The Ghost of Briar Rose by Anna Romer

A haunted garden. A lost love. And a crime that will trap her forever.

Australia, 1914. Rose is locked away in a back room, considered a monster by her father. But when the new gardener arrives and glimpses the girl Rose believes herself to be on the inside, she decides to take a chance on love—with devastating consequences.

A hundred years later, Rose is now haunting the beautiful old mountainside garden, keeping the world at bay to protect her dark secrets. For ghost hunter Cleary Branchwood, getting rid of her seems like just another easy payday. But Rose is determined to unravel the mystery of her death and clear her name of a horrifying crime.

As they join forces to unearth Rose's tragic past and set her free, they must also confront their growing feelings for each other. Could Cleary and his young daughter be the family Rose has always yearned for?

But with each step closer to the truth, Rose fears that the monster lying dormant inside her will destroy not only her chance at love, but also the lives of those she cares for most.

A heart-wrenching enemies to lovers mystery from bestseller Anna Romer

Kindle Edition, 385 pages

Published July 25, 2024

by Ravensong Books

4.5/5 stars

It’s 1914 and Rose is stuck in time, she is a ghost that lingers around her family estate.

Current day we have Cleary, a ghost hunter who buys the haunted property with hopes of sending her onto the beyond, doing a quick reno and moving on to his next project. Both Rose and Cleary are haunted by the past and struggling to move forward. As a friendship forms, the past is revealed, the hurts are brought out into the open and a love story emerges that can never be satisfied. Because one is a ghost and one isn’t.

Anna Romer is one of my favourite go-to authors. I have read everything she’s written and loved each and every one of them. She’s Australian and her books are hard to come by here in Canada. Though I have print copies of her previous books this one I grabbed the Kindle copy (couldn't wait for the print copy).

The Ghost of Briar Rose is a haunting, slow paced and well written story. I was captivated with the plot line and how the story slowly unveiled its secrets and a past that was emotional.  The ending was great and again Anna Romer checked all the boxes for what I love in a good ghost story.  

My copy obtained through Amazon, kindle versions of all her books are readily available and in some cases the audiobook also.  Give her a try, I'd love to hear your thoughts. 

Review: Under the Midnight Sky by Anna Romer

Chilling secrets buried deep in wild bushland drive this thrilling new novel from bestseller Anna Romer 

 When an injured teenager goes missing at a remote bushland campground, local journalist Abby Bardot is determined to expose the area’s dark history. The girl bears a striking resemblance to the victims of three brutal murders that occurred twenty years ago and Abby fears the killer is still on the loose.

 But the newspaper Abby works for wants to suppress the story for fear it will scare off tourists to the struggling township. Haunted by her own turbulent memories, Abby is desperate to learn the truth and enlists the help of Tom Gabriel, a reclusive crime writer. At first resentful of Abby’s intrusion, Tom’s reluctance vanishes when they discover a hidden attic room in his house that shows evidence of imprisonment from half a century before.

 As Abby and Tom sift through the attic room and discover its tragic history, they become convinced it holds the key to solving the bushland murders and finding the missing girl alive.

 But their quest has drawn out a killer, someone with a shocking secret who will stop at nothing to keep the truth buried.

Paperback, 400 pages

Published May 1st, 2019

 by Simon & Schuster AU

*****

If there was a book I would give more than 5 stars to this would be it. It might sound like a cliche but it's so true when I say, like a fine wine that mellows with age, enhancing the taste and experience, Anna Romer gets better with each book.  Of all her books this I think is my favourite, but then I look at her previous and remember each and how yummy they all were.

While I wanted to rush through to see what was going on I also wanted to take my time and enjoy the scenery and exquisite writing. I was right there in the Australian outback, the desolate wilderness, keeper so many secrets.

I'll admit to being a sucker when it comes to old abandoned buildings and their ghosts, Ravensong was both eerie and intriguing while at the same time beautiful. I cringed when Abby would go for a walkabout, even knowing no one was around for many a mile, the author had my mind on high alert for possible dangers. When memories refuse to leave Abby alone and events present themselves she has no choice but to dig deep even if it means facing her past.

Under the Midnight Sky is a captivating read of guilt, family, and relationships.  It's a shining example of why Anna Romer is a go-to author for me and will gladly pay a little extra to order.  It used to be I could only get her books directly from an Australian book shop but I was thrilled to see this one available at BookDepository. Her books are also available in audio format from Audible.

 clicking on the cover will take you to may reviews

Review: Beyond the Orchard by Anna Romer

A haunting story of yearning, love and betrayal from the bestselling author of Thornwood House

 Lucy Briar has arrived home in turmoil after years overseas. She’s met her fiancé in London and has her life mapped out, but something is holding her back.

