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The Blue Iris
Sometimes, uprooting the thorn-filled past is the only way we bloom. . .
Tessa Lewis is set to embark on a Big-Time Career and marry Toronto's fastest-rising lawyer, who loves her to pieces. But when a visit to a flower market from her childhood sparks memories of the mother she lost too soon, Tessa puts her bright future on hold to work there, determined to come to terms with her past.
At the Blue Iris Flower Market, everything is blossoming except the rag-tag crew, each hiding deep scars of their own. When Sam, the beloved but troubled man in charge, takes off and leaves the market reeling, Tessa and her unlikely new friends come face-to-face with their most uncomfortable truths, uprooting lives carefully cultivated-and just maybe, unearthing everything they've ever wanted.
Told from multiple perspectives, The Blue Iris is an intricately woven exploration of love tested beyond its limits, chosen family, and the beauty that grows in letting go.
Tessa Lewis is set to embark on a Big-Time Career and marry Toronto's fastest-rising lawyer, who loves her to pieces. But when a visit to a flower market from her childhood sparks memories of the mother she lost too soon, Tessa puts her bright future on hold to work there, determined to come to terms with her past.
At the Blue Iris Flower Market, everything is blossoming except the rag-tag crew, each hiding deep scars of their own. When Sam, the beloved but troubled man in charge, takes off and leaves the market reeling, Tessa and her unlikely new friends come face-to-face with their most uncomfortable truths, uprooting lives carefully cultivated-and just maybe, unearthing everything they've ever wanted.
Told from multiple perspectives, The Blue Iris is an intricately woven exploration of love tested beyond its limits, chosen family, and the beauty that grows in letting go.
413 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 3, 2023
22 people are currently reading
4348 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Stone
1 book67 followersRachel Stone writes stories of hope and redemption, often set against vibrant Canadian backdrops. Her writing placed first in the 2022 OBOA Writing Contest and has appeared in international literary and visual arts magazines, journals and blogs.
Rachel holds degrees in psychology and industrial relations, and once worked seven summers at a flower market. She lives near Toronto with her family, and on weekends you’ll find her along the south shore of Georgian Bay, belting nineties pop rock from her paddleboard. The Blue Iris is her first novel.
Rachel holds degrees in psychology and industrial relations, and once worked seven summers at a flower market. She lives near Toronto with her family, and on weekends you’ll find her along the south shore of Georgian Bay, belting nineties pop rock from her paddleboard. The Blue Iris is her first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
August 4, 2023
Rachel Stone has penned an exemplary debut novel! The plotline is full of twists and turns which compel you to keep on reading and at the same time you don't want the book to end. The story's characters are well defined, fascinating, quirky, frustrating, loveable, and invincible. The setting of the flower market and how the chapters are all defined by different species of flowers is unique and intriguing. I recommend you pick this book up, find your coziest reading nook, and immerse yourself in this story that will keep you riveted and engaged from beginning to end!
March 1, 2025
This was an excellent audiobook experience. The author has wrote such a beautifully well written book. The narrators did a fantastic job of bringing this one to life. The characters felt so real. I loved the flower market setting that the MC Tessa decides to work at. The other employees that worked at this market were so fun and I enjoyed the Interactions between them all. This is a nice romance with a bit of mystery and it was so nice to escape into this lovely audiobook. I definitely highly recommend it.
Thank you to the publisher, netgalley and Suzy approved book tours for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher, netgalley and Suzy approved book tours for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own.
August 27, 2023
This is such a great story - plot, characters and you do not want to put it down! I will be reading more by this author! Thank you to Net Galley for providing me a electronic book of this novel!
September 18, 2023
This novel is both heart wrenching and heart warming. The unflinchingly honest and dysfunctional characters at the Blue Iris pull you in and demand that you come along on the journey with them. A beautiful debut novel by Ms Stone.
