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When Petals Fall
Lily Hawthorn's garden has always been a vibrant escape, A place where she can nurture beauty and find comfort among her plants. But when her mother's sudden death shatters her world, Lily's once-thriving oasis begins to wither, mirroring the ache in her heart.
Amidst her garden's decline, a mysterious elder tree appears, its roots not only digging into the hardened earth but Lily's unspoken pain as well. As she turns away from the tree and her emotions, the land slips further into chaos. Only when Lily feels her absolute lowest does she realize that to save her precious garden, she must confront her grief head-on.
In a story about loss, friendship, and the enduring power of love, When Petals Fall is a tender exploration of grief from a child's perspective, touching on emotions young readers may struggle to express.
Amidst her garden's decline, a mysterious elder tree appears, its roots not only digging into the hardened earth but Lily's unspoken pain as well. As she turns away from the tree and her emotions, the land slips further into chaos. Only when Lily feels her absolute lowest does she realize that to save her precious garden, she must confront her grief head-on.
In a story about loss, friendship, and the enduring power of love, When Petals Fall is a tender exploration of grief from a child's perspective, touching on emotions young readers may struggle to express.
- GenresGrief
Published January 7, 2025
3 people are currently reading
13 people want to read
About the author
Debra Leigh
5 books50 followersHello and welcome!
I'm Debra Leigh, Provocative Romance and YA Fantasy author. My newest release, FALLING, hit the stores on February 7, 2022!
If you're a Goodreads Reviewer and you're interested in reviewing one of my titles for a free eBook copy, please reach out via Goodreads or Instagram: @debraleighbooks.
I'm Debra Leigh, Provocative Romance and YA Fantasy author. My newest release, FALLING, hit the stores on February 7, 2022!
If you're a Goodreads Reviewer and you're interested in reviewing one of my titles for a free eBook copy, please reach out via Goodreads or Instagram: @debraleighbooks.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
December 6, 2024
I just finished reading the ARC of When Petals Fall, and wow, did it make me an emotional mess! This isn't just any children's book, it's a journey through grief, and for me, hit very close to home.
The main character Lily feels like a friend you just want to hug. The story starts in this magical garden, which pretty much turns into a metaphor for Lily’s emotional growth, and let me tell you, it's both clever and touching.
The whole book is filled with tools for children who are greiving, like an emotion chart that helps Lily figure out her feelings. It even got me thinking about my own feelings if I'm being honest. I was sobbing through so many pages, connecting with all the ups and downs that Lily goes through. It’s one of those stories that stick with you because it’s just so real and raw. But I can promise you, it’s not all tears. And there are these awesome interactive pieces at the end!
If you’re up for a book that’s an emotional deep dive but also super sweet, you have to check out When Petals Fall. It's perfect for anyone who's ever lost some due to difficult circumstances. Big recommend for all the feels and some healing, too!
The main character Lily feels like a friend you just want to hug. The story starts in this magical garden, which pretty much turns into a metaphor for Lily’s emotional growth, and let me tell you, it's both clever and touching.
The whole book is filled with tools for children who are greiving, like an emotion chart that helps Lily figure out her feelings. It even got me thinking about my own feelings if I'm being honest. I was sobbing through so many pages, connecting with all the ups and downs that Lily goes through. It’s one of those stories that stick with you because it’s just so real and raw. But I can promise you, it’s not all tears. And there are these awesome interactive pieces at the end!
If you’re up for a book that’s an emotional deep dive but also super sweet, you have to check out When Petals Fall. It's perfect for anyone who's ever lost some due to difficult circumstances. Big recommend for all the feels and some healing, too!
January 2, 2025
It seems I am the odd man out, and I do have quite a hard time rating this book.
