I received this in the mail on 2/9 from Jennifer in CA ... through PaperBackSwap.com

c. 2005 -- 355 pages -- Paperback -- Book Two of the In the Garden Trilogy -- 6 weeks on the USA Today top-10 Bestseller list:
#1 on 6/5/05 and 6/12
#4 on 6/19/05
#6 on 6/26/05
#10 on 7/3/05 and 7/10

Inside: 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.

#1 bestselling author Nora Roberts presents the 2nd novel of her In the Garden trilogy, as 3 women must discover the secrets from the past contained within their historic home. 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 47, Rosalind Harper is a woman whose experiences have made her strong enough to bend without breaking -- and weather any storm. A widow with 3 grown sons, she survived a disastrous 2nd 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 2 women she shares it with. Newlywed Stella and new mother Hayley are the sisters of her heart, and together, the 3 of them are the future of In the Garden.

But now the future is under attack, and Roz knows they can't fight this battle alone. Hired to investigate Roz's Harper ancestors, Dr. Mitchell Carnegie 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.

I finished reading this book today. I enjoyed this one the most out of the trilogy. Perhaps because I'm closer to Roz's age and can relate to her better than the other 2 gals. I was only bothered by the 'black rose'. At first I thought the black meant death and was too attached to the characters to see any of them die. But I guess 'black' refers to her sexiness. I just didn't like it as well as the other 2 titles and their relationship in the story. I really loved the way Roz put her cousin in her place with the diaries and other matters. I think that was my favorite part ... especially the line when Rox says she didn't know David was gay. That was hilarious!

Used in 2009 Ultimate Challenge ~ March theme ~ Garden (ROSE)

WILD RELEASE NOTES:

I'm taking this book to the Spring Book Fling at the library this afternoon ... where patrons can swap paperbacks with each other.