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The Library of Flowers
Rooted in memory and steeped in magic, The Library of Flowers is a radiant exploration of family, identity, and the expectations we inherit, perfect for anyone who has ever carried the weight of a legacy—and dared to make it their own.
For centuries, the Hua women have held sway over the courts of emperors and billionaires with their magical perfumes able to stir hearts and ensure fortunes. And in every fifth generation, an eldest daughter is born with the rarest gift of all: the ability to summon true love.
As a long-awaited fifth daughter, Lucy was supposed to be the miracle her exacting mother had been waiting for. But when her magic failed, Lucy fled Vancouver, her legacy, and the expectations that had nearly broken her. Now, years later, she runs a tiny perfume shop tucked away in Toronto's Kensington Market—crafting beautiful, perfectly ordinary scents and keeping her extraordinary past firmly behind her. That is, until a death in the family brings her home...and saddles her with an unwelcome inheritance: the centuries-old Hua family register, brimming with secrets, formulas, and forgotten truths.
As Lucy unravels the stories of the women who came before her—including the mother whose complicated heart she never could understand—she must confront the tangled threads of love, power, and identity...and ask herself whether her magic was ever truly gone, or simply waiting for her to decide for herself what it means to be a daughter of the House of Hua.
For centuries, the Hua women have held sway over the courts of emperors and billionaires with their magical perfumes able to stir hearts and ensure fortunes. And in every fifth generation, an eldest daughter is born with the rarest gift of all: the ability to summon true love.
As a long-awaited fifth daughter, Lucy was supposed to be the miracle her exacting mother had been waiting for. But when her magic failed, Lucy fled Vancouver, her legacy, and the expectations that had nearly broken her. Now, years later, she runs a tiny perfume shop tucked away in Toronto's Kensington Market—crafting beautiful, perfectly ordinary scents and keeping her extraordinary past firmly behind her. That is, until a death in the family brings her home...and saddles her with an unwelcome inheritance: the centuries-old Hua family register, brimming with secrets, formulas, and forgotten truths.
As Lucy unravels the stories of the women who came before her—including the mother whose complicated heart she never could understand—she must confront the tangled threads of love, power, and identity...and ask herself whether her magic was ever truly gone, or simply waiting for her to decide for herself what it means to be a daughter of the House of Hua.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published May 5, 2026
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May 10, 2026
✨️ ARC REVIEW ✨️
The Library of Flowers by L.C Chu
NOW AVALIABLE
Thoughts
I fell in love with the concept of romance and perfumes, I don't think I've read anything like this but I must admit I am a tad conflicted rating wise; as much as I enjoyed it there were times it dragged in some parts but overall it was a mesmerising read, the vibes. I really loved how the author portrayed the eldest daughter in this read, as the eldest daughter myself it felt relatable regardless of experience if that makes sense, Lucy's dynamic with her family alongside expectations and responsibilities was done so beautifully. This was my first reading experience with this author, would definitely like to read more in the future
Plot Summary
Lucy comes from a powerful family whose magical perfumes have influenced love and fortune for generations. Expected to inherit a rare gift she never seemed to possess, she left her family behind to live a quiet life running a small perfume shop in Toronto. After a death in the family draws her back home, Lucy uncovers long-buried secrets about the women who came before her. As she explores her family’s complicated legacy, she begins to question whether her magic was truly lost or simply waiting to be embraced.
Many thanks to NetGalley and publishers for the ALC
My Bookstagram
The Library of Flowers by L.C Chu
NOW AVALIABLE
Thoughts
I fell in love with the concept of romance and perfumes, I don't think I've read anything like this but I must admit I am a tad conflicted rating wise; as much as I enjoyed it there were times it dragged in some parts but overall it was a mesmerising read, the vibes. I really loved how the author portrayed the eldest daughter in this read, as the eldest daughter myself it felt relatable regardless of experience if that makes sense, Lucy's dynamic with her family alongside expectations and responsibilities was done so beautifully. This was my first reading experience with this author, would definitely like to read more in the future
Plot Summary
Lucy comes from a powerful family whose magical perfumes have influenced love and fortune for generations. Expected to inherit a rare gift she never seemed to possess, she left her family behind to live a quiet life running a small perfume shop in Toronto. After a death in the family draws her back home, Lucy uncovers long-buried secrets about the women who came before her. As she explores her family’s complicated legacy, she begins to question whether her magic was truly lost or simply waiting to be embraced.
Many thanks to NetGalley and publishers for the ALC
My Bookstagram
Want to Read
May 13, 202212.05.2022 a woman who hails from a line of ancient Chinese perfumers has the power to create fragrances that bring about true love, how interesting does this sound!
October 31, 2025
I was intrigued by the synopsis and beautiful cover, but I wasn’t prepared to be swept away by such a fantastic story.
I’m confident that this story about the Hua women and their ability to control emotions with their magical moli fragrances will be a bestseller because the author has tapped into some fundamental experiences that eldest daughters endure regardless of their culture or birthplace. Being able to identify with a character, yet be intrigued by an unpredictable plot, is important for me.