What started of as something that completely pulled me in, lost me somewhere along the way. Unfortunately I should say. The book emphasizes the importance of accepting support from others during the grieving process, while at the same time being clear that it is only oneself that can chose to take and lead that journey. I like that, but found that the whole book was written very much as an isolated journey. The mentioned support offered by others was always a side note in the periphery, and not really explored with any depth. This is a shame since I think that would be one of the major take aways at the end of a book like this; the importance of not only shouldering on by yourself, but finding the strength in accepting support from others. It was touched upon, but as mentioned not with the depth I hoped for.
Although I cannot relate to the loss of a parent, I do see how this book can offer guidance to both adults and children that find themselves in such a situation. I especially loved the resources provided in the end and the use of some, for example the emotion chart, in the book itself.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What started of as something that completely pulled me in, lost me somewhere along the way. Unfortunately I should say. The book emphasizes the importance of accepting support from others during the grieving process, while at the same time being clear that it is only oneself that can chose to take and lead that journey. I like that, but found that the whole book was written very much as an isolated journey. The mentioned support offered by others was always a side note in the periphery, and not really explored with any depth. This is a shame since I think that would be one of the major take aways at the end of a book like this; the importance of not only shouldering on by yourself, but finding the strength in accepting support from others. It was touched upon, but as mentioned not with the depth I hoped for.
Although I cannot relate to the loss of a parent, I do see how this book can offer guidance to both adults and children that find themselves in such a situation. I especially loved the resources provided in the end and the use of some, for example the emotion chart, in the book itself.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 8, 2024
Firstly a huge thank you to Debra for giving me the opportunity to read When petals fall
As an arc reader for Debra I only knew little about the book. When I say this book absolutely captivated me from start to finish I mean it. I finished this in an evening and was filled with so much emotion when reading the book.
Following Lily through her grief was so touching and raw but in such a good way. Touching on every single emotion through grief I found so important.
Seeing the growing friendship between Emily and Lily was so wholesome and shows that you don't know everyone's story by what's portrayed on the outside.
I adore the concept of the book and how the emotions and grief Lily was going through had an effect on the garden so it was a visual reminder that grief is not a quick fix.
I loved the way this book was written and how Debra portrayed the characters.
Thank you again Debra
As an arc reader for Debra I only knew little about the book. When I say this book absolutely captivated me from start to finish I mean it. I finished this in an evening and was filled with so much emotion when reading the book.
Following Lily through her grief was so touching and raw but in such a good way. Touching on every single emotion through grief I found so important.
Seeing the growing friendship between Emily and Lily was so wholesome and shows that you don't know everyone's story by what's portrayed on the outside.
I adore the concept of the book and how the emotions and grief Lily was going through had an effect on the garden so it was a visual reminder that grief is not a quick fix.
I loved the way this book was written and how Debra portrayed the characters.
Thank you again Debra
June 19, 2025
When Petals Fall is a quick but enjoyable and engaging story that is a combination of simple, sweet, and emotional. Despite being aimed at children, this book contains a genuinely powerful and clever metaphor for grief that adults can also enjoy. The use of the garden in this book is done extremely well, and I like seeing the contrast between the garden at the beginning, in the middle, and at the end of the book.
I like the way Lily’s emotions are explored, both through the garden and also through her determination to believe the best of her mother at the start, which slowly turns into Lily acknowledging her mother in a more realistic light. Her original defiance isn’t forced and is shown to us through the narration and through Lily’s actions. It shows children that it’s okay to have a bit of trouble with grieving at first, and that it’s normal to want to shut out all the bad things, but also shows that eventually, you do need to give yourself a moment and let go of what you’re holding onto, even if you might not want to.
I also love the message of reaching out to others. Grief isn’t meant to be something you go through alone, and I really like the way this book paints seeking out help. It’s not a weakness, but instead a strength, which is a great message to teach children (and really, anyone).