 Hoping to ground herself and find answers, Lucy settles into once familiar routines. But old tortured feelings flood Lucy’s existence when her beloved father, Ron, is hospitalised and Morgan – the man who drove her away all those years ago – seeks her out. Worse, Ron implores Lucy to visit Bitterwood Estate, the crumbling historic family guesthouse now left to him. He needs Lucy to find something– an old photograph album, the very thing that drove Ron and his father apart.

 Lucy has her own painful memories of Bitterwood, darkness that has plagued her dreams since she was young. But as Lucy searches for the album, the house begins to give up its ghosts and she is driven to put them to rest.

 And there, held tightly between the house, the orchard and the soaring cliffs, Lucy uncovers a long-hidden secret that shattered a family’s bond and kept a frightened young girl in its thrall ... and Lucy discovers just how fierce the lonely heart can be.

 Paperback, 464 pages

Published November 1st 2016

 by Simon & Schuster

**** 

 I always cringe when an author is compared to Kate Morton, those are mighty fine boots to fill and to me it’s just a setup for disappointment. That being said Australian author Anna Romer did not disappoint, this is her third book and I've loved the previous two, The Thornwood House and Lyrebird Hill.

Beyond the Orchard is a dual time period book, with an Australian setting - one of my favourite places (and on my bucket list). With an old house set high on a cliff there is a mysterious ice house that sets the tone, the opening chapter was enough to suck me right in.

Weaving back and forth in time, from the 1930’s and current day, the different characters come to life. There are a number of characters and many layers here but they all work well together with no problem keep track of the story. If anything I was so engrossed that I didn’t realize this until I started writing this up.

Beyond the Orchard is a story of guilt, hidden secrets and family dynamics. It had that Gothic and fairy tale feel that I love. The story unfolded at a great pace it kept me captivated and curious with its twists and turns.

Definitely one of my favourite authors that I discovered when searching Australian settings.

Beyond the Orchard is from my personal library (hard to find in Canada but audible has Anna Romer in audio format) and part of my ‘reading my shelf challenge’

click on cover to take you to may review

Waiting on Wednesday: Beyond the Orchard by Anna Romer

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that is hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine and spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.

This week I am waiting for:

Anna Romer is a favorite of mine, I discovered her while research Australian authors, though her books are hard to find this side of the globe they are well worth the hunt.

Paperback, 464 pages 

Expected publication: November 1st 2016 by Simon & Schuster

A haunting story of yearning, love and betrayal from the bestselling author of Thornwood House

Lucy Briar has arrived home in turmoil after years overseas. She’s met her fiancé in London and has her life mapped out, but something is holding her back.

Hoping to ground herself and find answers, Lucy settles into once familiar routines. But old tortured feelings flood Lucy’s existence when her beloved father, Ron, is hospitalised and Morgan – the man who drove her away all those years ago – seeks her out.

Worse, Ron implores Lucy to visit Bitterwood Estate, the crumbling historic family guesthouse now left to him. He needs Lucy to find something– an old photograph album, the very thing that drove Ron and his father apart.

Lucy has her own painful memories of Bitterwood, darkness that has plagued her dreams since she was young. But as Lucy searches for the album, the house begins to give up its ghosts and she is driven to put them to rest.

And there, held tightly between the house, the orchard and the soaring cliffs, Lucy uncovers a long-hidden secret that shattered a family’s bond and kept a frightened young girl in its thrall ... and Lucy discovers just how fierce the lonely heart can be.

What are you waiting for?

My best of 2015

I surprised myself with how many books I read last year,150 to be exact. I didn't plan on that many it just happened.

Some interesting facts:

-the longest was 1059 pages with Voyager (Outlander #3) by Diana Gaboldon and the short with 34 pages was Kika the Upside Down Girl Jessica Tudos
-43 were audio books
-54 were new authors to me
-12 new series started
-12 series that I got caught up with or finished
-still plugging away at (Outlander)
-51 books reviewed for netgalley

My top 10 audio books of 2015 - in random order

1) The Secret Life of Violet Grant by Beatriz Williams
2) Lyrebird Hill by Anna Romer
3) The Wild Girl by Kate Forsyth
4) Shadow on the Crown by Patricia Bracewell
5) The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah
6)  Inside the O'Briens by Lisa Genova
7) Castles, Customs and Kings by various authors
8) Dolores Claiborne by Stephen King
9) Misery by Stephen King
10) Mr. Mercedes/Finders Keepers by Stephen King
notice a tread there, sadly that trend was broken when I tried Revival in audio

My top 10 (actually 13) books of 2015 - remember in random order

1) A King's Ransom by Sharon Kay Penman
2) The Lake House by Kate Morton
3)  Lost in the Barrons by Farley Mowat
4) The Ones We Trust by Kimberly Belle
5) The Particular Appeal of Gillian Pugsley by Susan Ornbratt
6) Helen of Sparta byAmalia Carosella          
7) The Things We Keep by Sally Hepworth
8) Medici's Daughter by Sophie Perinot
9) Letters from Skye by Jessica Brockmole
10) Lady of the Eternal City by Kate Quinn
11) The Tapestry by Nancy Bilyeau
12) The Voyager by Diane Gabaldon
13) To Catch a Falling Star by Anna Belfrage

So that's my year, how was yours?

