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Flowers for Dead Girls
Seventeen-year-old Astra Vaughn isn’t exactly living her best life, with no friends, an absentee father, and a mom everyone thinks is crazy. Plus, one huge she can talk to ghosts.
Astra inherited her mom’s gift, but sometimes it feels more like a curse. Especially when she meets sweet, cheerful, and absolutely gorgeous Isla. She’s just the right kind of girl to bring Astra out of her shell—and maybe more. The only problem? She’s dead.
When Isla enlists Astra’s help with her so-called bucket list, Astra intends to do just enough to help her move on to the afterlife. She doesn’t plan on getting close to her, and she definitely doesn’t plan on falling in love. By the time the list is finished, Astra realizes that her gift might not be such a bad thing after all.
But Isla has secrets of her own. And when the truth behind her death is discovered, even Astra’s love might not be enough to convince her to stay.
Astra inherited her mom’s gift, but sometimes it feels more like a curse. Especially when she meets sweet, cheerful, and absolutely gorgeous Isla. She’s just the right kind of girl to bring Astra out of her shell—and maybe more. The only problem? She’s dead.
When Isla enlists Astra’s help with her so-called bucket list, Astra intends to do just enough to help her move on to the afterlife. She doesn’t plan on getting close to her, and she definitely doesn’t plan on falling in love. By the time the list is finished, Astra realizes that her gift might not be such a bad thing after all.
But Isla has secrets of her own. And when the truth behind her death is discovered, even Astra’s love might not be enough to convince her to stay.
240 pages, Paperback
Published April 9, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
April 5, 2024
⁀➷ 4 stars ☆
♡︎ magical realism, coming of age, young adult romance 💐
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
okay so this was the sweetest and most heartwarming thing ever. it sounded so interesting and i was not let down !! this book is very character driven so the characters ended up being very well developed and loveable. however, i did feel like the ending was slightly rushed and the beginning part was a bit slow. i struggled a bit at first to get into the story but then it picked up and the pages flew by. still, it was a quick and easy read as a low-stakes book you can read in a couple of hours.
➼ characters
✧ astra. okay i love her <3 it's never explicity stated but she had a lot of traits of ocd(?) and although i haven't been diagnosed so i'm not claiming anything, but as someone who shows a lot of signs of ocd i really related to her. i do wish her backstory was more fleshed out, but i love how she slowly comes out of her shell and her character felt very realistic
✧ isla. she is seriously the sweetest and happiest ghost-girl ever, i love her love for flowers and botany and she is literally the embodiment of sunshine girl. i love her character so much <3
✧ oliver. he is such a good friend, we all need an oliver istg he's so sweet, understanding and funny, i wish we had gotten more of him <3
➼ romance
SO. ADORABLE. OH MY GOD i love isla and astra soso much, they love and care for each other so much they're so precious :( the romance is so soft and sweet and they had such great chemistry, i was rooting for them the whole book and i actually sobbed happy tears at the ending 3
➼ overall
this book was the cutest and sweetest love story ever, and i'd definitely recommend if you want a comforting, slice of life coming of age story 💗
✧ thank you to netgalley and the publisher for sending me an arc of this book in exchange for my honest review! <3
┈┈┈┈┈┈
꒰🌙꒱ ➳ pre-review: stop this was the cutest thing ever :( rtc!
꒰💐꒱ ➳ pre-read: GOT THE ARC LETS GAUR this seems so cute and adorable but i am an idiot who didn't check that the publication date is less than four days so i will be SPEEDING to finish this 🤗🤗
♡︎ magical realism, coming of age, young adult romance 💐
°❀⋆.ೃ࿔*:･
okay so this was the sweetest and most heartwarming thing ever. it sounded so interesting and i was not let down !! this book is very character driven so the characters ended up being very well developed and loveable. however, i did feel like the ending was slightly rushed and the beginning part was a bit slow. i struggled a bit at first to get into the story but then it picked up and the pages flew by. still, it was a quick and easy read as a low-stakes book you can read in a couple of hours.
➼ characters
✧ astra. okay i love her <3 it's never explicity stated but she had a lot of traits of ocd(?) and although i haven't been diagnosed so i'm not claiming anything, but as someone who shows a lot of signs of ocd i really related to her. i do wish her backstory was more fleshed out, but i love how she slowly comes out of her shell and her character felt very realistic
✧ isla. she is seriously the sweetest and happiest ghost-girl ever, i love her love for flowers and botany and she is literally the embodiment of sunshine girl. i love her character so much <3
✧ oliver. he is such a good friend, we all need an oliver istg he's so sweet, understanding and funny, i wish we had gotten more of him <3
➼ romance
SO. ADORABLE. OH MY GOD i love isla and astra soso much, they love and care for each other so much they're so precious :( the romance is so soft and sweet and they had such great chemistry, i was rooting for them the whole book and i actually sobbed happy tears at the ending 3
➼ overall
this book was the cutest and sweetest love story ever, and i'd definitely recommend if you want a comforting, slice of life coming of age story 💗
✧ thank you to netgalley and the publisher for sending me an arc of this book in exchange for my honest review! <3
┈┈┈┈┈┈
꒰🌙꒱ ➳ pre-review: stop this was the cutest thing ever :( rtc!
꒰💐꒱ ➳ pre-read: GOT THE ARC LETS GAUR this seems so cute and adorable but i am an idiot who didn't check that the publication date is less than four days so i will be SPEEDING to finish this 🤗🤗
April 9, 2024
Astra has a special gift, though she considers it more a curse; she’s inherited her mother’s ability to see and interact with ghosts. She’s friendless, has an absent father and a fragile mother. She wears several layers of sweaters and headphones to block out the cold and static noise the ghosts emit. However Astra’s world is turned upside down when she encounters Isla. The only problem; Isla is dead and want Astra to help her fulfil her bucket list before passing over to the other side.
I can’t say enough how much I loved everything about this novel. The romance, the friendship, the characters, the representation, perfection! Astra is so kind and funny. It’s never confirmed, but she also seems to suffer from OCD. She counts everything and is obsessed with numbers. Isla is the best. She’s sarcastic and attentive and really brings Astra out of her shell. I was a bit weary of Oliver in the beginning, but only because I thought he nurtured romantic feelings for Astra. However he’s the best friend she could get, everyone deserves an Oliver in their life.
The descriptions in this novel are amazing. They’re so original and funny, I caught myself chuckling several times throughout. I learned a lot about flowers as well, different meanings and types, which was interesting.
I was a bit anxious about the end, because of a plot twist I suspected would appear. When it did, I couldn’t see how the author possibly could solve it in so short time, but I felt she did it well and wrapped up everything nicely. Others might see the ending as rushed, but not in my opinion.
The book is short, but everything is so well developed. It packed a punch and was highly enjoyable. If you’re looking for a queer, sapphic love story with great representation and a journey of self-discovery, then I encourage you to pick up Flowers For Dead Girls.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC in exchange of and honest review
I can’t say enough how much I loved everything about this novel. The romance, the friendship, the characters, the representation, perfection! Astra is so kind and funny. It’s never confirmed, but she also seems to suffer from OCD. She counts everything and is obsessed with numbers. Isla is the best. She’s sarcastic and attentive and really brings Astra out of her shell. I was a bit weary of Oliver in the beginning, but only because I thought he nurtured romantic feelings for Astra. However he’s the best friend she could get, everyone deserves an Oliver in their life.
The descriptions in this novel are amazing. They’re so original and funny, I caught myself chuckling several times throughout. I learned a lot about flowers as well, different meanings and types, which was interesting.
I was a bit anxious about the end, because of a plot twist I suspected would appear. When it did, I couldn’t see how the author possibly could solve it in so short time, but I felt she did it well and wrapped up everything nicely. Others might see the ending as rushed, but not in my opinion.
