Charming, infuriating Dobie Kinnear, widower and manipulator extraordinaire, is battling to retain his wits, his authority, and his only daughter, Pearl. Pearl, a hostage to her ageing father's needs, fiercely resents her role as Dobie's unofficial housekeeper. The years are passing on their southern Riverina farm, and still her life lacks meaning or purpose. She loves the farm with a passion but, tending her rose garden, she dreams of escape. Then a stranger comes to Mamerbrook Farm bearing a secret from the past and a gift for the future. Along with an old scrapbook of roses, a hitchhiking angel, and an onion farmer with a knack for rescuing people, he will turn their world upside down . . . and change their lives forever. The Rose Noteshas been listed for VCE Literature Studies 2008/9/10.