Forever in Flowers

Juniper Creek Golden Years

by Brenna Bailey

The cynical hobby farmer. The optimistic wedding planner. The wedding that makes them believe in love again.

After being burned by love, Loretta Vogel believes romance is only for other people. That won’t keep the septuagenarian from turning her rustic barn into the wedding venue of her florist friends’ dreams. But when her new business venture proves more than she bargained for, she reluctantly accepts the help of an annoyingly energetic wedding planner to bring her idea to life.

Joyce Grant wouldn’t miss the opportunity to plan one last wedding for her old friend in Juniper Creek. Besides, wedding preparations are the perfect distraction from the changes threatening to break up her queerplatonic family. And assisting the enigmatic venue host with her barn renovation project is the icing on a delicious, sunshiny wedding cake.

When a fixture-shopping road trip lands Loretta and Joyce in a one-bed B&B room, they discover more in common than they realized. But as Joyce’s departure draws closer, can the hobby farmer and the wedding planner move beyond a summer romance and find lasting happiness together?

Forever in Flowers is the fourth standalone volume in the queer contemporary small-town Juniper Creek Golden Years series. If you like grumpy-sunshine dynamics, cozy small towns, and low-angst love stories with characters you’ll want to make friends with, you’ll love this charming series wrap-up.

Genres: Contemporary, LGBT, Lesbian, Adult

230 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 30, 2024

About the author

Brenna Bailey writes queer contemporary romance and runs an editing business called Bookmarten Editorial. If her nose isn't buried in a book, you can probably find her out in the woods somewhere admiring plants or attempting to identify birds. She is a starry-eyed traveler and a home baker, and she lives in Calgary, Alberta, with her game-loving spouse and their cuddly fur-baby.

Reviews

[Barbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a complimentary ARC in exchange for my honest review.
What a sweet book! The most refreshing thing about this story was that even though a lead character was pretty grumpy (not to mention depressive and isolating), she still found love and understanding. The series has kept getting better, with each couple's story building on the last and providing inspiration and context for the next. Seeing previous characters continue with their storylines certainly doesn't affect the ability to read these "out of order" though. There is enough surrounding detail that I think anyone could pick up this book as their first in the series and not feel bad at all about moving around for each book. It's also a nice touch to see such great body positivity among people in their "Golden Years." I want my next vacation to be in Juniper Creek!

[Meaghan Steeves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bittersweetly, we’ve come to the conclusion of the Juniper Creek Golden Years series. But what a wonderful ride it has been, and there couldn’t be a better way to close this chapter than by having the wedding of the first book’s protagonists—Minnie and Eleanor— as the backdrop. For the main story, we get to watch Loretta, a slightly cynical side character from the 3rd book (Wishing on Winter) whose barn provides the venue, and Joyce, a bubbly friend of Eleanor’s and a professional wedding planner, come together to create a truly beautiful wedding day. It’s a delightful dual POV of a grumpy sunshine romance! 💖

I’m sure I sound like a broken record, but it’s been so fun to watch this series grow, and to have the comforting familiarity of the recuring places we visit in Juniper Creek. Each story has had the perfect amount of cozy, with wonderful descriptions of food, movie viewing, games, and reading recs sprinkled throughout. Those elements have always been fun to look out for, and you can get a lot of ideas for living your best life from this series. 🏡

[Emmaby Barton Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

a very bittersweet read - as with the rest of this series, this was such a sweet and cozy read <33 - but i don't want to say goodbye to this series/world/characters :((

also sadly, still felt something lacking/stoppnig me give this a 5 star rating... just not quite getting enough of that warm hug feeling im wanting from them… (annoyingly, the m/f romance is still my favourite from this series :/) again i think maybe some things could have been fleshed out more?? (more romance!!, why was minnie so anxious, the actual wedding was very shortlived, more about loretta's mental health and joyce's past) i did appreciate this one had more romance throughout the whole book though (versus the first two in the series) - so many cute scenes ahhh

(obsessed with joyce's queerplatonic relationship situation btw v slay)

[Niké · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just like the previous book in the series, this story was just the sweetest. Loretta and Joyce were delightful main characters and I loved how there was enough space for both romance and their struggles. It was really nicely balanced too, without infodumping too much and with a great pacing as well. I really liked the pining through the whole book, despite being so jittery when they parted, but I think it was so much better that they left each other they way they did instead of some extreme break up (which is a trope that needs to be handled well for me to enjoy).
And the wedding stuff! It was so cute, how the various romances from the previous books had a place in this one's story!
Last thing In would like to highlight is the wonderful queerplatonic relationship between Joyce, Will and Andrew. I mean, it's just so great to see such representation in a book!