I was only able to spot one major downside, and that was the pacing of the story. I do recognise that this is a children’s book, but I’ve read a lot of children’s fiction before and I always find pacing to be really important. When a book is too slow, kids get bored, but when it’s not slow enough, they don’t tend to care about what they’re reading. For me, the book moved much too quickly, which unfortunately made it a little difficult for me to properly immerse myself in the story. Kids have such big imaginations and I think this small downside might act as a hinderance to them.
Overall, a great book that I would imagine to be very helpful for children going through a tough time, particularly the loss of someone close to them.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I like the way Lily’s emotions are explored, both through the garden and also through her determination to believe the best of her mother at the start, which slowly turns into Lily acknowledging her mother in a more realistic light. Her original defiance isn’t forced and is shown to us through the narration and through Lily’s actions. It shows children that it’s okay to have a bit of trouble with grieving at first, and that it’s normal to want to shut out all the bad things, but also shows that eventually, you do need to give yourself a moment and let go of what you’re holding onto, even if you might not want to.
I also love the message of reaching out to others. Grief isn’t meant to be something you go through alone, and I really like the way this book paints seeking out help. It’s not a weakness, but instead a strength, which is a great message to teach children (and really, anyone).
I was only able to spot one major downside, and that was the pacing of the story. I do recognise that this is a children’s book, but I’ve read a lot of children’s fiction before and I always find pacing to be really important. When a book is too slow, kids get bored, but when it’s not slow enough, they don’t tend to care about what they’re reading. For me, the book moved much too quickly, which unfortunately made it a little difficult for me to properly immerse myself in the story. Kids have such big imaginations and I think this small downside might act as a hinderance to them.
Overall, a great book that I would imagine to be very helpful for children going through a tough time, particularly the loss of someone close to them.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 3, 2025
What a sweet book that will hopefully help a lot of children, and even some adults, going by my own experience, in accepting, dealing with, and talking about their emotions and feelings. This was more than just a little girl grieving the loss of her mother, but a lesson in the importance of actually accepting your feelings and giving those around you the chance to help you through those feelings and emotions.
December 18, 2024
Finished in one session. 5-stars based on nearing its enormous potential, but not quite a finished product.
When Petals Fall is a wrenching work of human beauty. It includes the seasonal thorn of emotions following unspeakable loss. Somehow spoken.
The interior design would benefit from more artistic detail.
Character names are well chosen, with one exception. The father’s name affronts generic. Male characters warrant depth in name, too, particularly those presented with wisdom.
Deep truths appear more poetically in the early parts of the book. Peppering poetic lines in the middle and end would add season.
The crossword at the end is a nice creative touch.
Quotes from the book: “[Lily’s] smile was as warm and sweet as a pot of maple syrup.”
“Even the tougher plants from her nightmares looked weak and sickly.”
"The tree didn’t answer this time. Instead, it stood tall…”
“You know, sometimes a garden needs a little more than just sunlight and water. Sometimes, it needs an entirely new start.”
“Replacing the soil doesn’t remove the thorns from within.”
“Across the path, Lily heard something that startled her frozen. Daffodils, as bright as the morning sun, sang with the laughter of her mom’s voice. It was sweet and crisp, just as she remembered it.”
When Petals Fall is a wrenching work of human beauty. It includes the seasonal thorn of emotions following unspeakable loss. Somehow spoken.
The interior design would benefit from more artistic detail.
Character names are well chosen, with one exception. The father’s name affronts generic. Male characters warrant depth in name, too, particularly those presented with wisdom.
Deep truths appear more poetically in the early parts of the book. Peppering poetic lines in the middle and end would add season.
The crossword at the end is a nice creative touch.
Quotes from the book: “[Lily’s] smile was as warm and sweet as a pot of maple syrup.”
“Even the tougher plants from her nightmares looked weak and sickly.”
"The tree didn’t answer this time. Instead, it stood tall…”
“You know, sometimes a garden needs a little more than just sunlight and water. Sometimes, it needs an entirely new start.”
“Replacing the soil doesn’t remove the thorns from within.”
