Always Orchid

by Carol Van Den Hende

Shortlisted for the 2023 Hawthorne Prize for Fiction

He almost let her go. Her past could tear them apart. But a love like theirs is worth fighting for...

Phoenix Walker will never be the same. Nine months after a heroic act leaves him forever changed, he refuses to hurt Orchid Paige ever again.

Orchid is ready to forgive. Convincing her guy she still loves him, no matter his injuries, she works to rebuild their intimacy. But their move to her family's ancestral country unveils China's superstitions against people with disabilities. Worse, their friend's life has been upended by those prejudices.

Will Phoenix and Orchid find a way to beat the odds and turn discrimination into acceptance?

Always Orchid is the riveting third book in the Goodbye, Orchid contemporary fiction series, and can be read as a standalone. If you like relatable characters, surprising twists, and stories that pull on your emotions, then you'll love award-winning author Carol Van Den Hende's journey to unconditional acceptance.

348 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 24, 2023

About the author

Carol Van Den Hende is the award-winning author of forthcoming Dear Orchid, Orchid Blooming, Goodbye, Orchid and Always Orchid which are inspired by wounded veterans and have won 40+ literary awards, including the American Fiction Award, IAN Outstanding Fiction First Novel Award, and Royal Dragonfly for Disability Awareness.

Buzzfeed, Parade, and Travel+Leisure named “heartwarming, heartbreaking” Goodbye, Orchid a most anticipated read. Glamour Magazine recommended this “modern, important take on the power of love.” The International Pulpwood Queens, selected all 3 Goodbye, Orchid books as Books-of-the-Month.

Carol’s mission is unlocking optimism as a writer, speaker, strategist, Board member and Climate Reality Leader. One secret to her good fortune? Her humorous husband and twins, who prove that love really does conquer all.

Please sign up for Carol’s newsletter at carolvandenhende.com/contact or linktr.ee/cvdh

If you enjoyed reading the Goodbye Orchid series, she would appreciate it if you would:

Recommend them: Please help other readers find her books by recommending them to friends, readers’ groups, and discussion boards.

Review them: Please tell others you liked her books by reviewing them at Amazon, Goodreads and Bookbub. When you do write a review, please drop her a line at http://www.CarolVanDenHende.com/contact

Thank you!

ORCHID BLOOMING HONORS

■2023 Independent Press Award​ Best Contemporary Novel
■2022 International Chanticleer Chatelaine Award 1st Place Winner
■The Pulpwood Queen June 2023 International Book of the Month
■2022 Pinnacle Achievement Award Best Multicultural Fiction Book
■2022 Royal Dragonfly Awards 1st Place Winner Cultural Diversity, 2nd Place Winner Cover Design
■2022 Shelf Unbound Best Indie Book Top 100 Notable Book Winner
■2022 Best Book Award 1st Place Multicultural Fiction Winner
■2022 American Writing Award Winner Women's Fiction Finalist, Multicultural Fiction Winner
■2022 Reader's Favorite 5-star Review
■2023 Book Excellence Award​ Best Book Cover
■2022 INTERNATIONAL BOOK AWARD FINALIST
■2022 NEW YORK BOOK FESTIVAL HONORABLE MENTION
■2022 BEACH BOOK FESTIVAL HONORABLE MENTION
■2022 JULY INTERNATIONAL IMPACT AWARD
■2022 HOLLYWOOD BOOK FESTIVAL HONORABLE MENTION
■2022 OUTSTANDING CREATOR AWARDS: Women's Fiction, Literary & Contemporary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Romance, Drama, Best Couple
■2022 BOOK FEST 2nd Place Award
■2023 Independent Press Award​ Best Contemporary Novel

