ROSES

Coleen Marlo delivers an old-fashioned sprawling, multigenerational rags-to-riches tale with a healthy supply of steamy unrequited romance, all played out in the American heartland. Marlo is every bit a match for this material as she gives a strong performance that endows each character with personality and convincing emotions. She keeps the tension high, excelling in portraying Mary Toliver's relentless drive to save her family's plantation—to the detriment of all else—while also making clear what it's costing her to do so. By the time listeners reach Mary's granddaughter in the third generation, they will have a real feel for the ambiance and history of Texas. D.G. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2010]