The book is short, but everything is so well developed. It packed a punch and was highly enjoyable. If you’re looking for a queer, sapphic love story with great representation and a journey of self-discovery, then I encourage you to pick up Flowers For Dead Girls.
Thanks to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the ARC in exchange of and honest review
March 29, 2024
{𝐩𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝} : ̗̀➛ 💌 - oh my god i love isla and astra so much! new favorite book, 100%!
April 21, 2024
I enjoyed this a lot and read it in one day. Intriguing storyline, well drawn characters including the secondary characters. The writing was excellent too, with some good description (although a couple of overused phrases). I didn't figure out the twist, although in hindsight there was clever foreshadowing. A great read.
March 31, 2024
First, thank you to Netgalley for this beautiful arc! This book is everything I needed and more. I am obsessed with the way the author described Astra's neurodivergence, and Isla's disability without making either of them seem in need of saving. Although there was some definite angst, no one else in their lives seemed anxious to "fix" them or make them more "normal". As someone who is also disabled I felt that the disability representation in this book was *chefs kiss*. They both help each other accept themselves and become more confident without trying to make the other compensate for their disabilities.
I also ADORED the sapphic longing in this story, I don't usually vibe with teenage stories anymore, they don't often resonate with me as an 30 something year old. But this book was written perfectly and everything I want out of a coming-of-age story. It's very rare for books to make me cry tears of joy, but this book definitely had more tearing up more than once in all the best ways. I will definitely be buying this book when it officially releases.
I also ADORED the sapphic longing in this story, I don't usually vibe with teenage stories anymore, they don't often resonate with me as an 30 something year old. But this book was written perfectly and everything I want out of a coming-of-age story. It's very rare for books to make me cry tears of joy, but this book definitely had more tearing up more than once in all the best ways. I will definitely be buying this book when it officially releases.
October 18, 2024
3.5 stars
March 20, 2024
Thanks a lot to Netgalley & Bold Strokes Books for providing me with an e-Arc in exchange for an honest review.
CW: Death, Ableism, Mild Homophobia
4 / 5 Stars
I can't say if the author intended to give the MC huge autistic (or neurodiverse) vibes, but by god, they did - and Astra is - and it's impossible for me to read this book any other way. It's never outright stated in text, but honestly? It might as well have been. This leads to a little bit of Internalized Ableism in some scenes - that get overcome through character development & personal growth - but that help make certain other parts - or part - of the book feel less "savior-vibe-y" & "infantilization-vibe-y". Because both people in the disscussion are disabled and struggling in their own way, turning this into "Yeah, I get it" instead of "My life is so sad, because I'm disabled and that's sad". Neurodiversity and The-Spoiler-Thing aren't the same, but the book does highlight their shared struggles and how they find companionship and understanding within and through each other.
That being said, I wish we could have gotten more insight into a certain someone's POV.
To avoid getting into heavy spoiler stuff, I won't be sayin way more on the topic. Because even though you'll probably figure it out yourself, it's still nice to go back and realise all the hints and forshadowing we had gotten about it from really early on.
Their romance is sweet and soft and beautiful and their connection feels genuine and natural. Some other characters feel a little left out at times, because the book focuses very heavily on them, but it's nothing that bothered me too much, personally. Especially since we got greatly developed and loveable main characters out of it.
Speaking of characters, this book has a great hooker, but it's mostly character driven, contemporary with magical realism/paranormal elements. So, be aware of that. It's not slow per se, because the book isn't too long either, but if you need a book to make turns left, right and left, you might walk away dissapointed.
Final Thoughts
A very pleasant read. Would reccomand.
CW: Death, Ableism, Mild Homophobia
4 / 5 Stars
I can't say if the author intended to give the MC huge autistic (or neurodiverse) vibes, but by god, they did - and Astra is - and it's impossible for me to read this book any other way. It's never outright stated in text, but honestly? It might as well have been. This leads to a little bit of Internalized Ableism in some scenes - that get overcome through character development & personal growth - but that help make certain other parts - or part - of the book feel less "savior-vibe-y" & "infantilization-vibe-y". Because both people in the disscussion are disabled and struggling in their own way, turning this into "Yeah, I get it" instead of "My life is so sad, because I'm disabled and that's sad". Neurodiversity and The-Spoiler-Thing aren't the same, but the book does highlight their shared struggles and how they find companionship and understanding within and through each other.
That being said, I wish we could have gotten more insight into a certain someone's POV.
To avoid getting into heavy spoiler stuff, I won't be sayin way more on the topic. Because even though you'll probably figure it out yourself, it's still nice to go back and realise all the hints and forshadowing we had gotten about it from really early on.
Their romance is sweet and soft and beautiful and their connection feels genuine and natural. Some other characters feel a little left out at times, because the book focuses very heavily on them, but it's nothing that bothered me too much, personally. Especially since we got greatly developed and loveable main characters out of it.
Speaking of characters, this book has a great hooker, but it's mostly character driven, contemporary with magical realism/paranormal elements. So, be aware of that. It's not slow per se, because the book isn't too long either, but if you need a book to make turns left, right and left, you might walk away dissapointed.
Final Thoughts
A very pleasant read. Would reccomand.
March 27, 2024
Flowers For Dead Girls presents a cast of lovable characters navigating the complexities of life and death together. It serves as a poignant reminder not to take life for granted, with Astra's unique perspective offering a refreshing insight. Isla's spirited demeanor adds depth to the story.
While the plot may follow familiar paths, it doesn't diminish the overall reading experience. However, the initial pacing feels sluggish, requiring perseverance until the narrative gains momentum. Yet, the latter half of the book blossoms beautifully, with strengthened character bonds and well-crafted ghostly elements. I enjoyed the plot twist, it was unexpected and fit the theme of the story well.
This ARC was kindly provided by NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
While the plot may follow familiar paths, it doesn't diminish the overall reading experience. However, the initial pacing feels sluggish, requiring perseverance until the narrative gains momentum. Yet, the latter half of the book blossoms beautifully, with strengthened character bonds and well-crafted ghostly elements. I enjoyed the plot twist, it was unexpected and fit the theme of the story well.
This ARC was kindly provided by NetGalley, all opinions are my own.
May 22, 2024
Heartbreakingly Beautiful
Astra is a bit of a loner and her life is just too crazy for normality. Through a gift inherited from her mother, she meets Isla, but Isla’s dead so while they can be friends, it comes with limits. Isla is determined to do the things she couldn’t do when she was alive, and Astra is reluctant at first but soon finds comfort in helping her, until she learns the truth about Isla’s situation.
It was the style in which this story is written that got me intrigued and hooked from the very first chapter. The style just suited the characters, the story, everything, perfectly. It had just enough hint of comedy to make it upbeat and fun for a story where one of the characters is dead, but not too much that it detracted from the beauty of the underlying important story of Astra and Isla being told. Astra’s character was one I instantly empathised with, and I got her and why she felt the way she did about things, but when Isla popped up in her life, I was smiling and eager to find out whether Astra’s initial frustrations would be replaced with an acceptance. I really did hope they’d be friends.
As the story developed and we learned more about Astra and Isla, I adored the connection they had, and the little moments they shared that were so cute. Isla loved flowers, so it wasn’t just Astra who got to learn all about them, and the facts shared were fascinating. For the longest time I was just happy to be sharing in Astra and Isla’s building relationship, but when I realised Astra was getting attached I worried she was going to end up heartbroken. The twists and turns this story took, really did make me emotional, and by the end I was crying and smiling, and I didn’t know what to feel other than that it was lovely and I couldn’t have imagined what actually ended up happening.
