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Elly in Bloom
This is an alternate cover edition for ISBN13: 9781477514122.
What would you do if you had to design your lover's wedding?
Surrounded by lush flowers and neurotic brides, chubby 32-year old Elly Jordan has carved out a sweet little life for herself as the owner of Posies, a boutique wedding florist in St. Louis. It’s not bad for a woman who drove away from her entire life just two years ago when she found her husband entwined with a red-headed artist.
Sure, Elly has an embarrassingly beautiful best friend, a terribly behaved sheepdog and a sarcastic assistant who she simply calls “Snarky Teenager”, but overall her days are pleasantly uneventful. As a bonus, her new next door neighbor just happens to be an unnervingly handsome musician who has an eye for curvy Elly.
Just when she feels that she is finally moving on from her past, she discovers that an extravagant wedding contract, one that could change her financial future, is more than she bargained for.
With the help of her friends, staff and the occasional well-made sandwich, Elly bravely agrees to take on the event that threatens to merge her painful history with her bright new life, and finds herself blooming in a direction she never imagined.
Elly’s voice, both charming and hilarious, will appeal to those readers who have been looking for a new voice in chick-lit, and will give women of all sizes the realistic heroine they’ve been waiting for.
What would you do if you had to design your lover's wedding?
Surrounded by lush flowers and neurotic brides, chubby 32-year old Elly Jordan has carved out a sweet little life for herself as the owner of Posies, a boutique wedding florist in St. Louis. It’s not bad for a woman who drove away from her entire life just two years ago when she found her husband entwined with a red-headed artist.
Sure, Elly has an embarrassingly beautiful best friend, a terribly behaved sheepdog and a sarcastic assistant who she simply calls “Snarky Teenager”, but overall her days are pleasantly uneventful. As a bonus, her new next door neighbor just happens to be an unnervingly handsome musician who has an eye for curvy Elly.
Just when she feels that she is finally moving on from her past, she discovers that an extravagant wedding contract, one that could change her financial future, is more than she bargained for.
With the help of her friends, staff and the occasional well-made sandwich, Elly bravely agrees to take on the event that threatens to merge her painful history with her bright new life, and finds herself blooming in a direction she never imagined.
Elly’s voice, both charming and hilarious, will appeal to those readers who have been looking for a new voice in chick-lit, and will give women of all sizes the realistic heroine they’ve been waiting for.
324 pages, Paperback
Published September 5, 2012
206 people are currently reading
2845 people want to read
About the author
Colleen Oakes
18 books1,455 followersColleen Oakes is the bestselling author of books for both teens and adults, including the Queen of Hearts Series, the Wendy Darling Saga, The Black Coats, Sister of the Chosen One and Eleven Houses.
She recently moved to New England with her husband and son. When not writing or plotting new books, Colleen can be found swimming, forest strolling, traveling or immersing herself in nerdy pop culture. She is also a public librarian with a Master's Degree in Library Science and is currently working on an adult thriller.
You can visit her webpage at: www.colleenoakes.org, find her on Facebook under Author Colleen Oakes or follow her on Instagram.
She recently moved to New England with her husband and son. When not writing or plotting new books, Colleen can be found swimming, forest strolling, traveling or immersing herself in nerdy pop culture. She is also a public librarian with a Master's Degree in Library Science and is currently working on an adult thriller.
You can visit her webpage at: www.colleenoakes.org, find her on Facebook under Author Colleen Oakes or follow her on Instagram.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews
October 17, 2012
Very cute story. Glad she got her revenge in the end! Also I started reading the author's blog yesterday and I have to say I'm kind of a little in love with her now.
January 25, 2013
WOW. Talk about internalized fat-phobia. "Sarah Jordan had been an anomaly in many ways. First of all, she was both strikingly beautiful and quite plump. Elly had seen men gaze at her, totally confused, wondering why they were drawn to this woman who was fleshy and soft, not unlike their own mother."