“Across the path, Lily heard something that startled her frozen. Daffodils, as bright as the morning sun, sang with the laughter of her mom’s voice. It was sweet and crisp, just as she remembered it.”
January 24, 2025
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I enjoyed this quick read and feel it will be very helpful and insightful to a child or someone close to a child who's lost someone close to them. It may give some understanding to their emotions and even give ideas of how they could express what they are feeling to others around them who truly want to help.
Lily has a beautiful garden that is planted with all her dreams and nightmares, then tragedy strikes and she loses her mom. As her life changes and she deals with losing her mom and the changes that go with that - her garden also changes. Will she and her garden heal from this tragedy? You'll have to read this book and join Lily on her journey through the grieving process to find out.
I enjoyed this quick read and feel it will be very helpful and insightful to a child or someone close to a child who's lost someone close to them. It may give some understanding to their emotions and even give ideas of how they could express what they are feeling to others around them who truly want to help.
Lily has a beautiful garden that is planted with all her dreams and nightmares, then tragedy strikes and she loses her mom. As her life changes and she deals with losing her mom and the changes that go with that - her garden also changes. Will she and her garden heal from this tragedy? You'll have to read this book and join Lily on her journey through the grieving process to find out.
January 22, 2025
This is a book about loss and the pain that brings with it.
Some years ago, I lost my father unexpectedly and I felt so lost. Reading this book, I felt so identified with Lily’s feelings that it was as if someone had written my story.
Thanks a lot, Debra for writing this book. Even though I am an adult, it helped me a lot.
This is the best book I have ever read. It is a masterpiece.
I highly recommend this book to any reader, especially young people who have lost a loved one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Some years ago, I lost my father unexpectedly and I felt so lost. Reading this book, I felt so identified with Lily’s feelings that it was as if someone had written my story.
Thanks a lot, Debra for writing this book. Even though I am an adult, it helped me a lot.
This is the best book I have ever read. It is a masterpiece.
I highly recommend this book to any reader, especially young people who have lost a loved one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 1, 2025
I was fortunate to receive and ARC of this book. For a middle grade novel I was shocked with how much I ended up enjoying it. This book was a beautiful representation of the different stages of grief and how children may process it.
I also appreciated the grief counseling resources she included at the end of the novel. This would be a good book for a child to read.
I also appreciated the grief counseling resources she included at the end of the novel. This would be a good book for a child to read.
December 18, 2024
This quick, precious read was amazing! Lily has a lot on her shoulders as she is forced to cope with her mother's tragic death. Will Lily be able to confront all her emotions swirling around inside her that'll not only help her heal, but help her garden heal as well? Find out in When Petals Fall!
January 7, 2025
Debra Leigh is a master storyteller. She weaves her story of the young heroine, Lily, with superb emotional understanding and compassion in her writing. With her writing skills, she offers the reader a taste of fantasy, and realism, as well as the emotional struggle and confrontation that Lily must face to find healing. After she is told about the death of her mother in a car accident, Lily becomes lost to her anger and despair. As the reader feels the emotional turmoil that the main character experiences, the reader becomes engaged in experiencing Lily's grief, emotional breakthroughs; and emotional journey to heal. Suspense exists for the reader and for Lily with the searing question: " Was her mother hit by another driver and killed, or did her mother lose her own life by being drunk behind the wheel?" This is an answer Lily must find the answer to for herself despite her grief. For a long time this question goes unanswered in Lily's mind.
Her sanctuary is her garden where she is befriended by a fantasy character, an elder tree, who offers Lily life's lessons and wisdom. Initially, Lily does not want to hear what the tree is telling her because of her sense of deep loss with her mother. Very gently, however, the tree helps Lily to confront her darkest fears emotionally by writing letters to her deceased mother. By releasing her sadness in a constructive way, she finds a way to her healing with the support of friends and family.
