Tending Roses: Volume 1

Lisa Wingate

Jul 2018 · Tending Roses Book 1 · Penguin Random House Audio · Narrated by Allyson Ryan

About this audiobook

From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Lost Friends and Before We Were Yours comes a heartfelt novel about the bonds of family and the power of second chances.

When Kate Bowman temporarily moves to her grandmother’s Missouri farm with her husband and baby son, she learns that the lessons that most enrich our lives often come unexpectedly. The family has given Kate the job of convincing Grandma Rose, who’s become increasingly stubborn and forgetful, to move off her beloved land and into a nursing home. But Kate knows such a change would break her grandmother’s heart.
 
Just when Kate despairs of finding answers, she discovers her grandma’s journal. A beautiful handmade notebook, it is full of stories that celebrate the importance of family, friendship, and faith. Stories that make Kate see her life—and her grandmother—in a completely new way....

Ratings and reviews

I revisited Tending Roses after many years, and I'm so glad I did. I'd forgotten how much I liked this story and the characters that brought it to life. When I first read it I had children still at home; now, an empty nest. It's funny how one's perspective changes in the later chapters of life. I definitely relate to this family of characters differently than I did over a decade ago.

What a wonderful storyteller Lisa Wingate is. I had already read the book and loved it and now have listened spellbound to the audio version. I feel as though the reader was actually right here telling me the story of her grandmother and wishing that was Rose was my grandmother. It is skillfully written and beautifully read. You just don’t want to finish it. I highly recommend the book and audio versions. This is a must read for your list. You are transported to Texas where Kate goes to care for her grandmother who is no longer able to live by herself. The bond between them strengthens every day and blooms into a beautiful bouquet.

I recently listened to an audio copy of “Tending Roses” and wasn’t sure if I would enjoy listening to it without traveling. Audio books use to keep me company as a traveled for work. Now retired, I knew listening at home would be a different experience. To my surprise, I found that listening to a good audio book isn’t any different than reading a good book. Once I started listening, I couldn’t stop. I have spent the weekend wanting to know more of Grandma Rose’s story and her wisdoms of life. I love her storytelling and writing her experiences in life in story format. In fact, I found myself relating as I started doing the same for my five grandchildren just this year. I am journaling my life in a special book for each of them. Grandmas Rose inspires me to tell them more. As I listened, I felt this family’s sadness in the misunderstandings that caused them to grow apart. But then felt their joy as Grandmas Rose help them mend their relationships.. Of course, Lisa Wingate’s storytelling always leaves me wanting more.

About the author

Lisa Wingate is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of over thirty novels. She is known for combining elements of Southern storytelling, mystery, and history to create novels hailed by Publishers Weekly as “masterful.” Her novel Before We Were Yours remained on the New York Times bestsellers list for over five months and has been translated into thirty-five languages. While her work has received many awards, she most treasures the National Civics Award, presented by the kindness watchdog organization Americans for More Civility, to recognize public figures who work to promote greater kindness and civility in American life. She believes that stories can change the world.