I fell completely in love with this story! It was haunting, beautiful, and probably the most romantic story I’ve read in a while. I really can’t do it justice with this review, as it is an experience you just have to have for yourself. It’s definitely unforgettable, and one I’ll be reading again and again because I couldn’t have enjoyed it more.
Astra is a bit of a loner and her life is just too crazy for normality. Through a gift inherited from her mother, she meets Isla, but Isla’s dead so while they can be friends, it comes with limits. Isla is determined to do the things she couldn’t do when she was alive, and Astra is reluctant at first but soon finds comfort in helping her, until she learns the truth about Isla’s situation.
It was the style in which this story is written that got me intrigued and hooked from the very first chapter. The style just suited the characters, the story, everything, perfectly. It had just enough hint of comedy to make it upbeat and fun for a story where one of the characters is dead, but not too much that it detracted from the beauty of the underlying important story of Astra and Isla being told. Astra’s character was one I instantly empathised with, and I got her and why she felt the way she did about things, but when Isla popped up in her life, I was smiling and eager to find out whether Astra’s initial frustrations would be replaced with an acceptance. I really did hope they’d be friends.
As the story developed and we learned more about Astra and Isla, I adored the connection they had, and the little moments they shared that were so cute. Isla loved flowers, so it wasn’t just Astra who got to learn all about them, and the facts shared were fascinating. For the longest time I was just happy to be sharing in Astra and Isla’s building relationship, but when I realised Astra was getting attached I worried she was going to end up heartbroken. The twists and turns this story took, really did make me emotional, and by the end I was crying and smiling, and I didn’t know what to feel other than that it was lovely and I couldn’t have imagined what actually ended up happening.
I fell completely in love with this story! It was haunting, beautiful, and probably the most romantic story I’ve read in a while. I really can’t do it justice with this review, as it is an experience you just have to have for yourself. It’s definitely unforgettable, and one I’ll be reading again and again because I couldn’t have enjoyed it more.
April 19, 2024
Flowers for Dead Girls is such a beautiful and unique YA love story. The main characters are all so distinct and lovely in their genuine and quirky personalities. They are young and insecure but so open and accepting. They make mistakes but are willing to learn and grow. The premise is interesting, and the pace is just right. It is a quick and engaging read that gave me some real feels throughout. My heart grew three sizes, then burst, and at this point, I had to force myself not to skip ahead for the ending. I didn't though and I am so satisfied with how it turned out. My heart is full. This novel is overall an unexpected joy.
We had gay and bi rep, a neurodivergent main, a supernatural element, disability rep, a sweet romance, and OCD rep.
The supporting characters like the parents, such as Astra's mom are so important to the story and the immense growth that takes place. Oliver is a wonderful and invaluable friend.
We get a moody cat and Mr. Pierce's mustache is a character on its own.
The writing is great. Easy to follow, kind of poetic in places, very good editing.
I would gladly read more by this author. I highly recommend this book.
I received the ARC from NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.
#romcom #dramedy #grumpy/sunshine #foundfamily #supportivefamily #youngadult #ghosts #supernatural #HEA #no3rdactbreakup #interracialrelationship #neurodivergent #mentalillness #singleparent
We had gay and bi rep, a neurodivergent main, a supernatural element, disability rep, a sweet romance, and OCD rep.
The supporting characters like the parents, such as Astra's mom are so important to the story and the immense growth that takes place. Oliver is a wonderful and invaluable friend.
We get a moody cat and Mr. Pierce's mustache is a character on its own.
The writing is great. Easy to follow, kind of poetic in places, very good editing.
I would gladly read more by this author. I highly recommend this book.
I received the ARC from NetGalley. This is my honest opinion.
#romcom #dramedy #grumpy/sunshine #foundfamily #supportivefamily #youngadult #ghosts #supernatural #HEA #no3rdactbreakup #interracialrelationship #neurodivergent #mentalillness #singleparent
April 11, 2024
thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the arc!
3.5
very cute, though i could've sworn they were in grade 10 rather than 12...
thought it had some good twists,, especially isla being in a wheelchair which is why (in my head it is this for sure) she wanted to do more adventure-y bucket list items
the amnesia bit at the end was stupid... just let them be happy it lasted like 5 pages total. useless.
anyways! prob better for the tweens and teens but i had a good time :)
3.5
very cute, though i could've sworn they were in grade 10 rather than 12...
thought it had some good twists,, especially isla being in a wheelchair which is why (in my head it is this for sure) she wanted to do more adventure-y bucket list items
the amnesia bit at the end was stupid... just let them be happy it lasted like 5 pages total. useless.
anyways! prob better for the tweens and teens but i had a good time :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2024
Astra can see ghosts, everywhere. It seems it’s a family trait, as her mother can too, but Astra tries to hide her ability from her mom so as not to upset her. Also, she has no friends. She finds it difficult to make friends, as she seems weird because of the precautions she has to take to shield herself from the ghosts. Usually the ghosts don’t stick around for long, just for a few days, and so even ghosts are not good candidates for a long term friendship. Until Isla.
Isla is a ghost. Not a vengeful spirit, but a lively, happy and carefree ghost. She is quite happy to play tricks, to surprise people, especially when those people are making Astra upset. Isla slowly learns how to manipulate objects, eventually ending up being able to pick up objects. Because of Isla’s influence, Astra also befriends Oliver, a boy in her class who, like Astra, doesn’t fit in. Even though Oliver can’t see Isla, the three of them make a wonderful friend group.
Astra has feelings for Isla, but she knows she shouldn’t do anything about them, because most ghosts only stay for a few days. But somehow Isla is different, and it takes quite a time for Astra to realise why.
Astra is an unusual character. Totally loveable, a warm person who cares about others. She seems to have some degree of OCD, and possibly synesthesia because of the way she experiences colours.
This was a story I couldn’t wait to read more of. I woke early specially to continue reading. I had spent my time in bed daydreaming where the storyline could possibly go, and some of my possibilities were so close. This has some hilariously funny scenes, especially where Isla is in the passenger seat of Astra’s car, as they turn fast corners, holding on for dear life! Also the scene where Astra visits her father, and an angry Isla goes in to see him. There are also some lovely warm and emotional scenes, thoughts on life, and how it can end so suddenly and unexpectedly. Overall this is a very positive book, concentrating on the life and the fun, but we can also see the difficulties all the characters have to endure in their everyday existences.
A really well planned and thought out story, with many minutiae that connect to bigger points later in the story. Most of the little details have importance somewhere. One of my favourite books this year, and by far the best young adult story I have read in this genre.
Isla is a ghost. Not a vengeful spirit, but a lively, happy and carefree ghost. She is quite happy to play tricks, to surprise people, especially when those people are making Astra upset. Isla slowly learns how to manipulate objects, eventually ending up being able to pick up objects. Because of Isla’s influence, Astra also befriends Oliver, a boy in her class who, like Astra, doesn’t fit in. Even though Oliver can’t see Isla, the three of them make a wonderful friend group.
Astra has feelings for Isla, but she knows she shouldn’t do anything about them, because most ghosts only stay for a few days. But somehow Isla is different, and it takes quite a time for Astra to realise why.
Astra is an unusual character. Totally loveable, a warm person who cares about others. She seems to have some degree of OCD, and possibly synesthesia because of the way she experiences colours.
This was a story I couldn’t wait to read more of. I woke early specially to continue reading. I had spent my time in bed daydreaming where the storyline could possibly go, and some of my possibilities were so close. This has some hilariously funny scenes, especially where Isla is in the passenger seat of Astra’s car, as they turn fast corners, holding on for dear life! Also the scene where Astra visits her father, and an angry Isla goes in to see him. There are also some lovely warm and emotional scenes, thoughts on life, and how it can end so suddenly and unexpectedly. Overall this is a very positive book, concentrating on the life and the fun, but we can also see the difficulties all the characters have to endure in their everyday existences.
