Nita Welch Owenby’s ‘The House of Rose’ is deeply woven with the histories of North Carolina, portraying life in the Appalachian Mountains in the early twentieth century. The story follows young Valee Rose, who, at the age of fourteen, finds herself abused and without a family. As she dreams for a better time and place for those in her care, and for herself, Valee faces her struggles with a great deal of determination. In reaching out to others she learns that nothing is impossible if you believe in yourself.