Lyrebird Hill by Anna Romer

From the bestselling author of Thornwood House

When all that you know comes crashing down, do you run? Or face the truth?

Ruby Cardel has the semblance of a normal life – a loving boyfriend, a fulfilling career – but in one terrible moment, her life unravels. The discovery that the death of her sister, Jamie, was not an accident makes her question all she’s known about herself and her past.

Traveling back home to Lyrebird Hill, Ruby begins to remember the year that has been forever blocked in her memory . . . Snatches of her childhood with beautiful Jamie, and Ruby’s only friendship with the boy from the next property, a troubled foster kid.

Then Ruby uncovers a cache of ancient letters from a long-lost relative, Brenna Magavin, written from her cell in a Tasmanian gaol where she is imprisoned for murder. As she reads, Ruby discovers that her family line is littered with tragedy and violence.

Slowly, the gaps in Ruby’s memory come to her. And as she pieces together the shards of truth, what she finally discovers will shock her to the core – about what happened to Jamie that fateful day, and how she died. 

A thrilling tale about family secrets and trusting yourself...

Paperback, 416 pages

Published September 1st 2014 by Simon & Schuster AU 

personal library/audio version via Audible

***** 

There is a whole slew of wonderful Australian authors out there.  Some, like Kate Morton are easily accessible in markets worldwide.  Others like Kate Forysth might be a little tricky, some new releases might take a year or so before hitting Canada/US markets.  Then there is Anna Romer, these are harder to get hold of.  Unless you don't mind spending a little bit direct from Oz, and in my opinion well worth it (via Fishpond.com).  With her latest, Lyrebrid Hill, the audio version is readily available through Audible.

I opted for the audio version with a little trepidation. Her first novel,  Thornwood House was a 5 star read for me (click on title for my review), that puts some pressure book #two, Lyrebird Hill. Coming in at just over 11 hours in length, I enjoyed this as much as if I would have read it.  It was an amazing story, one that kept me iPod glued to me. 

If you haven't read Anna Romer, I highly recommend it.  Her writing style makes it very easy to get lost in her books.  With Lyrebird House the dual storyline added so much to this story.  Sometimes dual time period books can get choppy, lose some of the momentum, basically turn into a distraction rather than enhance the story. Such in not the case here.  I was just as interested in 1898 Brenna as I was present day Ruby and I looked forward to finding out how these two story lines connected. 

Anna Romer shows her histoical knowledge of Australia and Tasmania here,  it was a brutal and harsh time for some and I was able to visualize and feel empathy for Breanna and her plight.  Not just entertaining but educational as well.

As Ruby begins her journey of discovery one can't help feel her plight also.  Why can't she remember?  What did happened that fateful day?  Oh I could say so much more but I am afraid that I might give too much of this story away.   Lets just say that this was a wonderful book full of mystery, suspense, self discovery and healing.  If you are a fan of Kate Morton than I think you will enjoy this one also.

2014 in Review - Part 1 - New to me authors

2014 was a wonderful reading year for me, I set a goal of reading 100 books and actually managed to read 132 books. Wow!

To just do a post of my favorites is hard, so I decided to have a couple of theme favorites.  Today I am focusing on 'new to me' authors.  I love discovering new authors, this year I read 62 books by authors I have never read from before.  Some of the themes for these posts will overlap (ie favorites audios might also be 'new to me' authors too and won't show up on this post but will be coming next Saturday)

Here are some of my favorites in no particular order:
(click on the cover will take you to goodreads, click on the title and that will take you to my review)

Edwin: High King of Britain by Edoardo Albert

Book 1 in the Northumbrian Thrones Series.  This is one of the first books I recommend when someone is looking for a good book.  There is so much going on here and I can't wait for book 2 to come out.

 Thornwood House by Anna Romer

I inhaled this book, loved it!

The Girl You Left Behind by Jojo Moyes

“Sometimes life is a series of obstacles, a matter of putting one foot in front of the other. Sometimes, she realizes suddenly, it is simply a matter of blind faith.”  

Gracelin O'Malley by Ann Moore

I love a historical saga, stories that I can get lost in, ones that stay with me long after I finish reading.  Stories that tell me a part of history I know next to nothing about. That is exactly what Gracelin O'Malley is.  Ann Moore has written a powerful book that takes the reader back to 1840's Ireland.

