read many romance books, and I have like some, and then there are the ones I wasn't crazy about.
Even though I read FOR THE ROSES some years ago, I can still remember to this day. It is one of my favorite romance books. It is always on my top ten list. I know Julie Garwood wrote, the little sequels, ONE PINK ROSE, ONE RED ROSE, and ONE WHITE ROSE were good, but not as good. COME THE SPRING was great, but of the 5 books, FOR THE ROSES was the best.

Another great historical romance for Julie Garwood. I like the fact that this book takes place in the west not in Europe like some of her other books. There's a lot of hot sex in this book, but not overdone and tacky. Be warened there are a lot of characters is this book but because the book Come the Spring continues the story I can now see why For the Roses was written the way it was.