Thank you to the author for gifting me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review, I really appreciate it!
Also for my fellow readers who are thinking about purchasing this book, please note that 20% of the release day sales are being donated by the author to the Native Women's Association of Canada.

[maité · Rating 2 out of 5]

well, I didn't like this much. I liked the first book, but this one seemed like it was written about a bunch of 20 year olds and then the characters were changed to be 70yo but everything stayed the same. I'd expect 70yo women to be much more mature emotionally than this. Loretta should've gone to extensive therapy 2 decades ago instead of wallowing. it annoyed me so much how she continuously self-sabotaged herself, and seemingly no one cared. and since when do we talk about "the curves" of a 70yo woman? that just seemed hella weird to me.

what I did enjoy was the planning of the wedding and seeing more of minnie and eleanor.

[Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy release day @brennabaileybooks!

Forever In Flowers is the final book in the Juniper Creek Golden Years series and if you have followed me for a bit you know how much I adore this series. As sad as I am to see it go, this was the absolute best end I could have imagined. The series as a whole brings me so much joy and comfort.

Loretta may just be my favorite character of Brenna’s yet. “Withdrawing to her introverted happy place, Loretta slept, read a book about eels, sketched, and picked up one of her embroidery projects she’d abandoned months ago.” I am her, she is me. I love her dearly. You add in Joyce’s sweet & confident self and they compliment each other perfectly!

I will forever recommend this entire series. They have a special place in my heart. 💖🌸

[Madeline Nixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these books so much and I am so sad to see them come to an end. The queen joy and love in the golden years are just top notch. This was the perfect end to the series, culminating in the full circle moment of Eleanor and Minnie’s wedding, with cameos from the other couples, and Loretta and Joyce’s love story. Just pure goodness. I cannot wait to see what Brenna does next.

Thanks to Brenna for an arc of this book. All opinions are my own.

[carly · Rating 2 out of 5]

The characters in their 70’s are written like they are in their twenties. i don’t wanna read about 70 year old women movin and groovin 😞 and lots of plot holes

[Constance McEntee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Usually, I don't like being asked which book in a series was my favorite. It seems unfair to the other books and to the series as a whole. But, "Forever in Flowers" might indeed be my favorite of the Juniper Creek Golden Years books. And I don't say that lightly. Let me explain.

"A Tale of Two Florists," "Of Love and Libraries," and "Forever in Flowers" are all sapphic romances. It was the third book in the series, "Wishing on Winter," that focused on bisexual characters. Being bi myself, that was near and dear to my heart. Being transgender means I've experience biphobia from both a man's and a woman's perspective. So by all accounts, that one should have been my favorite.

But there was something about the plot devices used in this book that I really enjoyed. I don't want to go into details as I don't want to post spoilers.

But, it seems this is the final story for Juniper Creek Golden Years. I'm sad to leave this lovely little town, but I can always reread these books.

"Forever in Flowers" was a great end to the series!

[trishajennreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved how these two women helped each other — and fell in love while doing it. This story is sweet and fun and a lovely ending to the series.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m once again so glad to be part of Brenna’s ARC team as I’ve so enjoyed the Juniper creek the golden years series and although I’m sad this is the last one it was so perfect to end it with this book. This book truly gave a wonderful extension of insight into 71 year old Loretta and her life. I enjoyed diving in and finding that despite her outward appearance of being gloomy and kinda ruff around the edges that beneath the surface she is really kind and sweet at heart. Getting to know Loretta on a deeper level and learning of her depression and heart break really resonates with me and I found my self warming to her personal struggles. Despite all of this hurt she’s carrying around she still loves the idea of love after seeing a beautiful wedding and decides to turn her farm into a wedding venue but she will need help.

