This book was amazing. It was the first book I read from Ms. Garwood, and I have been a fan ever since. The story was driven by love and loyalty. The twists and turns, and the very reality of slavery and how it tore families apart was heartwrenching. The fact that something that bleak brought a bunch of young boys together and made them a family was very lovely. Ms. Garwood captured the essence of love and family. This book is truly magical.

For The Roses by Julie Garwood was a good read but I would give it 3
stars which equalivant to a B. It was good but to me could have cut
some out and it still be good and in my opinion it would been even
better.It was about a group of boys that found a baby and the 5 of
them became a family.It didnt matter they werent blood related none of
them ,where but they were related where it counts. And thats in the
heart.

Three young street urchins find an unexpected surprise in a basket one evening in a New York alleyway. With that discovery their lives' journey begins.

Ms Garwood writes characters with wonderful distinct personalities. The evolution of those young boys to their adult selves is nothing short of amazing. One minute I was cheering them on the next I wanted to join in the yelling at the dinner table.

Loved the romance between Harrison and Mary-Ellen. I was surprized at the powerful reaction I had to their finally getting together.

But the story goes deeper still, you have to love Mama Rose and Mary-Ellen's father and relatives. Read all about them and enjoy. I couldn't put the book down and have reread it already.

This was not one of her better books it could me that I'm not as impressed because I prefer her earlier works the written conversation was witty and the heriones have a since of humor. This book feel short.

Firstly, I have to say that if this book was only about the Claybourne family and Mary's past then I would have been fine. I found Harrison to be just one big bore. I get that Ms. Garwood tried to make him apart of the family by including him in arguments and decisions but it fell flat. I found myself skipping the love and bonding scenes between the two, which got me through the book faster. Actually made the reading experience nicer.

That being said, I LOVE the Claybourne men! I love their closeness and the protectiveness of Adam. Their older brother was everything to them and they would fight whomever threatened to take him away. The letters to Mama Rose was another bright spot. They spoke on their fears, their hopes, and best of all they tattled on each other. It gave a nice glimpse into what they endured as children trying to raise themselves and an infant. I could go on and on about the Claybournes but I won't bore you...the book is a good read and there is sure to be some laugh out loud moments.