SERIOUSLY???? I mean, to be fair, so far I like most of the characters, and the plot is good if a little draggy, but is it really necessary to point out that the protagonist is sweaty every other time you refer to her? and imply that beautiful fat women are "an anomaly"??? I'll give it another couple chapters, but if the fat-shaming doesn't stop, I'm giving up on it.
ETA: she managed to dial it back a bit, but there were still a few very-unsubtle digs near the end. Fail.
SERIOUSLY???? I mean, to be fair, so far I like most of the characters, and the plot is good if a little draggy, but is it really necessary to point out that the protagonist is sweaty every other time you refer to her? and imply that beautiful fat women are "an anomaly"??? I'll give it another couple chapters, but if the fat-shaming doesn't stop, I'm giving up on it.
ETA: she managed to dial it back a bit, but there were still a few very-unsubtle digs near the end. Fail.
October 24, 2012
For someone who loves a good chick flick, this is a must-read. I love that Elly’s character is so relatable to the readers- she goes through heartbreak and struggles with insecurities, but at the end she finds that she is stronger than she ever knew. Elly has a few times where she breaks down as she struggles to deal with all that has happened in her life, and it is in these moments that those around her show their support and encouragement- the help even sometimes comes from the most surprising places, like Snarky Teenager. It is these moments in Elly’s life that remind us how grateful we are for the people we have in our own lives who help pick us up when we have fallen down. Throughout the book, Elly is constantly struggling with her insecurities. Whether or not we share the same insecurities she shows, we can relate to the fact that we all deal with these things on a regular basis. This book brings you on a journey as Elly emerges from her painful past with the help of her loyal pup, her wonderful friends, new love, and her passion for flowers.
October 5, 2012
This was surprisingly a superb story of a Big Beautiful Young 32 year old young woman. Who kept falling for the wrong gorgeous men. She finds that after her mother has passed & she is finally coming out of her tail spin & she feels confident that her new marriage is back on level ground. That all is well, she surprises her artist husband by coming home for lunch to find him in their bed with a younger much thinner red head. Her world goes spinning out of control. She kicks him out then she decides she can't stay in the house where he betrayed her. So, she packs up all that means anything to her & starts driving. She ends up in St. Louis in a coffee shop with a stranger who befriends her & she starts life over. Can she do it? Does she really want to without him? What will she do with no job, no place to live & no friends/family? Is she strong enough to trust & love again? This was sweet at times, funny at others & just gut wrench too. But her friends & employees stood by her side & lifted her up when needed. She does find men that turn her hear & she turns a few herself. For her beauty comes from within as well as out. Very good book.
March 23, 2013
I thoroughly enjoyed this well-written, funny, and inspirational story! The vivid descriptions of characters, flowers, food, and maybe a few kisses were more than enough to keep me trucking through the chapters, determined to finish before sleeping!
November 25, 2012
I really loved Elly in Bloom. It was charming and engaging and I loved the heroine. Despite her insecurities, she forges ahead to make a nice little life for herself after her divorce. It is a funny and delightful read, and a refreshing change of pace from the formulaic chick lit novels.
September 24, 2012
I really enjoyed reading Elly in Bloom, this was the first time in a long time that I laughed out loud while reading a book. Elly is very charming and I want her to be my friend. What a fun person she would be to hang out with! I really enjoyed the way Ms. Oakes described the flowers and the people with such detail that you could almost smell the flowers. I loved the "Snarky Teenager" and I hope she gets a name in "Elly in Love". I can't wait for the next Elly to come out. What a delightful book. I highly recommend this as a fun read that will keep you up at night to find out the end.
September 25, 2012
This is a funny, insightful, realistic story about a woman (who is far from perfect, therefore easily relate-able) who picks up the shattered pieces of her life and overcomes her past to become a better person. While that story line may seem like many other books, this one had me hysterically laughing one minute, and crying the next. I can see many pieces of Elly in myself, and the author does a great job of leaving the "gore" out of many novels that seem so popular these days. Fantastic read - recommending to everyone I can!!