A really well planned and thought out story, with many minutiae that connect to bigger points later in the story. Most of the little details have importance somewhere. One of my favourite books this year, and by far the best young adult story I have read in this genre.
March 26, 2024
thank you to netgalley and bold strokes books for the arc!
the central love story was very sweet, i would've been all over this in high school for sure. this would be a strong choice for a high school library's lgbt selection imo. really enjoyed the twist! i'm glad isla and astra could get their happy ending <3
also appreciated the mental health rep! it's never explicitly stated but astra seems to have OCD. the casual depiction of astra's struggles while making it clear it does not stop her from living a good life could be really helpful for some teens to read
a lot of repetition in the descriptions, not sure what the insistence on the "scrambled like eggs" simile was about. could have an editor look over it to catch that as well as any inconsistencies (why are they out of cardamom if astra's mom never cooks? was that just supposed to be snarky teenaged hyperbole? was unclear to me if that was part of astra's unreliable narration). i found it a little heavy on the telling vs showing, particularly at the beginning, so the repetition could be symptomatic of that
was amused by the fact that ghosts cannot ride in cars and must fly in the car's approximate location when it moves
my fav part was probably astra realizing her mom is actually a cool person and not just a walking disaster, the judgmental descriptions were driving me a little crazy so i was relieved when it ended up being an intentional part of astra's character arc lol
the central love story was very sweet, i would've been all over this in high school for sure. this would be a strong choice for a high school library's lgbt selection imo. really enjoyed the twist! i'm glad isla and astra could get their happy ending <3
also appreciated the mental health rep! it's never explicitly stated but astra seems to have OCD. the casual depiction of astra's struggles while making it clear it does not stop her from living a good life could be really helpful for some teens to read
a lot of repetition in the descriptions, not sure what the insistence on the "scrambled like eggs" simile was about. could have an editor look over it to catch that as well as any inconsistencies (why are they out of cardamom if astra's mom never cooks? was that just supposed to be snarky teenaged hyperbole? was unclear to me if that was part of astra's unreliable narration). i found it a little heavy on the telling vs showing, particularly at the beginning, so the repetition could be symptomatic of that
was amused by the fact that ghosts cannot ride in cars and must fly in the car's approximate location when it moves
my fav part was probably astra realizing her mom is actually a cool person and not just a walking disaster, the judgmental descriptions were driving me a little crazy so i was relieved when it ended up being an intentional part of astra's character arc lol
August 25, 2024
(rounded down from 4.25)
This was a sweet and sad story about a girl who can see and communicate with ghosts spending time with a ghost girl her age and getting attached to her. As is standard for YA stories, there is a lot of growing up and expanding your boundaries and also dealing with parents along the way but the twist is reasonably unexpected and the ending satisfying. I docked a star because the first half was a bit less interesting to get through but once the plot gets going, I was locked in.
This was a sweet and sad story about a girl who can see and communicate with ghosts spending time with a ghost girl her age and getting attached to her. As is standard for YA stories, there is a lot of growing up and expanding your boundaries and also dealing with parents along the way but the twist is reasonably unexpected and the ending satisfying. I docked a star because the first half was a bit less interesting to get through but once the plot gets going, I was locked in.
April 8, 2024
would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book
it was an interesting concept that astra can see ghosts and though at times the book is very slow i would highly recommend it for teenagers
the funniest bit for me was when you realise that ghosts cant ride in cars and more or less have to do superman poses to ride along, theres a lot about this book that i would recommend but its slow going
it was an interesting concept that astra can see ghosts and though at times the book is very slow i would highly recommend it for teenagers
the funniest bit for me was when you realise that ghosts cant ride in cars and more or less have to do superman poses to ride along, theres a lot about this book that i would recommend but its slow going
May 2, 2024
Astra Vaughn has seen ghosts for as long as she can remember. Her mother can do the same, and has been left by her husband and forced to move town because of it, so Astra knows that this needs to stay a secret. She's a high school senior who speaks more with the dead than her own classmates, but the ghost of a girl her own age challenges her loner ways. Isla Monroe, a cheery girl who died too soon, has an anti-bucket list that she wants Astra to help her fulfill before she passes; a list that makes Astra push her own social boundaries.
'Flowers for Dead Girls' is a cute story about an awkward girl with OCD, sensory issues, and an ability to commune with the dead becoming less guarded with the help of friends. There's a bit of a love story and some mortality-pondering in there two, but the heart of the story is the friendship that blooms between Astra, Isla, and Oliver. It was heartwarming to see Astra, someone who was socially anxious and worried about being seen like her mother, having fun with two people who accepted her and her quirks. For that alone, I'll recommend the book to some patrons, though I think I'd recommend it to younger teens and more reluctant readers than those looking for something more complicated. The paranormal aspects are played rather safe, but I understand the importance of avoiding the 'bury your gays' trope.
One of my biggest issues with 'Flowers' is the setting--or more accurately, the lack of a setting. The town in which our story takes place is unnamed, with few and far between being described. At first I thought it was a bigger city, since Astra lives in a small apartment and counts blocks that she walks and drives and can't park close to where she lives, but to only have one library (which is three floors tall and not ADA accessible!? Listen, I'd understand if the elevator was out, it happens, but to not have one at all seems illegal for a public building), one high school, and to have greenhouses in the middle of fields makes me think it's more suburban or rural. It isn't given any region of the country, either, but I felt like it had to be in the Pacific Northwest for how often it rained. The setting being so thinly drawn doesn't impact the story much, but it does feel odd when Astra mentions that she used to live in another city that she and Isla visit, but the only descriptor we really get for it is that it's 'four hours away'.
At one point, Astra is taking care of a cat in her room, as well as keeping a lily corsage in a box. I panicked when I got to this part, knowing that lily pollen is deadly to cats, but not even cat lover and plant nerd Isla brings this up. I'm happy that cat-death didn't happen, but it feels like a weird detail to not acknowledge when they're Isla's favorite flower, and I feel like a note about making sure the box was nowhere near the cat would be appreciated.
While 'Flowers for Dead Girls' isn't perfect, it's still a cozy and heartwarming story that deserves a place on YA shelves. It can definitely skew younger too, and its short length and easy to understand language could make it a good choice for reluctant readers or tweens who are too old for juvenile fiction but don't know where to start with YA fiction.
'Flowers for Dead Girls' is a cute story about an awkward girl with OCD, sensory issues, and an ability to commune with the dead becoming less guarded with the help of friends. There's a bit of a love story and some mortality-pondering in there two, but the heart of the story is the friendship that blooms between Astra, Isla, and Oliver. It was heartwarming to see Astra, someone who was socially anxious and worried about being seen like her mother, having fun with two people who accepted her and her quirks. For that alone, I'll recommend the book to some patrons, though I think I'd recommend it to younger teens and more reluctant readers than those looking for something more complicated. The paranormal aspects are played rather safe, but I understand the importance of avoiding the 'bury your gays' trope.
One of my biggest issues with 'Flowers' is the setting--or more accurately, the lack of a setting. The town in which our story takes place is unnamed, with few and far between being described. At first I thought it was a bigger city, since Astra lives in a small apartment and counts blocks that she walks and drives and can't park close to where she lives, but to only have one library (which is three floors tall and not ADA accessible!? Listen, I'd understand if the elevator was out, it happens, but to not have one at all seems illegal for a public building), one high school, and to have greenhouses in the middle of fields makes me think it's more suburban or rural. It isn't given any region of the country, either, but I felt like it had to be in the Pacific Northwest for how often it rained. The setting being so thinly drawn doesn't impact the story much, but it does feel odd when Astra mentions that she used to live in another city that she and Isla visit, but the only descriptor we really get for it is that it's 'four hours away'.
