This lovely novel caught me unprepared. The depth of the characters, the historical research, and the unexpected plot were all a revelation. I enjoyed every single part of it, but most especially, the characters. Jane is a young woman who lives with grief and guilt beyond her years, and Percy is a young man who believes himself a rogue, but really has a heart of gold. Their attraction feels completely genuine, and I couldn't put the book down until I've learned how things ended for them.I really recommend this novel for everyone who loves a slow burn and appreciates historial accuracy.I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Very enjoyable story of Jane Stuart and Percy Sommerbell finding their way. Jane has lost everything, including her hope for the future. Percy is unhappy with the new circumstances of his life, except for meeting Jane. Loved the way the relationship grows between these two, the writing is superb and the unexpected family troubles will keep you turning the pages. Highly recommend.

Reading this book was like being transported to Scotland 200 years ago. The author provides immersive descriptions of the scenery and the characters’ experiences, and without distracting from the emotions and flow of the story.The story is captivating and unpredictable, with engaging characters and exciting twists. It’s strikes a good balance of character development, social justice themes and…um, steaminess.I am impressed to see this is the author’s debut work and I look forward to more in this series.

This book of wonderful! I didn’t want to put it down! It’s a must read and I can’t wait for the next 3 books in this series.

"If there were a princess imprisoned in this tower, this was not the chaste prince come to rescue her and carry her away on a white horse. No, this man had arrived on a black stallion. He was the wickedly gorgeous villain who had come, not to rescue, but to ravish."Brava!!! Brava!!! What a way to make a debut! Louise Mayberry has arrived, and she’s done so in lyrical fashion. When I tell you that this diva has skills…SHE. HAS. SKILLS. Her writing Y’all, I’ve cried…and cried some more…chuckled and laughed a bit…and don’t ya know…cried again. Her writing is beautiful. The scenes are vibrant and absorbing, pulling you in and capturing your attention.The dialogue is witty and engaging; and the chemistry between our MCs… my gawwwd, the longing…the pining…the WANTING. Oh, how I wish somebody would look at me the way that Percy looks at Jane (side-eyeing hubby). I absolutely love…love…LOVE how Percy loves her without him realizing that loving her is exactly what he’s doing.Jane Stuart is lonely and incredibly sad. She’s lost so much…her parents, her home, her beloved orchard and the man she loves. Her unimaginable loss is crimpling and she’s in no shape to accept the attentions from the charming & carefree rogue who’s salacious looks threaten to tear down the walls she’s built around her heart.Percy Sommerbell loves music. It calms him and eases the disquiet in his restless soul, a disquiet that’s grows daily as he learns how his family has and continues to make its fortune…on the backs of the disenfranchised men, women, and children of Glasgow. As talk of an uprising grows in fervor, Percy leans on Jane to help him figure out a pathway forward.If music (or in this case writing) be the food of love, play on Louise. Your writing sparkles. It sings to my soul and I can’t wait to see what you do next!

I love Regency romance, but I admit to getting bored with silk-draped debutantes being pursued by wealthy nobles. Roses in Red Wax brings a broader view of the Regency world, one that encompasses every social class from tenant farmers to factory workers to aimless members of the ton. The author has done a masterful job of finding the intersection of those classes and locating her story there. If you like historical with a capital "H" that is also a passionate, steamy love story, this is a must-read book.

What a wonderful debut! Beautifully written with romance, history, and the growth and change of two individuals-one lost in the cloud of grief and one longing to be himself while becoming more aware of the power he holds to influence the lives of many.As an added bonus there was an epistolary period between Percy and Jane that did a beautiful job of filling in the time that they were apart and creating a sense of anticipation of what was to come.I especially loved Jane's knowledge of botany and Percy's love of music. Being a prolific romance reader I have seen similar plots and similar main characters, but never together and with their unique set of circumstances.Well written and engaging, "Roses in Red Wax" would be a wonderful option for those interested in where to start reading historical romance.I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Debut books are usually a hit or a miss. In my opinion, this is a hit. This book started with a gentle flow which gradually formed waves of interest in the story. I enjoyed how the plot developed to gradually lure you into the story.I loved the attention to details, the research and the part of history which is rarely talked about- the plight of tenants in rural Scotland, child labor and workers welfare.I enjoyed how botany and agriculture was entwined into the plot. It actually makes for a great lesson in planting and nurturing of seedlings.I loved how Percy developed-from a carefree young man into a matured business owner. I enjoyed the way his vulnerability was portrayed and how he wore his heart on his sleeve when seeking Jane’s love.I loved all of the characters from Cameron to Cybil to Cynthia. They all delivered the roles expected of them.Sometimes Percy appeared a bit confused. He wants Jane, knows that what he is feeling isn’t love yet begs her (like his life depends on it) to follow him (for what).Jane was Jane. While I do not want to dismiss her grief and experience, she appeared too rigid and determined to live in the past.The blurb was misleading. Jane was described as a widow but she was never married to her betrothed.I will recommend this book to historical romance lovers.I received an advanced copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving my review.

