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Dahlia's Bouquet
What would you do? To protect your child? To protect yourself? To Protect your family? Dahlia’s Bouquet, brings to life the heartache and struggles inherent in every family whose foundation is built on secrecy and deception. Five generations of women strong, the story begins in early 1900 Memphis with Daisy, a young bride full of hope and dreams for the future and ends in present day with Dahlia, a teen more lost than she knows whose future is hopelessly stalled by the mystery of her past. Lilly, Violet, and Rose are the links in the chain that can set her free or hold her back forever. Joseph, Stewart, Billy, Rueben & Taylor are the succession of men who live their lives intertwined with the women. More than mere observers they play an integral part in setting the course of circumstances that steer the plot of history played out here. Aguado has very successfully spun a tale of intrigue, love, fear, hope, struggle and desire—a tale that could inspire or frighten us—if we have secrets of our own to keep.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
268 pages, Paperback
First published November 5, 2011
About the author
Tammara Aguado
1 book6 followersTAMMARA AGUADO is a writer based in Chicago, Illinois. The women and men of Dahlia’s Bouquet are inspired by life, love, history, and the author’s own Rainbow Coalition family. This is her debut novel.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 1, 2012
The Ties That Bind
Tammara Aguado’s novel is a heart wrenching and telling tale of the lives of five generations of women scarred in one way or another by society and the limitations and prejudices of the times. “Dahlia’s Bouquet” starts out in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1917 with the life of Daisy, the first generation and ends with the story of the fifth generation Dahlia. Since I feel a lot of the story is in learning the lives of Daisy, Lilly, Violet, Rose and Dahlia, I am going to refrain from giving a more in depth description of the story.
“Dahlia’s Bouquet” was vivid and drew me in from the beginning with Daisy’s story. As each generation’s story unfolded, I felt the pain that each woman endured. The characters are easy to identify with and their stories are mirrors of the many tales of the African American community through the ages. The use of multiple characters is not at all confusing, as they mesh with the story line and make them essential to the story. It has been a long time since I have been so passionate about a story and I found myself sharing with others how good the story was. The layers of each woman were peeled away with each page. I would recommend this to readers of all genres looking for a refreshing story that touches you at the heart.
Reviewed by: Lashonda
4.5 starts
Tammara Aguado’s novel is a heart wrenching and telling tale of the lives of five generations of women scarred in one way or another by society and the limitations and prejudices of the times. “Dahlia’s Bouquet” starts out in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1917 with the life of Daisy, the first generation and ends with the story of the fifth generation Dahlia. Since I feel a lot of the story is in learning the lives of Daisy, Lilly, Violet, Rose and Dahlia, I am going to refrain from giving a more in depth description of the story.
“Dahlia’s Bouquet” was vivid and drew me in from the beginning with Daisy’s story. As each generation’s story unfolded, I felt the pain that each woman endured. The characters are easy to identify with and their stories are mirrors of the many tales of the African American community through the ages. The use of multiple characters is not at all confusing, as they mesh with the story line and make them essential to the story. It has been a long time since I have been so passionate about a story and I found myself sharing with others how good the story was. The layers of each woman were peeled away with each page. I would recommend this to readers of all genres looking for a refreshing story that touches you at the heart.
Reviewed by: Lashonda
4.5 starts
September 26, 2013
Engaging , I started it yesterday and had to finish it today.
November 30, 2011
Daisy and Joseph have settled down, making their home on some land that Joseph won in a bet. They plan to grow a few crops and to raise a family. The future is looking good until one tragic night Daisy’s life changes forever.
Lilly identity is often mistaken. Sometimes the incidents were small sometimes there was a big commotion when people realised that the pale skinned Lilly has a black mother. When the depression hits and Lilly’s mother’s small dress business can’t survive the blow, Lilly and her mother take work amongst the rich doing domestic work. Lilly’s mother encourages Lilly to leave to use her skin colour to get a decent life. To go to a place were nobody knows her parentage. Doing this she becomes friends with a socialite called Doris who introduces Lilly to Stewart who Lilly falls for and she looks to have her future secure and settled.
Will Lilly be able to keep her true identity hidden and be able to enjoy a privilege life?
Violet is going to visit her granddaughter who is going through a difficult time. She has not seen her sixteen year old granddaughter for ten years. At the reunion Violet reveals to her granddaughter about their families past of tragedy, secrets and bad decisions that had pulled the family apart.
This is the debut novel from Tammara Aguado. It is a really moving, powerful and emotional family saga. I found myself getting really attached to the characters and really caring about what happens to them. I would read more books by Tammara she is a wonderful writer. This is a five star book well worth reading.
Lilly identity is often mistaken. Sometimes the incidents were small sometimes there was a big commotion when people realised that the pale skinned Lilly has a black mother. When the depression hits and Lilly’s mother’s small dress business can’t survive the blow, Lilly and her mother take work amongst the rich doing domestic work. Lilly’s mother encourages Lilly to leave to use her skin colour to get a decent life. To go to a place were nobody knows her parentage. Doing this she becomes friends with a socialite called Doris who introduces Lilly to Stewart who Lilly falls for and she looks to have her future secure and settled.
Will Lilly be able to keep her true identity hidden and be able to enjoy a privilege life?
Violet is going to visit her granddaughter who is going through a difficult time. She has not seen her sixteen year old granddaughter for ten years. At the reunion Violet reveals to her granddaughter about their families past of tragedy, secrets and bad decisions that had pulled the family apart.
This is the debut novel from Tammara Aguado. It is a really moving, powerful and emotional family saga. I found myself getting really attached to the characters and really caring about what happens to them. I would read more books by Tammara she is a wonderful writer. This is a five star book well worth reading.