At one point, Astra is taking care of a cat in her room, as well as keeping a lily corsage in a box. I panicked when I got to this part, knowing that lily pollen is deadly to cats, but not even cat lover and plant nerd Isla brings this up. I'm happy that cat-death didn't happen, but it feels like a weird detail to not acknowledge when they're Isla's favorite flower, and I feel like a note about making sure the box was nowhere near the cat would be appreciated.
While 'Flowers for Dead Girls' isn't perfect, it's still a cozy and heartwarming story that deserves a place on YA shelves. It can definitely skew younger too, and its short length and easy to understand language could make it a good choice for reluctant readers or tweens who are too old for juvenile fiction but don't know where to start with YA fiction.
March 21, 2024
A beautiful, touching story about not fitting in, finding your people and allowing the people who care about you to get closer to you. It's definitely a teenager/YA story though, and the simplicity of its prose doesn't try to be anything else. It's a pleasant, cozy read and it explores the main character's inner world. In fact, I found that most of the young characters are pretty well fleshed out, especially when seen through Astra's eyes. Not so much the adults, but it's a YA story so I suppose that's to be expected. Kind of like the adults in Cow and Chicken, if you're old enough to have watched those cartoons. However, you do get a good sense of Astra's mom, as seen from her point of view.
The plot felt a bit predictable at one point but I actually love what the author did with it, and it ended up being a refreshing read until the end. I wish they had explored Isla's dilemma a bit more though. The author touches on a VERY important aspect of a certain community (I'm trying to keep this review spoiler free) and it would have been interesting to have explored that in more depth. Preferably after the author had talked to several voices within that community. It lacks a certain context and further development for it to be fully considered "raising awareness", especially to young people going through that same dilemma. I think the author missed a very good opportunity to help improve the mental health of young people going through something similar.
All and all, it's definitely a book I enjoyed (even though I usually don't enjoy YA books and hadn't realised this was one when I chose it) and I'd recommend it to anyone into this genre.
A note to the editor (or whoever was meant to revise the novel): there are a lot of repetitions that should have been cut out and/or replaced. Expressions, sayings, description of actions, sentences... Maybe not everyone will notice it as much as I did, but my reading experience would have been a lot better if the writing hadn't been so repetetive. It's normal for writers to favour certain expressions and it can be difficult for them sometimes to notice they are overusing certain words/expressions. It's the job of whoever is revising (that is, a new fresh set of eyes) to point this out. I feel that a lot of times there could have been suitable alternatives, or that the same thing could have been said in a different way to avoid repetition. Probably not a big deal for most people, I don't know, but it bothered me a bit.
The plot felt a bit predictable at one point but I actually love what the author did with it, and it ended up being a refreshing read until the end. I wish they had explored Isla's dilemma a bit more though. The author touches on a VERY important aspect of a certain community (I'm trying to keep this review spoiler free) and it would have been interesting to have explored that in more depth. Preferably after the author had talked to several voices within that community. It lacks a certain context and further development for it to be fully considered "raising awareness", especially to young people going through that same dilemma. I think the author missed a very good opportunity to help improve the mental health of young people going through something similar.
All and all, it's definitely a book I enjoyed (even though I usually don't enjoy YA books and hadn't realised this was one when I chose it) and I'd recommend it to anyone into this genre.
A note to the editor (or whoever was meant to revise the novel): there are a lot of repetitions that should have been cut out and/or replaced. Expressions, sayings, description of actions, sentences... Maybe not everyone will notice it as much as I did, but my reading experience would have been a lot better if the writing hadn't been so repetetive. It's normal for writers to favour certain expressions and it can be difficult for them sometimes to notice they are overusing certain words/expressions. It's the job of whoever is revising (that is, a new fresh set of eyes) to point this out. I feel that a lot of times there could have been suitable alternatives, or that the same thing could have been said in a different way to avoid repetition. Probably not a big deal for most people, I don't know, but it bothered me a bit.
May 2, 2024
Let’s be up front about something I don’t think I am the target audience for this book. I mean I like paranormal romance as much as the next person , well probably more than the next person, but I usually like a side helping of vampire slaying. In addition, this is geared toward a teen audience, so I hesitated before checking out my review copy. But I am so glad I did.
Flowers for dead girls is a young adult novel about Astra a teenager who has the usual problems of family and fitting in at school but also one unique thing she can see ghosts. Ghosts come to visit her in the time between their death and their passing to the other side. She thinks she has gotten used to her ability when for the first time she is visited by a spirit that is the same age as her. Isla drafts Astra into helping her accomplish her anti-bucket list. Astra at first just wants to get things over with so she can go back to her normal life but over the course of their adventures she finds herself falling for Isla. Her feelings become further complicated as she learns more about what brought Isla to her side.
As I started to read Flowers, I was amazed at the authors ability to fill the text with evocative imagery. As an aspiring writer I struggle with crafting vivid descriptions, and I think Abigail gives a master class into how to seamless weave them into a story. The other thing that seemed effortlessly is how she lets us into Astra’s OCD tendencies without ever having a character call them out. But this is at its heart a coming-of-age romance and that is where it should be judged. The romance between Astra and Isla feels subtle, with all the awkwardness of a queer first relationship while still being charming and comforting. I guess the highest praise I can give is when the twist, which I even saw coming, left me in tears. I can think of a handful of books that has done this. All in all, I think this is a masterful book and deserves all the praise I can heap on it . Go read it now.
https://paperphoenixink.com/2024/05/0...
Flowers for dead girls is a young adult novel about Astra a teenager who has the usual problems of family and fitting in at school but also one unique thing she can see ghosts. Ghosts come to visit her in the time between their death and their passing to the other side. She thinks she has gotten used to her ability when for the first time she is visited by a spirit that is the same age as her. Isla drafts Astra into helping her accomplish her anti-bucket list. Astra at first just wants to get things over with so she can go back to her normal life but over the course of their adventures she finds herself falling for Isla. Her feelings become further complicated as she learns more about what brought Isla to her side.
As I started to read Flowers, I was amazed at the authors ability to fill the text with evocative imagery. As an aspiring writer I struggle with crafting vivid descriptions, and I think Abigail gives a master class into how to seamless weave them into a story. The other thing that seemed effortlessly is how she lets us into Astra’s OCD tendencies without ever having a character call them out. But this is at its heart a coming-of-age romance and that is where it should be judged. The romance between Astra and Isla feels subtle, with all the awkwardness of a queer first relationship while still being charming and comforting. I guess the highest praise I can give is when the twist, which I even saw coming, left me in tears. I can think of a handful of books that has done this. All in all, I think this is a masterful book and deserves all the praise I can heap on it . Go read it now.
https://paperphoenixink.com/2024/05/0...
April 13, 2025
4.25 ⭐️
🌈 Rainbow Ratings:
Representation: 8
Atmosphere: 8
Intrigue: 8.5
Narrative: 8.5
Build-up: 9
Originality: 7.5
Wow Factor: 8
Seventeen-year-old Astra Vaughn can talk to ghosts—a gift she’s inherited from her mom and wishes she could ignore. But when she falls for Isla, a charming ghost with unfinished business, Astra’s world is turned upside down as love, loss, and long-buried secrets collide.
This was such a fun and heartfelt romance. I went in knowing very little beyond the title, so I really appreciated the gradual buildup and the carefully laid clues leading to the big reveal of Isla’s truth. Watching Astra come to terms with Isla’s reality was truly heartbreaking, and I honestly didn’t want the story to end. I felt deeply for Isla and just wanted to reach through the pages to give her a hug by the end.
