Irish roses—wild or not—are the focus of this edition of Covers of the Week. St. Patrick’s Day is coming up soon, so Erin go Bragh!
Theme: Irish Roses
Because St. Patrick’s Day is quickly approaching, we thought romances with Irish Rose in the titles would suit Covers of the Week #93.
Roses are the flowers most often associated with romance novels. As far as titles go, they’re the genre’s go-to blossom, followed by Jasmine, Lily, and Heather.
I’m more of a tulip lover, preferably red or purple. Although, I can see why that flower might result in titles that sound awkward.
My Wild Irish Succulent
Having no idea what an actual Irish rose looked like, I was surprised to discover that “the official Irish Rose” (L. Aeonium arboreum) is a succulent. Succulents are hearty plants that, like cacti, should be easy for anyone to maintain.
(Shamefully, not I. Every cactus and succulent that came under my brown thumbs went to a sad, bad end.)
Originally native to North Africa and the Canary Islands, the rosette succulent forms branches that grow little bushes of bright yellow blossoms with star-shaped petals, which soon die after the flowers bloom.
As for the wild Irish rose, Ireland is home to a wide variety of these floral beauties, including many hybrid forms. Each county boasts that its native—and naturalized—roses, which climb hedgerows, hug rocky shores, or dot sandy ground, are the most stunning to encounter.
Most of these wildflowers bloom in June and July, their white, pink, and purple blossoms adding bright bursts of rosy color to the Emerald Isle.
“My Wild Irish Rose… the sweetest flower that grows…”
My Wild Irish Rose, Chancellor “Chauncey” Olcott, 1899
The Covers
For the week of Monday, March 6, 2023, to Sunday, March 12, 2023, our Covers of the Week theme is the Irish Roses.
A Note
Around this time last year, Covers of the Week #49 also had an Irish theme. Since we already used Nora Roberts‘ Irish Rose for that edition, one of the four titles here is not like the others. Even so, that book’s Irish setting and the cover’s loveliness make up for the slight inconsistency.
Your Opinion
What do you think of this week’s theme of Irish Roses? Do any of the covers stand out to you as favorites?
Do you have a recommendation for a future Covers of the Week theme? Let us know, and we’ll try it out.
As always, please drop a comment, and let’s talk romance.