September 29, 2023
An amazing book! Love how the author developed all of the characters then they intertwined as story unfolded. Characters were all real/relatable and had something different to offer the reader. This book has it all mystery, romance, adventure and some great Canadian references! Love how it mentions specific places in Ontario! Would definitely recommend if you are looking for a great story that is well written and keeps your interest to the very last page!! Great debut novel Rachel Stone! A definite read again and look forward to reading more from this author!
November 11, 2024
We meet Tessa Lewis, a recent graduate who is ready to embark on her career and marry her friend Will, a fast-rising lawyer. After a health scare from her grandparents, Tessa visits and drives past The Blue Iris flower shop. It brings back memories of her mother whom she lost too soon.
The shop calls to Tessa, and she decides to take a summer job there. Just the summer to reflect before she steps into her career and role as wife. It’s obvious Tessa has some things to work through, and the shop with its long hours, heavy loads and cast of characters allows for growth, finding of self, found family and healing.
I loved the crew who work at the Blue Iris. Each character is unique. Some have shared history, and they have become a family of sorts. While the story is told from multiple perspectives, it works and works well. Tessa is the main character as we go through her summer of self reflection, but each of the others has a story and place. Stone weaved them in and together brilliantly, like a perfect bouquet.
I got caught up in not only the daily comings and goings of this small business, but in the people who worked there and whose lives were vested in the Blue Iris. We have mystery, romances, loss, frustrations, trust issues, and more. I love how invested I became in these characters and the outcome of their story.
Each chapter begins with a flower. I loved these little tidbits and the inner workings of a small flower shop/nursery. The narration performed by Jeannie Sheneman and GM Hakim was wonderful. Each captured the voice of the characters, the tone of the story and their emotions. I highly recommend listening.
Fans of small-town, women’s fiction romance with mystery,and character growth will want to meet Tessa’s new found family in The Blue Iris. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
The shop calls to Tessa, and she decides to take a summer job there. Just the summer to reflect before she steps into her career and role as wife. It’s obvious Tessa has some things to work through, and the shop with its long hours, heavy loads and cast of characters allows for growth, finding of self, found family and healing.
I loved the crew who work at the Blue Iris. Each character is unique. Some have shared history, and they have become a family of sorts. While the story is told from multiple perspectives, it works and works well. Tessa is the main character as we go through her summer of self reflection, but each of the others has a story and place. Stone weaved them in and together brilliantly, like a perfect bouquet.
I got caught up in not only the daily comings and goings of this small business, but in the people who worked there and whose lives were vested in the Blue Iris. We have mystery, romances, loss, frustrations, trust issues, and more. I love how invested I became in these characters and the outcome of their story.
Each chapter begins with a flower. I loved these little tidbits and the inner workings of a small flower shop/nursery. The narration performed by Jeannie Sheneman and GM Hakim was wonderful. Each captured the voice of the characters, the tone of the story and their emotions. I highly recommend listening.
Fans of small-town, women’s fiction romance with mystery,and character growth will want to meet Tessa’s new found family in The Blue Iris. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
August 22, 2023
A delightful new discovery! Well developed, likeable characters; multifaceted, interesting plot based in a colourful setting. Can’t wait for Rachel Stone to invite readers into her next corner shop.
Joan Hamilton
Joan Hamilton
August 18, 2023
Rachel sets up an amazing narrative, with multiple characters, who are intertwined that you can’t help but love and dislike. The Blue Iris is a romance with so many twists and turns each chapter keeps you wanting more and yet hoping that the end isn’t near. An amazing read from this first time author. Congratulations Rachel on this first book can not wait for its sequel.
August 27, 2024
Rachel Stone has penned an incredible first novel. I loved the fact I was able to quickly become invested in all of the characters. As each chapter came to a close the plotline gripped my attention so much, I found I was unable to put the book down. This book is definitely worth at least one read if not two or three as you will get even more invested each time you read it.
October 17, 2023
4.5⭐️s rounded up to 5
I really enjoyed this debut. I thought it was very well written, and the drama definitely kept me intrigued.
