Guest Blog: Collette Cameron: The Blue Rose: Elegant, romantic, alluring, sophisticated-imaginary

Alas, as much as it saddens me, the blue rose doesn’t occur in nature due to genetic limitations in the rose itself. The gene those majestic flowers need to create the true blue coloration is missing, and so, white roses have traditionally been, dyed to create the spectrum of blue rose shades.

I’ve actually tried to dye roses myself, and I assure you, my results were nothing as spectacular as the roses I’ve seen on the Web. Imagine a preschooler’s attempt at the Sistine Chapel … with a stubby crayon!

I did have some success using florist spray paint. 

There is hope, however!

Genetic modifications have produced the blue pigment in roses, and genetically engineered blue roses are being raised in test studies even as I write this! In fact, joy of joys, a blue rose is purportedly available for sale in the United States; only at select florists of course, though the cost is ten times that of a ‘normal’ rose. When I took a peek on the Internet at the much esteemed rose, I thought the color much more lavender than blue. I already have one of those in my front yard, thank you!

I want real blue: baby, sky, royal, cobalt, azure, sapphire, cerulean, navy or indigo blue!  

So, perhaps you’re wondering, why the blue rose?

The blue rose is regal, majestic, bursting with symbolism: Mysterious, elusive, and inexplicable, it represents a desire for the unattainable, and paradoxically, acquiring that which is impossible as well! The blue rose conveys the hope for the miraculous; it beckons … discreetly, cautiously. Ultimately, the blue rose signifies prosperity, new beginnings, and most fittingly, that glorious royal shade, depicts enchantment with another—and of course, love at first sight… Sigh!

If you look carefully, you’ll find references to blue roses throughout the texts of my first series. Well, that and my favorite color truly is any shade of blue, but most especially, the exquisitely romantic hue of cobalt blue! And anyone that knows me at all can attest to my passion for roses … okay, all flowers!

So, the blue rose does represent me—yes, my china and favorite coffee mug are in fact patterned with deep blue roses—but it also embodies my journey as a writer and author: Stories produced by faith, labors prompted by love, and endurance inspired by hope. I even have a Blue RoseRomance Pinterest board.

The cover of Virtue and Valor, the latest book in my Highland Heather Romancing a Scot Series, reflects my obsession with blue. I’m lucky to have a gifted cover artist who humors me.

Virtue and Valor

Highland Heather Romancing a Scot Series, Book 2

Coming June 24, 2015

BLURB:

Bartholomew Yancy never expected to inherit an English earldom and had no intention of marrying. Now, the Earl of Ramsbury and last in his line, he’s obligated to resign his position as England’s War Secretary, find a wife, and produce an heir. Only one woman holds the least appeal: Isobel Ferguson, an exquisite Scotswoman. Brought to Scotland to mediate between feuding clans, he doggedly woos her. 

Disillusioned with men pursuing her for her attractiveness, rather than her unusual intellect, Isobel has all but abandoned any hope of finding a husband in the Highlands. Not only does she believe Yancy no different than her other suitors, he’s a notorious rake. She’s been told he’s practically betrothed. Therefore, his interest in her cannot possibly be honorable, and so she shuns his attentions.

When Isobel is mistakenly abducted by a band of rogue Scots, Yancy risks his life to rescues her. To salvage her compromised reputation, her brother and father insist she marry him. Yancy readily agrees, but Isobel—knowing full well she’s fated for spinsterhood by refusing his offer— won’t be coerced into marriage. 

Can love unite a reluctant earl and a disenchanted beauty?

BIO:

Bestselling, award-winning author, Collette Cameron, has a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Studies and a Master's in Teaching. Author of the Castle Brides Series, Highland Heather Romancing a Scot Series, and Conundrums of the Misses Culpepper Series, Collette writes Regency and Scottish historicals and makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and five mini-dachshunds. Mother to three and a self-proclaimed Cadbury Chocolate chocoholic, Collette loves a good joke, inspirational quotes, flowers, trivia, and all things shabby chic or cobalt blue. You'll always find dogs, birds, quirky—sometimes naughty—humor, and a dash of inspiration in her novels.

Her motto for life? You can’t have too much chocolate, too many hugs, too many flowers, or too many books. She’s thinking about adding shoes to that list.