Astra’s conversation with her mom was a standout moment for me—I loved the message it sends to young readers about the importance of living your truth without fear of the consequences. There are so many people I’d love to share this story with.
That said, I do wish we’d seen more of George—his connection to the story felt underdeveloped. I also found the portrayal of OCD and anxiety to be a bit too literal at times; I would’ve preferred more showing over telling in that area.
Still, the happy ending left me smiling, even if it wasn’t entirely realistic. I loved seeing how Astra and Isla brought joy and growth to each other’s lives, especially how Astra was gently pushed out of her shell. The story offered a refreshing and original experience with strong emotional beats and solid pacing.
My only other critique is that some of the secondary plotlines—especially those involving George and Astra’s dad—felt a bit disjointed. But beyond that, I have very few complaints. This was a wonderful read that I’ll be recommending for a long time.
🌈 Rainbow Ratings:
Representation: 8
Atmosphere: 8
Intrigue: 8.5
Narrative: 8.5
Build-up: 9
Originality: 7.5
Wow Factor: 8
Seventeen-year-old Astra Vaughn can talk to ghosts—a gift she’s inherited from her mom and wishes she could ignore. But when she falls for Isla, a charming ghost with unfinished business, Astra’s world is turned upside down as love, loss, and long-buried secrets collide.
This was such a fun and heartfelt romance. I went in knowing very little beyond the title, so I really appreciated the gradual buildup and the carefully laid clues leading to the big reveal of Isla’s truth. Watching Astra come to terms with Isla’s reality was truly heartbreaking, and I honestly didn’t want the story to end. I felt deeply for Isla and just wanted to reach through the pages to give her a hug by the end.
Astra’s conversation with her mom was a standout moment for me—I loved the message it sends to young readers about the importance of living your truth without fear of the consequences. There are so many people I’d love to share this story with.
That said, I do wish we’d seen more of George—his connection to the story felt underdeveloped. I also found the portrayal of OCD and anxiety to be a bit too literal at times; I would’ve preferred more showing over telling in that area.
Still, the happy ending left me smiling, even if it wasn’t entirely realistic. I loved seeing how Astra and Isla brought joy and growth to each other’s lives, especially how Astra was gently pushed out of her shell. The story offered a refreshing and original experience with strong emotional beats and solid pacing.
My only other critique is that some of the secondary plotlines—especially those involving George and Astra’s dad—felt a bit disjointed. But beyond that, I have very few complaints. This was a wonderful read that I’ll be recommending for a long time.
May 6, 2024
Seventeen-year-old Astra's life hasn't been easy. She has no friends, an absent father, and a mom everyone thinks is crazy. Plus, one huge secret: she can talk to ghosts.
Astra inherited her mom’s gift, but sometimes it feels more like a curse. Especially when she meets Isla, who's sweet, cheerful, and absolutely gorgeous. She’s just the right kind of girl to bring Astra out of her shell—and maybe more. The only problem? She’s dead.
At first I didn't know what to think of this novel. I loved the premise, I love all ghost stories and the idea of falling in love with one? Yes, ok.
But I really do not care for all of my favorite genres becoming teen centric novels. Horror; look in young adult section. Mystery/thriller: young adult. Now LGBTQ...young adult section.
C'mon! Why always one way or another? I want to read about adults.
Anyway, let me move on before I pull out my soapbox.
This novel surprised me. The writing was excellent and the story kept me entertained and interested.
There were moments where I laughed out loud and a few where I even had to wipe a few years away.( Though I may deny that if asked.)
Abigail Collins is a name to watch out for from now on. Any author who can make you fully invested in her characters is one I not only want to read but one I happily will tell everyone I know to read as well.
I can't recommend this enough. It has angst, hope, and love. What more could you want?
Oh and a pretty good ghost story as well.
Go. Read. I promise you will feel all the feels.
Published by Bold Strokes Books, Inc./Soliloquy
Release date August 09, 2024
Thanks to Bold Strokes Books and @netgalley for the opportunity to read this eArc in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
Astra inherited her mom’s gift, but sometimes it feels more like a curse. Especially when she meets Isla, who's sweet, cheerful, and absolutely gorgeous. She’s just the right kind of girl to bring Astra out of her shell—and maybe more. The only problem? She’s dead.
At first I didn't know what to think of this novel. I loved the premise, I love all ghost stories and the idea of falling in love with one? Yes, ok.
But I really do not care for all of my favorite genres becoming teen centric novels. Horror; look in young adult section. Mystery/thriller: young adult. Now LGBTQ...young adult section.
C'mon! Why always one way or another? I want to read about adults.
Anyway, let me move on before I pull out my soapbox.
This novel surprised me. The writing was excellent and the story kept me entertained and interested.
There were moments where I laughed out loud and a few where I even had to wipe a few years away.( Though I may deny that if asked.)
Abigail Collins is a name to watch out for from now on. Any author who can make you fully invested in her characters is one I not only want to read but one I happily will tell everyone I know to read as well.
I can't recommend this enough. It has angst, hope, and love. What more could you want?
Oh and a pretty good ghost story as well.
Go. Read. I promise you will feel all the feels.
Published by Bold Strokes Books, Inc./Soliloquy
Release date August 09, 2024
Thanks to Bold Strokes Books and @netgalley for the opportunity to read this eArc in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.
June 7, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC! 💐👻
This was such a cute read!!
I loved Astra's character arc, as she learns to be more open and daring. I related to her a lot, with how she's an introvert and struggles to make friends.
When she meets Isla, typical ghost hijinks ensue, i.e. Isla bothering her and Astra begrudgingly going along with what Isla wants. I really appreciated how their relationship progressed so organically, growing from grudging acquaintances to best friends to perhaps something more? 👀
I loved how Astra's and Isla's arcs are intertwined, with Isla helping Astra to come out of her shell and explore new things. I was worried that the story would be just Isla helping Astra, as some romances can be a bit one-sided in that regard, but Astra also helps Isla with [SPOILERS]. I also appreciated that Astra and Isla have to make their hard decisions by themselves.
I wished we could have gotten a dual POV with Isla's perspective. I feel like lot of her character arc happened off page, and we only see parts of what Isla deals with from Astra's perspective. I understand that this is deliberate, to keep things hidden from the reader, but I would trade all the mystery just to know what is going on in Isla's head.
Some other things I want to mention:
- Astra has synesthesia (perceives colours as physical sensations) and seems to have OCD or autism but its not made completely clear (counts things and has to do things in certain orders, also has sensory issues, but its stated that the sensory issues are a side effect of being around ghosts so idk
- I loved Astra and Oliver's friendship so much, but damn, Oliver was third-wheeling hard
- Astra and her mom worked it out by the end, but lowkey if I were in Astra's shoes I would be a little resentful
This was such a cute read!!
I loved Astra's character arc, as she learns to be more open and daring. I related to her a lot, with how she's an introvert and struggles to make friends.
When she meets Isla, typical ghost hijinks ensue, i.e. Isla bothering her and Astra begrudgingly going along with what Isla wants. I really appreciated how their relationship progressed so organically, growing from grudging acquaintances to best friends to perhaps something more? 👀
I loved how Astra's and Isla's arcs are intertwined, with Isla helping Astra to come out of her shell and explore new things. I was worried that the story would be just Isla helping Astra, as some romances can be a bit one-sided in that regard, but Astra also helps Isla with [SPOILERS]. I also appreciated that Astra and Isla have to make their hard decisions by themselves.
