Looking for a big sprawling novel set in London and New York in the 1880s? This is it. The first in a trilogy, it's the story of the loves and losses of Fiona Finnegan. There's a fair amount of drama but you know what- it's perfect for a diverting read. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

A wonderful read that had me engrossed from the very start. Loved the story and the characters and cannot wait to read more in this series.

Having overlooked downloading this novel, I eventually read it after finding this book in the local library. Loved the story and shall be looking out for more novels by Jennifer Donnelly.

An interesting read, not my normal cup of tea, but i pushed through and this was worth it. The author has a way with words and paining scenes which worked well in this book. My thanks to Net galley and the publisher for the chance to read and review.

An exquisite historical journey through 19th century London to New York; the personal journey of Fiona Finnegan from the grimy East End in a world full of poverty, factory work, thieves and fighters as well as the killer they call 'Jack'. This story begins with a colourful prologue ensnaring the reader into the century with a violent, graphic, bolt. Tea is Fiona's only hope of climbing off of this pathway - working at the tea factory has taught her a few things about quality and demand. She hopes and aspires to open her own tea shop with her childhood sweetheart Joe. However, life takes its own twists and turns, the pathway ever changing, things can never stay the same.

Such well written prose, with colourful imagery, this story is brought to life and the reader is transported. In the first part, tea is very much at the centre of this tale, but as Fiona's life progresses, we are opened up to new things. Donnelly drives the story forwards so that the reader genuinely feels these experiences. The book is in three parts, and each part has its own smells, sounds and substances. The characters are written so that the reader gets the opportunity to get to know them.

This is a far better book than I was expecting, and will go on to read the rest in the series.

Fabulous book begins in 1888 in the slums of the East End of London during Jack the Ripper's reign of terror.. We follow the lives, trials and tribulations of Fiona Finnegan and Joe Bristow. I was on the edge of my seat, I cried and I smiled.

A colorful and rich story with vivid characters and a fascinating setting. It was a bit over-the-top at times and certainly dramatic, but at the same time it was well-written and I will never forget about Fiona. It's one of those books that start off slow but the pace picks up and by the time you've reached the final part, you can't stop.

The Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly is an epic historical read. Spanning the years from 1888 - 1898 and moving from the grimy streets of Jack the Ripper's Whitehall to New York city, it really is a gripping read.
The novel shows the awful poverty at the time combined with the bulldog spirit of the people. "Life's trials [were] easier to bear with a strong cup of tea in hand." Sacrifices and love kept families together.
There is the theme of dreams. "The day you stop dreaming... you are as good as dead." People will try to take your dreams from you but you need to dig deep and hold on. "Keep a hold of your dreams... never mind about people who tell you you can't." Hard work and perseverance will help you achieve your dreams.
There is the theme of love in the novel - all sorts of different types of love - family love, first love, friendship love and more. The bond of friendship ties in to this theme of love.
There are some hard hitting topics - murder, mayhem, conspiracy, revenge, gangs and more. Life in nineteenth century Whitehall was hard. Not only was there the poverty but there was fear - fear that Jack could be lurking around any corner. Jennifer Donnelly tells it as it was. She pulls no punches. Life was not nice but family and friends were loyal on the whole.
There were a few 'bedroom' scenes. These were not to my taste so I skipped over them. I did not let them detract me from what was a powerful and epic read.
The Tea Rose had my attention from the start. I loved its gutsy heroine Fiona. She had my attention immediately and I championed her throughout the novel.
A gripping and epic read.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

Loved this book - unforgettable. A great series that I can attribute to starting my love of historical fiction.

A great historical saga well 'researched.
One falls in love with Fiona Finnegan the heroine from the very first page and her tortuous journey through life to eventually find true love with her first love Joe.
The story is set against the backdrop of Whitechapel and the Ripper murders and the hardships of working class people.
It shows how with hard work and grit and determination that one can succeed.
I loved it and can't wait to read her next book in the saga