Cue 70 year old wedding planner Joyce who comes with her own baggage in the form of a platonic queer relationship with the dads of her daughter and PTSD from the boating accident her daughter has. Both Loretta and Joyce have such different personalities despite what they carry around and I found that I could actually see so much of myself in both of these characters and I felt a deeper connection to them as I read. I loved seeing how the two came together to create their friends dream wedding while navigating working together. Although Loretta is closed off at the beginning to any help from Joyce it was sweet to see how Joyce was able to bring Loretta out of her shell and blossom. In turn Loretta is able to show Joyce that life still moves forward and change can be a good thing even if it doesn’t feel that way.

The dual POV was insightful into the minds of each character because I was able to get a closer understanding and perspective of these characters and how connected they truly are despite being opposites. It was wonderful to see how they each navigated their own struggles while finding a new happiness in each other. Life doesn’t end when you gone through 70+years of life just because of unfortunate events in life and love and happiness can be found again. Brenna truly captured that beauty through Loretta and Joyce’s life journey. One wedding is all it takes to open up the chance at a new love for Loretta after being hurt and a new adventure of connection for Joyce and I became completely wrapped up in this sweet small town and the journey of Loretta and Joyce’s passionate first kiss in the barn to the road trip for light fixtures that lads the two in a B&B and everything in between. Brenna’s writing once again has captivated my attention and all I want to do is read more about the world that is Juniper Creek.

[Siobhain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like the other novels in this series it is seriously sweet. I am lucky enough to be part of Bailey’s ARC team and I honestly can say that they have made me reconsider my view on romance novels because so far I have loved each one. The bonus for me is that this focuses on those in the golden years. It reminds us that love is not restricted by age. I love that we get characters who are 60+ getting second chances at their happy ever afters. I also love the characters.

Brenna Bailey has a true talent for bringing characters to life. They are all incredibly human with flaws and imperfections, dreams, hobbies and aspirations. Honestly while reading you feel like you are part of the Juniper Creek community. I won’t spoil the plot but I will say this might have been the sweetest to date – but it’s hard to pick.

If you love sweet romance, small town romance and well written characters you cannot miss this. I was given an ARC by the author but my review is totally honest and unbia

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the perfect conclusion to Brenna Bailey's seasons-based tetralogy. It was lovely to see how the previous relationships were progressing and resolving, and I absolutely loved the charming romance between Joyce and Loretta in this story. They both enter the story with believable and genuine resistances to love and a future together, and the very real obstacle of Joyce's imminent return to Scotland was perfect for maintaining tension right to the end of the story. Although I knew it work turn out well in the end, as a romance novel must, Bailey left me wondering right until the end just how things would resolve. I can't wait to see where Bailey goes next, having finished this particular series, but I will be an enthusiastic reader for whatever it is.

[Justine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth and final book in the Juniper Creek series…. Or is it? Since I was so far behind this band wagon I actually knew the author was releasing a new book but the new one will be a different series but also takes place in Juniper Creek.
This was a true grumpy x sunshine read and I was here for it. I love Etta’s quirky self and Joyce’s opposite put togetherness and how they are opposites who attracted. I love, love , love Etta’s chickens ahhaha. I think the dream farm wedding evenings cute and I have seen some of these in real life and they are gorgeous. I love Juniper Creek and I’m glad I got to know these characters and watch as they fell in love. I can’t wait to come back for more.
Again I would recommend this book and series to all readers.

[Morrigan Coady · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was once again very happy to receive a Juniper Creek novel as an ARC to review!

It's been so fun to see all the characters on their journeys throughout the different books and I enjoy the introduction of the new characters while still showing the reader how the old ones are doing.

Forever in Flowers was another excellent addition to the series and I really liked Loretta and Joyce's characters and seeing how they developed. I also thought it was very fun to read a book centred on planning a wedding when I am in the midst of wedding planning myself!

I'm looking forward to seeing what Brenna writes next!

[Lotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book gets an easy five star review from me. I think it is great to read a story about people who are much older than the regular MC's in books and the history they carry with them makes the story so much more interesting. So I really loved Forever Flowers. It's a shame that the series has come to an end with this book.
Reading about Loretta and Joyce, seeing them come together and Joyce building her business made a great novel and I would have easily read another hundred pages about this couple.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, as well as the others in the series, shows that love and romance aren't exclusive to only the young. It's well written with engaging characters and a fitting end to the series. Even if you haven't read the others, you can still enjoy this one without fear of missing out. They can always be read if you want to know the story of the other characters who appear in this one.