I would recommend this book to any young teen who has lost someone close to them that they dearly loved. The entire subject matter was written with gentleness and compassion as well as with deep emotional understanding for the heroine by the author. Leigh's ending paragraph closes with a literary technique known as framing which brings the beginning and the end of the story full circle for the reader of When Petals Fall. This book was superbly done. It would be appreciated by many readers.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Her sanctuary is her garden where she is befriended by a fantasy character, an elder tree, who offers Lily life's lessons and wisdom. Initially, Lily does not want to hear what the tree is telling her because of her sense of deep loss with her mother. Very gently, however, the tree helps Lily to confront her darkest fears emotionally by writing letters to her deceased mother. By releasing her sadness in a constructive way, she finds a way to her healing with the support of friends and family.
I would recommend this book to any young teen who has lost someone close to them that they dearly loved. The entire subject matter was written with gentleness and compassion as well as with deep emotional understanding for the heroine by the author. Leigh's ending paragraph closes with a literary technique known as framing which brings the beginning and the end of the story full circle for the reader of When Petals Fall. This book was superbly done. It would be appreciated by many readers.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 5, 2024
As someone privileged to receive an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of When Petals Fall, I was deeply moved by this tender and poignant tale. This middle-grade novel gracefully navigates the complex emotions of grief through the eyes of young Lily, whose journey of healing is both inspiring and educational.
Lily's story begins in her garden, a metaphorical backdrop against her emotional growth. The narrative is thoughtful and considerate, addressing heavy themes with a gentleness suitable enough for young readers. Throughout the book, I found myself tearing up, my own emotions deeply connected to Lily’s struggles. It was a profound reminder of how universally impactful a well-told story can be.
The author’s note adds a layer of intimacy to the reading experience, sharing a personal connection to the themes of loss and resilience that enriches the story’s context. The interactive elements at the book’s end, including activities like paper-making and a thoughtfully crafted word search, extend the engagement with the story’s themes beyond the last page.
When Petals Fall is not just a book but a tool for conversation. It's a way for children to find their language for their grief and a path to healing. It’s a must-read for anyone who believes in the power of facing one’s emotions and finding strength in vulnerability. This book is sure to touch hearts and help young readers understand that even in loss, there is the potential for beauty and growth.
Lily's story begins in her garden, a metaphorical backdrop against her emotional growth. The narrative is thoughtful and considerate, addressing heavy themes with a gentleness suitable enough for young readers. Throughout the book, I found myself tearing up, my own emotions deeply connected to Lily’s struggles. It was a profound reminder of how universally impactful a well-told story can be.
The author’s note adds a layer of intimacy to the reading experience, sharing a personal connection to the themes of loss and resilience that enriches the story’s context. The interactive elements at the book’s end, including activities like paper-making and a thoughtfully crafted word search, extend the engagement with the story’s themes beyond the last page.
When Petals Fall is not just a book but a tool for conversation. It's a way for children to find their language for their grief and a path to healing. It’s a must-read for anyone who believes in the power of facing one’s emotions and finding strength in vulnerability. This book is sure to touch hearts and help young readers understand that even in loss, there is the potential for beauty and growth.
January 5, 2025
Debra has tackled a difficult subject whilst writing a book to help her niece cope with her grief.
I received an ARC copy of the book, so I don't know how close it is to the finished version. In the version I read, raw and powerful with huge potential, but was a bit disjointed and awkward in places. The Table of Contents didn't line up with the chapter titles which made it confusing.
On the whole, I think it would be difficult for young readers to absorb it on the first read. For parents and others, and with the resources included and references at the back of the book, it's a useful resource.
I look forward to seeing how Debra develops her craft.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC copy of the book, so I don't know how close it is to the finished version. In the version I read, raw and powerful with huge potential, but was a bit disjointed and awkward in places. The Table of Contents didn't line up with the chapter titles which made it confusing.
On the whole, I think it would be difficult for young readers to absorb it on the first read. For parents and others, and with the resources included and references at the back of the book, it's a useful resource.
