The Ballad of the Purple Rose

The Ballad of the Purple Rose is Book #2 in A Trail of Words series. In following the life of Rose, the adopted daughter of Rylan and Anjelica Dunburry, her story is revealed. Rose wants to find her birthmother but has no lead to go on, save one photo which has a name on the back, Victoria. After graduating college, she is heartbroken because her boyfriend ended their relationship upon meeting someone else. So, with newfound freedom, she decides to take a trip around the world. Though she knows it's highly unlikely, a part of her hopes to find her birthmother. Though she regrets leaving Leah, her married friend behind, Rose simply needs to get away and find out what she wants to do with her life.

Among her travels she decides to go to the place she had always dreamt about-Venice, Italy. While there, she meets Roman, who isn't Italian but an English gent who is there for a lengthy business trip. The two fall in love and Rose feels he is the one for her. However, she is heartbroken once again when he disappears. Before leaving Italy, she pays a visit to the royal gardens that he had taken her to. This time she discovers a trail with beautiful flowers. A trail that seems to go on and on, no matter how far she walks. She is struck with wonder when finding a purple rose which is identical to the beloved painting by her great grandfather.

Upon arriving home in New York, she notices the beauty shop that she and her mom frequented was up for sale. The fact that it has an upstairs apartment appeals to her. With the help of her dad, Rose buys the shop and turns it into a flower shop. She feels it's meant to be because she loves flowers as she's been around them her whole life thanks to Mom and Grandma Annie. The two had shared their love of flowers with her. She is still heartbroken over Roman, and she has lost her faith.

Soon, she finds a trail which mimics the trail in Italy. The flowers are bold in color, truly breathtaking. Though she searches for the purple rose of the painting it's not to be found. However, she finds something else while astonishes her. It reconfirms that she would be granted the desire of her heart. Slowly but surely, her faith grows to where it once was. What does God have in store for her? Is she meant for someone else?