September 22, 2012
This was a fun and quick read. I loved that Elly was as fun as a chick lit book, but with more substance to her character and no need for "sleeping with" the guy to know when it was right or when it was wrong. This is a lovely, fun read with messages about being yourself, forgiveness, and healing that come through naturally with the story, and are not preachy.
Go out and read it! It's too fun to miss!
Go out and read it! It's too fun to miss!
November 19, 2012
This novel was like a breath of fresh air...or fresh flowers. It was a very light read, meaning you don't have to think about it, you can just sit back and enjoy it. I think there's a little bit of Elly in all of us and we can all relate to her in some way. Whether it's a weight issue, a relationship issue or you just want to run away from your life, this book makes you feel a little bit better. There were some funny parts that actually had me laughing out loud. This book also shows us that no matter what is happening in our lives, as long as we have a good support system, we can get through anything. Elly is such a strong heroine, I can't wait for the next book "Elly in Love" to see where her journey will lead. In short, I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone.
September 30, 2012
Elly is a character who is easy to love: imperfect, caring, funny, realistic as a character and about herself. Her friends are also well-developed characters, and it's easy to understand why she wants them in her life. There are some fantastic moments of humor, in Elly's flower-delivery foibles and with some wacky side characters. The story of her past made me care about her and want to know what happens, and the plot really picks up once the groundwork is all laid. As a romantic comedy, there aren't big surprises, but I loved every minute of it, and couldn't put it down for the last 150 pages!
October 11, 2012
Good try, and I think the author has talent that could go somewhere with a decent editor, but whoa. Big plot holes, and omfg the fat jokes. Seriously, I like a plus size heroine more than the next person, but: a) size 14/16 is not really plus size, b) constant commentary on how much a girl eats and how often she sweats and how she can't walk a full city block are not charming, they're mean. Even though I know it wasn't meant to be mean, it was mean.
I received this book for free on Amazon for my Kindle.
I received this book for free on Amazon for my Kindle.
January 2, 2013
What a delightful read! This beautiful story made me laugh out loud, crave deli roast beef, and finish off my Christmas box of Russell Stover chocolates while I was reading it! Ms. Oakes has crafted each character of Elly in Bloom as perfectly as a master florist designs each blossom in a bridal bouquet. Elly in Bloom is only the beginning for this new author! It definitely deserves its standing as the #1 Kindle bestseller in contemporary fiction!
- Bette Maybee, author of Phoenix: The Rising
November 25, 2012
A relatable story for anyone who's ever been cheated on or had their heart broken by a lost love. Elly Jordan's marriage suffers a nasty breakup when she catches her husband cheating on her. Overcome with grief she flees her home and her broken life to start a new life in a new town with a new career as a florist. While on her path to relationship redemption she is booked as the florist for the towns biggest wedding and that's when her past catches up with her. This is a great rainy day read.
October 23, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. There were some laugh out loud moments. Although some of the story was predictable, there was one part towards the end that I didn't see coming. Even though I am not a florist, I could appreciate Elly's passion for flowers due to the authors very descriptive explanation of the arrangements being made. I am looking forward to the sequel.
October 6, 2012
Heartwarming and funny! I would LOVE to see someone turn this into a movie....
October 22, 2012
fabulous chick lit for a holiday read - enjoyed it and read in a couple of days.
February 18, 2013
I absolutely loved and devoured this book! I immediately fell in love with Elly and all her friends! Can't wait for Elly in Love!!!!!!!
November 12, 2012
I had been looking forever for a book that I could just enjoy reading and get lost in the character's world for awhile. Elly was perfect for this! The author is so visually descriptive it was like I almost knew exactly what all the places looked like! I also just loved how things worked out for Elly in the exact same way I would have wanted them to work out! I enjoyed that Elly was just full of personal flaws, a real person (a reason why Bridget Jones is so endearing too)...not some perfect woman who for some reason hasn't found the right person yet. I am really looking forward to the next book! I'm excited for Elly's future! My only problem was some of the grammatical stuff, which I assumed happened from the transfer from book to kindle, but I am not going to snob it up and let it ruin the book for me!
