Roses in the Dark - Roses in the Dark, #1

Roses in the Dark, Clean and Wholesome Romance novella quartet, for hearts of all ages, by Paula Freda aka Marianne Dora Rose.  In a garden overlooking the Hudson River Valley four close friends meet for lunch. Each is requested to compose a toast that epitomizes or symbolizes their search for fulfillment and happiness. As each of the four women compose their toast, their stories unfold.

 The Blue Jay and the Sparrow (Romance on the Continent)

 Mark can do no less than to honor his friend's final request that he take on the responsibility of the orphaned daughter, Cybelle. Nine years later, a grown-up Cybelle, declares her love. Though he dares not admit it, even to himself, it is mutual, for the feisty, impish brunette is everything buoyant Mark isn't. A gentleman to the core, Mark resists, but Cybelle is determined to win his heart.

 Adventure in Panama

 For a short time Doreen was ecstatically happy living with Esteban, on his huge estate in Panama, along with his dowager grandmother, and sibling twins. As her efforts to conceive children meet with failure she can no longer abide living in an old world environment that she feels is suffocating her, but her husband entrenched in old world pride and deeply in love with her refuses to let her go.

  Henderson Sands (Romance in the Mediterranean)

 Harriet Henderson & Thorvald (Val) Sands christen the island on which they are stranded somewhere in the Mediterranean, Henderson Sands. Harriet fears, dislikes the opposite sex. Nightmares haunt her anytime she comes close to becoming involved with a man. In love with her, Val tackles with gusto the task of creating a habitable dwelling for them. Strongly attracted to him, the nightmares return.

 Driscoll's Lady

 Leatrice, tall, beautiful, rich, is in love with Seth Driscoll, a Montanan horse rancher. Seth's conception of eastern women is stereotyped, especially regarding wealthy, idle women. Not at all what he is looking for in a wife. Give him a woman of the land, Montanan bred. In a bizarre arrangement, Leatrice becomes his housekeeper. Can she prove herself, and will it be enough to capture his heart?