How many lives can a young woman live? Imogen Sulley has lived through so many already. A life of loss, a loss of childhood and her own self-worth, but can she find hope again in a new life in the unlikeliest places?
Before Imogen could tell her best friend Matteo she loved him, he joined the army hoping to provide for a life with her. But after years of being away from his one true love, Matteo believed Imogen was better off without him.
Imogen’s life crumbled the day Matteo left her, and soon after, her father’s death forced her to leave college, leading to a relationship of convenience with a co-worker who became jealous and controlling.
When it seems like Imogen has no one she can turn to, an opportunity at a retirement home opens the door to new friendships, wisdom that comes with age, love stories during a time of peril, and a renewed passion for writing and poetry. Best of all, hints of her past start appearing. Matteo may be closer than she thinks, and a way out of her bleak life may exist.
Based on the true WWII stories shared by the author’s grandparents, Flour Sugar and a Tiffany Ring is a tale of two romances, actual events based in the UK during WWII and a fictional one in present-day Fairfax, VA. It’s a testament to how true love and the magic of life can unfold in the most inconceivable ways.
If you are a fan of Nicholas Sparks - Safe Haven -
Then you definitely need to read this book.
If you are a fan of The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks….
Then read this book… better read all of Shannon Morse’s book because you missing out….
The emotion she brings, all the feelings, the thrilling moments at the right time…. The love story she shows for two different couples….
I’ll never stop being a fan of this author…. Never give up on love and never give up on your own happiness either… that’s what this book will teach you.
This was my first book by Shannon Morse and it won’t be my last. I received this book as an advanced Reader copy, and I loved it. I desperately need a physical copy!! It takes you on an emotional roller coaster, it will make you laugh, and cry and have all the emotions. It starts out with Matteo and Imogen as best friends in high school. They both had feelings for each other, but neither one wld admit it. After high school imogen goes to college and Matteo in-lists in the military. They keep in contact through letters but eventually they grew apart and the communication stopped. Imogen moved on and Matteo continued his career in the military. Through difficult circumstances Imogen starts dating Bucky who is controlling and abusing. Matteo gets hurt in the war and is honorably discharged: when he comes home, and finds out Imogen is in the situation she’s in, he gets so upset. He has a few run ins with Bucky. I don’t want to give too much of the story away, just go read it!!! I hope there is a sequel because I need more!!!
Wow just wow. A book to get you all the feels! This book has 2 stories in one. A childhood Friendship, a horrible relationship, found friends turned family, and love! I couldn’t put this book down. It had me in a chokehold right away and I was crying by page 40. What a roller coaster of a story but In An amazing way.
The story of Herb and Muriel was amazing and I wish there was more. (This is the story inside the story)
Please check your triggers!
At one point I found myself yelling at the book. Well more than one point, a lot actually. If I could have jumped into this book and “deleted” someone I would have! I also laughed out loud and I seriously want to be friends with Bunty! I also happily bawled my eyes out through the last 3 pages! This book is easily going to be in my top reads of 2025! Every book I read from Shannon just gets better and better. I can’t wait to see what she does next! ❤️
Wow, this story inside a story has everything! If you don’t want to feel every single emotion then this book is not for you. Everything for sadness to frustration to hope and joy can be found within the pages of this book. Imogen and Matteos love story that parallels with Morse’s grandparents love story is a testament to the strength of the human will, and that it is never too late for a second chance at love. Even when everything seems against you if you have the will and perseverance anything is possible!!
The characters in this book are sure to capture your heart and stay with you for years after you close the last page!!
Tropes/ Trigger warnings
Military romance - contemporary and WW2 - found family - friends to lovers - abandonment - Domestic Abuse - Amputee-PTSD
I don’t even know where to begin with this review, other than the fact that it gave me all the feels. I have never felt so connected as I did with these characters. My favorite character is Bunty. When you read the book, you’ll understand why. This novel was inspired by stories that Shannon’s grandparents told her and actual war events that happened so maybe that’s why it made me feel such a personal deep connection; as if I were sitting in on this story actually happening. At times I felt as if I were Imogen or Matteo. This novel I believe is Shannon’s best writing yet. It’s a second chance romance full of redemption, grief, pain, and most importantly; love. The love feels so genuine and real. Have tissues handy.
For those that have history with domestic abuse and alcoholism please check your triggers.
