Before the Rose, the Gypsy's Curse. They say the sins of the fathers fall on the sons, but what of the sins of the mothers? Mary always manages to get her own way. As a child, she is stubborn, determined, acts without thinking, and never considers the consequences of her actions. The old Mother tries to explain to her that what she says and does will come back to her three times over, good or bad. When she angers her common sense and control disappear, and then she worries about the old Mothers words. Johnny her childhood sweetheart has a calming influence on her, and later they marry and have a child, a beloved daughter Rosa. When Rosa is fourteen, her sweetheart Eddie, carves a piece of wood into the shape of a rose and gives it to Rosa as a token of his love. Later they marry at The Tinkers Heart, near Cairndow on the shores of Loch Fyne, and it's a time of celebration for all. Mary, a natural witch, practices healing, and casts simple, personal spells, but she often forgets the power of her words, her deeds, and her actions. She utters a vile curse, on a wealthy American Politian which haunts his family to this day, but it haunted Mary too, and her thoughtlessness repays her when she least expects it, in tragic and heartbreaking ways. This fascinating romantic suspense, set in and around Glasgow and Ayrshire will keep you hooked to the very end and leave you wanting more. This is a charming true to life mysterious love story. 5.0 out of 5 stars An absolutely stunning read from cover to cover Skai Reviewed in the United States Verified Purchase Seeing the growth of Mary and how decisions she makes affect not only herself but those around her leave you curious and wanting more. The first book in the series nicely sets the stage and ends in a way that is both satisfying and instantly leaves you needing to pick up and start reading book 2.