As an avid reader and a devout Christian, I am always searching for a good book. When I was introduced to Regina Doman's novels, I devoured them in a matter of days, and was left hungry for more: the completion of the unreciprocated romance between Rose Brier and Fish a.k.a. Ben Denniston. Unfortunately, circumstances beyond Doman's control forced her and her devoted fans to wait two years before they were able to learn the conclusion to the trilogy. But, from start to finish, it was most definitely worth the wait, with brilliant new characters and a fast-paced plot that keeps you turning pages until the very end.
Unlike many fairytale novels today, Doman has done something I have never seen before and set her retellings in our own modern world. Blanche and Bear have had their happily ever after, and Rose is searching for hers with Bear's brother, Fish. But Fish, preoccupied with fighting problems of his own, is convinced that she ought to look for her handsome prince elsewhere. As they go their separate ways, Doman introduces a whole new cast of vivid characters in a band of modern knights, as well as a dangerous, veiled history. When a tragic turn of events leaves Rose in a coma, Fish is forced to confront evils both inside and out and save the woman he has grown to love before it's too late. With intriguing twists, Doman stays true to the heart and soul of the original fairytale, weaving a beautiful story of love and faith that proves happily ever afters are possible in this world.
I would recommend reading at least the first in the series, The Shadow of the Bear, if you haven't already, before reading this book. Whether you are a guy or a girl, a teen or an adult, a Christian or a Catholic or neither, you will love Waking Rose! Recommended for ages 15 and up.

this was definitely worth my money and time.


Diego,
Scottsadale Local News

This book is a great artwork worthy of your time

This book touched me very deeply- I am impressed and in awe of how the author presents contemporary issues and handles them with sensitivity and understanding. I will never cease from recommending Waking Rose- it is truly a beautiful story with believable and real-life characters. I love how the author combines so many elements- such as suspense, chivalry, true love, adventure, and social issues (i.e., the Pro-Life Movement and feminism)- into one enveloping story. I completely agreed with her world-views and admire how she weaves spirituality so seamlessly into the plot. The messages in the book are so true and impacted me immensely.

But be warned- in all probability, you will be sucked into the book and will not escape until you finish reading, as was I! Thank you, Ms. Doman, for writing this beautiful book- I have a feeling I'll never be able to stop re-reading it!

The very talented Regina Doman, in her "fairy-tale novels," has taken some popular stories and re-imagined them for our time. I would hesitate to classify them as books for teenagers alone, since I at forty-five years old could have easily read "Waking Rose" at one sitting, and would have, had not other duties called. Indeed, my only problem with the book is that I could not turn the pages quickly enough or read as fast as the suspense compelled me to do.

I am truly impressed with Regina's ability to tackle difficult issues and ugly situations in a tasteful manner. She can create a poignant, heartrending scene without doing violence to people's sensibilities, as too many contemporary writers do. Especially in a book for teenagers, this is a good thing, since they will be inspired, intrigued, but not horrified out of their minds. And yet she addresses contemporary issues and situations which our youth today must face, from the point of view of a contemporary man and woman. In a way, Regina has returned the story of "Sleeping Beauty" to it's original form. "Waking Rose" is not a tale for little children to be read at bed time, but a story for young adults about other young adults who conquer insurmountable odds with faith and courage.

The hero in "Waking Rose" is a deeply wounded young man who must learn to let go of his past and "waken" to love. Like many modern people, he flees from commitment, having experienced too much suffering to want to risk the self-donation that love demands. It is interesting that he is nicknamed "Fish" since the fish is a symbol for Christ. The young man must ultimately sacrifice everything for his beloved, enduring great pain to save her. The novel shows young men being chivalrous for the sake of young ladies, who are, indeed, ladies. Very refreshing to read!

"Waking Rose" induces laughter as well as tears. At one point "Fish," who is a convert, becomes exasperated with all of his Catholic friends, and says: "I feel as though I am surrounded by crazy people. Prophetic nuns, wild activists, recovering psychopaths, pseudo-anarchists, and a Catholic boys' club with a medieval obsession. And the problem is, these are all the people who are supposed to be on the side of God." ("Waking Rose," p.281) I think anyone who has been Catholic longer than five minutes has sometimes felt exactly the same way. In Regina's skillfully woven tale, the old "conte de fée" of the "Sleepng Beauty" merges into the horrors and struggles of our century, with all its potential for heroism and triumph. Highly recommended, I would especially suggest "Waking Rose" as a wonderful Christmas gift for teenagers and young adults.

This book was well worth the wait. This series of books is my favorite! Thank you, Ms. Doman for writing good, wholesome Catholic books in the 21st century. I would recommend this book for anyone who likes an exciting adventure story. Even though it is not a short novel, I read it in less than 2 days, and I am not a fast reader. I literally COULD NOT put it down! It definatly was not a book that you read a little at a time; rather, you will want to read it all at once. I had to stop reading it and go to bed, and the first thing I did after I woke up was start reading again. :) I was so looking forward to this, and it was better than I expected! :)

Therese Heckenkamp

Unlike many book and movie sequels, which often fall short of expectations, Ms. Doman’s third novel in her modern fairy tale series soars above expectations, and the only disappointment is that the book can’t last forever.

At 371 pages, "Waking Rose" is not a short novel, yet I read it in less than two days. From the first page, I was drawn into the cares and concerns of the two irresistible main characters, Rose and Fish. Their stories alternate and merge in this suspenseful and mysterious tale of danger and unrequited love. Rose begins college and struggles to forget Fish, the man she has loved for so long. Meanwhile, he attends a different college and battles his own demons. A terrible incident brings them together, yet you fear they may be separated forever. The novel’s intense climax is all-consuming.

