Sonoma Rose

February 27, 2012
Set in California during Prohibition, Chiaverini's newest Elm Creek Quilts novel (after The Union Quilters) follows Rosa Diaz Barclay as she flees her abusive, bootlegger husband, John, in search of a better life with her true love, Lars Jorgensen, and a cure for the mysterious disease that's already claimed four of her children, and threatens to kill the othersâtwo of which were fathered by the troubled Lars. Finding work at a now-illegal vineyard in Sonoma Valley, the couple get caught in a web of cops, mobsters, and farmers trying to survive, all the while struggling to care for their kids, iron out their own relationship, and enjoy the region they've come to love. Chiaverini does an excellent job of describing the lush landscapes of California wine country, while simultaneously painting a touching portrait of the difficulties faced by farming families who must tend to one another, as well as the earth. Agent: Maria Massie, Massie Lippincott McQuilkin.

June 15, 2012

Rosa Barclay lives on a Southern California farm, where two of her children thrive while their siblings wither toward death. When her abusive husband realizes the children aren't his, no one is safe from his rage. Rosa and her brood escape with her childhood sweetheart, Lars, to Prohibition-era Sonoma Valley. Listeners grapple alongside the makeshift family as they struggle with the children's disease, the depressed economy of the times, and the fear of discovery by a number of foes. Christina Moore's narration is natural but full of emotion and character. The political and family themes make this a good choice for book club discussion. VERDICT Fans of female-focused historical fiction and readers of Debbie Macomber's "Blossom Street" series will enjoy this audiobook.--Lisa Anderson, Metropolitan Community Coll. Lib., Omaha

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