I look forward to seeing how Debra develops her craft.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 10, 2024
I received an ARC copy of When Petals Fall and I'm voluntarily leaving a review.
From start to finish this book had me heavily invested in the main character Lily. The symbolism of Lily's garden reflecting her own emotions and the steps she would need to take to process and heal the loss of her loved one was perfect. I could follow along with Lily through this journey, cheering her on every step of the way. This book shows us the road to healing can be long and arduous at times, but ignoring our feelings and the problem can be even more detrimental.
I think this story can be a great resource for not only the younger readers, but even adults. The emotions chart at the end of book can be a tool readers can use, just like Lily herself did. Overall I can't recommend this book enough. This engaging and heartwarming story shows us that although the process of grieving can be difficult and sometimes ugly, we are better off processing our feelings then pushing them away. Thank you for being an incredible example Lily!
From start to finish this book had me heavily invested in the main character Lily. The symbolism of Lily's garden reflecting her own emotions and the steps she would need to take to process and heal the loss of her loved one was perfect. I could follow along with Lily through this journey, cheering her on every step of the way. This book shows us the road to healing can be long and arduous at times, but ignoring our feelings and the problem can be even more detrimental.
I think this story can be a great resource for not only the younger readers, but even adults. The emotions chart at the end of book can be a tool readers can use, just like Lily herself did. Overall I can't recommend this book enough. This engaging and heartwarming story shows us that although the process of grieving can be difficult and sometimes ugly, we are better off processing our feelings then pushing them away. Thank you for being an incredible example Lily!
December 11, 2024
When I first picked up this book, I thought it might be another typical sad story. But this book isn't just sad; it's about real emotions that hit you hard and make you think about things in a whole new way.
Lily is someone I could really relate to even though I've never been through anything as tough as she has. Losing her mom and trying to figure out things with her dad made me appreciate my family situation a little more. The way she deals with her grief by watching her garden die was like watching someone's heart break right in front of me.
The magical elements, like the wise old tree, added a cool twist that kept the story from feeling too heavy. And the neighbor kid who comes into Lily's life underlined the power of friendship and how important it is to have someone who understands.
"When Petals Fall" is not just a book for kids or people who have lost someone. It's for anyone who's ever felt lost and needed a reminder that it's okay to feel all your feelings, the good and the bad.
Lily is someone I could really relate to even though I've never been through anything as tough as she has. Losing her mom and trying to figure out things with her dad made me appreciate my family situation a little more. The way she deals with her grief by watching her garden die was like watching someone's heart break right in front of me.
The magical elements, like the wise old tree, added a cool twist that kept the story from feeling too heavy. And the neighbor kid who comes into Lily's life underlined the power of friendship and how important it is to have someone who understands.
"When Petals Fall" is not just a book for kids or people who have lost someone. It's for anyone who's ever felt lost and needed a reminder that it's okay to feel all your feelings, the good and the bad.
December 11, 2024
I read this book as a potential find for my child who just went through losing as parent. I have been involved in youth education and sports for the past 20 years. As a coach and educator I have had the unfortunate cases of watching my young individuals go through some pretty tough losses. No parent, coach, or loved one is ever ready for the call saying your child or child you care for has lost a parent. I was overwhelmed with emotions as in reading this I was able to connect to so many emotions I went through while grieving my own losses through life. The author does an incredible job balancing the extremely touchy subject of losing a parent to drunk driving while also creating a magical fiction that kids will want to follow along with. I think this book will help many children who lose parents, or any close loved, at a young age for almost any reason. This book really moved me as a parent watching his child hurt and not be able to do anything to help them. I am super excited to give this book to my child and read it together.
December 10, 2024
I recieved an ARC copy of When Petals Fall and I'm volentarily leaving a review.
When Petals Fall struck me straight through the heart. Losing a parent young left me with a labyrinth of emotions I've navigated for years, and Lily's story resonated with me on a deeply personal level. It's rare to find a story that speaks to the soul like this one does.