May 4, 2023
How do you review a book when the author is your sister? How will anyone truly believe how wonderful it is? I don’t know the answer to that. But one thing I know for sure is that Dahlia's Bouquet is a fantastic read.
It all begins with a devastating event which alters the fortunes of each generation that follows. From Daisy to Dahlia, the characters are besieged with heartache and tragedy. Remarkably, they survive, and even triumph.
This is one of those books that pulls you in quickly, and holds fast until you've read the last page. You start reading it because you should, and finish reading it because you cannot put it down. It is filled with drama and packed with emotion. There are characters to love and characters to hate. You root for them, cry with them, and perch at the edge of your seat waiting for some to get what's coming to them.
Of all of the stories, the tale of Stuart and Lily touched me most deeply. Even now, thinking about them makes me want to cry.
Dahlia's bouquet is excellently crafted. The plot is tight, the pacing is just right, and the characters are well developed. The continuity between the generations is smooth, without that jarring transition that sometimes occurs in generational sagas. Overall, it is an excellent novel, truly deserving of five stars. I highly recommend it.
Review edited to clarify relationship to author.
It all begins with a devastating event which alters the fortunes of each generation that follows. From Daisy to Dahlia, the characters are besieged with heartache and tragedy. Remarkably, they survive, and even triumph.
This is one of those books that pulls you in quickly, and holds fast until you've read the last page. You start reading it because you should, and finish reading it because you cannot put it down. It is filled with drama and packed with emotion. There are characters to love and characters to hate. You root for them, cry with them, and perch at the edge of your seat waiting for some to get what's coming to them.
Of all of the stories, the tale of Stuart and Lily touched me most deeply. Even now, thinking about them makes me want to cry.
Dahlia's bouquet is excellently crafted. The plot is tight, the pacing is just right, and the characters are well developed. The continuity between the generations is smooth, without that jarring transition that sometimes occurs in generational sagas. Overall, it is an excellent novel, truly deserving of five stars. I highly recommend it.
Review edited to clarify relationship to author.
December 7, 2011
I especially love the characters in this book.
Tammara Aguado’s debut novel, Dahlia’s Bouquet, brings to life the heartache and struggles inherent in every family whose foundation is built on secrecy and deception. Five generations of women strong, the story begins in early 1900 Memphis with Daisy, a young bride full of hope and dreams for the future and ends in present day with Dahlia, a teen more lost than she knows whose future is hopelessly stalled by the mystery of her past. Lilly, Violet, and Rose are the links in the chain that can set her free or hold her back forever. Joseph, Stewart, Billy, Rueben & Taylor are the succession of men who live their lives intertwined with the women. More than mere observers they play an integral part in setting the course of circumstances that steer the plot of history played out here. Aguado has very successfully spun a tale of intrigue, love, fear, hope, struggle and desire—a tale that could inspire or frighten us—if we have secrets of our own to keep. A real page-turner.
Tammara Aguado’s debut novel, Dahlia’s Bouquet, brings to life the heartache and struggles inherent in every family whose foundation is built on secrecy and deception. Five generations of women strong, the story begins in early 1900 Memphis with Daisy, a young bride full of hope and dreams for the future and ends in present day with Dahlia, a teen more lost than she knows whose future is hopelessly stalled by the mystery of her past. Lilly, Violet, and Rose are the links in the chain that can set her free or hold her back forever. Joseph, Stewart, Billy, Rueben & Taylor are the succession of men who live their lives intertwined with the women. More than mere observers they play an integral part in setting the course of circumstances that steer the plot of history played out here. Aguado has very successfully spun a tale of intrigue, love, fear, hope, struggle and desire—a tale that could inspire or frighten us—if we have secrets of our own to keep. A real page-turner.
October 18, 2012
This well written story is about life, love, struggle, family secrets, and overcoming them all to be strong enough to be the backbone for the younger generation, who always seem to get the short end of the stick when it comes to knowing their family's history.
I absolutely loved reading this book! The author is a great storyteller and was so detailed to where she had me feeling like I was lounging on my couch on a lazy Sunday afternoon watching one of those tear jerking movies. You can get very attached emotionally to these characters. Job well done!
Alecia T.
AAMBC Reviewer
I absolutely loved reading this book! The author is a great storyteller and was so detailed to where she had me feeling like I was lounging on my couch on a lazy Sunday afternoon watching one of those tear jerking movies. You can get very attached emotionally to these characters. Job well done!
Alecia T.
AAMBC Reviewer
December 31, 2018
A very good read. My one complaint is a good complaint. It was too short. I would have liked to have read more on some of the characters, spent more time with them. I like how the author is able to quickly sum up a character with a phrase or two, and then move on to add color and shading to that person. The pacing and rhythm were excellent as well as her ability to set a scene.
I really recommend this book and hope she writes more. Soon.
I really recommend this book and hope she writes more. Soon.
November 19, 2011
This is easily a five star novel. I was constantly drawn to my computer so that I could discover how the story would unfold, and once I got to the end I wanted more. You feel connected with the characters and will surely develop a favorite (or favorites) because of their unique personalities and stories.
I strongly recommend the read.
I strongly recommend the read.
March 13, 2012
This book kept me coming back for more and I found myself attached to the characters as if I was part of the story. Wonderfully written. Tammara Aguado did a fantastic job with this novel and I'm looking to reading her next novel.
December 6, 2011
Funny we have the same name...lol. I'm the author, so please read and let me know what you think.
November 17, 2011
I just finished it. It's a great book!
April 15, 2012
At times hard to follow because it's a jump back in time,jump forward in time_overall,interesting read.Easy & quick read_except when you're reading several other books like me!
June 5, 2012
this was such a great book! an easy read and very intriguing. i loved it. i definitely recommend it.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews