365Q: Medieval era based, “YA” 80s(?) Short romance

I have a book I read in 6th grade, which was around 1992. The book itself could have been older, like 1980s. It was a definite Young Adult book even if that didn’t have the description at that time. It was about a Lady who was recently widowed, very young, who lived in a crumbling Tower (Castle). She may have had one servant. She had a Rose garden which I think was a big part of the book. A criminal possibly a thief or murderer arrives at the castle one day and stays essentially taking her hostage. I remember it was a romance. It was a really short story in a very thin book, it reminded me very strongly of “A Door in the Wall” just in terms of time. And may have been plague mentions I can’t remember. It also reminded me of Secret Garden, just because the Rose garden seemed to play a huge part in the story.

2 thoughts on “365Q: Medieval era based, “YA” 80s(?) Short romance

  1. Melissa N.

    Could it be The Treasure is the Rose by Julia Cunningham? I read it back in the 70s or 80s and loved it! It definitely reminds me of The Door in the Wall too, and was probably inspired by it.

    Reply
    1. Melissa N.

      Just to add, I’m sure it is The Treasure is the Rose. Young widow, walled rose garden, three vagabonds come to the castle. Thank you for reminding me of it, I plan to reread it myself!

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.