GOODBYE, ORCHID HONORS
■2020 American Fiction Award WINNER urban fiction
■2020 Pinnacle Achievement Award WINNER multicultural fiction
■2020 Outstanding Fiction IAN Book Award for Best New Novel 50-80K words
■2020 Royal Dragonfly Award WINNER Cover Design and Special Needs/Disability Awareness
■2020 New York Book Festival General Fiction Honorable Mention
■2020 Best Book Award Finalist: Best New Fiction and Fiction: General
■2021 Chanticleer International Book Chatelaine Award 1st Place Winner
■The Write Review Top 2020 Favorite
■In D'Tale Magazine Crowned Heart 5-stars
■Audiobook Reviewer 2020 New Author of the Year
■2021 Book Excellence award for Interior Design
■2021 Authorshout award Recommended Read
■2021 Kops-Fetherling International Award Multicultural Fiction Gold
■2021 American Advertising Award Hampton Roads branch Book Cover Gold Medal Addy
■2021 National Indie Excellence Book Award (NIEA) Multicultural Fiction Winner
■2021 Annie Award 1st Place Finalist
■2021 Zibby Award nominee for interior design
■2022 International Pulpwood Queens and Timber Guys May Bonus Book of the Month
■ 2022 Summer Outstanding Creator Awards Grand Prize Honorable Mention; 2nd Place Women’s Fiction, Multicultural, Romance, and Drama; 3rd Place Literary & Contemporary Fiction; Honorable Mention Best Couple

BUZZFEED Top 12 Most Anticipated Fall Reads
PARADE Most Anticipated Books of Fall 2020
TRAVEL+LEISURE Most Anticipated Books of Fall
POPSUGAR Best New

Reviews

[Claudia Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

This compelling story of love and heartbreak, forgiveness and redemption certainly showcases the author’s writing skill. She has a way of bringing every emotion to the surface with such relatable characters; and handles such subjects as discrimination and cultural differences gracefully. Both Orchid and Phoenix really came alive for me in this third book in the award-winning Orchid Series.

I wish to thank Carol Van Den Hende and the publishers for this wonderful ending of the Orchid series. The ideas contained in this review are strictly my own.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carol Van Den Hende has written an engaging addition to the Orchid trilogy that works equally well as a stand alone novel. Her book, Always Orchid, picks up the story of Phoenix & Orchid where her novel Goodby Orchid ends. While the story follows their romantic relationship, this series is replete with themes that delve much deeper than romance.

Phoenix has recently become disabled after trying to stop a homeless man from jumping onto a subway track. Orchid suffers tremendously from the death of her parents due to a tragic car accident when she was a child. This leaves her with deep-seated abandonment issues, guilt, and PTSD symptoms when confronted with triggers related to accidents & injuries.

Always Orchid follows the emotional twist and turns of these two characters as they try to figure out if they can maintain a loving relationship without causing each other further pain as a result of their own individual pain. The author expertly uses this as a vehicle to bring compassionate awareness to the real life challenges faced by people who have experienced trauma, and who live with physical disabilities. I can’t imagine anyone not coming away from reading this with a new appreciation or respect for someone who in some way resembles one of the characters.

For those who have read Goodbye Orchid, I was hooked from the first page of Always Orchid when I saw that the author wrote from a totally new perspective about the night Phoenix was injured. It felt like a peeling back of a curtain to let the reader peek in to a more 3 dimensional version of what occurred. In this alone is a lesson about perspective.

Also for anyone who has read either of Carol Van Den Hende’s first two books in the series, we get a little more Caleb (full disclosure, I am totally #teamCaleb !!)

A great heartfelt read - I totally recommend.

[Lovely Loveday]

He nearly allowed her to slip away, fearing that her troubled past might unravel their bond. However, a love as profound as theirs is undeniably worth battling for. Always Orchid, by Carol Van Den Hende, is an enthralling tale that explores the depths of love and the anguish of heartbreak, while also delving into the themes of forgiveness and redemption. Van Den Hende's exceptional writing prowess is evident throughout the narrative, as she effortlessly draws out many emotions from her readers. Moreover, her deft characterization allows us to connect deeply with the story's protagonists, while her adept handling of sensitivity adds a layer of grace to the overall narrative.

