Read and Review "The Tea Rose"

Verse of the Day: Genesis 1:1 In the Beginning, God created the heavens, and the earth.

Jaw dropping, heart breaking, and endearing are words I would personally choose to identify with Jennifer Donnely's, "The Tea Rose".

My thoughts?: I'd the least idea about the novel pertaining to the notorious and mysterious legend of Jack the Ripper, the elusive slasher of London, responsible for the death of numerous women during the late 1800's. Our Journey leads us through the life of young lion-heart Fiona Flinnagan, the daughter of a devoted dock worker and odds job seamstress mother, as well as siblings to a younger and older brother Seamie and Charlie Flinnagan. Introducing Fiona as a lone tea packer to a renown tea making industry with dreams to one day operate her own, immediately opened the door for future opposition and done so gracefully.

Millie was a rather predictable element to Fiona's future deli-ma, a woman who's been in quite a few relationships where there was always the "just a friend" or "like a sister" model involved will be able to pick up on the mischief at hand right away. However, I feel as if the situation involved within the developing love triangle could have been milked beyond more than the "girl who is obviously trying to take you away from me but you're too naive to know better" element. She could have given Millie more of a heart to realize she was wrong but of course that would hinder the progress of the story so I understand why it wouldn't work.Plus it goes without saying that readers love conflict between love triangles.

Aside from all of this, there were certain questions that arose about the manner of certain deaths that took place, which both puzzles and adds to the charm of this historical fiction and mystery novel, it left me edged for answers. The most refreshing aspect of Donnley's work was her profound emotional imagery. Her voice enabled readers to have a genuine experience with certain events as they unfolded before us. I felt involved in Fiona's quarrels and rejoiced in her victories as a result of being pulled in by Donnley's unique tone and ability to create persuasive atmosphere.

When Inspiration surged her to move forward with her tea business, I too felt motivated in my own dreams of one day becoming an author of great means and purpose, an artist with strong voice and imagery and overall public figure to my community. Her dreams were backed by her knowledge and experience with tea itself, that combined with her love for it, blended nicely for the perfect cup.

Due to a childhood desire (that, as most childhood desires fade away) of once wanting to be a detective, I remember Jack the Ripper being among my topics of random research on cases both solved and cold. Having it both redeemed in referances to a few episodes of Criminal Minds and now Jennifers classic take on the killers legacy, it was easy for me to take to this tea stained saga.

With the book itself being divided into three different periods of time, there's much to cover in this tea stained tale of love, pain and redemption. There's so much to admire about this charm of a story with so many elements that contribute to is mastering as a classic. As far as voice goes, she never succumbs to the obvious outcomes, which adds to the mysterious fog curtained atmosphere.

There is much that Donnley offers us, the experiences, dialogues and lives of each individual character leaves us bare to empathy and the upmost respect for Jennifer herself.

One of the most satisfying feelings in the world for a reader is being able to establish a bond with the writers voice and characters, and Donnley not only allows room for that but provides a wholesome and timeless story that will reign for years to come.

Rating: I wish I had an extra Quill :), will read again and strongly suggest!