Summary: I really enjoyed reading this novel and definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a little romance and a great heroine.
I read The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh a while ago, but when searching through my Goodreads account I came across it and remembered how much I loved this book, so I wanted to share!
Goodreads Synopsis:
A mesmerizing, moving, and elegantly written debut novel, The Language of Flowers beautifully weaves past and present, creating a vivid portrait of an unforgettable woman whose gift for flowers helps her change the lives of others even as she struggles to overcome her own troubled past.
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.
There are so many reasons that I enjoyed the book, but the first is that I loved the main character. She came from a very humble childhood and worked hard to get to the places that she wanted to be. She is honest, talented and compassionate, and it certainly helps when you love the main character!
Another thing I enjoyed about this book is how each flower had a particular meaning. I love finding meaning behind things, whether it’s symbols, people’s names, names of animals, etc. I really enjoy when everything has another more special and hidden meaning.
Lastly, and most importantly, I loved the story! It wasn’t exactly what I expected to happen, but that’s what I love in a book. Even if it’s the ending I hoped for, I appreciate when the author gets there in an unexpected way. I really enjoyed reading this novel and definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a little romance and a great heroine.