Rating: 
Summary: Rags-to-Riches Tale of Romance, Betrayal, and Revenge
Review: I would give this book 10 stars if I could. In lieu of that, I'm recommending it to everyone I know as the "must read" book of the year. Not only does this have as romantic a love story as you could ever want, but it also features an epic sweep of Victorian London and late 19th century New York, a diabolical killer, and an all-consuming plot for revenge. At the center of all of this is Fiona Finnegan, an endearing heroine who lifts herself from the slums of London to become the queen of tea merchants residing in an upscale 5th Avenue mansion.The story telling is so intimate and compelling that I did not want to ever put this one down. Fiona captures your heart when you first meet her clutching twelve pounds, two shillings, and a dream in a battered cocoa tin. When she finds her perfect love affair shattered by another woman's wanton seduction and a vicious murder decimates her family, Fiona's staunch character is tested to its limits. A barrage of even more tragic events leads her to a heart-stopping escape to New York and more problems to overcome. In addition to Fiona, the secondary characters are so well drawn that you feel connected to them immediately. Her loving father Paddy, her mam, brothers Charlie and Seamie as well as Uncle Michael, her dear friend Nicholas, and many others will capture your imagination. But it is Fiona's love for the unforgettable Joe Bristow and her steadfast goal of destroying her father's killer that will keep you glued to the pages and relishing every delicious moment of this story.
Rating:
Summary: Definitely my cup of tea!
Review: Wow! Finishing this book was the one thing I dreaded. The Tea Rose was a captivating, heartfelt, and engaging read. I was lost in this fascinating, atmospheric world of 19th century London, and would love to go back sometime and revisit the wonderful characters that Jennifer Donnelly created. The Tea Rose tells the story of 17-year-old Fiona Finnegan and her beau, Joe Bristow. Fiona, a worker in a tea factory, and Joe, a coster in his family's produce business, have big dreams of opening their own tea shop one day. Saving money from every paycheck into an old cocoa tin, Fiona and Joe slowly get closer to realizing their dream. But things don't always work out they way they're planned -- the unionization of labor workers, a serial murderer on the loose, and a scheming buxom blonde play their part in destroying everything Fiona and Joe has worked for. There is so much more to this novel, however, but I don't want to ruin the fun for readers to discover for themselves. There are many supporting characters that add complexity and texture to this story, and Jennifer Donnelly has done an exceptional job of bringing them all to life. The writing is concise and the perfect balance of dialogue and description. I loved every page, especially since there was always something new and exciting happening. The best book I've read so far this year, and most likely one that will be hard to top.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful book!
Review: I loved this book. I didn't want to put it down to go to work in the mornings. Even though it was almost 800 pages, I was wanting more. First time I've read this author. Hope she comes out with another soon.
Rating: 
Summary: Started off slow but quickly gained momentum!
Review: It's the oldest theme in the world: Poor, lonely, beautiful English heroine pulls herself up by the boot straps to become one of the richest women in the world. It took me forever to get involved with this book but eventually I reached the point where I couldn't put it down. Fiona Finnegan, the lively eighteen-year old tea house worker lives in poverty in Whitechapel during the 1880's; she and her family may not have material things but they are very rich with their love for each other. Fiona also has a wonderful fiance, Joe Bristow (they are madly in love with each other). And then, everything is gone. THE TEA ROSE is the story of Fiona and her rise to become the greatest business woman in New York. The wonderful relationships she has all contribute to her rise to the top.
Some of the storylines were a little ridiculous and the climax of the book came much to late but all in all this was a pretty good read.
Rating:
Summary: Splendid Tale of True Love
Review: A splendid tale of true love and the long journey it takes. This deserves 4 1/2 stars because the writing is top notch, the story moves quickly, the plot twists are intriguing and as a whole it draws you into the tale. It's only flaw may be that it was too predictable at some points, but that is no reason to bypass this excellent book. This story is great for vacation since it reads so well and is easy to interrupt and resume.
Rating:
Summary: My Cup of Tea!
Review: This was a wonderful, sweeping epic of a story. Set in the last 1800's in England, the book tells the story of Fiona Finnegan, a young girl who has to deal with an extreme amount of tragedy in her life. We also meet her boyfriend, Joe, the love of her life. The two plan to marry and open their own store but events unfold that tear them apart and shatter their dreams. The rest is truly a rags to riches story. There is mystery, romance, murder and mayhem...all very well written and highly entertaining. A satisfying and exciting read. I highly recommend it.
Rating:
Summary: A great read
Review: I loved this book! It took a little while to get involved, but once I was, I couldn't put it down! Even now, having finished it a week ago, I am still thinking about the characters, as if they were real! Donnelly does a great job of getting the reader involved in these peoples lives. I am a fan of the genre (19th century poverty striken London), having read "The Crimson Petal and the White," "Slammerkin," "Falling Angels." This was one of the best books I have read this year. And if you are a closet "Ripperologist" you will love the intersting take on who he was! I liked how Donnelly incoroprated real people and events into this fictional story. I am looking forward to reading Donnelly's other book, "A Northern Light," and hope it is just as good. I recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun and and well written book.
Rating:
Summary: Unbelievably good!
Review: I did not want this book to end - I loved being swept up in this colorful, rich, exciting story, where all the plots were as descriptive and real as watching them on a movie screen. I loved the descriptions of the marketplace in London, and of the sacrifices that Fiona and her mother made while supporting the family on very little funds. The dialogue was engaging, often funny, and one observes the characters' dialect becoming more refined as they moved upwards in life. There was amazing struggle in the beginning. However, at the turning point in the story, one could not help falling in love with Nicholas, while pining away for Fiona's lost love, Joe. Much develops in the span of ten years. The reader is transported to America where the descriptions of old New York are refreshing and optimistic - it's wonderful to picture New York with the Fifth Avenue mansions and horses and carriages. I feel like visiting Delmonico's restaurant after reading this book! Returning to London to fulfill a special, life-long mission, Fiona reflects on her childhood and life-altering experiences that led to her success. One can't help but admire her determination and ingenuity. There is so much more that I loved about this book that I can't put it all in this review - you should read this book and make your own list of things! However, I do wish there were more of Jennifer Donnelly's novels - I look forward to seeing what she'll try next.
Rating:
Summary: Loved it!
Review: I could not put this book down! Best book I read all last year!
Rating:
Summary: I couldn't put it down
Review: At the airport I was in need of something to read. I stopped at the gift center and the novel The Tea Rose caught my attention. I love that era and so I bought it. I read it in two days, one of which I was awake the entire evening reading the book. I cried and laughed and regretted finishing it so soon. I look forward to reading other books from this author. I was not disappointed!
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