The sixth book in the Rose Gardner Investigations series.
For months, Rose has suspected her ex-brother-in-law, has a foot in the criminal world, and she’s equally sure her deceased sister had the evidence to prove it—evidence stolen days just days after Violet’s death.
Those suspicions turn concrete when a body shows up near one of Mike’s construction sites, and the concrete cracks open wide … cracks open wide when her niece and nephew go missing.
Rose might be weeks away from delivering her own baby, she that doesn’t stop her and her best friend, Neely Kate, from looking for the kids. She needs answers and fast, but her search leads her to the man who betrayed her months ago… the father of her baby.
James “Skeeter” Malcolm has been playing games with her for months—refusing to relinquish her paternity but refusing to tell her why. James knows what Mike is up to—Rose is sure of it—but can she convince him to tell help before it’s too late?
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Rose is two weeks away from delivering her baby but there is no time for her to kick back with her swollen feet up. Her niece and nephew, Ashley and Mikey, are missing and no one seems to notice but Rose. It’s time for her and Neely Kate to put their investigation skills to work again and that means getting themselves in hilarious predicaments like always.
There are sweet and tender moments and sad and heart wrenching moments in her love life. We have all been waiting with baited breath to see who Rose will end up with and who she will ultimately choose to be the father of her child. All three of her past lovers make appearances answering some questions and spurring new questions.
Rose reunites with an old friend from the crime world that works by her side to find Ashley and Mikey, but there are plenty of old criminals that are out to get her so there is no shortage of danger and risky situations she waddles through.
Finally we experience the unpredictable birth of Rose’s baby. We find out the name of the baby and the meaning behind it. We also finally get to learn which man Rose chooses to spend her life with. These are the things every Rose fan has been waiting and hoping for. It may not be the ending you desire, but that’s part of the draw of Denise Grover Swanks writing. You never know what is going to happen and she makes it thrilling to the last minute.
This is a roller coaster of a ride and you will not be disappointed in the ending, unless….
What a thrilling page turner! This book was more than I hoped for. It was heart racing at times and emotional in all the right ways. I could not put this book down till the very end.
Rose is such a strong and amazing woman who always navigates tough situations with such fierceness. Pregnancy has not tamed her as all, she is just as strong and brave as ever! I cannot get enough of Rose and all her friends and enemies! The characters in this series are amazing, I love some, I dislike some, I want more of all of them. I felt like this book answered so many questions that I had after reading the other books in this series, such as who Rose will end up with and is Rose having a boy or a girl.
This book is a must read. If you are new to the series, start for the beginning and hold on!
From the very first sentence I was thrown into Rose’s world yet again! I just love these characters and this story. Rose is late in pregnancy and though things have been quiet, trouble has been brewing. This new book is beginning to tie several past theories and stories together. A real page turner, with roles from our favorite friends like Witt, Jed, NK, and Dermot.
Rose’s brother-in-law Mike has been acting odd for multiple books and when Rose’s niece and nephew come up missing everyone lends a helping hand to find them. Soon things are heating up and Rose finds herself in the thick of it and it appears she may end up doing this alone.
So happy with the story and plot advancement in this book! It’s unbelievable how DGS can continue to write such a wonderful story that keeps us on the edge of our seats filled with love, joy, sometimes anxious and worry for these characters who have become our friends. Bravo!! I can NOT wait until the next book!
Oh my goodness, where do I even begin? When the Bough Breaks is another amazing Rose Gardner book. I was on an emotional roller coaster the entire time, I didn’t want it to end.
When the Bough Breaks continues Rose’s story. Rose is trying to navigate life without her sister. Violet has always been there for Rose and now she needs to figure out how to go on without her. She’s trying to work through her emotions and make the best decisions about her future. Joe has been there helping her for months now, so she isn’t alone. When her niece and nephew went missing Joe went right to work to find them and figure out what happened to them.
Rose is determined to get her niece and nephew back and find out what Mike maybe hiding. She has to visit James to see if he maybe involved and try to get the answers she needs.
Rose is dealing with all of this while being pregnant, she’s weeks away from having her baby. She’s trying to do what’s best for her child, as any loving mother would, and she won’t stop until they’re safe.
Firstly my advice to anyone who has not read any or all of Denise’s books gove it a go as I have never been disappointed.
Again stunned and impressed by Denise Grover Swank work.
I cant believe how many Rose Gardner books there are and how they just keep getting better.
Oh my gosh I could not believe what happened with certain characters. What an ending. The ending i would not have guessed it at all. Absolutely amazing read. I loved it that much I am going to read it again.
I knew this was going to be a tough book to get through. My emotions ran high and my thoughts were racing while reading it. I finished it in one sitting. I pretty much ignored everyone and everything so that I wouldn’t have to stop. It was bittersweet though because now it’s over and I have so many more questions!
There were some things that got cleared up during this book, with respect to certain characters and their actions. However, there were other things that happened that shocked the hell out of me. I am questioning everything I knew or thought I knew. I’m left wanting to re-read the entire series and subsequent off-shoots to look for the breadcrumbs left behind.
