I recently read a wonderful novel by Sara Rose called My Blue Violets.  It is a Christian based fictional novel that is set in our very own city of Marietta.  The story is about two neighboring families who live in modern day Marietta.  Lorna Peterson and Ned Osgood grew up together and were college sweethearts, but Lorna was heartbroken when Ned left Marietta (and her) behind for a life of pursuing wealth and building a business in Los Angeles. 

In time, Lorna builds her own successful decorating business in Marietta and begins dating a Godly man, Gavin.  But when Ned's beloved mother passes away, Ned returns to Marietta and purchases a beloved historic mansion.  After all the years of separation, Lorna finds herself confused about her feelings for Ned.  Will he stay in Marietta?  Has he changed?  Does he live a God-centered life?  Does Ned still have feelings for Lorna and are they meant to be together?  Or, will Gavin be the answer to her prayers?

My Blue Violets is Sara Rose's first novel and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it.  The characters are very well developed and I not only felt like I "knew" Lorna, Ned, and their families.....I cared about them as well.  A historic Marietta home is a central "character" that brings Lorna and Ned into a business relationship.  From the descriptions of the Greek Revival home, one would think that it was an actual historic Marietta home.  Sara Rose also did a wonderful job in describing events and scenery in Marietta from the Fourth of July fireworks on the square, to antique shopping, to the North Georgia Fair at Jim Miller Park. She vividly details the rich history and charm of our beautiful city as the backdrop for this romance.

Sara Rose grew up reading the faith based books of Grace Livingston Hill, and the novels of Jane Austen. They are her two favorite authors and have been a great influence in her writing. She has adopted Georgia as her home and has lived here for the past 21 years, the last 15 years she has resided in Marietta.  Sara says her purpose in writing Christian Fiction is to tell a story, which she hopes her readers will find entertaining as well as receive a message from the Gospel.

My Blue Violets is also available as an audio book and can be purchased at Barnes & Noble, Borders, Sweet Spirit, A Cup of the Word, and Amazon.