"Inspiring Story for All Ages"
Bea Bartling's faith has been sorely tested. Her son
Nathan left under mysterious circumstances five years
previously for reasons known only to Bea and she's not
sharing. She has prayed fervently every day for his
return. What she doesn't count on is his return in a
casket. After Nathan's death any joy left in Bea's life is gone.
She is unable to even tend to her famous roses. Roses
first brought to Nebraska by travelers over the Oregon
Trail. They are so popular that the local museum even
gives out pamphlets for self-guided tours. When a young woman with four-year-old child arrives on her
doorstep a few weeks after Nathan's death, Bea is in the
throes of self-pity and doesn't want to acknowledge that
the woman, Gemma is actually Nathan's widow. Even with the
knowledge that Gemma and her daughter Paisley have no place
to go, Bea doesn't offer them refuge. Instead, while
visiting the local museum, they are locked in overnight and
the woman who finds them has Gemma arrested on suspicion of
burglary. Gemma's arrest is a blessing in disguise as Jay Triplett,
the friendly arresting officer, calls the local minister,
George Sissel and he and his family take Gemma and Paisley
in. Gemma eventually gets a job at a local restaurant and
slowly Bea's defenses are taken down. Although she
eventually invites them to stay in her home, she is never
able to give herself fully to Gemma although young Paisley
is a little bit better at endearing herself to Bea. When
Bea finds Gemma has been in Nathan's room despite Bea
asking her not to, accidentally breaking some treasured
athletic trophies Nathan had won, her precarious trust of
Gemma is broken and Gemma and Paisley return to the Sissel
home. As long-kept secrets are slowly revealed, Gemma puts the
puzzle together but it takes a near tragedy for Bea to
realize how much Gemma and Paisley really mean to her.
Gemma even begins to heal herself with a special friendship
and perhaps budding romance. A ROSE BY THE DOOR is an endearing and heartwarming story
that will appeal to readers of all ages. Little Paisley
nearly steals the show with her innocence. Both Bea and
Gemma are troubled women but through their common bond they
eventually help each other heal. I've long been a fan of Deborah Bedford's stories including
the wonderful HARVEST DANCE and welcome her move to the
inspirational romance subgenre. With well-drawn characters
and a story that will keep readers turning pages, A ROSE BY
THE DOOR is a clear winner.
Reviewed by Maudeen Wachsmith
Courtesy What I'm Reading
Posted December 20, 2001
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