Review of 'The Ghost of Briar Rose' by Anna Romer

Review of 'The Ghost of Briar Rose' by Anna Romer

Released date: July 25th, 2024

Publisher: Ravensong

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REVIEW

"My gran always said there was more to life than what we could see." 

The Ghost of Briar Rose by Anna Romer is a beautiful, haunting multi-layered multi-generational love story that captivated, inspired and squeezed my heart. There are some deeply despairing moments, too, that clawed at my sympathies as I wanted to see goodness and kindness rewarded and damaged spirits healed. This story pulled me in with its stunning eloquence, thrilling mystery and timeless magic. It is such an original combination of genres with the plot drawing upon (possibly not intentional) elements of Wuthering Heights, Beauty and the Beast and Outlander. But Anna has created her own unique story. There are hints and wisps of breathy elements from the best of the best. As all stories spring from others that have come before them. Creative expression is like that: an endless wave, spilling from one into another. What we read inspires us and creates more seeds in our minds to write another version of that which has touched us in some way.

Main character Cleary is a ghost hunter. He and his daughter have a gift of seeing and connecting with trapped entities. Cleary helps them resolve any unfinished business so they are freed to cross over to the next stage of their afterlife. (It reminded me a bit of the Ghost Whisperer television series which I enjoyed!)

Rose is a historical ghost surrounded by many mysteries. She is fastened to a special garden and cottage location, unable or not wanting to leave. What secrets hold her there and what is she protecting that make her chase away all who try to move to her location? Her tactics have worked up to this point but everything changes when she encounters Cleary: a man on a mission with a special gift that will affect and challenge her existence in ways she could never have imagined. But this encounter will also test Cleary’s views and plans—allowing his heart to be opened and mesmerised by her essence. Initially he makes an unusual connection that tethers him to her. An emotional bond is created between them. Leading two unlikely characters to find something they once lost or did not have before.

Love is at the core of this novel. How it transforms and returns hope to a wounded heart. Rose’s father is a tyrant and she has never known a parent’s love. Blamed for the death of her mother and shamed for her appearance. His verbal abuse is shocking and his actions even more so. But Rose, does have a brief interlude of joy. William, the gardener, shows her what it means to be loved and he has wonderful plans for the two of them. But the dire events that follow disrupt this much longed for bliss. Together, Cleary, Rose and Elsie must sort out the past but what kind of future will they all have?

I struggle to know what else to say about this story’s content because it is one of those novels that left me speechless by its profound beauty and delivery. And I don’t want to give away major plot points. It is a book to be experienced by the heart and digested in the imagination. I guarantee you will be affected or changed by reading The Ghost of Briar Rose. Leading you to look at the world in a different way, to observe the natural wonders of nature and supernatural layers behind it. It may even set you thinking about the changes in social norms over the years and the brevity of earthly life. But its haunting mysteries, trapped-in-time-ghost, fairy-tale surrealness and historical fantasy elements will bewitch and inspire you.

This is a stunning novel with multiple viewpoints that flowed back and forth effortlessly and naturally like the waves on a shore. It was hypnotising and enchanting to move between worlds. I loved every aspect of The Ghost of Briar Rose. It contains beautiful atmospheric writing, vivid unforgettable characters, a twisty spellbinding plot and a gorgeous garden setting. An absolute feast for those who adore imaginative haunting love stories. For this is the best one you will read in 2024. 5+ Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to the author for a review copy.