Tessa Lewis is trying to find herself before she accepts Will's proposal. Will just happens to be Toronto's fastest rising lawyer, from a family with lots of money and power. A stop at the Blue Iris flower market opens up Tessa's memory from her childhood with the mother she lost too soon. She decides to take a summer job there to feel closer to her mother while figuring out what she wants in life. The Blue Iris definitely needs her help since Sam, the man in charge, has disappeared and is presumed dead. Tessa fits right in with the crew, and they soon become like a second family to her. Has she finally found what she's been looking for?
Told in multiple POVs, this book was extremely entertaining. I loved all the characters, especially Tony, who could tell a car by the sound of its engine. They all had their own problems they were trying to work through. The plot was filled with twists to keep you guessing, and the ending was perfect. I also really enjoyed the setting of the flower market. I loved that the chapters were named after flowers and also had their meaning. This was a great read, and I highly recommend it.
I really enjoyed this debut. I thought it was very well written, and the drama definitely kept me intrigued.
Tessa Lewis is trying to find herself before she accepts Will's proposal. Will just happens to be Toronto's fastest rising lawyer, from a family with lots of money and power. A stop at the Blue Iris flower market opens up Tessa's memory from her childhood with the mother she lost too soon. She decides to take a summer job there to feel closer to her mother while figuring out what she wants in life. The Blue Iris definitely needs her help since Sam, the man in charge, has disappeared and is presumed dead. Tessa fits right in with the crew, and they soon become like a second family to her. Has she finally found what she's been looking for?
Told in multiple POVs, this book was extremely entertaining. I loved all the characters, especially Tony, who could tell a car by the sound of its engine. They all had their own problems they were trying to work through. The plot was filled with twists to keep you guessing, and the ending was perfect. I also really enjoyed the setting of the flower market. I loved that the chapters were named after flowers and also had their meaning. This was a great read, and I highly recommend it.
January 10, 2025
A beautiful story about love, acceptance and finding a family. Family is not always blood, but can be just as beautiful.
Tessa Lewis is engaged to one of Toronto’s elite lawyer who is completely in love with her. She does not know much about her mother she lost, but when a trip to a flower market sparks a memory of her mom, she decides to come to terms with her past.
Told in multiple perspectives the cast of characters all have scars, and hope with the help of each other hopefully they can come to terms and grown.
This audio is not one I will forget.
Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours and the author Stone for the gifted audio. The narration was fabulous.
Tessa Lewis is engaged to one of Toronto’s elite lawyer who is completely in love with her. She does not know much about her mother she lost, but when a trip to a flower market sparks a memory of her mom, she decides to come to terms with her past.
Told in multiple perspectives the cast of characters all have scars, and hope with the help of each other hopefully they can come to terms and grown.
This audio is not one I will forget.
Thank you Suzy Approved Book Tours and the author Stone for the gifted audio. The narration was fabulous.
September 8, 2023
My New Comfort Book🥰
July 29, 2023
This book has it all! Romance, mystery, heartache, it’s all there! And it even takes place in our own backyard! It is very unique as a Canadian to be able to connect with a book so closely because you have been to or experienced the same places and events as the characters. Rachel Stone does an amazing job intertwining the lives of so many characters, never losing the reader’s interest or distracting from the plot line! I will most definitely be purchasing this book when it’s released, not only for its adorable cover but also so I can read it again and again! It’s one of those books you can read over and over and get something new out of it every time! I think I’ve found myself a new favourite author!
September 1, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed the mix of characters. Rachel brought to life how people really think. Emotions are not black and white. Loved the references to areas in Toronto as it made me get a picture in my mind. Rachel definitely has a way with words. 🥰 Looking forward to more!
November 23, 2023
Beautifully written, this novel brings a group of interconnected characters to full life, giving us a bouquet of cultivated and wild flowers, and a few weeds. Almost none of the characters are exactly what they seem, which makes for a book that encourages the reader to keep going to find out the truth. The Toronto setting provides an unusual background for American readers, which adds to the charm of the book.
March 11, 2024
Such a unique and heartwarming story about found family. As a huge fan of multiple POV stories, I thoroughly enjoyed diving into each of these well drawn characters and watching their fears and hopes converge in a wonderful flower shop I wish I could visit.