February 4, 2013
I'm sorry to say that I was bored out of my mind with this book. Generally I like the format and genre of chic lit, but this for some reason was over the top too cliche for me. I guess I'm tired of reading about overweight, insecure women who get jilted and have trouble getting over it and moving on. And why is it that these characters always seem to open a store with an apartment above it? Maybe that's part of the fantasy for many, but how realistic is it that we have all these stores with apartments over the top of them in little towns all over the country where newly divorced, jilted or never married women live--all of whom seem to have frizzy hair and issues with knowing how to dress? At any rate, if you like that type of format and love reading about weddings and flowers, this book may be for you.
October 3, 2012
this was SUCH a good book. not a romance per se, and no HEA with a hero, but a heartwarming story to be sure. the heroine is short, cute, and chubby, and her world is destroyed when she comes home to find her husband in bed with a tall, thin redhead. our heroine kicks them out of HER house and bed, then just...leaves. she leaves her house, job, friends, everything behind, and drives aimlessly, ending up in a part of st louis, and finding a new purpose to life. she thought she had left her past behind, but it catches up to her in an unexpected way. how she deals with another low blow teaches everyone a wonderful life lesson. can't wait for the sequel to this, another installment in the life of elly.
January 26, 2013
Elly in Bloom was a great book! I don't read a lot, but I got through this book in a few days because I couldn't put it down. Elly, the main character, is funny, quirky, and sweet. This book made me laugh in some chapters and cry in others and I didn't want it to end. The beautiful and detailed descriptions, character development, and plot of this book are amazing. I would highly recommend this book if you are looking for a great read that keeps your interest - I cannot wait for Elly in Love to come out next! Great read!!!
October 7, 2012
I only gave this book 4 stars because the 2nd half of the book made up for the 1st half. A lot of inner dialogue. The 2nd half is where the story truly starts. Cute and quirky characters. Apparently there is another book and I want to find out what happens to these characters, but hope I don't struggle with it.
September 25, 2012
Even if chick lit is not your favorite genre, I recommend reading this! I do not have a laugh out loud personality, and I literally laughed out loud many times throughout the book. I throughly enjoyed this page-turning story.
January 23, 2013
I picked this book up for free from ebooks/amazon. I really enjoyed the simple story and how everything was beautifully tied into the flowers and how we all can bloom into something beautiful. Good read!
October 9, 2012
Loved this book couldn't put it down. Characters were great easy read reeled me right in. Great story. Can't wait for the next one.
December 6, 2012
It was an easy read and I enjoyed Elly's character.
December 23, 2012
Totally could relate .... Good read .... Karma at its finest
January 17, 2016
Author: Colleen Oakes
Published By: Create Independent Publishing Platform
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:
"Elly In Bloom" by Colleen Oakes was truly a wonderful well written novel that had me crying and even laughing. This author really has a way that just takes the reader into the novel presenting it so very descriptively and with such emotions. This 'Big Beautiful' thirty-two young woman has a bad time with her heartbreak and insecurities but by end of this read will she comes out of this so much stronger individual? This lady (Elly) has just lost her mother through death and now she has found her husband in bed with a much younger and thin red head. Now, I know you want to know what's going to happen next. Well, I can only say you must pick up this excellent read "Elly In Bloom" to see just how life will unfold for Elly.
This was very interesting read how this author puts this all together. I must say I only could hope for such friendships that Elly developed after she started her new life in St. Louis. These friends.... characters were simply off the chart good...especially Elly, Kim, and the 'Snarky Teenager' only to name a few. I laughed and even cried so hard at all the goings on in this novel. Each and everyone of these characters made the novel a wonderful read.
"Elly In Bloom" was a very heartwarming novel where you found the heroine...pretty , somewhat heavy but seeing her able to pick herself up with the help of her friends was simply wonderful. I don't want to give away too much of the novel other than saying you must pick up this novel "Elly In Bloom" to see why, how Elly will make a new life after her life seems to be all in shambles.
