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16 of 17 found the following review helpful:
 Magnificent!!! Jul 21, 2005
By Chelle Letourneau
"Chelle"
I have always been interested in historical fiction, and this is one of the best books in this genre that I have read. If you like a bit of history with your adventure and romance this is truly the book for you. The characters have depth, the story line is both brilliant and intriguing. This book will grab you and keep a firm hold on you; this is a must read.
8 of 8 found the following review helpful:
Intriguing Location Adventure and Romance Aug 27, 2005
By M. Rondeau
Rose Flowers residing in Massachusetts with her father, Harvard University Professor of Botany, Dr. Flowers, and twin sister Violet, was quite happy with her life. Never happier than when book in hand, she could engage in her favorite occupation - reading and dreaming of the prince that would one day carry her off across the desert some day, or helping her father grow his flowers. Therefore, when her father made the announcement that would change their lives, Rose, usually the most amiable of the twins was upset. They would be leaving Massachusetts shortly for Hawaii, where her father was being sent by President James Monroe to head a new research group to study the island's flora and fauna. Rose, who had never envied her sister Violet, who already had a fiancé, sent on ahead to Hawaii as her fathers assistant; thought how on earth she would ever find the eligible man of her dreams among the natives on that remote island?
Days before they were to set sail on Neptune's Chariot, Rose found herself lost along the wharves of the Boston Harbor and accosted by a group of nasty scoundrels when an exotically dark handsome man, came to her rescue. He carried her to the beach where she memorably touched his lips then passed out. When her family came rushing to her aid after discovering the bodies of the thugs her hero had dispatched, DJ her hero had disappeared.
As luck would have it, Rose's handsome hero, Abdeldjelil (DJ) would be aboard the pirate ship Ocean Chameleon that closely followed hers, intending to seize the precious cargo rumored to be aboard. Within weeks of their sailing the two ships came in sight of one another as a ferociously surreal storm battered and pushed both ships towards a group of islands which were later determined to be within the mysterious Bermuda triangle. Bone weary and desolate, adrift and at the lowest point in her life, Rose discovered the battered and bruised body of DJ. In saving his life, they would discover a passionate love, and together face the dangers that lurked amongst their new island paradise.
*** This was a very nice debut novel that had a very original plot full of adventure, lovely sensuality, wonderful and charismatic characters, and a bit of humor. Rose was exactly the type of person I'd want to be shipwrecked on an island with, strong, intelligent and resourceful; but I'd have to drown Violet - the self proclaimed princess! DJ was developed to a point - dreamy and delicious, highly sensual, but the intimacy that could have been built up in revealing his piracy background to his soul mate was missing leaving me a little letdown in the romance - my ideal of the perfect romance being one of complete openness and trust. The secondary characters were plentiful; the villain truly despicable; and some, extremely interesting, i.e. Father Brown having so many knives hidden on his person. I was truly surprised when the author missed the opportunity to capitalize and develop some of them more fully into the fabric of the story. This new author shows great promise in the historical romance genre and I will definitely be looking for her next book, A PHARAOH, A SPELL AND JADE. -- Marilyn, for www.romancedesigns.com
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
 I don't usually do this but, Aug 08, 2007
By M. DETWILER
"fairval4"
I feel I have to. I have just started this book and I really hope it improves. I have found the author's writing style to be sort of disjointed and clunky. I should look for some examples, but I'm not going to take the time. It just seems like sometimes I have to go back and reread a sentence 2 or even 3 times because it just doesn't quite seem right. I'm not sure what the author does but it makes for writing that doesn't really flow. Maybe I'm just too picky.
Another complaint, and I will admit it is early in my reading, but the characters seem a little off, also. Rose has not impressed me yet and her sister Violet seems like a real witch. I started that book, put it down, picked it back up, and now I must force myself to finish it.
I hope the pirate redeems this book for me. If he's anything like Cap'n Jack or Will Turner, I'll be happy.
3 of 4 found the following review helpful:
a charming debut book May 06, 2006
By Deborah MacGillivray
"Author,"
Over the past ten years, I have found, more and more, I'm buying books from new writers. I grew up with the name writers of today. They are very polished, very mainstream. They are bestsellers. But in that climb, they seem to have lost the passion for the story. They are bestselling authors, not storytellers. Storytellers don't worry if every I is dotted or T crossed, they are more filled with fire and passion, they love their characters and have such a freshness that captivates me. You see the stars of Tomorrow, today in their first works. That is what I see in Aysel Arwen. A storyteller with a passion, a freshness.
This delightful enchanting tales shows a rough edge here or there-- if someone likes to be nitpicky. I never did. Tell me a good story and I follow. An Arwen is a writer touched with the magic of storytellers of old. I can just see this lady in a flowing gown, by fireside, spellbinding her clan with her tales of far off places, of love, of magic.
I waited for Amazon to send the book for several weeks and I must say the anticipation was worth it.
Rose Flowers lives with her father and twin sister in staid Massachusetts. Daddy dearest is a Professor of Botany, which accounts for her being named Rose and her sister Violet. Rose is a dreamer, who spends all her time with her nose buried in a book, and secretly dreaming of the handsome hero would one day come for her. But this quiet life is thrown for a loop when daddy announces they will be leaving their home to go to Hawaii. The President is sending a team of research scientist to study the tropical plants on the island, and the Professor will be leading it.
Since Violet is engaged to be married, daddy sends Rose on ahead to be his assistant and pave his way. So begins Rose's wild adventure. It starts in Boston where she is rescued from ruffians by a handsome, mysterious stranger. Being a bit ruffled by the incident, she promptly faints. When she awakens, Mr. Sexy ala Johnny Depp has vanished.
We get sailing ships and sealing wax and cabbage and kings...eh...pirates and presidents... in this engaging debut. It charming and just plain FUN!! As a debut, it marks Arwen as a writer well worth watching.
Enjoy the adventure and romance! Nov 20, 2006
By Gerri Bowen
"Gerri Bowen, author."
Aysel Arwen's debut novel, A Pirate A Secret and Rose begins in Boston, the year 1820. From there her inventive plot explodes with a great story. The imaginative setting as well as how the author used the setting to further her story was a pleasure to read.
Rose and DJ know from the start they are soul mates. Overcoming all obstacles so as to remain together, and there are many, drives the story. Secondary characters add color and humor.
I enjoyed the romance in this book, but also appreciated the author's imagination letting go, making this book an unpredictable read. I certainly recommend this book for readers of romance. I look forward to her next novel, A Pharaoh, A Spell and Jade.
See all 6 customer reviews on Amazon.com
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