This book by Shannon Morse is truly captivating. I truly enjoyed every moment in this book. I felt as if I was really feeling the characters emotions and living their tales. Imogen and Matteos romance is painful, beautiful and truly just amazing. Herb and Muriels story just as beautiful and truly heartwarming. The romances really had me locked in. I finished this book rather quickly and it was easy to become invested. I don’t think this story could have been any better.
I laughed, I cried, I wanted to scream during this book. I felt almost every emotion a human could possibly feel. I was so invested in this book and these characters. The storyline was written beautifully and methodically. I was honestly so mesmerized by this book and it will be a book that sticks out in my mind for a very long time.
Triggers/Tropes: Domestic Abuse, Miscarriage, War, Swearing, Drinking, Sexual Assault, Death of Soldiers, Murder, Sexual Relations, Abandonment, Animal/Insect Harm, Sword Cutting. Military theme.
This book was a beautiful way of describing bravery, courage and resiliency and n two different times in two completely different scenarios; both which could have ended so terribly badly. The way Shannon captured depth in every character and scene was stunning. So blessed to have been introduced to her and her books. Writing is what Shannon was meant to do.
I truly LOVED this book! You get two AMAZING stories in one. You get romance, tragedy, found family and soooo much more! I HIGHLY recommend this book and all the other books by this Author…..I have read them ALL so far!
Omg eeeeek!! Shannon, this is my favorite book by you thus far!! The way you ripped my heart out and put it back together left me wanting more. I fell in love with the characters and enjoyed this story so much!
I love that you were able to take a story from your grandparents and make it into your own with their experiences sprinkled in. This was so captivating and really made me step back and see things from a different perspective.
And, can we talk about the characters' names? I loved them!! Matteo and Imogen are my favorite, followed by Muriel and Herb. They all just fit the story so perfectly. What a heart-wrenching love story!!! Absolute perfection! Thank you for allowing me to read this early! ❤️❤️
Mrs. Morse, I am in awe of your books (this one especially!) I was attracted this book as it was based off her grandparents love story in WWII. I was confused as how she would pull it off starting in the 1990’s. I felt so many emotions in this book. Happiness, sadness, anger, getting triggered from PTSD from over ten years of abuse (I had a real Bucky but I loved him very much and was young, naive, and absolutely in love with him- he wasn’t out of pure convenience.)
I don’t want to put any spoilers in but hopefully Bucky got what he deserved. I don’t know if she plans on making a second book of this but I REALLY hope the author does!
Although this book is set to be released December 7, 2024 I got not only the digital ARC copy but a signed physical book as well. I absolutely LOVED this book!
Normally, I am so busy with school stuff I rarely have the time to leisure read but for the past few days my pain has been really high and I just couldn’t (and didn’t want too) do anything. I REALLY wanted to read this though! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Also, I was not paid at all for this review. This is my honest review! I just want more! I was a bit intimidated by the size of the book (535 pages) but I have absolutely LOVED all of her books. If you haven’t read any of her books, you definitely should!
Imogen Sulley is a character that makes you feel so sad, outraged and triumphant in one book. She has loved her best friend Matteo for a long time, but when he signs up for the military and is sent off for training, her whole world goes off kilter.
This story is told through Imogen and Matteo's POV's. Both are talented in different ways, Imogen as a poet and writer and Matteo for his beautiful illustrations.
The two love each other, but at the beginning of the story, they are not quite ready for it. Years pass and they drift apart. Imogen believes Matteo has forgotten about her and she tries to move on, but her situation in life becomes difficult and she falls into the hands of someone who does not deserve her.
Matteo, returning from the military, is also broken, and beginning to pick up the pieces of his life post military service and healing from a devastating injury.
This story has a lot of sadness and brutality in parts of it, but it is not their for gratuity's sake. It has its place in the story, in the decisions and paths that life takes sometimes. It is not always easy, but it as this story progresses, you see how time, friendship, and love brings healing to a body and soul.
I love the friendships Imogen makes with the local elderly population of a care home and how their stories help her to find herself, her strength and the ability to cope and move on from difficulties she experienced in her earlier life. The friendships and romance are sweet, but it doesn't come without its difficulties.
This is a must read for people who love suspenseful romance, with a bittersweet edge, history, and characters who are not without fault, but develop as the story grows.
This is by far my favorite Shannon Morse book- and I love them all!
