Sunday 17 August 2014

The Art of Arranging Flowers by Lynne Branard


Published: June 3 2014
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18693598-the-art-of-arranging-flowers
Source: I received a copy through the goodreads first reads program

SUMMARY

A moving and eloquent novel about love, grief, renewal—and the powerful language of flowers.
 
Ruby Jewell knows flowers. In her twenty years as a florist she has stood behind the counter at the Flower Shoppe with her faithful dog, Clementine, resting at her feet. A customer can walk in, and with just a glance or a few words, Ruby can throw together the perfect arrangement for any occasion.
 
Whether intended to rekindle a romance, mark a celebration, offer sympathy, or heal a broken heart, her expressive floral designs mark the moments and milestones in the lives of her neighbors. It’s as though she knows just what they want to say, just what they need.
 
Yet Ruby’s own heart’s desires have gone ignored since the death of her beloved sister. It will take an invitation from a man who’s flown to the moon, the arrival of a unique little boy, and concern from a charming veterinarian to reawaken her wounded spirit. Any life can be derailed, but the healing power of community can put it right again.

REVIEW

I received this book through the Goodreads first reads program, and I was not to sure what to expect from it, however, there was something that peaked my interest for it or else I would not have entered the contest.

We follow the story of Ruby who owns the local flower shop, and we find out in the first chapter that she is suffering from the loss of her sister who was her best friend. I cannot imagine the pain that she is going through as my sister is also my best friend. The heartache that she must feel would be unbearable. 

She throws herself in to taking over the local flower shop when it comes up for sale. She feels like she has no one left as she grew up with her Grandparents on their farm after being taken away from her Mother. Her Grandparents have since passed away, and so has her sister, she thinks that anyone she loves is just going to die and leave her alone again, so she blocks away any kind of romance at all.

There are a lot of different characters in this novel, from the people that she works with at her shop, to all of the local townspeople. I like all of the character development that we see in all of them, the author did a great job, and this is more of a character study book then anything. 

I did also learn a lot about flowers while reading this book as well, however, it was done in such a way that even if you are not a fan of flowers, it does not take away from anything. 

My personal favourite character in this book would have to be Will, the boy who comes to Ruby's shop in search of a job. Sometimes we forget what it is like to be a child again and seeing the world through their eyes, and how innocent they are about a lot of things. I think that the author did a great job of bringing us back there, and making us realize that sometimes life is not as complicated as we may think.

I would suggest this book for anyone who likes to focus on characters and their development over anything else, it was a really good read, but there was something missing for me, it just did not wow me, so I give it a 3/5.

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