[David Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A deeply satisfying conclusion to a thoughtful and enriching series. This one has all the 'feels' and I was here for all of it. The ups and downs of a relationship between two damaged people and the realities of dealing with mental and physical disabilities. It's all handled with such care, grace and compassion that the reading experience leaves you with a newfound perspective. At its core this is a contemporary romance novel but it is also so much more. The writing is rich in detail and cinematic. The characters are handled with care and respect. The story is epic!

Thank you to the author for gifting me a copy to read, review and enjoy.

[Jeannee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A powerful, emotional story, Always Orchid follows the welcome reunion of lovers Phoenix and Orchid only to have the demons of his injuries and the ghosts of her past drive them apart again. Carol Van Den Hende’s artistic gaze is unflinching in the depiction of Phoenix’s recovery and Orchid’s ongoing PTSD. Propulsive and richly detailed, this third book in the Goodbye, Orchid series is an absorbing read. Absolutely gripping!

[Laure · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful conclusion to this series. Some unexpected secrets were uncovered yet again challenging Orchid and Phoenix's bond to each other. Didn't want the series to end!!

[Phyllis Jones Pisanelli Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always Orchid by Carol Van Den Hende is a must read. It is actually the third book in the series about a woman named Orchid. This book is written as a stand alone novel and if you don’t read the other two books you won’t be lost at all. In fact, I still have not gone back and read the first book yet. I will. I just have to find the time in my packed schedule. I loved these two books that I read and they pulled out so many emotions from my heart, soul and right down to my tippy toes!

This book is about Orchid and all that she has gone through in her life. She has had a major tragedy that will never leave her. Phoenix Walker becomes her love interest. These two have not come through life unscathed. Phoenix is a man to look up to and has also had tragedy in his life. 

What I really like about these books is the insights we get into what each of them are thinking. Do we ever feel like we are enough for the one we love? What these two go through and what they have gone through and still they keep trying. They sometimes work together and sometimes they pull apart. I was always pulling for them and you will too as you read their story.

I don’t want to ruin anything for you but, I will say this. If more people put the work and love into their relationships that these two do there would be more successful unions. I’m not saying one way or the other whether they make it. I’m just saying the effort was there. I admire them and this book.

This book deals with disabilities and how they are seen in different parts of the world and the superstitions about folks with disabilities. I didn’t know some of this before reading Always Orchid. I think you will love the charitable spirit that comes out of this book. There are so many things to love about this story. There is also a homeless man that we meet and learn to admire for the steps he takes in his life.

This book is not all fluff and not just a love story. This book has a lot of good that comes out of it. We all need to look harder at how disabled people are treated and at why we have so many homeless people in our country. This is a beautifully written story and I highly recommend you picking up a copy for yourself.

If you love a book that makes you stop and think. That makes you actually put the book down and think about your preconceived notions then this just might be the book you need to read next. Until next time…Happy Reading!

I received a complimentary copy from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Don’t forget to support the authors you read by leaving a review!

[Bambi Rathman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, my gosh! Always Orchid.....Always Phoenix...this is how I feel about these characters and the amazing stories Ms. Van Den Hende created and then dropped them into my heart. From the very first words in the book that grabbed hold of my emotions, to the very last sentences, I was in a story with characters I completely connected to and that I felt so much for. Their ups and downs pulled at my heart and I was compelled to reach out in love and compassion for them. I love that the character, Roy, spoke to her and his story comes out, too. It's like putting in the last piece of the puzzle.

I have a book hangover from such an amazing story written with intricate details and emotional passages that took my heart and tore it to pieces and then in the compassionate and sensitive way the author has of writing, she mends it back together. I find myself almost speechless trying to form words for a review. Wow! How Ms. Van Den Hende took me into the emotional depths of her characters is beyond description. This series grabs hold and doesn't let go. I couldn't tear myself away from the pages. This was more than a casual read, this was an experience a third time over.

There are so many emotions that were pulled out of me through her characters. Each character written with purpose and depth. I'm in awe of her talent and her exceptional ability to put me in the pages like she did. I especially appreciate her compassion for what these traumatic injuries do to people. This is a story that will be in my heart for a very long time. Or dare I say....Always!

This is an amazing read! My review is so inadequate for how powerful and emotional this series and this book is. It was unputdownable!!! Yes, Phoenix and Orchid expanded my heart. I want to thank Ms. Van Den Hende for the honor of reading this story that so sincerly came from her heart and from the inspiration of combat wounded veterans. This is an extraordinary series! It's so worth much more than five stars! Thank you for the honor and privilege of reading this touching conclusion to an amazing series. This is my honest and heartfelt review.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the third book in The Goodbye Orchid Trilogy and it continues Orchid and Phoenix’s story and omg it is definitely a must read but have the tissues ready because you are definitely going to need them. This book picks up where Goodbye Orchid ends and Orchid and Phoenix love story continues but not without many ups and downs along the way. When Phoenix tried to stop a homeless man from jumping in front of a train it completely changed Phoenix’s life in every single way possible as he is severely injured and ends up disabled while trying desperately to push Orchid away because he doesn’t want to be a burden or her stay with him out of pity and in this book they will have to overcome many obstacles if they are going to be able to make there relationship work especially after what they had both gone through in there lives. Orchid had not only survive the accident which killed her parents but she also came away with her own serious injuries, survivors guilt, abandonment issues and PTSD which can be triggered at anytime. When Orchid and Phoenix eventually live together in China due to her job things are not easy because of living in a different culture along with there ways and discrimination against disability but with the love that Orchid and Phoenix have for each other is so strong and deep they will have to work hard to move forward together and get over everything that is thrown at them along with the baggage, insecurities and situations that could tear them apart if there relationship wasn’t as strong as it was and only then can they get the happiness and future that they deserve after everything that they had both been through. This book takes you on a rollercoaster ride of so many different emotions and I just couldn’t put it down as it is addictive, captivating, emotional and amazing and the story pulls you in and just will not let you go and it is written with so much care and compassion on some very delicate and difficult subjects and will have you in tears so many times because what Orchid and Phoenix had gone through was heartbreaking but if your love is strong enough and you don’t give in it will always find a way to win. Carole has written a true masterpiece with this trilogy and the story will stay with you long after you have finished reading it and I can’t wait to see what Carol writes next and I will definitely be there for the journey.

[Linda Zagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carol Van Den Hende, the Author of “Always Orchid,” has written a significant, memorable, and thought-provoking novel. The genres for this novel are Contemporary Fiction, Fiction, and Romance. I appreciate that Carol Van Den Hende writes about trauma, physically and emotionally challenged people, handicaps, disabilities, discrimination, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. In this well-written novel, the author discusses forgiveness, acceptance, honest communication, and redemption.

The author vividly describes the scenes, the timeline, and the dramatic characters. Orchid Paige suffers PTSD from the tragic death of her parents. Orchid works hard and is headed to China for a Cosmetics Company. Orchid has deep feelings for Phonenix Walker, who has promised never to hurt Orchid. Phoenix had made a promise to his father to look after Orchid.

Phoenix is a twin and CEO of a company. Life changes drastically for Phoenix when he tries to stop a stranger from jumping in front of a train. His good deed will cause him tremendous physical and emotional challenges. Phoenix is disabled and learning to live his life. He is fearful his injuries will traumatize Orchid. He must learn that Orchid cares for and doesn’t pity him. Phoenix is willing to compromise to be with Orchid and goes to China, where she works. The people in China are not accepting of people with handicaps, and there is discrimination. There are twists and turns and secrets.

Phoenix and Orchid want to make a difference in helping people with disabilities and are determined to do so. I highly recommend this amazing novel.

[Colleen T · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Always Orchid" concludes the "Goodbye Orchid" series with Phoenix and Orchid finding their way back to each other while also navigating their newfound circumstances and deep insecurities. They rebuild their relationship both at home in New York City and through their living arrangement in China. Orchid and Phoenix discover how to understand and potentially change the discrimination present in China and around the world toward people with disabilities. The couple realizes that no matter who they meet, they have influenced the next steps in their life, even if they don't stay in their lives on a long-term basis. They also learn how to forgive.

