About the Book Rose Girl unravels the mystery surrounding an orphaned girl saint who meets the great mystic Rumi and discovers the secret of her birth. Book Synopsis From Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers author Holly Payne, Rose Girl: A Tale of Resilience & Rumi is a medieval thriller that unravels the mystery surrounding an orphaned girl saint in the 13th century. Named after the flowering rosa damascena, the rose girl grows up in a monastery under a tyrannical monk but flees his wrath and soon develops a mysterious gift turning roses into rose oil and is exploited as a saint for performing miracles. Determined to unburden herself of her servitude, the rose girl escapes to medieval Turkey and undergoes a powerful transformation when she meets the great mystic Rumi and discovers the secret of her birth. The rose girl is a potent reminder of our capacity to turn our greatest pain into love. Review Quotes Disarmingly powerful-a nuanced story of female resilience that reaches across the ages. Kirkus (starred) Reviews With confidence and elegance, Payne guides the reader through mysterious and mystical 13th century Bulgaria and Turkey. Riveting, gorgeous, engrossing! I raced to the end. Alka Joshi, NYT bestselling author of The Henna Artist Holly Payne is not only a writer of unparalleled prose, shes also a generous writer who, with Rose Girl, gifts us access to a world of magic, mystery, poetry, and above all, genuine love. Lee Kravetz, bestselling author of The Last Confessions of Sylvia P. Rose Girl is a captivating read, with a beautifully satisfying ending. In her meticulously researched novel, Holly Paynes expertly crafted prose captures not only the souls of her characters but the essence of Rumis wisdom: that lifes shattering experiences can break our hearts open, compelling us to receive the love intended for us. I loved this book-and so will bookclubs. Kristen Harnisch, internationally bestselling author of The Vintners Daughter Series Meet the astonishing Damascena. She begins life orphaned, a mystery to herself, and grows to become a sainted figure, acquainted with miracles, schooled by one of the greatest and most beloved poets of all time, Rumi. In lush prose, with deep wisdom and knowledge, Holly Lynn Paynes wonderful novel captures the extraordinary life of a young woman seeking truth through the transcendent spiritual practices of 13th century Turkey. Damascena is a dramatic tale of healing and transformation. Immersive and wise, this story will expand your mind and open your heart. Kate Manning, author of NYT Book Editors Pick Gilded Mountain This is a beautifully told story about the power of faith; the Sufi journey to God through prayer; and the ancient ritualistic sema dance, infused into Damascenas search for her mother. Historical Novel Society Editors Choice