I wished we could have gotten a dual POV with Isla's perspective. I feel like lot of her character arc happened off page, and we only see parts of what Isla deals with from Astra's perspective. I understand that this is deliberate, to keep things hidden from the reader, but I would trade all the mystery just to know what is going on in Isla's head.
Some other things I want to mention:
- Astra has synesthesia (perceives colours as physical sensations) and seems to have OCD or autism but its not made completely clear (counts things and has to do things in certain orders, also has sensory issues, but its stated that the sensory issues are a side effect of being around ghosts so idk
- I loved Astra and Oliver's friendship so much, but damn, Oliver was third-wheeling hard
- Astra and her mom worked it out by the end, but lowkey if I were in Astra's shoes I would be a little resentful
March 25, 2024
Wow, what a delightful story. It was the perfect one to read today which lifted my spirits.
I want to thank NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I knew going in only that it was LGTBQIA+ friendly but had no idea it also have Neurodiverse characters as well as disability positive vibes. The author never names a diagnosis for our protagonist Astra who can see and communicate with ghosts, but she is clearly Neurodiverse as well as displays many symptoms of OCD.
I think this book can be enjoyed by many Teens and adults alike and many different individuals can identify with various aspects of it.
The book is completely predictable but I’m not mad at it for it. It was delightful to have a story that underneath reality with some serious reality of growing up different but in a safe and almost fluffy way.
There were a few pacing issues and repetitiveness but it was an easy read to do in a few hours.
I highly recommend this book for teens to read as well as young adult.
My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars and I rarely round up.
⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again
I want to thank NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I knew going in only that it was LGTBQIA+ friendly but had no idea it also have Neurodiverse characters as well as disability positive vibes. The author never names a diagnosis for our protagonist Astra who can see and communicate with ghosts, but she is clearly Neurodiverse as well as displays many symptoms of OCD.
I think this book can be enjoyed by many Teens and adults alike and many different individuals can identify with various aspects of it.
The book is completely predictable but I’m not mad at it for it. It was delightful to have a story that underneath reality with some serious reality of growing up different but in a safe and almost fluffy way.
There were a few pacing issues and repetitiveness but it was an easy read to do in a few hours.
I highly recommend this book for teens to read as well as young adult.
My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars and I rarely round up.
⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again
March 28, 2024
I was first a little hesitant to try this book. The summary and book cover was just to my taste, but I thought that YA novels were not to my taste until I read this book.
Astra is a girl who can see ghosts. Ghosts who come, then leave anyway. One day, a ghost named Isla suddenly appears, and she spends her days as a ghost doing the things she had wanted to do with Astra’s help. And these two grow closer. However, Isla would leave her someday, like the others did. Astra is used to it. However, this time…she doesn’t want this one to leave. But what if...Isla doesn't have to leave?
The book is a little different in its writing style compared to other books. While other books are fast-paced, like watching a movie, this one felt as if I were watching a documentary of Astra’s life, or floating around in Astra's home, observing her and reading her thoughts. Tiny quirks, thoughts, and actions were expressed similarly to the stream of consciousness. Those who may not like such slow writing may find the book a little dull at first (though I found it interesting). However, it would be worth waiting till the last parts of the book. It is like a tsunami, where the book doesn’t have much development in the plot like receding waves, only to rear up in the end and engulf the reader with tides of emotions.
I received an ARC from Netgalley for an honest review.
★★★★★
Astra is a girl who can see ghosts. Ghosts who come, then leave anyway. One day, a ghost named Isla suddenly appears, and she spends her days as a ghost doing the things she had wanted to do with Astra’s help. And these two grow closer. However, Isla would leave her someday, like the others did. Astra is used to it. However, this time…she doesn’t want this one to leave. But what if...Isla doesn't have to leave?
The book is a little different in its writing style compared to other books. While other books are fast-paced, like watching a movie, this one felt as if I were watching a documentary of Astra’s life, or floating around in Astra's home, observing her and reading her thoughts. Tiny quirks, thoughts, and actions were expressed similarly to the stream of consciousness. Those who may not like such slow writing may find the book a little dull at first (though I found it interesting). However, it would be worth waiting till the last parts of the book. It is like a tsunami, where the book doesn’t have much development in the plot like receding waves, only to rear up in the end and engulf the reader with tides of emotions.
I received an ARC from Netgalley for an honest review.
★★★★★
March 31, 2024
3 stars - a sweet but slow YA paranormal, sapphic romance.
Astra and her mom can see ghosts but Astras mom doesn’t know Astra can see ghosts. Whilst at school Astra is visited by a ghost called Isla who wants Astras help with a “non” bucket list before she passes on. We also get to meet Astras friend Oliver and another ghost George along the way. Astra tries not to get to close to the ghosts but her feelings start to develop as she and Isla spend more time together and secrets come to light.
I really enjoyed the premise of the book and if you have watched the movie just like heaven - I found it quite similar to that but YA.
The romance build up was sweet and I really liked the other ghost George and Astras friend Ollie.
I found it really amusing the Isla couldn’t ride in a car and had to fly inside to keep up!
However, I did find it quite slow to begin with and honestly nearly Dnf’ed at the beginning due to Astras fixation on colours and numbers (possibly autism or OCD but never clarified) it was very repetitive and annoying but got less as the book went on. I also found the bucket list outings a bit bland and could have been more adventurous.
Would recommend to those who prefer character development over big plot twists and turns.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of the ebook.
Astra and her mom can see ghosts but Astras mom doesn’t know Astra can see ghosts. Whilst at school Astra is visited by a ghost called Isla who wants Astras help with a “non” bucket list before she passes on. We also get to meet Astras friend Oliver and another ghost George along the way. Astra tries not to get to close to the ghosts but her feelings start to develop as she and Isla spend more time together and secrets come to light.
I really enjoyed the premise of the book and if you have watched the movie just like heaven - I found it quite similar to that but YA.
The romance build up was sweet and I really liked the other ghost George and Astras friend Ollie.
I found it really amusing the Isla couldn’t ride in a car and had to fly inside to keep up!
However, I did find it quite slow to begin with and honestly nearly Dnf’ed at the beginning due to Astras fixation on colours and numbers (possibly autism or OCD but never clarified) it was very repetitive and annoying but got less as the book went on. I also found the bucket list outings a bit bland and could have been more adventurous.
Would recommend to those who prefer character development over big plot twists and turns.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of the ebook.
April 5, 2024
Flowers for Dead Girls
This YA novel caught my eye because of the wonderful cover art. Thank you to NetGalley & Bold Strokes Books, Inc for allowing me to read it before its publication date. All opinions are my own.
*Flowers for Dead Girls* is best described as a modern telling of Casper the friendly ghost but with a cute queer twist. I definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys a low-stakes story about friendship, young love or who is obsessed with ghosts. It’s nicely paced, with plenty of meat in each chapter without droning on.
There’s tons of imagery so it’s easy to get a clear picture while reading. I enjoyed Isla’s character the most. She’s light hearted and sweet, particularly for a dead girl. Astra is a complex seventeen year old who is a great neurodivergent representative. She can see, talk to, and even touch ghosts, even though she claims she isn’t a psychic.
Personally, I did not feel the compulsive draw to read this in one sitting. The repetitive nature of Astra’s point of view bored me at times and most chapters start with a long description rather than action. Things picked up in the second half, so I’m glad I pushed through.
The second half of the book and the ending leave your heart filled. I thoroughly enjoyed the resolution in every aspect. This is such a heart warming story. Teens will relate to it for years to come.
This YA novel caught my eye because of the wonderful cover art. Thank you to NetGalley & Bold Strokes Books, Inc for allowing me to read it before its publication date. All opinions are my own.