A historical fiction telling part of her family’s actual history, but with the twist of modern day romance.
This book covers some heavy topics that I do think need to be talked about more openly. Domestic abuse, veterans and their injuries after war, the progression into retirement and how life continues.
What I love about Shannon’s writing is the diversity in her characters. She has characters from different ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds. This makes her writing very relatable to a lot of readers. You are bound to fall in love with at least one, but probably several! (Gomez secretly has my heart, but don’t tell Matteo!)
The plot was quick in the beginning which suited that timeline of the story perfectly and allowed us to settle in for the long hall in Imogen and Matteo’s character development later on.
Definitely recommend this to anyone wanting a taste of historical fiction or a rom-com with a few deep themes in the mix. I’d say this is suitable for mature young adults and older.
Great work, Shannon! Can’t wait to read your next work. ♥️
I received this book as an advanced readers copy. I really enjoyed this book and liked that it was a good mix of present day with the history of how the authors grandparents met. This book will take you through all the emotions as you follow Imogen’s story. Parts of the book were a little repetitive but I enjoyed reading it.
5 stars. I highly recommend. This book gives you a romance within a romance. The primary story is about Imogen and Matteo who have been best friends since school. They have both secretly loved each other. Matteo enters the military and Imogen attends college. Time and situations puts distance between them over the years. Imogen's dreams are shattered and she ends up in a bad relationship. Matteo returns home from war searching for his new path. Woven within the story is a senior couple's romance during WWII and it is so beautifully written. Please check the trigger warnings. But if you want an emotional journey that takes you through all the feels and finally on a path of healing then read this book.
Thank you to the author for this gifted ebook in exchange for an honest review.
⭐️Goodread Rating: 4.79/5⭐️ 💫My Rating: 4.5/5 💫 **raised to a 5 for my Goodreads rating**
⚠️Trigger Warnings ⚠️
Relationship abuse, miscarriage, sexual relations, war, abandonment, sword cutting, sexual assault, swearing, drinking, animal/insect harm, death of soldiers, murder
This book is intended for mature 16+ audience
📝My Review📝
Next to him she revels in his gaze. His warm eyes wrapping her in safety and security. 730 days of waiting for his lips to claim her and make her his niña hermosa. But Uncle Sam had other plans. As Life moved on, her life crumbled. In her loneliness, she found a new companion to lean on in her darkest times, or so she thought. Her lifeline was his drawings and the dreams of the past. Years of writing and being haunted by what could have been.
Thousands of miles away as he was tormented by images of her, he puts his pen to paper. Thinking she was better off without him, he left her behind with his heart. But then, everything changed. Now he must confront new challenges and face reality that home wasn’t the same and the keeper of his heart carried secrets of a life he never imagined. Now he must earn back her trust to order to win back her heart. Through new friendships, both of them will gain wisdom, strength, and courage. But will all of that be enough to save them from the secrets and burdens of their past.
Flour Sugar and a Tiffany Ring is the latest contemporary romance novel by Shannon Morse. In this story, Morse has developed a fictional world with elements of truth that has intertwined two love stories to tell the journey of two couples experiencing perseverance, passion and friendship. While there are elements of truth from the World War II, it is largely a fictional story. The compelling love story of Morse’s grandparents was intricately and smoothly laid within this novel as a way to enhance the character and the plot development. Furthermore, Morse’s novel created a beautiful homage to the love and partnership that her grandparents molded together while living in a crumbling world that encouraged people to embrace moment. This homage also created a great opportunity for the MC’s to have role models to look up to as they continue to face their own unexpected experiences.
Although this is a work of fiction, please read the trigger warnings as there are many scenes that have been written in this novel that could elicit reactions due to the detailed and descriptive writing implemented. While the scenes can be jarring, I commend Morse for exploring the many sensitive topics and immersing herself in her writing to capture the deep emotions that each character experiences. I can only imagine the vulnerability that an author may encounter when incorporating moments like this into their writing. This novel is written in two different POVs (MFC & MMC) so it had some dimension within the world building and character development. Each point of view is written in first person.
In addition to the sensitive topics, it’s important to note that this book does have some spice In it. I would say the spice level is maybe a 3/5. These moments did not occur every other chapter. It was well paced and did not make them seem overbearing while reading the story. Again, there are some sensitive moments within these scenes that could be triggering for those who have experienced domestic violence.
