The Time of Roses

"The Time of Roses" by L. T. Meade is a story focused on Florence Aylmer, a young woman navigating life after her schooling is finished, along with dealings with her mother and Bertha Keys, who is an old friend. Faced with obstacles involving family and friendships, Florence must make difficult decisions as an opportunity arises that could cause challenges that put Florence's moral code to the test. With the return of Bertha, old tensions rise, especially when she offers a tempting offer of financial assistance for Florence, causing the reader to sense that a conflict is about to occur. As Florence decides whether to accept the potentially problematic donation, the book begins an examination of the characters and their bonds with one another that sets the stage for the rest of the plot.