I loved this story from beginning to end. I was rooting for Orchid and Phoenix to reunite in "Goodbye, Orchid" and got my wish in this book. I was captivated by how Orchid and Phoenix handled their relationship after Phoenix's accident and Orchid overcomes her fears through Phoenix's recovery. I was rooting for them, no matter what the outcome of their relationship turned out to be.

I also liked how Carol Van Den Hende included Roy's perspective in the story. Understanding how and why he ended up where he was on that day that Phoenix saved him and thereafter was interesting because it made the story more well-rounded. I also liked his redemptive arc in the story, even if he did it in a questionable fashion.

I highly recommend that you pick this up to find out the "fate" of Orchid and Phoenix's relationship. Their love story is tied up in a nice little bow, presented as a gift of a story to its reader.

[Susan (The Book Bag) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always Orchid lives up to the wonderfulness of the other two books in this series. Written as book three of the Goodbye Orchid series, this can definitely be read as a standalone. The author does a great job of filling in the story but to experience the depth of the characters and their love, I would recommend reading all three.

I love both Orchid and Phoenix. They have had their share of hardships and drama but they have a love that is meant to be, no matter what. I just wanted them to work through all the issues and get to their satisfyingly great love story!

The introduction of a new character on the first page and seeing where his life went, helped satisfy that issue of the story for me. And I love how the author has taken up the cause to support disabled veterans. "The Goodbye, Orchid series came about as a way to pay homage to the wounded veterans who inspired me." (Carol Van Den Hende)

Always Orchid is an emotional, fulfilling look at two people who are meant to be together, and the trials they go through to get there. Total star-crossed lovers. So much drama.... so much love. I love this series and all of the characters within the pages. I, honestly, am a little sad that the Orchid/Phoenix story is over. I highly recommend the entire series!

And I have to say this as a parting comment—these covers are absolutely amazing, aren't they? Their beautifulness is what drew me in to begin with. Anyway, pick up these books, you will not be disappointed!

[Linda Leddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like romance and contemporary fiction you will love this book and the two books that came before it: Orchid Blooming and Goodbye Orchid. The author writes with such honesty and compassion about the characters she has brought to life. Phoenix is head of an ad agency who falls in love with a marketing wiz from Estée Lauder. The characters themselves become more and more real as you read. They have real trust issues, insecurities, hopes, dreams, determination, ambitions, frailty, strength, love and more.

I enjoyed this book for many reasons but the most important is how much I learned from it. I learned about homelessness from the point of view of a homeless person. I learned what can happen to a person who has a traumatic amputation, even after they think their physical wounds have healed and they have gone through rehab. I learned that perhaps people should not make decisions based on protecting another person because that person deserves to make their own decisions. I learned about how disabled people are viewed and treated in China.

I love stories that speak to me but also expand my understanding of the world. The love story part of this book is seamlessly woven into dealing with careers, family, and personal trauma, just like in real life. One of the main things that kept me reading this book was that Phoenix and Orchid are fundamentally kind people. Therefore they treat each other and anyone that they interact with, with kindness and respect. We need more of this in the world and this story promotes kindness without even trying.

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author has delivered a real page-turner! This exciting final book in the Goodbye, Orchid series is a story of love, heartbreak, forgiveness, and redemption. “Always Orchid” is a rollercoaster of emotions! I felt a deep connection with Orchid and Phoenix and appreciated the nuances in their personalities.

As with the previous two books in the series, Phoenix continues to deal with the blow to his self-esteem and the perception of how others may now see him after losing an arm and a leg in an accident. Orchid still battles her PTSD demons after witnessing the tragic death of her parents. Both Phoenix and Orchid will need to dig deep into their own perceived inadequacies if they are to find their way back to each other.

While the book is primarily a romance, it delves into deeper themes, addressing issues like trauma, discrimination against people with disabilities and PTSD. The author’s extensive research provided a realistic view of the complications people with disabilities deal with every day.

