Product Description

Number-one bestselling author Nora Roberts presents the second novel of her In the Garden trilogy (following Blue Dahlia), as three women must discover the secrets from the past contained within their historic home...

Three women meet at a crossroads in their lives,
each searching for new ways to grow-and find in each other
the courage to take chances and embrace the future.

Roz is a woman of independent means who thought love was behind her,
but when romance takes her by surprise;
she won't allow anything to keep her from her second chance at happiness.

A Harper has always lived at Harper House, the centuries-old mansion just outside of Memphis. And for as long as anyone alive remembers, the ghostly Harper Bride has walked the halls, singing lullabies at night...

At forty-five, Rosalind Harper is a woman whose experiences have made her strong enough to bend without breaking-and weather any storm. A widow with three grown sons, she survived a disastrous second marriage, and built her In the Garden nursery from the ground up. Through the years, In the Garden has become more than just a thriving business-it is a symbol of hope and independence to Roz, and to the two women she shares it with. Newlywed Stella and new mother Hayley are the sisters of her heart, and together, the three of them are the future of In the Garden.

But now that future is under attack, and Roz knows they can't fight this battle alone. Hired to investigate Roz's Harper ancestors, Dr. Mitchell Carnagie finds himself just as intrigued with Roz herself. And as they begin to unravel the puzzle of the Harper Bride's identity, Roz is shocked to find herself falling for the fascinating genealogist. Now it is a desperate race to discover the truth before the unpredictable apparition lashes out at the one woman who can help her rest in peace...

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #52440 in Books
• Published on: 2005-05-31
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 384 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780515138658
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

From Publishers Weekly
Starred Review. Book two of Roberts's In the Garden trilogy (following Blue Dahlia) ably showcases the author's many strengths, from her creation of appealing characters to her melding of the eerily paranormal with the delightfully down-to-earth. Rosalind Harper is the owner of a historic Tennessee mansion and the force behind the thriving garden business on its grounds. Widowed young and then scarred by an unwise second marriage, Roz has sworn off dating, instead inviting a collection of family, friends and their children to share her home. Unfortunately, the house is also inhabited by a mysterious ghost, known as the Harper Bride. Roz hires genealogist Dr. Mitchell Carnagie to track the Bride's identity, but the unpredictable and passionate relationship that develops between the two sets off still more malignant displays from the ghost. Roberts postpones the ghost story's resolution for the trilogy's end, but brings Roz and Mitch to a satisfying commitment complete with realistic power struggles and peace treaties among their various children. Roz's inherited privilege is off-putting at times, and her calm in the face of ghostly attacks seems far-fetched. Yet she remains a warmly appealing heroine, resolutely finding her path through a midlife romance that is more complex and hard-fought than 20-something love.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist
Roz Harper has a thriving gardening business and family and friends she dearly loves, but every so often she misses having a man in her life. Roz loved her first husband and the father of her children, but her second husband turned out to be a cheating, thieving scoundrel who left her wary of romance. When Roz hires a genealogist to investigate her family's past, and hopefully discover the identity of the "Harper Bride" ghost who haunts Harper House, the chance for romance unexpectedly reenters Roz's life. But once Roz begins dating Mitchell, the Harper Bride's visits turn increasing violent as the ghost does her worst to prove to Roz that all men are untrustworthy. Roberts takes a smart, stubborn, and refreshingly older heroine, pairs her up with a hero who appreciates her strengths, and, writing with her usual sharp wit, works her reliable brand of literary magic in the second title in her Garden trilogy, an irresistible and occasionally quite-eerie tale of romance, family, and friendship. John Charles
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review
"Rosalind 'Roz' Harper, nursery owner and independent woman, finds herself embroiled in another ghostly case and working with a particularly fascinating genealogist."
-- Library Journal (Library Journal )

Customer Reviews

Black Rose
Roz Harper is a loving and kind, but fiercely protective of those she loves. When the Harper House resident ghost known as the Harper Bride starts terrorizing those she loves, Roz decides it is time for some answers. The Harper Bride who has never brought harm to anyone in the house before is now pulling all the stops out.

Dr Mitchell Carnagie is hired to delve into history to discover what happened in the past. When he sees first hand the terror at the house, he decides immediately to learn more. As he spends more time at Harper House, Mitchell finds himself drawn to Roz. He finds her strength, beauty, and vulnerability to be a potent combination he can't resist. When Mitch and Roz decide to explore their special connection, again the ghost vehemently protests.

As more is revealed about the Harper Bride, it is disclosed her name is Amelia. Mitch learns more about Amelia through old books and photographs. The more they all learn, the more disturbing the story becomes.

Great second book of the series. I didn't think it was possible, but this book surpassed the first.

A Great Read!
Do you think it's true that every house has a secret? If the walls could talk would you want to hear what they had to say? The Harper House in this story could certainly tell you a few things.
We meet Roz, descendent of the owners of the Harper House, where she now resides. Recently divorced, she is a likable perky, wealthy woman in mid-life, searching to find answers to some hidden happenings in her home. It seems Harper House has had a ghostly residence for years; a young woman who sings to the newborn and has stayed in the shadows until recently. Her gentle presence, which was tolerated through the years, is now turning into rage and violence; nearly taking the life of Roz and endangering her entire household. Who is this woman and why will she not leave the house? Why has she turned from gentle to savage and how is she connected to the family? Chilling questions for sure; and you will devour the book to find out the answers.

The author does a wonderful job in story and character development in this novel. She allows you to know the main players, draws you into their personal lives and emotions
and uses this as building blocks to the danger and mystery that surrounds them.
Ms. Roberts adds some romance and humor which makes the work a comfortable read without losing it's mysterious element. I found this book to be outstanding. a real page turner and one that I can highly recommend

Typical Nora Roberts!
The Best thing about Nora Roberts's novels is their Dialogues. I find them very witty and original. The friendly arguments and banter that is always a part of her novels is very entertaining. But besides that I didn't find anything too interesting in this book. Whenever I read a Nora Roberts I always find something lacking in it on an emotional level. Everything seems superficial not coming from characters hearts and reaching mine.... Because of it I had stopped reading her novel but after such great review of this one got I decided to buy it but I didn't find it very good.
I can't believe the way rose used to challenge the ghost in her house and wasn't scared at all, in fact it was quiet hilarious the way she threatened the ghost again and again ... too bad it wasn't meant to be funny. Anyway I believe she was too strong and I don't believe anyone can be this strong but then may be I am not that strong that's why I have difficulty believing. All in all good for time pass but nothing great.