Tree of Gold

This is the book that turned me onto the romance genre, and the standard by which I judge all other romances. I truly do not understand why this book is out of print.If you love historical romance and happen to stumble across this wonderful novel, please buy it. But be forewarned: this novel does not follow the romance 'formula'. The hero is not an imposing jerk with more muscle than brain; Nicholas is dashing and sweet but strong. If you like snotty, argumentative impish heroines look elsewhere. Gabrielle is honorable, passionate and brave in a humble way. And forget about a contrived, shallow plot in which the main characters argue constantly and only shut their mouths in bed. Tree of Gold's plot is mixed in with and affected by the actual history of the Napoleonic era. Gabrielle and Nicholas are separated by fate, not stupidity. By the way, if you aren't careful you may actually learn something about the history of France and the silk industry while reading ths. But don't worry, it never gets boring, the author's research never overshadows the plot. In fact the writing is rich, vivid and so wonderful you'll never notice the lack of graphic sex. That's not to say it never gets steamy or erotic, but this isn't the soft porn that passes for romance so often.If even half of today's romance novels were written as well as Tree of Gold, perhaps the genre would be taken more seriously.

The first time a romance novel ever made me cry. Reviewer: Leah Marie Brown from North Charleston, SC United States If you have looked at other titles by this author, you know I am a rabid Rosalind Laker fan. In my opinion, To Dance With Kings, a historical romance novel set in Versailles, is the finest in the genre. The Golden Tulip, set in 17th century Amsterdam, is a romance with dark under-currents which make it a multi-faceted novel. Banners of Silk, The Venetian Mask, and Gilded Splendour are also fine novels, steeped in information about antique trades and steaming with passionate romances. So, what was it about Tree of Gold that touched me in a way as to ellicit tears? The gentle tug and pull of the heroine's heart-strings was endearing and the simple twists of fate that conspire to keep her from her lover is teeth-gnashingly frustrating. When Gabrielle, after years of secretly loving Nicolas, is kept from him because of circumstances beyond her control, I burst out crying. "NO, No, NO!," I screamed. My husband, hearing my distressed cry, came running in the room. After giving me a hug, he handed me a box of Kleenex and left the room (he knows better than to lecture me on getting too wrapped up in my romance novels!) Buy this book, it is a fascinating look at the world of silk production and a bitter-sweet tale of love. Leah Marie Brown, Author of Willing Captive, available NOW!

Set at the height of Napolean's power in Lyons, France, Tree of Gold is a touching story of the endurance of true love. Gabrielle Roche is the daughter of the owner of a silk house in 18th century Lyons, France, and Nicolas Devaux is the son of a rival silk house, Maison Devaux. Both Gabrielle and Nicolas have been taught from birth that the other is a mortal enemy, but on the day Gabrielle enters into an arranged marriage, she and Nicolas collide and fall instantly in love. Now Nicolas and Gabrielle must hide their love for each other, while Gabrielle is married to a man who loves her, but who does not receive her love in return. Their love for each other is greatly tested as Gabrielle and Nicolas are continually pulled together by fate and wrenched apart by circumstances beyond their control. Gabrielle and Nicolas's story is heart-wrenching and tragic, but their love endures many tragedies and heartaches; devastating fire, war and betrayal. In addition to the story itself, the information on silk production is also very interesting, the characters are well rounded and well developed and the plot twists are unexpected, but in the end the power of true love certainly shines through in this touching romance by Rosalind Laker.