I did tire of the many references to how adorable Orchid was. Orchid is a strong, independent woman, and I felt the focus on her cuteness takes away from her strength. And Roy, the homeless man Phoenix saved, needed more development.

Overall, I recommend this book for readers who enjoy emotional stories with well-crafted characters, surprising twists, and themes that tug at the heartstrings.

I received a copy of the book compliments of #BookSparks, but all opinions expressed here are my own.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Because this novel is the third and last book in the series, I decided to read the first book Orchid Blooming before diving into this one. I'm glad I did because the first book in a series is the best way to get introduced to the main characters. Having said this, the author does a great job of including the backstory from the previous two books in this one. I chose not to read the second book and this didn't affect my enjoyment of this one.

Nine months after Phoenix's accident, he and Orchid decide to give their relationship a second chance. Orchid is returning to China for at least another year and Phoenix has decided to go with her. Here is where this book shines: we see the lives of two people who love each other but need to adjust to the reality of living with physical and psychological disabilities. I appreciated the author's research into what life is like for those who suffer from traumatic injuries and need to rebuild their lives.

Orchid and Phoenix were great characters. I thought Phoenix was a bit too perfect, never showing anger at the dramatic and life-altering change he was experiencing. Maybe some of this was addressed in the second book. I loved the ending and it brought the various themes that ran through this trilogy to a satisfying and touching finale.

If you like stories of triumphing over adversities, cross-cultural relationships, altruism, forgiveness, and resiliency, you will find this trilogy satisfying and memorable.

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I first met Orchid and Phoenix in 𝐎𝐫𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐝 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠, and I knew back then these two were characters that had so much to give, or maybe take, as they toyed with my emotions.

Orchid and Phoenix have had this “will they won’t they” relationship - pain and trauma from their past is a huge wedge between them. Now, as they try to start anew, Phoenix, a handsome businessman, makes a sacrificial decision to save a homeless man from jumping in front of an oncoming train. He saves the man but it costs Phoenix his arm and leg.

Phoenix’s disability is now a concern for their budding relationship, as Orchid has deep-seated PTSD and other issues resulting from her parent’s accident and their death. Orchid is also heading to China for work, which puts another strain on their relationship.

I appreciated that we got Orchid and Phoenix’s POV; it helped to understand how both felt about the relationship, the trust issues, and Phoenix’s disability.

Although this is a love story at heart, you’ll be hard-pressed to close this book and not have a greater respect for those with disabilities.


Thank you @BookSparks and @carolvendenhende for a spot on tour and a gifted book.

[Kate Czyzewski · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always Orchid by Carol Van Den Hende is the third installment of the Orchid Series. For those of you that have followed TR Books since the start, we've had the privilege of hosting Carol for the releases of each of these books. Every time she comes to visit, it's such a treat- and we say this all the time....our events with authors visiting enhances our reading experience!
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Our main character, Phoenix is back nine months after his heroic act that changes the entire scope of his life. Orchid has never stopped loving Phoenix and it's clear that their love is one for the ages. The main character, Orchid suffers from PTSD. What I love most about Carol's writing is that she tackles tough subjects with such grace and care.
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For those of us who have followed the journey of Phoenix and Orchid, this book will break your heart and put it back together at the same time. Love is not always linear, and sometimes, the broken parts of us are what shape us for the better.
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Copies of all Carol's books are available at Thunder Road Books!

[Lynn Lok-Payne · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful story about two people who find it hard to accept love and help from others but also to accept themselves. It's a moving narrative of how we push people away because we don't feel we are enough. We can feel that we're not worthy of love, whether this is self-imposed (many times unconsciously), past emotional trauma, and/or our physical appearance.

The author brilliantly writes and gives a voice to some of the challenges people with disabilities experience. It's heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. But in the end we understand Orchid's and Phoenix's journey and can even see a little of them in ourselves. It is a book of strength, perseverance, self-reflection, and healing. When we can get to a place of loving who we are in this very moment, that's were we find peace.