Overall, this engaging and moving novel is a great read for those who enjoy contemporary romances. It does mostly focus in present time, but flashbacks do occur. Even though flash backs to WWII and violent scenes happen, I wouldn't say this is not a full historical fiction and/or thriller romance, but it does have elements written throughout the story's contour.
On a fun personal side-note, I really enjoyed the MFC having glasses! It made me feel seen as I don’t often read books with many MFCs that have glasses. Another aspect I thoroughly enjoyed was meeting Bunty throughout the novel. I think it would be fantastic to see a book specifically written about Bunty and all her adventures. Plus, the little glimpse of Bunty’s relationship with her significant other makes me want to read some spicy scenes of them back in their day!
So grab a blanket and your favorite drink and curl up to this endearing novel by Shannon Morse!
🤍Thanks to Shannon Morse for trusting me with their novel in return for my personal review.
Flour, Sugar, and a Tiffany Ring is an absolute gem! This story is an emotional rollercoaster that had me hooked from the very first page. The way Shannon took my heart, shattered it, and then gently pieced it back together left me craving more. The characters are so vividly crafted and incredibly relatable, each with their own unique quirks and depth that made me fall in love with them instantly.
What really stood out is how Shannon was able to infuse the story with pieces of her grandparents’ experiences, adding an extra layer of authenticity and nostalgia. It’s a beautiful exploration of love, sacrifice, and connection, with a perspective that really made me pause and reflect. And the character names—Matteo, Imogen, Muriel, and Herb—fit so perfectly, each adding richness to this unforgettable love story. I’m beyond grateful to have read this early. Five stars all the way, well done Shannon!
Absolutely loved Flour, Sugar, and a Tiffany Ring! This book is a delightful mix of romance and heart that had me hooked from the first page. The characters are so charming and relatable, especially Matteo and Imogen! The author does an incredible job of balancing sweet romance with moments of real-life challenges, making the story both heartwarming and authentic. The writing is so vivid that I could experience the world and feel the excitement of each twist. This book is an absolute must-read. Five stars!
Wow I am new to Shannon’s writing and I must say I am in awe of her writing. She put every single emotion into this book and quite literally took me on an emotional rollercoaster, that left me spiraling quite wildly by the end of the book. I loved every minute of it and can’t wait to read more.
Tropes/ Trigger warnings
Military romance - contemporary and WW2 - found family - friends to lovers - abandonment - Domestic Abuse - Amputee-PTSD
Flour, Sugar, and a Tiffany Ring will definitely give you all the feels! This is one of my top reads of the year! That’s how amazing/beautiful it is! Shannon has a way with words that you can’t help, but be so drawn into the story and character’s! I know if I need a good healthy cry to just grab one of her books lol I so did cry in this one and will be rereading it again, that’s how much I love it! Everyone needs to check it out!
Thank you for sharing the love story of your grandparents. The time leaps from past to present was a unique way to deliver a relationship story of different interconnected couples. I appreciate the way the author crafted her skills to tell the story of her loved ones through trials, distance, and change.
Although I felt the tale could have been shorter with the same impact, I liked it just like she thought I would. Thanks, Shannon!
I’ve had the pleasure of reading all of Shannon’s books, and I think she’s become one of my favorite authors. The story of her grandparents is absolutely wonderful and filled with so many emotions. You have to read this book!
This is an incredible book! With the true love story mixed in a love story that had my heart from the beginning. This book made me laugh, cry, and really look at life and a little bit of a different perspective. I didn’t want to put this book down because it was just so flippin good!!!
Oh this book. This was a train wreck from start to finish, that I could simply not look away from. Absolutely baffled by all of these 5 star reviews. The author has real potential and seems like a sweet person but. This was supposed to be a captivating story at its heart, but it was one so littered with grammatical and spelling errors, a story that cannot decide whether it wants to be told in present tense or past tense voice, repetition so much that I think this could’ve cut the entire book down 200 pages. A story with flat characters and dialogue that makes you go “…,” to the point where the actual love story that wants to be told becomes meaningless. I wondered multiple times throughout whether I hadn’t accidentally somehow bought a $25 pre-edited copy, but no, it seems that’s just how the book is written.
I wish the author would have come out with her grandparents love story as its own book rather than a story within a story. That way they could have had their tale done justice, /and/ the main couple in this book could have had more development.