Of Jasmine and Roses
London, England, 1837. After her mother dies, eight-year-old Anna Beasley’s father sends her from Bombay to London to live with aristocratic relatives. Although she is part Indian and part English, Anna is raised as an equal. When the family fortune is stolen, Anna loses her inheritance and gains employment as a governess. Although intelligent, well-educated, and beautiful, Anna is shunned and ridiculed by Britain’s elite because of her mixed lineage. She suffers in silence, desiring only to belong.
Anna soon meets and is befriended by William Thaxton, an aspiring politician. A series of misunderstandings occur when Anna is unfairly blamed for an accident involving one of her charges and dismissed. Heartbroken and betrayed, she accepts a teaching post in Bombay and plans a return to India. When Thaxton, who has fallen in love with Anna, learns of her impending departure, he is determined to right the wrongs she has endured.
Anna Beasley, the captivating heroine in Warner’s debut novel, is vividly portrayed throughout the well-paced plot. Nuanced, intimate family scenes contrasted with intimidating exchanges with British ton members skillfully show Anna’s strength and integrity as she bravely confronts society’s cruel discrimination of those of mixed race. A bittersweet, romantic tale.
