First published in 1876, Louisa May Alcott's "Rose in Bloom" is the sequel to her 1875 novel, "Eight Cousins", and continues to follow the life of orphaned Rose Campbell and her numerous relatives. In "Rose in Bloom" the reader reunites with Rose, newly grown-up and returning from a two-year trip traveling in Europe. Rose, a wealthy heiress, finds herself the object of many suitors and struggles to know who loves her for herself and who seeks her fortune. Her own aunts and cousins have ambitions for her money as well and Rose must use both her wits and her heart to navigate these difficult situations. Drawing on the wisdom and lessons of Uncle Alec, her prudent and protective guardian, Rose demonstrates her maturity and good sense in rejecting the pursuit of her dissolute and impulsive cousin Charlie. Both Rose and her close friend and former maid Phebe eventually find the happy endings they seek with honorable and devoted men who are worthy of the love of these kind and virtuous young ladies. A delightful and heartwarming coming of age story, "Rose in Bloom" continues to engage readers both young and old. This edition includes a biographical afterword.
