This appeared in Country Music News

The Briar and the Rose
Where music and literature meet
by Mary Black

One of the most beloved ballads of all time is "Barbara Allen". The tragic story of lovers Barbara Allen and Sweet William has been sung throughout England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales since at least the 17th century, possibly earlier, and was brought to America by imigrants.

Throughout the centuries, this haunting ballad has been handed down from generation to generation. In modern times, "Barbara Allen" has been recorded by some of music's most highly acclaimed artists, including Dolly Parton ("Heartsongs") and Emmylou Harris ("Songcatcher Soundtrack").

A fan of Country Music, historical fiction author Laura Mills-Alcott first heard "Barbara Allen" on Dolly Parton's "Heartsongs" CD. Parton's version of the ballad included Gaelige lyrics by Irish group Altan, that, according to Mills-Alcott, "gave 'Barbara Allen' an even more haunting quality".

Touched deeply by the heartrending story of the ill-fated lovers, Mills-Alcott began to research the ballad of "Barbara Allen". Her imagination was fueled by both the ballad and its history, and this ultimately led to her writing the historical fiction novel "The Briar and the Rose", set in Regency era Ireland and England, and based (loosely) on Parton's rendition of "Barbara Allen".

Six months after it was written, "The Briar and the Rose" was named "Story of the Month" by St. Rose Press. In November 2003, "The Briar and the Rose" will be published in hardcover, amidst rave reviews.

While the "impact" of the book can be attributed, in part, to readers' love of "Barbara Allen", Mills-Alcott's unique voice, and the story she weaves around the ballad, must be given credit, as well.

As Shadoe Simmons of "The Best Reviews" says: "A definite five stars, and a long satisfied sigh for the characters, and the writer who brought both a heartbreaking ballad and a love for all time together with a masterful stroke of pen and imagery, leaving the reader well-satisfied and definitely wondering what this amazing writer will come up with next."

And Susie Burkett, reviewer from "about.com" adds: "The imagery in this book is phenomenal. From the Irish countryside to the streets of London, Laura Mills-Alcott paints vivid pictures of the scenes and characters with a seamless romantic flair. Her grasp of human emotion is strong and dead on, keeping the reader enthralled until the end!"

Though she is now a writer of historical fiction, short stories, articles and the occasional celebrity interview, Mills-Alcott's first writing experience was Country Music songs, beginning at the age of twelve. After high school, she moved to Nashville, where some of her songs were published. She also wrote a few jingles for television commercials. Family responsibilities called her back to her native Ohio, where she continued to write music. It was her love of words and music that led her to try her hand at writing full-length fiction, and "The Briar and the Rose", a beautiful tale of love, forgiveness and destiny (Thea Candee, "Romance Reader's Connection"), was born.

Laura Mills-Alcott's second full-length work of fiction is "The Locket", and she is currently working toward completion of a third novel. Readers can read more about her and her books by visiting www.theromanceclub.com/authors/lauramillsalcott

The image on the cover depicts the gardens at Dahlingham. Look closely at the manor house, and you'll see the library window where the Marquess of Castlereagh stood and looked down into the gardens the first time he saw Raven.