Rose House by Tina Ann Forkner (book review)

The cover of Tina Ann Forkner’s novel Rose House grabbed me. The back cover description intrigued me. But the story itself failed to capture or keep my attention. I found the first few chapters confusing, some of the dialogue stilted, and the flashbacks in the beginning distracting and unnecessary. Readers who have enjoyed Forkner’s first book may have a different experience, but overall, I found it flat and uninspiring.

This book was provided for review courtesy of the publisher or publicist. This post contains affiliate links; as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Overview of Rose House

Lillian Diamon is still mourning the loss of her family in a tragic accident when she finds herself drawn back to the Rose House. Four years earlier, she had poured out her anguish at this a quiet cottage among its fragrant blossoms.

She returns to the rolling hills and lush vineyards of the Sonoma Valley in search of something she can’t quite name. But then Lillian stumbles onto an unexpected discovery: displayed in the La Rosaleda Gallery is a painting that captures every detail of her most private moment of misery, from the sorrow etched across her face to the sandals on her feet.

My thoughts on Rose House

The premise of the novel is that Lillian is horrified to discover a painter had observed her grief when she thought herself alone at the Rose House. However, in the first chapter of the novel, she runs away from the Rose House after finding two other men there too—one with a cell phone and one with a camera photographing her. If she knew she was observed by a photographer, why her huge shock at being observed by an artist who then painted her?

In her endorsement of the novel, Patti Lacy says, “Don’t get lulled into a sense of calm; the story line casts suspenseful shadows on this masterpiece of women’s fiction.” However, I found the suspense rather flat.

At the beginning, it is hinted that Lillian’s husband and children were murdered and the police are conducting an investigation; Lillian also fears she is being followed. Then four years lapse without warning (no little “Four Years Later” note), and the investigation and fear of being followed are forgotten. There weren’t enough details or information to support the suspense, even when Forkner tried to bring it up again later in the novel.

Forkner does have a way with words, as many of her descriptions showed. The opening paragraph—or opening sentence—made me read it twice: “It seemed to be a cottage that was alive, but it was only the vines twining in on themselves and clinging to the structure that were living, not unlike the memories and feelings people had attached to the house over time, making it mean more than mere sticks, pieces of wood, nails, and peeling paint could ever imply on their own.” That completely captures the essence of the Rose House—a beautiful, brilliant opening to a story centered around a building that almost seemed to be a character itself.

I appreciated that Forkner didn’t make it easy for Lillian and her sister Geena to reconcile, nor did she downplay Geena’s struggles to give up her addictions and make a new life for herself. Aunt Bren, however, didn’t seem real, but more someone for both Lillian and Geena to call as a way to give the reader information.

More about the book and author

It was only when I reached the end of the book did I realize that Rose House is a sequel. The story of the Rose House is told in another book, Ruby Among Us, which explains why the story that I kept waiting for here never came out. Overall, I found it a disappointing read—one that could have been as breathtaking and beautiful as the cover, but was instead rather flat and uninspiring.

Tina Ann Forkner is a novelist, writing instructor, and former school librarian who is passionate about storytelling, literacy, and encouraging other writers. She is the author of several novels, including Waking Up Joy, a HOLT Medallion Award finalist, as well as Ruby Among Us and Rose House.

Tina grew up in Oklahoma, spent time living in England and California, and eventually made Wyoming her home for more than two decades. She and her husband now enjoy splitting their time between Wyoming and Nevada. When she’s not writing, Tina stays involved in the literary community through teaching, mentoring, and supporting organizations dedicated to education and the arts.

Other readers I respect have really enjoyed Ruby Among Us, so perhaps I just missed something by not reading the first book in the series first.

“Ms. Forkner has given us a gift that like fine music rises at an ever-spiraling pace. Neither rushed nor delayed, Ruby Among Us offers a satisfying journey I will long remember.” – Jane Kirkpatrick, award-winning author of Everything She Didn’t Say

“A multi-generational saga of hope, regret, and the grace that brings us home, Ruby Among Us evokes an invitational sense of place, a cache of characters you enjoy knowing, and a story that rips and mends your heart all at once.” –Mary E. DeMuth, author of Daisy Chain

“So engaging from the first sentence. I found myself holding my breath as I read. Tina has painted the pictures so real. I love the honesty and innocence. Mothers and daughters alike will feel very connected with this book.” –Cindy Morgan Brouwer, singer/songwriter

If you’re looking for other fun summer reads, check out:

• The Confidential Life of Eugenia Cooper by Kathleen Y’Barbo
• The Sweetgum Ladies Knit for Love by Beth Patillo
• Rules for Mothers by Julie Swendsen