Rose in Bloom

Hello again! I have a few recommendations for Reading Wednesday, plus a little story.

Today’s post involves two books. This first one that you see pictured above is the first in a two-part series written by Louisa May Alcott. Fun Fact: I found this book at a local antique store. I hadn’t been able to find it anywhere else, so I was pretty excited. Plus, this copy is from 1927!

I read the second book of this series before I even knew there was a first. Something about the characters and writing style drew me in. (It also helped that I had read Little Women many times before picking these up, so I was familiar with the author.) When I found the first book (Eight Cousins) I also enjoyed it, though Rose in Bloom still remains my favorite. It was gifted to me last year for my birthday. Previously I had had to loan it from the library.

About the Books:

The heroine is a young, orphaned heiress named Rose Campbell. She is taken in by her uncles and aunts, and subsequently meets her many cousins, all of whom are boys. The adventures and lessons that take place in the books are interesting and quite amusing in some cases. I will say that though some of the customs are a little dated now (such as marrying one’s cousin), as you read you understand the time that the book takes place more clearly so it doesn’t seem as unfamiliar. I hope you read it for yourselves!

Here’s a link to Rose in Bloom.

And Eight Cousins.

So, what about the little story? Well, it actually has something to do with this blog, before it was this blog. A few years ago I really wanted to start my own blog, but wasn’t so sure about what the content would be or even if I wanted people reading what I was writing. My dad came up with the idea of making one that was only accessible on our desktop so that I could practice without anyone else being able to see what wrote. I liked the idea and Rose in Bloom (inspired by the Louisa May Alcott novel) was born, the blog that preceded this one.

Fast-forward a few years and I finally mustered up the courage to make a public space to share posts and ideas. I had wanted to name it Rose in Bloom, same as the non-public one, but after getting feedback from my family (and trying different variations) I decided on Simply Emily Rose, a title that I am quite happy with. Now you know!

I hope you have a good rest of your day. Until later ~ Emily