The Victorian language of flowers was used to convey romantic expressions: honeysuckle for devotion, asters for patience, and red roses for love. But for Victoria Jones, it’s been more useful in communicating grief, mistrust, and solitude. After a childhood spent in the foster-care system, she is unable to get close to anybody, and her only connection to the world is through flowers and their meanings Now eighteen and emancipated from the system, Victoria has nowhere to go and sleeps in a public park, where she plants a small garden of her own. Soon a local florist discovers her talents, and Victoria realizes she has a gift for helping others through the flowers she chooses for them. But a mysterious vendor at the flower market has her questioning what’s been missing in her life, and when she’s forced to confront a painful secret from her past, she must decide whether it’s worth risking everything for a second chance at happiness.
How wonderful to read a book unlike any other. I learned so much about the language of flowers from the Victorian era. Who knew that flowers spoke so loudly? Expressing everything from jealousy to devotion to passion to hate. It’s incredible. I am happy to report that I liked and was rooting for Victoria, the protagonist, and her growth throughout the book. I was warned from some bookish friends that she was unlikable. The foster system is it’s own silent character and of course it’s flaws are expressed throughout the story. The characters were simple and honest and led me quietly into their world. I was lucky enough to read an ARC of this book and then meet the author at a local book store book signing. The author is a baby, only 33 years old! It was evident she’s determined to better the foster system as she herself has two foster children in addition to her own two biological kids. If this book is an indication of what’s coming next from her we’re in luck.
Quotes I liked:
Over time, we would learn each other and I would learn to love her like a mother loves a daughter, imperfectly and without roots.”
-“Perhaps the unattached, the unwanted, the unloved, could grow to give love as lushly as anyone else.”
Amoral, cunning, ruthless, and instructive, this multi-million-copy New York Times bestseller is the definitive manual for anyone interested in gaining, observing, or defending against ultimate control – from the author of The Laws of Human Nature. I... read more
Upon your recommendation I read this book, and have since lent (yes, I still like books instead of kindle) it to many friends. Everyone who has read it, including myself, have loved story. Vanessa Diffenbaugh is brilliant. Marilyn B.
Anonymous
on January 4, 2013 at 1:17 pm
I just read this book. I don’t know how I could have missed it when it was published. Just gave it to my daughter to read. I am sure she will love it. Loved your review!!! SusanMarie F
Now even younger children can follow the little green caterpillar as he eats his way to becoming a beautiful butterfly in this sturdy board book Great for early development Children will enjoy this delightful tale Ages 2 to 5
Review:Drive Me Crazy by Carly Robyn blew me away with its humor, heart, and heat. I’m newer to rom-com (Romantic Comedy) and after reading quite a few of them, I totally think that this one shines above.Full disclosure, I know the author quite well. She’s my daughter; but it’s the honest truth when I say I loved the heck out of this book. I was literally laughing out loud at some points and fell hard in love with Blake, the broody Brit, and Ella, the relatable journalist who could be my BFF.The pacing of the story was spot on as I fell into the fast-paced life of an F1 driver, and the toll racing takes on both their minds and bodies. I appreciated the slow burn to the ultimately spicy and steamy romance. It made the wait and tension totally worth the wait! For me, smart conversation and good banter can make or break a book. This one had so much wit and humor that I’d be happy with that alone.The settings in this book take the reader all around Europe which makes for great escapes. Ella, who hails from Chicago before moving to New York, offers many local references which I loved.On top of the heart, humor and heat, there are also some serious issues woven through the book such a loss of a parent, mental illness, and sexual abuse. These issues are presented with sensitivity and care.Bottom line, if you’re looking for a book to make you laugh with a good dollop of spice, pick this one up. Readers are all saying they can’t wait for the second in the series.@carlyrobynauthor 📘Have you ever watched an Formula One race? OR Favorite trope in rom-coms? ... See MoreSee Less
Upon your recommendation I read this book, and have since lent (yes, I still like books instead of kindle) it to many friends. Everyone who has read it, including myself, have loved story. Vanessa Diffenbaugh is brilliant.
Marilyn B.
I just read this book. I don’t know how I could have missed it when it was published. Just gave it to my daughter to read. I am sure she will love it.
Loved your review!!!
SusanMarie F