Night of a Thousand Stars by Deanna Raybourn

"There was an element of game to it all, like a chess match with an unseen opponent, pitting one's wits against another's. But there would be no civilized handshake at the end of this, no cordial goodbyes. There would be winners and losers, and the the stakes were death."

Lies Told in Silence by M.K. Tod

"No, she thought, war is for history books, not for us to experience firsthand. It's for faraway places known only on maps."

Powerful book! 

Puritan Witch by Penni Jo Renner

Although a quick read I found that it was an emotional read, entranced right from the beginning and hard to put down.

 The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd

"The truth is that every girl must have ambition knocked out of her for her own good. You are unusual only in your determination to fight what is inevitable. You resisted and so it came to this, to be broken like a horse."

 Degrees of Courage by Shari Vester

This book emphasized the importance of family and good friends, of staying true to oneself through the many turmoils endured. Stayed with me long after I finished it.

 Sinful Folk by Ned Hayes

"Everything is gone, everything except my memories of a life where I was loved, where I was someone with a future, instead of someone with only a past."

Waiting on Wednesday: Lyrebird Hill by Anna Romer

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event that is hosted by Jill  at  Breaking the Spine and spotlights upcoming releases that we’re eagerly anticipating.   

   This week I am waiting for:

Paperback, 416 pages

Expected publication: September 1st 2014 by Simon & Schuster AU

From the bestselling author of Thornwood House (I adored this book!)
 
When all that you know comes crashing down, do you run? Or face the truth?

Ruby Cardel has the semblance of a normal life – a loving boyfriend, a fulfilling career – but in one terrible moment, her life unravels. The discovery that the death of her sister, Jamie, was not an accident makes her question all she’s known about herself and her past.

Travelling back home to Lyrebird Hill, Ruby begins to remember the year that has been forever blocked in her memory . . . Snatches of her childhood with beautiful Jamie, and Ruby’s only friendship with the boy from the next property, a troubled foster kid.

Then Ruby uncovers a cache of ancient letters from a long-lost relative, Brenna Magavin, written from her cell in a Tasmanian gaol where she is imprisoned for murder. As she reads, Ruby discovers that her family line is littered with tragedy and violence.

Slowly, the gaps in Ruby’s memory come to her. And as she pieces together the shards of truth, what she finally discovers will shock her to the core – about what happened to Jamie that fateful day, and how she died.

A thrilling tale about family secrets and trusting yourself...

What are you waiting for? 

This book is not available through Amazon or Book Depository but can be purchased through Fishpond, which  offers free shipping worldwide

  

Thornwood House by Anna Romer

When Audrey Kepler inherits an abandoned homestead in rural Queensland, she jumps at the chance to escape her loveless existence in the city and make a fresh start. In a dusty back room of the old house, she discovers the crumbling photo of a handsome World War Two medic - Samuel Riordan, the homestead's former occupant - and soon finds herself becoming obsessed with him.

But as Audrey digs deeper into Samuel's story, she discovers he was accused of bashing to death a young woman on his return from the war in 1946. When she learns about other unexplained deaths in recent years - one of them a young woman with injuries echoing those of the first victim - she begins to suspect that the killer is still very much alive. And now Audrey, thanks to her need to uncover the past, has provided him with good reason to want to kill again.

Paperback, 451 pages

Published September 1st 2013 by Simon and Schuster Australia 
*****

 an enthralling, haunting tale of obsession, love and courage

I finished this book last night and woke up this morning already missing Audrey and Bronwyn.  There was such an instant connection to this mother/daughter pair and it continued right to the end of the book.  In fact  I didn't want it to end.   I loved Thornwood House, the author had vivid descriptions of this old house and the property that I was able to visualize it perfectly.  This was not the type of book that I grabbed when I had a spare 10 minutes here and there throughout the day, but rather a book to sit and savor.

This is Anna Romer's debut and she has really shown herself to be quite a force to be reckoned with.  There are so many layers in this story, mystery, suspense, friendship, parent/child relationship and much more.  Yea there is a lot going on here and a couple times I did have to stop and figure out who was who, but it was so worth it.  Told from the POV of Audrey the story weaves back in time from the 1940's through letters and journals to 2006.  There were times I was sitting on the bed beside Audrey telling her to hurry up and get that diary open.  The transitions were smooth and easy to follow and the storyline was original and believable.

Dual time period books are a favorite of mine and this book is one of my all time favorites. I will recommend it wherever I can, but sadly it is hard to come by in Canada/US, my copy was ordered from Australia through Fishpond.

If you are a fan of Kate Morton then you will love Thornwood House.