IF you are in for a good read chit lit, romance and humor you must pick up "Elly In Bloom" and yes I would definitely recommend this novel as a excellent read.
Published By: Create Independent Publishing Platform
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Rating: 5
Review:
"Elly In Bloom" by Colleen Oakes was truly a wonderful well written novel that had me crying and even laughing. This author really has a way that just takes the reader into the novel presenting it so very descriptively and with such emotions. This 'Big Beautiful' thirty-two young woman has a bad time with her heartbreak and insecurities but by end of this read will she comes out of this so much stronger individual? This lady (Elly) has just lost her mother through death and now she has found her husband in bed with a much younger and thin red head. Now, I know you want to know what's going to happen next. Well, I can only say you must pick up this excellent read "Elly In Bloom" to see just how life will unfold for Elly.
This was very interesting read how this author puts this all together. I must say I only could hope for such friendships that Elly developed after she started her new life in St. Louis. These friends.... characters were simply off the chart good...especially Elly, Kim, and the 'Snarky Teenager' only to name a few. I laughed and even cried so hard at all the goings on in this novel. Each and everyone of these characters made the novel a wonderful read.
"Elly In Bloom" was a very heartwarming novel where you found the heroine...pretty , somewhat heavy but seeing her able to pick herself up with the help of her friends was simply wonderful. I don't want to give away too much of the novel other than saying you must pick up this novel "Elly In Bloom" to see why, how Elly will make a new life after her life seems to be all in shambles.
IF you are in for a good read chit lit, romance and humor you must pick up "Elly In Bloom" and yes I would definitely recommend this novel as a excellent read.
March 27, 2013
When Elly Jordan catches her husband cheating, she packs her life up and leaves their home in Georgia to start over in St. Louis. Flowers are her passion, and when she has settled into her new life, she opens up Posies, a boutique florist shop catering to weddings. Life is going well for Elly, and just when she thinks she has moved on from her past, an extravagant wedding contract for a "wedding of the year event" for a person from her past puts everything into perspective, making Elly's journey of self-discovery come full circle.
Elly in Bloom is a heartwarming and enjoyable story about a woman whose journey of self-discovery comes full circle as she learns forgiveness, healing, and the ability to move on with her life. Author Colleen Oakes weaves an entertaining tale written in the third person narrative that follows the journey of thirty-two year old Elly Jordan as she moves on from a painful past into a second chance at a good life.
You can't help but love Elly, she is a realistic woman with flaws and normal life issues that the reader can relate to. Elly restarts her life with a new found independence that has some hilarious laugh-out-loud episodes of clumsiness, mishaps and bantering with her quirky friends, employees and customers. The author provides the reader with some really wonderful descriptions about St. Louis, weddings and the florist shop industry.
This story is a breath of fresh air, everyone can relate to Elly in some way, I think there is a little bit of her in each of us. Elly in Bloom is a delightful story that is thoroughly entertaining, and will give the reader a warm and fuzzy feeling and put a smile on their face.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
Elly in Bloom is a heartwarming and enjoyable story about a woman whose journey of self-discovery comes full circle as she learns forgiveness, healing, and the ability to move on with her life. Author Colleen Oakes weaves an entertaining tale written in the third person narrative that follows the journey of thirty-two year old Elly Jordan as she moves on from a painful past into a second chance at a good life.
You can't help but love Elly, she is a realistic woman with flaws and normal life issues that the reader can relate to. Elly restarts her life with a new found independence that has some hilarious laugh-out-loud episodes of clumsiness, mishaps and bantering with her quirky friends, employees and customers. The author provides the reader with some really wonderful descriptions about St. Louis, weddings and the florist shop industry.
This story is a breath of fresh air, everyone can relate to Elly in some way, I think there is a little bit of her in each of us. Elly in Bloom is a delightful story that is thoroughly entertaining, and will give the reader a warm and fuzzy feeling and put a smile on their face.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 177 reviews