Lily’s adventure through a seemingly enchanted garden was both imaginative and deeply moving. The narrative is perfectly paced for a middle-grade novel, allowing the reader to grow alongside Lily and feel every heartbeat of her journey.
It's a touching portrayal of a child navigating grief. The magic of this book lies not only in its beautifully written scenery but also in the delicate way it handles complex emotions. The author brings a gentle understanding to the process of healing, making it accessible for readers of all ages.
Absolutely recommend it to anyone who finds beauty in the corners of life and literature.
When Petals Fall struck me straight through the heart. Losing a parent young left me with a labyrinth of emotions I've navigated for years, and Lily's story resonated with me on a deeply personal level. It's rare to find a story that speaks to the soul like this one does.
Lily’s adventure through a seemingly enchanted garden was both imaginative and deeply moving. The narrative is perfectly paced for a middle-grade novel, allowing the reader to grow alongside Lily and feel every heartbeat of her journey.
It's a touching portrayal of a child navigating grief. The magic of this book lies not only in its beautifully written scenery but also in the delicate way it handles complex emotions. The author brings a gentle understanding to the process of healing, making it accessible for readers of all ages.
Absolutely recommend it to anyone who finds beauty in the corners of life and literature.
December 6, 2024
Just wrapped up an ARC of When Petals Fall, and I've got to say, it's quite the page-turner. The story follows young girl named Lily as she deals with some pretty heavy stuff in her life. The book's got this garden theme that really works as a metaphor for what she's going through. It's cleverly done.
This book wasn't what I expected. Didn’t think I’d get pulled into a kid’s story, but I was interested and found myself rooting for her. I can't relate to the loss of a parent, but I still related to this story in certain ways. I think all of us have suffered a loss of some kind and this story made me think about how I dealt with those times and what I would do differently now.
All in all, it's a good pick if you have a little one that is struggling with loss. Definitely more than just a children’s book. Props to a story well told.
This book wasn't what I expected. Didn’t think I’d get pulled into a kid’s story, but I was interested and found myself rooting for her. I can't relate to the loss of a parent, but I still related to this story in certain ways. I think all of us have suffered a loss of some kind and this story made me think about how I dealt with those times and what I would do differently now.
All in all, it's a good pick if you have a little one that is struggling with loss. Definitely more than just a children’s book. Props to a story well told.
December 7, 2024
I just finished reading the ARC of When Petals Fall
Oh my, I am totally in love with this book! It is so beautifully told. What a touching tail. I could definately see this getting to someone who has delt with alcoholism in the past. But there is a content warning at the beginning! Which I just love when authors do that!
Every chapter is so inspiring! And then to add a word search at the end? Just brilliant. I've never seen that beforre! It's like the cherry on top of a fabulous read. A must-read for anyone who has ever struggled witg grief and getting back on track!
Oh my, I am totally in love with this book! It is so beautifully told. What a touching tail. I could definately see this getting to someone who has delt with alcoholism in the past. But there is a content warning at the beginning! Which I just love when authors do that!
Every chapter is so inspiring! And then to add a word search at the end? Just brilliant. I've never seen that beforre! It's like the cherry on top of a fabulous read. A must-read for anyone who has ever struggled witg grief and getting back on track!
December 11, 2024
I was honored to be able to receive and read the advanced readers copy of this book. It is beautifully written and provides a method of how to express grief. I love the way Lily's magical garden reflects the emotions of her struggle. I believe this book could aid other young readers to find hope in similar situations.
January 9, 2025
When Petals Fall by Debra Leigh was such a great book. This a great book for children that are going through the different stages after a loved one passes away. This is one of those books that you keep to loan to others in need. I look forward to reading more of the authors work.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 12, 2024
lily's garden grew on me faster than my ex's apologies! who knew a garden could give me therapy? a must read!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews