Southern California – Present Day

Autumn has been the stable manager at Copper Canyon since she arrived in town six months ago. She is lonely with no family close by, but she is happy to work for Mrs. Barnhill who is almost like a mother to her. When soap opera actor Logan Graham arrives for a horseback lesson, she feels an instant attraction to the handsome and congenial man, and Logan likes the fresh, sweet look of his instructor. Logan’s assistant, Chunky, takes photos of Logan as he learns to ride. Surprisingly, Logan is shy with women, and when he talks to Autumn, not realizing that he is shy, she thinks he is standoffish.

Although Autumn is a lovely young woman, she hasn’t bothered with her looks, but now she decides that she wants Logan to take another look, and he is definitely impressed. Logan has a recurring dream that gradually turns from darkness to light after meeting Autumn. Chunky invites her to be Logan’s date for a party, and she is feeling on top of the world -- especially when the Hollywood stylists and makeup artists dress her to the nines! The attraction begins to sizzle between them. Will this lead to something serious between Autumn and Logan?

Secondary characters are few, mostly Mrs. Barnhill, who offers Autumn excellent advice, and Chunky, who is Logan’s boyhood friend and is always there to care for him. The recurring dream didn’t add anything to the story and felt unnecessary, only there to add length to the book. ROSE GARDEN is a sexy, short story of two lonely people finding each other, and some of the problems that have to be addressed before they can get together. Logan may have been a virgin when he met Autumn, but he quickly makes up for all the time lost!

ROSE GARDEN is more fairy tale than realistic -- a light-hearted and entertaining read.

Marilyn Heyman