*Flowers for Dead Girls* is best described as a modern telling of Casper the friendly ghost but with a cute queer twist. I definitely recommend this to anyone who enjoys a low-stakes story about friendship, young love or who is obsessed with ghosts. It’s nicely paced, with plenty of meat in each chapter without droning on.
There’s tons of imagery so it’s easy to get a clear picture while reading. I enjoyed Isla’s character the most. She’s light hearted and sweet, particularly for a dead girl. Astra is a complex seventeen year old who is a great neurodivergent representative. She can see, talk to, and even touch ghosts, even though she claims she isn’t a psychic.
Personally, I did not feel the compulsive draw to read this in one sitting. The repetitive nature of Astra’s point of view bored me at times and most chapters start with a long description rather than action. Things picked up in the second half, so I’m glad I pushed through.
The second half of the book and the ending leave your heart filled. I thoroughly enjoyed the resolution in every aspect. This is such a heart warming story. Teens will relate to it for years to come.
May 13, 2024
2.5 stars / The premise and the cover of this book? 10/10. However, I wanted to love this story more than I actually did.
One of the strongest things in this story is the way Astra's relationships with those around her are depicted. You got a strong sense of her family and how they interact with each other, right from the get-go. But while Astra's story starts off strong and intriguing, the prose quickly begins to feel repetitive. I think the author intended this to mirror the OCD being depicted, but it didn't seem to have the desired effect. This makes the pacing of the story start to drag after the first act. I was also surprised that we didn't see more about the love interest—it felt like we didn't get to know Isla as well as I would have liked to in order to truly dive into the relationship wholeheartedly. Without spoiling things, the plot twist left something to be desired—there were some elements at the end of the story that remained unexplained, and a frustrating depiction of disabled persons,which left for a slightly frustrating reading experience.
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Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this title! This review contains my honest and voluntary thoughts.
One of the strongest things in this story is the way Astra's relationships with those around her are depicted. You got a strong sense of her family and how they interact with each other, right from the get-go. But while Astra's story starts off strong and intriguing, the prose quickly begins to feel repetitive. I think the author intended this to mirror the OCD being depicted, but it didn't seem to have the desired effect. This makes the pacing of the story start to drag after the first act. I was also surprised that we didn't see more about the love interest—it felt like we didn't get to know Isla as well as I would have liked to in order to truly dive into the relationship wholeheartedly. Without spoiling things, the plot twist left something to be desired—there were some elements at the end of the story that remained unexplained, and a frustrating depiction of disabled persons,which left for a slightly frustrating reading experience.
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Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of this title! This review contains my honest and voluntary thoughts.
March 20, 2024
*Spoiler-free*
This is definitely a young adult supernatural/romance I would recommend to anyone who engages with the genre.
Our main character, Astra, is a very interesting young person to get into the mind of. She has strong chemistry with Isla, and I am also particularly fond of Ollie. All around, I did enjoy reading about these characters.
Without spoiling, I do think that some of the more emotional events towards the end of the book could have done with being a little longer and explored in greater depth. Whilst this book is short and never felt like it dragged, I feel like it could have dedicated some more time to certain aspects in its final third. Equally, I would have liked a little more emphasis on Isla's journey at this point in the story - of course we follow Astra, but I definitely found myself wondering more about Isla's internal plight at this stage and would have liked to see it touched on in a little more depth.
I would definitely read more of this author's work following this.
*Copy provided by Netgalley for review*
This is definitely a young adult supernatural/romance I would recommend to anyone who engages with the genre.
Our main character, Astra, is a very interesting young person to get into the mind of. She has strong chemistry with Isla, and I am also particularly fond of Ollie. All around, I did enjoy reading about these characters.
Without spoiling, I do think that some of the more emotional events towards the end of the book could have done with being a little longer and explored in greater depth. Whilst this book is short and never felt like it dragged, I feel like it could have dedicated some more time to certain aspects in its final third. Equally, I would have liked a little more emphasis on Isla's journey at this point in the story - of course we follow Astra, but I definitely found myself wondering more about Isla's internal plight at this stage and would have liked to see it touched on in a little more depth.
I would definitely read more of this author's work following this.
*Copy provided by Netgalley for review*
April 11, 2024
4.5 ⭐️
This book was adorable and the representation was immaculate. The lack of explicit confirmation that Aster is perhaps on the spectrum or has any type of disorder was brilliant, in my opinion, and you could truly look into her character and understand how she feels about particular things.
The characters in this book were truly lovely: from the timid and kind Aster to the bright and bouncy Isla, from the unknowingly-cool and quirky mum to the outwardly hilarious and brave Oliver. There was not a single character I disliked in this book which made it even more enjoyable.
The plot kept me hooked from start to finish. The plot twist of the book had me squealing and hopeful. The ins and outs of Isla’s feelings were simultaneously heartbreaking and relatable. The cute romance? To die for!
I simply did not want this book to end.
I am new to this author and cannot thank her and NetGalley enough for the opportunity to read this ARC, I truly look forward to reading more from Collins!
This book was adorable and the representation was immaculate. The lack of explicit confirmation that Aster is perhaps on the spectrum or has any type of disorder was brilliant, in my opinion, and you could truly look into her character and understand how she feels about particular things.
The characters in this book were truly lovely: from the timid and kind Aster to the bright and bouncy Isla, from the unknowingly-cool and quirky mum to the outwardly hilarious and brave Oliver. There was not a single character I disliked in this book which made it even more enjoyable.
The plot kept me hooked from start to finish. The plot twist of the book had me squealing and hopeful. The ins and outs of Isla’s feelings were simultaneously heartbreaking and relatable. The cute romance? To die for!
I simply did not want this book to end.
I am new to this author and cannot thank her and NetGalley enough for the opportunity to read this ARC, I truly look forward to reading more from Collins!
April 16, 2024
Lesbians? Ghosts? Flower facts? Amazing friends? A cat?
Check!
Astra can see ghosts. She deals with them, talks to them, lets them linger until it’s time for them to leave, but she doesn’t befriend them. That is, until one startlingly young girl accosts her in school and seems to make it her afterlife’s mission to force Astra out of her shell and into the real world for once.
It’s a cute story. I cried a few times, but in a good way. If I had any critiques, it would be that we often skip over moments I wish we could have seen, going for brevity instead of reader happiness. Overall, it’s well written and adorable.
This is a wonderful story for kids who believe their quirks aren’t digestible and that they must shoulder it alone. The world has more to offer when you open up to it.
Check!
Astra can see ghosts. She deals with them, talks to them, lets them linger until it’s time for them to leave, but she doesn’t befriend them. That is, until one startlingly young girl accosts her in school and seems to make it her afterlife’s mission to force Astra out of her shell and into the real world for once.
It’s a cute story. I cried a few times, but in a good way. If I had any critiques, it would be that we often skip over moments I wish we could have seen, going for brevity instead of reader happiness. Overall, it’s well written and adorable.
This is a wonderful story for kids who believe their quirks aren’t digestible and that they must shoulder it alone. The world has more to offer when you open up to it.
August 19, 2024
I love love love this book. This is the first ghost book that I literally loved. I love Astra and Oliver and Isla and Astra’s mom. I love ghosts. I love the cat and the wooden turtle. I love fake fruits. I love the mysterious workshop of Astra’s mom and their tiny apartment and the greenhouse and all the colours. I love everything about this book. It's not slow paced and every page has something unique in it. It contains every emotion. It has humour, romance, sadness, despair, guilt, anger and horror. Everything makes it beautiful. The flower facts top everything. The tragic tale of the ghosts and isla’s tragic truth … It was so fascinating and sad. It was gloomy. So gloomy. I'm finding an opportunity to draw this book’s cover page in my journal. That's how much I loved it. I wanna thank the author for writing this wholesome book. It's 5/5 for me.
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