February 27, 2024
The Blue Iris” by Rachel Stone is a thought-provoking, well-praised work of women’s fiction that you must read for many reasons. Told from different points of view but beginning with Tess’ story, you will be transported into a world where past influences present, where past and present collide, and where hope can be re-planted in the heart. Tessa is on the cusp of a career change as well as a marriage to a Canadian-based up and coming attorney. This lawyer is madly in love with her, but memories surrounding the loss of her mother and of a flower market from her childhood days cause her to put the brakes on her plans. She begins to work there, thinking that it will help her reconcile her feelings about the past. This market is The Blue Iris, and it could use some help, as the motley crew is dealing with past hurts, too. Then we meet Sam, whose sudden departure leaves the market floundering, leaving Tessa and her new staff facing themselves, but also facing possibilities.
Stone is a wonderful story-weaver, using layers and symbolism, and scrumptious descriptions to bring you into this beautiful, poignant, and healing world. The varying perspectives add multiple dimensions to the plot, which at its foundation is about love being tried by fire. The chosen family theme is the perfect way to illustrate how psychic wounds can heal in the right environment and with the right people.
Releasing old wounds to embrace a better future is a thread that runs through this character-driven story layered with meaning and soulful phrasing. If you’ve ever been deeply wounded, then you know that releasing the pain can be frightening, because sometimes that’s all you have to hold on to, that’s all you know. These are characters you can relate to in that regard. Often, novels offer to lift readers up, but this one actually does. There is healing in the pages if you open your heart and let the life lessons come in. I love that the story takes place in a flower market, and the symbolism for beauty, growth, and found family. This excerpt, from character Darryl, is just a taste of the poetic writing waiting for you in these pages:
“WHAT HAPPENED to his mother in their kitchen had quietly numbed him, like a subtle prick of lidocaine while he was fixated on the sky, waiting for some massive boulder to drop. All these years later, the arc of that old football through the sunny belt of July finally prompted a thawing of sorts. The tingling sensation of feeling returning. Then, chasing through the aisles, juvenile and reckless, turned him into some deranged confetti canon, too much life exploding inside of him at once, and all he could think to do was go aim it at the shop.”
Please do yourself a favor and read this amazing novel “The Blue Iris” by Rachel Stone.
Stone is a wonderful story-weaver, using layers and symbolism, and scrumptious descriptions to bring you into this beautiful, poignant, and healing world. The varying perspectives add multiple dimensions to the plot, which at its foundation is about love being tried by fire. The chosen family theme is the perfect way to illustrate how psychic wounds can heal in the right environment and with the right people.
Releasing old wounds to embrace a better future is a thread that runs through this character-driven story layered with meaning and soulful phrasing. If you’ve ever been deeply wounded, then you know that releasing the pain can be frightening, because sometimes that’s all you have to hold on to, that’s all you know. These are characters you can relate to in that regard. Often, novels offer to lift readers up, but this one actually does. There is healing in the pages if you open your heart and let the life lessons come in. I love that the story takes place in a flower market, and the symbolism for beauty, growth, and found family. This excerpt, from character Darryl, is just a taste of the poetic writing waiting for you in these pages:
“WHAT HAPPENED to his mother in their kitchen had quietly numbed him, like a subtle prick of lidocaine while he was fixated on the sky, waiting for some massive boulder to drop. All these years later, the arc of that old football through the sunny belt of July finally prompted a thawing of sorts. The tingling sensation of feeling returning. Then, chasing through the aisles, juvenile and reckless, turned him into some deranged confetti canon, too much life exploding inside of him at once, and all he could think to do was go aim it at the shop.”
Please do yourself a favor and read this amazing novel “The Blue Iris” by Rachel Stone.
October 6, 2023
I love great character development, and Rachel Stone did not disappoint. I immediately fell in love with Tessa, gasped at her future in-laws, wondered at her fiancé, rooted for Luke, cried over Sam and Charlie, and ached for Darryl. I hated to finish the last page knowing that these lives would no longer be part of mine. Stone did an amazing job on her first novel. I can't wait to see what she brings to the table next.