This book is part three in the series, but you can begin with this one. It's a stand alone all by itself. The author does a great job of summarizing previous books so you won't be lost. I've not read book one yet. Book two I've also given 5 stars! You won't be disappointed!

[Lainey Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this fascinating finish to the Goodbye Orchid books. This third installment brings the series to a delicious and satisfying conclusion.

Phoenix and Orchid's love story feels timeless, with their devotion to each other. Their obstacles are real—her fear, his new disability after a crushing subway accident, physical distance, and career challenges.

Despite their circumstances, the protagonists cling to their love and refuse to give up. I appreciated how this love story depicts real-life challenges and the importance of both partners putting in equal effort to make their relationship work.

Plus, the author added an interesting new angle that brings the story full-circle. We meet Roy, the homeless man who caused Phoenix’s accident and disability (when Phoenix fell on the train tracks to save him). In this inspiring novel, Roy lives his own story of redemption.

Always Orchid novel touches on important issues around living and loving despite disability challenges, forgiveness, redemption, and love. A beautiful, poignant, love-filled read that you don't want to miss!

[Alis Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

Always Orchid by Carol Van Den Hende started as it meant to go on – an emotional roller coaster. The prose was well written and flowed like a good river should with ebbs and waves. The relationship between Phoenix and his twin brother Caleb was enthralling. I really enjoyed the conversation between the two. There were surprises early on in the book which kept me intrigued and guessing and the surprises kept on coming.
The characters were well developed and felt real to me which added to the authenticity. As I was invested in the main protagonists the book became more of an emotional rollercoaster with Orchid and Phoenix’s relationship. I liked the fact that each chapter came form a different point of view.
In conclusion a great book that I couldn’t put down, be ready for an emotional journey with the main protagonists that may well leave you laughing and crying a great book for lovers of romance but although it was a book about love, it was also about adversity, hope, fear and triumph.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

After a devastating accident, Phoenix decides it would be best to let Orchid continue her life without him. He can’t deal with causing her PTSD to flair up because of him and he can’t change what happened.

Once Orchid finds out about the accident, she decides maybe Phoenix is right. Maybe she should just continue on with her life without him in it. However, after a lot of thought, she realizes she loves Phoenix, no matter what. Now she just must get him to realize that. And she just might be able to give him a new outlook on his own life and others in similar situations.

I’ll admit that the author had me worried there for a while. I wasn’t sure her ending to the story was going to be what I wanted to have happen.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Katie Katieneedsabiggerbookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the horrifying accident that left him with nothing lower than his knee, or past his elbow, Phoenix pulled away from Orchid. When he finally got himself together to fight for her, she was moving to China for a job. He quickly decides to follow her there, their love is worth it. They both still have past traumas to overcome though…will their love prevail?

This was such a heartbreaking story, but heartwarming at the same time? The story of Phoenix and Roy and how the accident happened was so hard and seriously broke my heart, especially with how Roy used that horrible day to change his life. Meanwhile, I loved Orchid and hated the little things that kept pulling her and Phoenix apart. I just adored that she kept proving that his scars did not take away from who he was or take away her love for him. This is a book that will leave you thinking long after you turn the last page.

[Betty Koval · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have just finished reading the last book (Always Orchid) in Carol Van Den Hende’s trilogy. This is a beautiful love story with elements of our society we tend to turn our eyes from - the homeless and those who have lost limbs. This book is about a young couple trying to find a way to love each other and deal with past tragedies which have caused current difficulties. Well written to include the compassion for others with limb loss, PTSD, and those contemplating suicide. The depths of worthlessness a person can sink to is addressed by the homeless man, who after the accident tries to redeem himself. Orchid & Phoenix finally learn to openly communicate with each other. When they do they realize they knew the answers they had been searching for. Get this read this and enjoy the journey of this couple and the people they meet along the way!
Thanks for a beautiful story Carol!