I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forever in Flowers is the final book in the Juniper Creek Golden Years series by Brenna Bailey. I have to say that I am so sad to say goodbye to Juniper Creek! I’ve really enjoyed each story line and loved that the characters can be seen throughout all four books.

If you like cozy romance books this series is for you! Or they can be read as stand alone a too! As Brenna says these books are hallmark but make it queer!

Be sure to pick up this series and support a local indie Canadian (Calgarian) author!

[Christine Reid · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what a exquisite love story I loved the main characters their connection shined throughout this one is my favourite I just feel in love with the main characters their banter was on point their loving characters were in so much depth it felt like you knew them personally definitely a must-read congratulations

[Rowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved this book. It is interesting story of Loretta, who is trying to get her event barn finished in order to host a friends wedding; and Joyce who is said friends wedding planner, brought in to smooth the way. This book is well written with older characters gaining love, which is lovely to read about.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

i didn't enjoy this as much as the previous books in the series, but it was still super cute and engrossing. i think nothing can compare to of love and libraries, the first one i read and my absolute favourite. this was a lovely way to wrap everything up!

[thank you brenna for the arc. all opinions shared are my own.]

[Tanya · Rating 5 out of 5]

They are very different to each other and one is older than the other one. A weeding is being planned and she will need help and so they appear. Spending time together in a small hotel room where things may change for them both. Can the wedding go well? How will they get on? See how they will

[Allison Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the final book in this series! The author made me feel like I knew these characters personally. I could picture exactly where the story took place, and would love to venture to Juniper Creek! I hpe this author writes more novels for us to enjoy.

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hands down, my favorite book of the series!!!
So sad it’s over. I also really enjoyed the 🌶️ level here. Nothing too crazy but honestly shocking compared to the first two books (haven’t read #3 yet), I loved it!

[Marissa Lawton · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 ✨ the cutest little feel good rom com type book. Exactly what I need right now! This was the best one yet.

[Paris Browne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Joyce is a wedding planner who travels to Juniper Creek to plan an old friends wedding. She meets Loretta, a hobby farmer who's opening her barn as a wedding menu, and they agree to a casual fling until Joyce leaves. Needless to say, it goes a little beyond casual.
This was completely different to anything I've read before. To start with, this series follows older people (there are 3 previous stories)- Joyce and Loretta are both in their 70s. It was really lovely to read about people finding love (sometimes for a second time) at this age, when society so often writes off this age group. It was even more lovely to have an array of older queer characters, all living happy and wholesome lives.
Loretta was such a relatable character, introverted but warm. I'm obsessed with her hens (named after godesses) and I feel I could spend a long time just existing at her home.
This book was also fade to black (again, not my usual read) but wasn't any less enjoyable for this fact. The chemistry and tension were still there, and there were lots of intimate moments. Loretta and Joyce complement one another perfectly.
Finally, I appreciated the author's acknowledgement of the indigenous land both her and her characters live on, and that she is donating money from release day sales.
I'm off to research getting chickens now.

[Bronwyn Blakley · Rating 5 out of 5]

My original ARC review was posted to IG on release day.

This was such a lovely book. So many really cute moments!

A cozy contemporary sapphic romance in a queer community set in BC, this book is the fourth and final book in the Juniper Creek Golden Years series by Brenna Bailey.

I love a good low stakes feel-good romance, and I loved how the relationship between Loretta and Joyce was written. I also love that we get to see romance within an older generation. So much of romance novels centre around young people in their 20s or 30s and this was such a beautiful contrast to that.

Joyce’s sunshine really does fit so perfectly with Loretta’s grumpy, and I think the natural way in which they fell for each other was really sweet. And to have all of their friends see it too! I would also easily move to a place like Juniper Creek. I love this little community Brenna has created.

I signed up for this ARC not having read the first three books, which didn’t hinder my enjoyment at all because this book could easily work as a stand-alone. But I definitely want to read the others now! If you enjoy queer contemporary romance, I absolutely recommend!