REVIEWS

Laura Mills-Alcott, author of THE BRIAR AND THE ROSE, a historical romance, based on the ballad "Barbara Allen". At this site you'll find information about Laura Mills-Alcott's books, appearances, booksignings, Laura Mills-Alcott's contests, Laura Mills-Alcott's celebrity interviews  and more. Laura Mills-Alcott, historical fiction author, romance author,
The Briar and the Rose
by Laura Mills-Alcott

Scroll down to read blurbs from the above reviews...

Dolly Parton

"I enjoyed your story of The Briar and the Rose very much."

Fern Michaels
New York Times bestselling author

"While I no longer write historical fiction myself, I know a good one when I see it. The Briar And The Rose is top notch... a sheer delight to read."

Heather Graham
author of THE AWAKENING

"What a wonderful book. My mother was born in Dublin, and I was delighted with the care and attention to historical detail. An absolute keeper with a real sense of mood, atmosphere, and a beautiful story that touches the heart as well. Don't miss it!"

May McGoldrick
author of THE REBEL Signet Books

"Hauntingly beautiful, intricate as a Celtic knot, this is storytelling that will warm the coldest heart. Laura Mills-Alcott weaves a delightful tale of passion and romance."

Edith Layton
author of THE DEVIL'S BARGAIN Avon

"Lyrical and innovative. Ms. Alcott mixes folk tale and historical detail in a delightful love story you will remember."

Romance Readers Connection ~ 4 1/2 STARS

THE BRIAR AND THE ROSE is a rich and inviting tale that brings readers an engrossing and multi-layered romance with a haunting and poetic back-story that is expertly interwoven with the main narrative. Loosely based on an Irish folktale, I think the author has done an amazing job of blending together the myth with her story. With touches of the paranormal and an ending that is satisfying in its conclusion, THE BRIAR AND THE ROSE is a beautiful tale of love, forgiveness and destiny. 4 ½ Stars ~ Thea Candee

Mrs. Giggles

Romantic Times BookClub

 Ms. Mills-Alcott combines the haunting beauty of the old English folksong "The Ballad of Barbara Allen" and the charm of a fairy tale with touches of the paranormal to create a tragic story with a twist. The storyline possesses a lovely poignancy that stirs our emotions. SENSUAL ~ Kathe Robin

"It is a touching story of love, sadness and hope... The reader is sure to be captivated..." 4 stars. ~ Robin Taylor

Pages Magazine

The Briar and the Rose brings back the good old days of romance reading: a scowling hero who takes out his frustrations by barking mysterious orders, the heroine terrified she's about to become a mistress by force, an interrupted love affair and one whopping case of amnesia.

But unlike this book's predecessors that couldn't pass a politically correct test today, Devan (a.k.a. Marquess of Castlereagh) knows when he's become unreasonable and tries to make amends for his poor judgement. Likewise, Raven is willing to give credit where it's due without always jumping to conclusions. This bending allows the story to flow more realistically than the former "I hate you, I hate you, I love you" jarring plot.

Although Laura Mills-Alcott loosely based this story on The Ballad of Barbara Allen and an Irish folktale, readers will delight in the Pretty Woman strains that also echo throughout the pages. Overall, each character in the book plays his or her given role, never acting at odds with their personality - a writing skill that allows readers to settle back comfortably and enjoy a good read rather than arguing or questioning the outcome. ~ Julie Sturgeon, Romance columnist, Pages magazine

The Write Lifestyle

Based upon the ballad by the same name, Laura Mills-Alcott weaves a romantic tale. More Gothic than historical romance in its presentation, the story of Devan and Raven draws the reader into a world of mystery and heartbreak. Ms Mills-Alcott's characters contribute to the intrigue, while description takes you into the scene, inviting you to experience the story as it unfolds.

The author draws readers into the emotional aspect and dares them to walk away before finishing. This reviewer found it very difficult to leave the story, even for a short time.

The Briar and the Rose is one haunting romance you won't soon forget ~ Brenda Gayle

about.com ~ 5 STARS

THE BRIAR AND THE ROSE is a thrilling story! The mystery and romance begin on page one and don't let up until the very end! Devan, Marquess of Castlereagh, is a wonderful character...a dark, haunted alpha male of the first order. He comes to life within the pages of the story and I could feel his pain, and yes, even his frustration.

Raven is a strong heroine whom I immediately loved! The cast of secondary characters were also wonderful, believable, and endearing in very way. Witty and wonderful dialogue brought these characters into my living room and into my heart.

The imagery in this book is phenomenal! From the Irish countryside to the streets of London, Laura Mills-Alcott paints vivid pictures of the scenes and characters with a seamless romantic flair. Her grasp of human emotion is strong and dead on, keeping the reader enthralled until the end!

The plot is fresh and exciting, leading the reader on a merry chase to solve the mystery and bite her nails wondering if the hero and heroine will triumph over adversity and find true love.

THE BRIAR AND THE ROSE has all the makings of a great romance novel: love, mystery, sexual tension, denial, misunderstandings, steamy love scenes, oh, and did I mention romance?

This is one book I could not stop reading even if I had wanted to! This book will give you chill bumps and make you sigh all at once.