In Ms. Doman’s rich signature style, the writing and dialogue is handled with an elegant flair, never dull and plodding. Be prepared to laugh and cry. Full of unique charm and humor, it does not shirk the weighty issues, yet remains pure, realistic enchantment. It’s not necessary to have read Ms. Doman’s first two outstanding books (although you’ll want to) to enjoy "Waking Rose."

My two sisters also bought and read this book, as we each wanted our own copy to treasure. When we finished reading, we couldn’t stop talking about the novel and the characters. "Waking Rose" is unforgettable. We are loyal fans forever.

As an author myself, I will never cease to esteem Ms. Doman’s work as the best of the best.

Years ago, when reviewing Ms. Doman’s first book, "The Shadow of the Bear," I wrote, “Grant me three wishes, and I would wish for three more books as outstanding . . .”

Thank you, Ms. Doman, for granting wishes!

Reviewed by Therese Heckenkamp, author of "Past Suspicion"
www.pastsuspicion.com

"Waking Rose" was the best book that I read this summer and it was such a pleasure! This book has drama, mystery, a very sweet, touching story of true love, and just about everything else that I can ask for in a story. I especially love the vivid, totally believable characters. I can actually visualize them and some I can see as people that I would love to know, while others remind me of horrid, nasty people that I hope never to have the misfortune to encounter. The dialogue is great, easy and realistic. There are some good comic moments in here. (Sacra Cor anyone?)I personally loved the literary references, especially the poetry, in this book! I also enjoyed the part the song "You Just Gotta Wait," got to play,though I may have the title wrong. The imagery is clear and bright. And Regina Doman's style is vibrant, colourful, and brilliant.
I actually read this while taking a flight during a vacation and was prevented from finishing it, a mere one hundred pages till the end, for a whole week. It felt like torture and I was so tempted to skip to the end, just to make sure it ended all right. I resisted and I am so glad that I did because it is so important to see what Fish and Rose do to reach that moment and that is what makes it so poignant! I loved the ending. It was perfect. Thank you so much, Regina!
Also wanted to add how deeply impressed I was by the way that Regina Doman handled several sensitive topics and some very heavy issues.
Really, this is just such a phenomenal book. I waited two years for this to be published (technically a lot longer) and I can honestly say that for me it was well worth the wait! I hope many more people will find it just as enchanting.

This is an incredible book! The long-awaited sequel to Shadow of the Bear and Black as Night was well worth the wait. Although there couldn't be a more satisfying conclusion to the Snow White and Rose Red trilogy, you'll be sorry to see this story come to an end. Filled with the suspense, mystery, and excitement we've come to expect from talented writer Regina Doman, this book immediately becomes a thrilling masterpiece, as well as a beautiful tale of true love. You won't be able to put this one down -I sure wasn't! ~Mae 9/4/07

This book is SO cool!!!!
I absolutely loved it, especially since Sleeping Beauty has always been my favorite fairy tale!
I have enjoyed all three of Regina's books - she is such a talented writer. It is so refreshing to find good books that are so full of suspense, funny moments (i loved the cor guys!), sad moments, and romance and are so wonderful to read.
I also loved how Regina brought the pro-life message into the book and the youth taking a strong stand! Thanks so much!
I highly recommend all three books - The Shadow of the Bear, Black as Night and Waking Rose! The best age is probably 14 or 15 and up...Enjoy!

I'll add my voice to those already here: if you love fairy tales, love stories, danger, action, mystery or suspense, then this book is for you. This book is sweeping our college campus, and many people are staying up late to read their copies. This book is riveting, to the last. It lends an even deeper note of danger than the previous two books did, not a danger of one person, but of the challenges in the world to adults. It's a great final volume for the series, and stands as a singe cohesive story in its own right.

I finished this book way past midnight last night... I couldn't put it down! It is such a good book, and a great ending to Regina Doman's fairy tale series.

For anyone who hasn't heard of this series yet, you have to check it out! I am hopelessly obsessed with these books! Based on the fairytale Sleeping Beauty, Regina Doman resets it in modern-day PA. I won't give any spoilers but that it satisfies every expectation we readers have been waiting for!


I'd (personally) recommend it for 15 and up, as it does deal with some very heavy subjects, heavier at times than its preceding novel "Black as Night."

Oh yeah- I love Sacra Cor! :)

I know everyone else is saying it is an amazing book, but I just have to say it again. I loved Waking Rose! It was very dark in some parts but I thought that the author did a wonderful job on talking about certain sensitive issues in the book. I wish their story wasn't over! (at least in the publishing sense, since of course they live on)

what a truly beautiful story! This story is what true love is all about. The dialogue was amazing and the poetry used in the book was fantastic. Regina Doman is an amazing writer.This book instantly became my favorite book.

Mrs. Doman has def. once again come out with book that will leave you in awe by the end! Rose, Fish, Blanche, Fish... and new much-loved characters- (alex!!!!!)- will keep you turning the pages, wanting to know their story. :)

Wow! And I thought the first two were good! This one just blew me away! Rose and Fish are the coolest characters ever...
It arrived yesterday and I finished it at 12:30 this morning. As soon as I announced that I was done, my sister pounced on it and swept it away. She had been waiting up for me to finish it so she could read it!
Thanks, Mrs. Doman for another great book! I'm so glad to finally know the end of the saga. I wish there were some way that the "fairy tale retold" books could continue!

I just finished the book after a late night staying up to read it. I enjoyed every minute, and it fully fulfilled the expectations I had after the first two books. I'm not sure, but it might be my favorite of them all.

Nice cover. Sounds like it is going to be a good book.

This book rocks! What a page turner!