Review: The Art of Arranging Flowers by Lynne Branard

Publish Date: June 3, 2014
Publisher: Berkley Trade

Synopsis: 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. - from goodreads.com

Review: I would be lying if I said that I was hooked on this book from the start. The truth is, I started reading this a few times, each time getting through the first chapter and putting it down. But once I got past the first few chapters and the plot really got going, I was hooked. I could NOT put this down! Throughout the story, Ruby is prim and proper to the point that she was making me crazy. I wanted to yell into the book "Take a chance!!! Live a little!!!" But it turns out that's what most of this book is about. Taking a chance. Learning to let your guard down and let things or people in.

The cast of characters were all different but each lent their own wisdom, experiences, and advice. Ruby touches so many lives through her flowers that it's nice to see how many people touch hers as well. Though she is still grieving the loss of her sister 20 years prior, she has such a family with the people of Creekside, Washington. It made me yearn for small town life.

One of my favorite parts of this story was learning about the flowers themselves. Ruby knows which flowers are good for healing different ailments, which ones improve different moods, even which ones can give people a boost to fall in love. I found this extremely fascinating.

Overall, the moral of this story is to let people in because as they say..."All you need is love and lilies."

Recommended For: Fans of contemporary, women's fiction. Debbie Macomber fans.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

*Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review.