Every time I picked up “Roses in Red Wax”, I was whisked back in time, and went on such an emotional journey with this story.This is Louise Mayberry’s debut novel, and it is incredible! Her writing style is detailed, vivid, visceral, gripping, full of heart, and so much more. As the reader, I felt immediately pulled into the world of her story, and her characters all feel like such real people. The relationships between characters are also very clear as well.Jane is such a strong, kindhearted, determined, brave, and intelligent young woman. She has been through so much: the death of her beloved, Ken, the death of her parents, and she and her brother being thrown out of her home by the new heir. She is, understandably, afraid to open her heart again, and is extremely protective of both herself and Cameron (her brother). Never could she have imagined how meeting Percy will change her life, and perhaps give her a second chance at happiness.Percy is the son of a factory owner. In the beginning of the novel, he is extremely entitled and selfish. However, this begins to change, and the true Percy comes to the surface. He is soon confronted with the harsh truths about how his family has made their money, and is determined to change the wrongs he sees before him.(Possible Spoilers!)Jane and Percy truly are perfect for one another, and truly bring out the best in each other. They grow together, support each other, and are able to help one another find a happiness and peace neither thought possible. I hope to see them again and see how their story continues in future books!I do not want to say too much due to plot spoilers, but, I will say, this novel truly has so much in it: heartbreaking moments, grief, heartfelt moments, love, hope, and so much more.There were a few times throughout this novel that the writing felt a bit uneven: characters would say or think something that felt contrary to what they stand for and believe, and that felt a bit jarring. This novel also touches upon some incredibly horrible realities of the time period, and I think this history and the impact of it could have been delved into more throughout. Though difficult to read about due to historically what occurred, as well as events in the book itself, it is so important for these stories to be told. The main characters’ desire to help is very clear, and I wish that this was a larger part of the story in terms of seeing more actions put into the forefront.If you enjoy Historical Romance, I recommend this book! I very much look forward to reading the next book in this series!Thank you so much to the author, Louise Mayberry, for the ARC of this book. All opinions expressed in this opinion are my own.

It’s hard to believe that this is the debut novel for Louise Mayberry who has penned an achingly beautiful romance set against the backdrop of 1820 Scotland. Her lush and emotional prose evokes a tender and passionate story of two characters who avoid both love and marriage because of their personal histories. Jane Stuart’s betrothed, whom she’s loved since childhood, dies two years before the start of the main plot, and Percy Sommerbell is cautious after watching the consequences of his sister’s disastrous marriage. Jane is the illegitimate daughter of a Scottish Earl, and Percy is the son and heir to a wealthy industrialist who owns manufacturing mills in Scotland.

I grew to love both characters. Their personal growth and their coming to terms with their developing feelings are so richly rendered that I felt an ache reading the story. Despite Percy’s reservations about marriage, he begins to fall hard for Jane: “Just as soon as he thought he’d learned her, she surprised him with her devious humor, her beautiful science, her deep, secret pain”. The third-person perspective, alternating between Percy and Jane’s point-of-view, allows us to see both what they’re truly feeling, and how they each forge a path to a happy ending. I admired the skill and attention Mayberry gives to her rendering of each character. Percy, an amateur musician and composer, thinks in terms of musical elements, while Jane, an amateur botanist, thinks in terms of trees and nature. This attention to detail makes the characters unique and wholly original. Watching their passions come together is beautiful (and steamy).

While most of the story is set in Glasgow, there are some detours to the English countryside where Percy’s family lives, and to Darnalay Castle, Jane’s childhood home. Enhancing the main romantic storyline is the glimpse into the social conditions of 1820 Scotland. Percy’s father’s mills are rife with horrid working conditions, including child labourers. His coming to terms with how his family’s wealth has been acquired adds to his character development and to the story overall. Jane’s brother, Cameron, a training physician, adds another layer to our understanding of the societal difficulties for the working poor. These elements do not drag the plot down at all and truly enhance the main storyline and developing romantic relationship. This balance between the difficult theme of privilege and exploitation and the theme of romantic love is skillfully maintained and adds great depth to the novel. As a reader, I felt like I was in the hands of a talented storyteller who wasn’t going to let me drop out of the magical tapestry of the story.

The plot twists along the way, both original and compelling, lead us to an epic and wonderful conclusion. I found myself both racing and trying to slow down as the novel neared the end: I both wanted to know what was going to happen next and to savour what time remained in this wonderful, fictional world.
Roses in Red Wax …

This was a beautiful book. Jane loves botany and visits a friend who shares her passion. While there she ends up meeting her friend's nephew Percy. Percy’s father was in an accident so he’s visiting his father's cotton mills in his stead. Percy is also a talented musician and sees the world through the eyes of melody. As a singer, I deeply identified with this as I see the world in melody and rhythm. Music is the guiding force throughout the whole book and what helps either survive.

They’re instantly attracted to each other but Jane is against anything happening. Jane has not only lost her parents, but her intended and has vowed to never love again. Percy is intent on pursuing Jane but is against marriage so he only wants her as a mistress. While this occurring, Percy visits more of his father’s mills and is repulsed by the working conditions, including child labor. Percy meets with Jane’s brother to work on options to better the conditions.

Percy is called away home, but this starts a long string of correspondence, mostly by Percy. He’s pouring his heart out to Jane and trying his best to show her that he’ll care for her forever, just without a marriage certificate. Slowly but surely, Jane starts to tear her walls down and dismantle Percy’s reservations as well—but then Percy is kidnapped and imprisoned by an unscrupulous man.

Can both fully give their hearts to each other? Is Jane able to save Percy? You’ll have to read to find out.