THE BRIAR AND THE ROSE is a scintillating gem in the world of romance fiction, and not to be missed! This is one story I will re-read again and again. Laura Mills-Alcott is a rising talent in Romance fiction, and this reader can not wait for more! ~ 5 STARS ~ Susie Burkett 

"The Best Reviews"  ~ 5 STARS

Ms. Mills-Alcott has crafted a historical of such intrigue, and complicated mystery as to make a true believer of this contemporary fan. The Marquess of Castlreagh, brooding and intense, a dark survivor of the greatest heartache a man can endure. Raven, lost and alone, a woman without a name, no memories, nothing but the heartbreaking dreams of another life and another time.

Raven and Devan have been brought together with astounding clarity, and a wonderful sense of the pieces of a precious puzzle at last fitting together. Loosely based on the Ballad of Barbara Allen, and written with a clear, concise style that keeps the reader turning page after page, devouring the emotions, the sheer picturesque words that take you to another place and another time.

A definite five stars, and a long satisfied sigh for the characters, and the writer who brought both a heartbreaking ballad, and a love for all time together with a masterful stroke of pen and imagery, leaving the reader well-satisfied and definitely wondering what this amazing writer will come up with next. ~ Shadoe Simmons

Paranormal Romance

THE BRIAR AND THE ROSE is a wonderful historical based loosely on the ballad of Barbara Allen. I laughed and cried out loud while reading this book. This reviewer has to admit that this is not her typical type of book but was pleasantly pleased that she had stepped out side her box to read this one. This book is a definite must read for the fan of historical romance and a good crossover book for paranormal readers also. ~ Cheryl Barr

RakeHell.com

THE BRIAR AND THE ROSE was one very good read! It reminds me of a ...gothic mixed with a bit of Heyer Regency flair... The book is a pleasant mix of intrigue, romance, and magic... The author has a clear and concise style of writing that allows the reader to sink into the otherworldly feel of the book... It will be especially riveting to those who love old school Gothic's, and tormented characters who in the end find each other. ~ Cybil Solyn

Regency Lover's Cafe and Romance Reader on the Run

Laura Mills Alcott has given us an intriguing tale; it is to be savored like a full bodied wine. [She gives] the characters a robust and alive feeling; with a plotline that kept one's interest apace with the action. I will be looking forward to her next book. ~ Marilyn Malone

Midwest Book Review

THE BRIAR AND THE ROSE is a strong historical paranormal romance that brilliantly uses nineteenth century tidbits (and to a lesser degree from the 1600s) to anchor the otherworldly elements into a warm tale that readers of both sub-genres will relish. Devan and Raven make a delightful couple and through her dreams the audience will see what happened to the secret love between Mairead and Seamus without slowing down the plot. Laura Mills-Alcott provides fans with a memorable story that will make its audience demand more haunting love stories like this one. ~ Harriet Klausner

A Romance Review ~ 5 Roses

This is an amazing story. This book is well worth a read. If you enjoy your historicals with a mystery and a good dose of mysticism, this is the book to read! ~ Mary

Fictional Pursuits

There are many twists and turns to this tale of star-crossed love. Not only has Laura Mills-Alcott brought to life an old Irish folktale, but has seamlessly woven it into the fabric of her story with an imaginative twist to the romantic tale that will steal your heart. ~ Theresa Gallup

In the Library Reviews

Truly a hauntingly beautiful tale of undying love. This is a remarkable novel, full of vivid descriptions and delightful characters. The paranormal and historical are woven together, creating an enthralling romance. The emotional pull of the Briar and the Rose is astounding, the reader cares deeply for these characters, desperately wanting them to have a happy ending.

One of the best, historical romances that I've read in a while, the Briar and the Rose is definitely not to be missed. Ms. Mill-Alcott truly is a gifted writer with an extraordinary talent ~ Sharyn McGinty

Timeless Tales

This is a wonderful book with a very well matched hero and heroine. The supporting characters add a lot of suspense to the story and the ending is really different and unexpected. The plot is a bit "strange" compared to many books that I've read and I'd have loved it for that alone. But the whole story merits a slot on my keeper shelf and I'm sure that it will on many other readers' shelves, too." ~ Irene Marshal

Romance Reviews Today

THE BRIAR AND THE ROSE is a story of redemption and a love so strong that nothing, even death, can quell it. It is a beautifully written, haunting tale, with a cast of characters so compelling that it was impossible to put the book down. Woven throughout is the underlying story of Mairead and Seamus, poignant and heartbreaking, adding a sense of magic. With realistic dialogue and secondary players who add much to the story, THE BRIAR AND THE ROSE is an engaging novel. I highly recommend this wonderfully told story. ~ Jani Brooks

Roundtable Reviews

A tender and romantic love story that had my fingers flying across the pages, THE BRIAR AND THE ROSE is utterly captivating.  This is romance! ~ Jennifer Russell

Historical Romance Writers

"(Laura Mills-Alcott) has crafted an amazingly intense and totally sensual tale, so complex and riveting that it will simply take your breath away with emotions her vivid words evoke in the readers mind. Filled with memorable visual imagery, and stimulating dialogs you will find your emotions engaged with scenes of passion, love and betrayals. This is an outstanding, debut novel by a very talented writer that should not to be missed, and should have fans of historical and supernatural genres immediately looking to find a copy that they'll want on their `keeper shelves'. ~ Marilyn Rondeau

Huntress Reviews

"Fans of Kathleen E. Woodiwiss, HEADS UP! You do NOT want to miss out on this author!... This one will touch your heart and linger in your memory forever... Absolutely unforgettable!" ~ Detra Fitch

Romance Reader at Heart

Excellent... a wonderful, interesting love story. What a joy to find a refreshing "new" voice in the romance genre. (4 Rose Read) ~ Vickie