October 20, 2023
I loved it! What a beautiful story, full of emotion, depth, humour, and romance. I really loved the character of Tessa- she was so conflicted and broken, but also so very kind, brave, and strong-willed. As her experimental summer (working at a flower shop while she “figures life out”) progresses, we see her truly ‘blossom’ into her true self and discover what she is meant to do and who she is meant to be with.
Great cast of unique characters, heartwarming story, and a special setting!
Great cast of unique characters, heartwarming story, and a special setting!
April 14, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed this fast paced and twisty tale. I would never have imagined a book could contain this many POVs and not be a confused mess. But somehow the author does it and makes it feel just right. Good job, and I hope to read more from this author.
August 28, 2023
A compelling debut novel filled with complex characters set against a unique Toronto setting. A story of personal growth, resilience, and romance that keeps the reader captivated through unexpected twists and turns. Worth the read!
November 17, 2025
Rachel Stone is my new inspiration for incredibly vivid figurative language. I kept writing down beautiful phrases and unique metaphors while I was also completely immersed in the world of this flower shop and the people involved in it. The seamless way the author has woven together SO MANY points of view makes the reader care about each character's experience deeply. There's mystery, humor, nostalgia, and romance all wrapped up within the pages of this book. I absolutely loved it.
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September 6, 2023Rachel is an incredible writer!
Such an easy read and great page turner!
So descriptive that I could actually picture every scene!
Loved the Toronto setting!
Bravo Rachel!
Such an easy read and great page turner!
So descriptive that I could actually picture every scene!
Loved the Toronto setting!
Bravo Rachel!
September 5, 2023
Wow! It's honestly hard to believe this is a debut novel. The characters were relatable and the storyline was engaging. Great book to cozy up to this fall.
October 29, 2023
Great read, beautiful writing
August 15, 2023
This novel is beautifully written sentence by sentence, paragraph by paragraph. I was immediately drawn into the stories of Tessa and Will and Charlie. The author also had me intrigued by the character of Sam, who, even though he was absent for most of the book, was a compelling presence. My only problem with this was the fact that the stories were told from the viewpoints of several different characters in addition to Tessa and Will and Charlie and Sam. I didn’t like the fairly quick switching of the narrative and would have preferred less varying points of view in the telling of the story. I enjoyed the different flower at the beginning of each chapter and the descriptions of the flowers and flower shop made me feel like I was there!
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced reading copy of this book in exch For my honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an advanced reading copy of this book in exch For my honest review.
October 29, 2023
Gorgeous writing, beautiful descriptions, and believable characters... A small flower shop in Canada is the home for this eclectic mix of souls, each one searching for something—connection, understanding, healing, answers, truth. You'll cry for them and cheer them on. Stone expertly manages multiple points of view all while driving a fast moving plot full of intrigue, comedic breaks, and a few unsavory secondary characters who get what's coming to them. The Blue Iris would be a great book club read as there is so much to unpack and discuss. Five stars - highly recommend!
February 14, 2025
The cover of this book is so pretty and was partly the reason I picked up this book and was definitely the reason I pushed through the start, which I wasn't loving. It turned out to be a great story, great cast of characters, great setting, and great happy endings.
October 5, 2023
The Blue Iris by Rachel Stone
Tessa Lewis, who has recently graduated from her third degree, is at a crossroads in life. She is trying to decide on the career path that will ultimately bring her to achieve the big impact she yearns to make but also determine her future with her potential fiancé, Will Westlake. Will is the affluent heir apparent to his father’s successful law firm but he desperately needs Tessa’s support to be successful in the role. Life with Will is almost idyllic but will the decision to marry into the Westlake’s world come at the cost of losing her own identity?
With many decisions to make and her grandparents’ care to factor in, Tessa defers her looming life decisions by impetuously taking a job at The Blue Iris, a flower shop she once visited as a child with her late mother. Compelled by the memories of her mother, Tessa is drawn to the Blue Iris, certain that she will find the answers there to questions that have haunted her.