Mrs. Swank definitely does suspense and intrigue well, especially when it pertains to her characters. You never really know their motives or agenda because she only lets you see what she wants you to see. She’s like a magician that way with slight of hand and smoke and mirrors. It makes reading her books that much more enjoyable.
When the Bough Breaks was the best real thing happened to me in a while! If I could, I would give it a 10 shiny stars for sure! My mind was blown away with this book and there I were left with my feelings and emotions all over me. And this was so real! I cried so many times, laughed too but cried most of times. It was tears of sadness, relief and happiness. All sorts of emotions!
I’ve been following and living through Rose’s journey from the beginning since 28 and a half wishes and now I’m glad to see what a wonderful strong woman she became and she really deserves all the happiness she wished for. Even if it is different to what I envisioned for her and that breaks my heart, I know it is for better! I know some things just are meant to be.
Those brilliantly written characters! I love them all and feel them as my best friends!
Denise Grover Swank is incredible writer and each book is somehow even better than previous one but this is the Book of books! Yes, I now have my absolute favorite book! I’m going to buy a printed copy to be able to touch it and add to my treasure shelf.
I really hope everyone will pick and love this series and this brilliant book as much as I do.
From an actual text I sent my best friend: “HOW?! HOW does Denise Grover Swank continue to make each Rose book better than the last?”
Seriously though, I’ve loved Rose Gardner since the beginning and every time I’ve ever thought, “Wow! It can’t get any better than this,” it does. In this sixth installment, Rose is at the end of her pregnancy. But even though she’s thrilled for her baby, things are not all rainbows and butterflies in the town of Henryetta. Ashley and Mikey are missing and Rose is determined to figure out where they are. She’s still trying to figure out what is going on with James and why he refused to sign paperwork for the baby. Should she make things official with Joe? So many decisions for one pregnant lady to make!
I absolutely devoured this book! Denise Grover Swank does such a fantastic job of writing in a way that allows me to visualize exactly what is going on every step of the way. I felt as if I was truly there for every conversation with Joe, every kick of the baby, everything. Rose Gardner is such a strong character and I felt her strength radiating through Denise’s words. I’ll be so sad to see this series end. Luckily, it’s not ending here because there is still SO MUCH I want to know.
Where do I even begin? This book was such an emotional roller coaster, I simply could not put it down. So much happened and so many questions still left. I was surprised, shocked, angry, worried, excited, happy…just so many things through out this book. And I just loved the end despite the questions still hanging…the worst part is waiting until January 2021 to find out what happens. Talk about a book hangover…be prepared.
Wow! In the most recent installment of the Rose Gardner Mysteries Series things take an even crazier turn. Rose is very very pregnant, trying to find out what happened to her niece and nephew and learning to navigate her new world with criminals and a live-in Chief Deputy.
I think it will definitely help to read the Rose Journal Entries that arrive in Denise’s e-newsletter because I was missing a few things and I realized it was because I had been saving the Journal Entries.
This was a great book and I really couldn’t figure out who had taken the kids and why. All your favorite characters are there too: Joe, Neely Kate, Muffy, Maeve, Mason, Bruce Wayne and Jed.
I can’t wait for the next installment.
I have been eagerly awaiting this latest book in the Rose Gardner world, we have had snippets from the journals throughout the year and when I had the opportunity to read ‘when the bough breaks’ I couldn’t say no. Rose is heavily pregnant which is evident from the outset, there is no hiding that from anyone, Rose and Neeley Kate find themselves trying to stay out of trouble but as we all know by now that is harder said than done and they want to find answers to the latest dilemma. there are a lot of twists and turns and ultimately Rose has to make choices that not everyone agrees with but they are her decisions and she sticks to them. unfortunately we now have to wait until January for the next installment and that’s going to be a nail biter!
When the Bough Breaks is the sixth book in the Rose Gardner Investigations series and it is definitely a book that will leave you feeling some type of emotion. It is difficult for me to be specific because I do not want to spoil the book for anyone. I will say that this book is a huge part of the entire series and it answers several questions that needed to be answered. As always, Denise hits it out of the park when it comes to making the reader care about fictional book characters and their current situations. I have followed Rose’s story from the beginning and it is amazing to see how much she has grown in such a short time.
As always, there were many hilarious parts throughout the book and many dramatic moments. Without revealing too much, I will say that it is amazing how an author can elicit strong emotions from their readers in regards to their character’s life decisions. While I may not agree with the actions or choices of the characters, I will say that I always look forward to reading another Rose Gardner book and getting to read about their fascinating lives. I love when I can get lost in a book and I look forward to the next one!
I found this latest installment in Rose’s story extremely engaging and satisfying. Now 38 weeks pregnant, Rose has taken a break from her Lady in Black persona and is preparing for impending motherhood with Joe & Neely Kate by her side. When an alarming chain of events puts those she loves in danger, Rose and her friends will do anything to mount a rescue. Along the way, Rose comes to terms with her romantic feelings for both James and Joe, and chooses a path forward with a man she loves deeply. Is there a happily ever after on the horizon?
Personally, I loved seeing Rose come to embrace her maternal instincts. She finally started making decisions about her love life that didn’t have me wanting to throw my kindle across the room, which is a most welcome change. I can’t wait for the next book!
This book. This book has me in all sorts of feels. I’m still mind blown how after all these books, every one is even better than the last. I’ve been addicted to this series from the beginning. I’ve followed these characters and watched them grow and bond into the strong confident roles that they lead. This book is the epitome of everything I have been waiting for. Was I disappointed? Sure, maybe a little but from my own expectations and what I wanted for the characters I loved. But so much has happened in this book that I was left knowing in my heart that things worked out the way they were meant to. I’m still reeling from the choices made and the inevitable outcome it will bring. What does this mean for my beloved characters? That is for Denise Grover Swank to decide. I just know that no matter what, I. Am. Here. For. It!
Only Rose would think that it’s perfectly fine to be investigating a murder 2 weeks from her due date. This book is truly amazing. I read this book in 4 hours. It was so good I couldn’t put it down. There isn’t much more I can say without giving spoilers. But if you have read all of Rose’s books then you must read this one!
So. Many. Emotions. And all in one book!
I swear every time I read a Rose Gardner book, I cry. Denise Grover Swank writes with such passion that I feel like I can feel the character’s emotions in every page, and When the Bough Breaks was no different. I cried a lot, I laughed a lot, and I was on pins and needles with every 1page. Rose made a big decision in this book and even though I may not love it and may have cried about that too, I trust Rose and can’t wait to see where this series goes next. Rose was so incredibly strong in this book. She has been so strong and getting stronger since this series began but wow, this book was the strongest I have ever seen her. What Rose was going through was written so realistically, with both the emotions and the experiences, and then she still did what needed to be done while she’s going through it all. I absolutely loved reading about it. This book is honestly just perfection. I can’t even put it into words enough how amazing I think When the Bough Breaks is. I cannot wait to read the next book but this book will be in my mind for a long time.
Rose is having her baby whether she is ready or not. Like doesn’t just stop when you are having a baby and we all know that Rose’s life is anything but calm and collected. Everything seems to be happening good and/or bad and she’s doing her best to keep it together.
Rose is one of my all time favorite characters and I love the way she has grown from a quiet and scared woman to a outspoken woman who knows how to get what she wants. She has three very powerful men in her past and depending on who you ask there’s team James, team Mason, and team Joe. For me, it’s always been Team Rose.
She is my roll model. I strive to be like Rose. This book was shocking in a lot of ways and many of them or things I never saw coming which is what I absolutely love best about Denise’s books. She definitely deserves the title of one of my favorite authors of all time.
You don’t want to miss this book and if you haven’t read the please please do yourself a favor an pick up Twenty Eight and a Half Wishes. You won’t regret it. This is worth so much more than 5 stars.
I think this book is perfect! Denise Grover Swank made major advances to the plot and life story of Rose in this book. Rose accepts her new life as a soon to be mother but has a major decision to make, to win James back or not? In the meantime we learn more about Hardshaw and their advances in Fenton County, all while searching for her missing niece and nephew. Denise, as always, keeps us on the edge of our seats with this amazing page turner. I am beyond happy with the direction she took in the book and the decisions she’s had Rose make by the end.
First, I can’t write a proper review without giving spoilers.
So much of my feelings right now revolve around specific events in the story, so I must be vague.
I can say that this book changes everything. You will look at some beloved characters and change your opinion on them.
SO MUCH HAPPENS.
You will second guess everything, you will get mad at Rose, you will cheer her on and you will read the end of the book and sit stunned for a moment.
I HIGHLY recommend reading this book.
When I first finished the book, I was not happy with some of the newest developments, but as I processed everything, I realized that this was the only way.
I accept it now, and I want to know HOW DOES DENISE THINK OF THESE THINGS?? HAHA!!
READ THIS BOOK, you will not regret it!
Your strong reaction is only a testament to this amazing author!!
Wow! Denise Grover Swank never disappoints her readers! I have been reading Rose Gardner books for five years and each and every new book is like a gift. I finished When the Bough Breaks this morning and needed some time to reflect on the incredible book that I just finished and to come to terms that I need to wait till January for the next book!
Rose is thirty-eight weeks pregnant and needs to decide what she wants for herself and her baby. She is ready to have her (highly-anticipated by all Rose fans) baby and have peace in her life. However, things haven’t calmed down in the seedy side of Henrietta County. While Rose’s Lady days are over, for now, there is still plenty to keep her in harm’s way. While I would say that this installment is milder than other Rose books, it does not disappoint!
There are decisions that Rose makes that I may not agree with but that’s what makes her character great! I am the reader, I cannot control what characters do, I trust the author to let the characters lead them to their own destiny. Nothing in Rose’s world is ever black and white and I wouldn’t be surprised if January leads up to another plot twist. I know that I will be reading more Rose in January and loving every word! Do yourself a favor and read all the Rose books – you will love them!!!