[Mai Ling Chan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a lovely surprise! I was prepared for a classic love story and was impressed with the vulnerability and honesty shared from the lived-experience perspective of an acquired disability. As a publisher of anthologies by disability leaders, I am attracted to the more real and raw side of the journey. Always Orchid captured my heart by allowing me to move through the character's candid and often deeply touching emotions as they attempted to navigate a novel relationship - with the added nuance of a physical disability and all of the considerations that come with just dealing with daily life. Carol Van Den Hende deserves recognition for her ability to represent both the subtle and overt details of navigating this new life from both the individual's perspective, as well as a potential partner's.

[Barbara Conrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Carol Van Den Hende makes no secret of her goal to enlighten the public about the plight of disabled veterans in her Phoenix and Orchid book series. Her commitment to highlighting the struggles disabled people face daily is awe-inspiring. We cannot help if we cannot see.

In this third book in the series, Always Orchid, the author presents the final chapter of Orchid and Phoenix’s heartbreaking love story (if you haven’t read Orchid Blooming and Goodbye Orchid, I highly recommend them both). Now, in this final story, she also finalizes Roy’s story: the man who started it all by wanting to jump in front of the train that hit Phoenix instead.

I loved this book, this series, so, so much.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been with Phoenix and Orchid since the very beginning on their journey. They have endured so much heartache. Yet, they both have shown great resilience and their love for one another has only grown stronger.

"What did one man's action have to do with the care of the other?"

I am so invested in Phoenix and Orchid' story that my heart just ached so much that it felt like there was a vice grip on it the whole time. When the highs were high, I rejoiced and then they were low, I was sad.

If you have not read any of these books by Carol, you need to as all of the book awards are very much earned. Carol takes me on beautiful journeys with each book. Carol is my "always" recommended read author!

[Rima Sawaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the last book in Carol’s Orchid trilogy. I loved all her books, but this one in particular felt the most raw and real, as though you were in Orchid and Phoenix’s budding relationship, and experiencing firsthand the new struggles they both faced given Phoenix’s disability, especially in a different environment. It was sad and beautiful, hopeful and heartbreaking all at once. You get attached to these characters and root so hard for them, you don’t want the book to end!
In the end the series, and this book in particular, served to normalize disability and sent a poignant message that we can all hang onto: to treat one another with compassion because everyone has a struggle, whether it is visible or invisible to the outside world.

[erin (readingwithremy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book three in the Orchid trilogy and is an emotional romance.

I read it as a standalone and the author does a good job of recapping Orchid and Phoenix's background but I do wish I had read the earlier books.

Nine months after a heroic act that cost him his leg, Phoenix and Orchid are trying to figure out if they can restart their relationship. She's just been offered her dream job in China but will they be able to make it work?

I liked how much the author focuses on his experience as an amputee with such grace and determination. The idea of a luxury skincare focusing on reducing scaring is such a great idea.
I liked seeing both of their points of view, as that of Roy. A great story with real characters!

[theb.ookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

He almost lost her, thinking his past was to blame.
He thought his past would ruin their bond, but it was quite the opposite. This is a compelling story of love, heartbreak, redemption, and forgiveness. The author can clearly show that in the book. You don't have to hunt for the forgiveness i'm the text. It is as clear as day. I loved this book so much. It reminded me of me and my ex-boyfriend which usually you don't want to be reminded of but this one was fine. We both thought our past would wreck each other but it didn't. We learned to love and heal together. Forgetting out painful pasts. Phoenix did what it took to keep Orchid with him, regardless of the pain of the past.

[Nancy Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved that Carol Van Den Hende narrated her book, such an excellent job. I won it in an online bookclub and didn’t realize it was a series. It would have given more background on the characters but it could be read as a stand-alone.

Orchid and Phoenix are two people with issues. Orchid had issues since young and an accident had left Phoenix handicapped. Phoenix didn’t want to burden Orchid with his problems but he didn’t realize the love she had for him. When two broken people come together, one emerges stronger or it doesn’t work.

Loved the story of Orchid and Phoenix, I will be reading the first two next.