Stone takes us on a heart-felt and compassionate journey into the troubled characters and complex relationships surrounding Tessa and the Blue Iris. The small group of close-knit but seemingly dysfunctional co-workers at the Blue Iris at first seem broken beyond repair. As Stone artfully develops their characters, she reveals the personal traumas which have shaped them all and which ultimately define their interactions with each other. As their individual relationships with Tessa blossom, they each find themselves on a unique path to accepting the past and healing themselves and each other.
The Blue Iris is a compelling story that explores the intricacies and power of trauma, friendship, love and what it truly means to be a family. The depth of Stone’s character and plot development brings the reader inside the market as if they were watching the story unfold before them amongst the blooms. This is an engrossing and enjoyable read you don’t want to put down until the full story is revealed. Rachel Stone has established herself as an author to watch with her debut novel.
Tessa Lewis, who has recently graduated from her third degree, is at a crossroads in life. She is trying to decide on the career path that will ultimately bring her to achieve the big impact she yearns to make but also determine her future with her potential fiancé, Will Westlake. Will is the affluent heir apparent to his father’s successful law firm but he desperately needs Tessa’s support to be successful in the role. Life with Will is almost idyllic but will the decision to marry into the Westlake’s world come at the cost of losing her own identity?
With many decisions to make and her grandparents’ care to factor in, Tessa defers her looming life decisions by impetuously taking a job at The Blue Iris, a flower shop she once visited as a child with her late mother. Compelled by the memories of her mother, Tessa is drawn to the Blue Iris, certain that she will find the answers there to questions that have haunted her.
Stone takes us on a heart-felt and compassionate journey into the troubled characters and complex relationships surrounding Tessa and the Blue Iris. The small group of close-knit but seemingly dysfunctional co-workers at the Blue Iris at first seem broken beyond repair. As Stone artfully develops their characters, she reveals the personal traumas which have shaped them all and which ultimately define their interactions with each other. As their individual relationships with Tessa blossom, they each find themselves on a unique path to accepting the past and healing themselves and each other.
The Blue Iris is a compelling story that explores the intricacies and power of trauma, friendship, love and what it truly means to be a family. The depth of Stone’s character and plot development brings the reader inside the market as if they were watching the story unfold before them amongst the blooms. This is an engrossing and enjoyable read you don’t want to put down until the full story is revealed. Rachel Stone has established herself as an author to watch with her debut novel.
October 18, 2023
THE BLUE IRIS
𝚁𝚊𝚌𝚑𝚎𝚕 𝚂𝚝𝚘𝚗𝚎
10/3/23
🪻𝚂𝚢𝚗𝚘𝚙𝚜𝚒𝚜:
Tessa has just finished her third college degree. It’s time. She has to finally make the move to a Big Time Career. She also has the heir apparent to one of the top law firms and hottest (literally and figuratively) young lawyer in Toronto adoringly at her side.
But when she comes upon a flower market and memories from her childhood and the mother she lost at five begin to bloom, Tessa makes a decision to take the summer and work there, hoping to find some answers.
The core group at the Blue Iris Flower Market all have interesting stories. They’re quirky but have deep wounds. Sam, who keeps the place running, disappears and the market starts to crumble. So, Tessa and the Blue Iris crew dig in and in doing so they find themselves in the weeds with the past and find parts of themselves they never expected to grow.
🌷𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜:
This was such a beautifully written and well developed story. The narrative was elegant and poetic. Each character was fleshed out and I really had a sense of who they were. I loved the opening of each chapter with a drawing of a flower and its symbolic meaning and use. This was such a nice touch. Found family is one of my favorite themes and after reading The Blue Iris I would choose this family as well.
🌻RIYL
•Alternating & Multiple POV
•Romantic suspense
•Found family
•Canadian setting
•Mystery
•Choosing life paths
•Flowers
Thank you #partner @katerock for inviting me on this tour and @rach for the early review copy and amazing goodie bag from Toronto!#supportindieauthors
These thoughts are my own.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews