The Queen of Roses - a captivating historical fiction that unfolds across two timelines: the early 1900s and 1960.

The story begins in 1960 with Theresa Johnson, a newspaper reporter relegated to writing obituaries, facing the challenges women were encountering in publishing. After her obituary for Guy Whitely is published, an elderly woman by the name of Adele Pearce contacts her, advising that some important facts were omitted about the life of the Pasadena, California hotelier. Theresa heads to Rosewood House, Miss Pearce's large Altadena home up in the hills. Rather than reprimanding her, Miss Pearce hires Theresa to write her autobiography. The story then shifts to 1903, when Adele moves from London to Pasadena, where her parents were living, believing that she'd have a better chance there of finding a suitable husband. Adele marries the ambitious Whitely, who is more interested in having a young, pretty wife on his arm than a love match. Adele accepts her role, and in their marriage agreement, she is given a separate home as security. Rosewood House becomes her refuge, where she creates a lush rose garden, proving more fulfilling than being at the center of Pasadena society. 

All of Julia Kelly's books have taken place in England, where the author now lives. However, in The Queen of Roses, the setting is in Pasadena and surrounding areas of California, where Kelly grew up. Although the timelines are over fifty years apart, Adele and Theresa share similar independent spirits. Adele seeks her own identity, refusing to be defined by her husband. Theresa wants to advance in her career, despite the limited opportunities for women. After finishing, I headed online to learn more about how Pasadena evolved from an agricultural community into a resort area for the wealthy. This book is another winner from a favorite author. 

Many thanks to Gallery Books for the advance.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Historical Fiction.

Publication Date: October 20, 2026.

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