THE SCENT OF ROSA’S OIL
LINA SIMONI
ISBN: 978-0-7582-1924-4
January 2008
Kensington Publishing Corp.
850 Third Ave. New York, NY 10022
Paperback
$14.00
272 pages
Fiction
Rating: 4 cups

Rosa has always known she is cared for and loved by the women in her life. As a child, she was kept in the dark about the goings on of the brothel where she lived. After spending time in school, Rosa has come to see that she has a lot to learn before she will be able to get somewhere in life. But, can she learn to be truthful? She thinks creating stories about her life is a good idea. But will they just blow up in her face at a time she would not want it to happen? Rosa has a lot to go through, but the question is will she find it worth it? Or, will finding a true love change her mind?

Madame C, also known as Clotide, never expected that someday she would be running the brothel. In fact, her life is not something she ever thought she could do. Although her best friend Angie believes in her, Madame C must now figure out the best way to raise Rosa. Her emotions run deep for a former lover and she wonders if she can still love Rosa after her trust has been betrayed?

As a child, Rosa only knows that games are played in her home. After turning sixteen, she wants to start being involved with the brothel. Madame C puts her foot down and refuses to allow her to become a prostitute. Yet, Rosa is so determined that it costs her her place at Luna. Going to her friend Isabel, she finds a home and a new way to live. The preconceived notions about her life at Luna keep following Rosa. She will have to learn to shake them off to keep a love strong. It may take help from someone she would never again think to ask. But can Rosa ask if it is her only chance?

Ms. Simoni weaves so beautiful a story I could not stop turning the pages. Rosa is a character I can feel for and I hoped she would be able to do what was needed of her. Though back-stories of characters often bug me, this one written about Madame C was rather helpful. I never felt that it took anything away from the story but instead, added to it. That is not at all easy to accomplish. I was able to understand the motivations of not only Madame C but of Rosa as well. It also helped me see why the twist of fate in this book was so horrible. I hope this author writes more and I look forward to reading them.

Krista
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance
Reviewer for Karen Find Out About New Books