I noted the camaraderie I felt with Lucy as she struggled to measure up to the expectations of her family and felt the weight of the responsibilities she bore as she upheld her cultural traditions. My emotional response was triggered when Lucy’s mom expressed her disappointment at Lucy abandoning her heritage and her gift. Distance allowed me to understand the disappointment and the reasons behind it, but the familiarity of the situation allowed me to walk in another's shoes and see how another navigated a similar experience.
I appreciated the spotlight on the symbiotic relationship between Lucy and her family. She was expected to be the foundation and the keystone to prevent them from falling apart. She didn’t want the pressure of responsibility, yet she knew she needed them. I, too, understand the double-edged sword. I liked the reminder from Lucy about the value of persevering and taking my eyes off myself and putting them on others and the future.
What a terrific book for book club!
Don’t miss this one.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
I’m confident that this story about the Hua women and their ability to control emotions with their magical moli fragrances will be a bestseller because the author has tapped into some fundamental experiences that eldest daughters endure regardless of their culture or birthplace. Being able to identify with a character, yet be intrigued by an unpredictable plot, is important for me.
I noted the camaraderie I felt with Lucy as she struggled to measure up to the expectations of her family and felt the weight of the responsibilities she bore as she upheld her cultural traditions. My emotional response was triggered when Lucy’s mom expressed her disappointment at Lucy abandoning her heritage and her gift. Distance allowed me to understand the disappointment and the reasons behind it, but the familiarity of the situation allowed me to walk in another's shoes and see how another navigated a similar experience.
I appreciated the spotlight on the symbiotic relationship between Lucy and her family. She was expected to be the foundation and the keystone to prevent them from falling apart. She didn’t want the pressure of responsibility, yet she knew she needed them. I, too, understand the double-edged sword. I liked the reminder from Lucy about the value of persevering and taking my eyes off myself and putting them on others and the future.
What a terrific book for book club!
Don’t miss this one.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
Want to Read
March 23, 2026this sounds sooo good!!!! perfume and love ??? YES
thank you landmark for the physical advanced copy
thank you landmark for the physical advanced copy
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Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
── .✦ 4 stars! .ᐟ ⌗ mini review
𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐞'𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥 .ᐟ review #21
⤿ 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝: 05.03.26 - 05.04.26
⤿ 𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: age
⤿ 𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥: 0/5
𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: may 5th
𐔌🌹 06.29.26 ⸝⸝ between exams and family crises (woah that ties in with the book..) look who forgot to post her review 😓
⋮ ⌗ 🌼 ꒰ thoughts꒱
⤿🌹 .ᐟ i really enjoyed the library of flowers! it was a novel where i could really connect and resonate with the main character, and my heart really goes out to lucy. as the eldest daughter of the hua family, she carries an unbelievably heavy burden and the expectations of her family, which as i know all too well, are impossible to escape. in many ways, lucy’s story and life mirrors my own (despite being the youngest daughter of my family), and lucy’s mom’s disappointment in her choice to abandon her gift and her heritage ripped open an old wound. the portrayal of lucy makes me convinced that she’s literally just me but reincarnated into this novel. i thought that lucy’s relationship with her mother and her family was excellently written because her relationship is so important considering that it is the root cause of all her challenges and problems. the character growth she goes through was so satisfying to see in the end though! the cover is beautiful and the concept of magic perfume drew my attention immediately, since i love perfume and scents; i came for the magic and stayed for the all too relatable story and characters. the descriptive writing of scents made me want to pick up perfumery as a hobby because as a girl who loves flowers and their scents, it’s pretty tempting! there was a small romance subplot, which in my opinion wasn’t needed, but it didn’t really detract from the overall novel that much because everything was so mesmerizing and addicting. i did really like how there were chapters with flashbacks of lucy’s ancestors and family members who lived in the past because it added a really interesting and fun historical element. this is my first read by L. C. Chu and i’m excited to read more by her!
⤿ 🌼⌗ thank you so much to netgalley, the author, and landmark publishing for the e-arc of this book!
𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐞'𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥 .ᐟ review #21
⤿ 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝: 05.03.26 - 05.04.26
⤿ 𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: age
⤿ 𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐥𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥: 0/5
𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞: may 5th
𐔌🌹 06.29.26 ⸝⸝ between exams and family crises (woah that ties in with the book..) look who forgot to post her review 😓
⋮ ⌗ 🌼 ꒰ thoughts꒱
⤿🌹 .ᐟ i really enjoyed the library of flowers! it was a novel where i could really connect and resonate with the main character, and my heart really goes out to lucy. as the eldest daughter of the hua family, she carries an unbelievably heavy burden and the expectations of her family, which as i know all too well, are impossible to escape. in many ways, lucy’s story and life mirrors my own (despite being the youngest daughter of my family), and lucy’s mom’s disappointment in her choice to abandon her gift and her heritage ripped open an old wound. the portrayal of lucy makes me convinced that she’s literally just me but reincarnated into this novel. i thought that lucy’s relationship with her mother and her family was excellently written because her relationship is so important considering that it is the root cause of all her challenges and problems. the character growth she goes through was so satisfying to see in the end though! the cover is beautiful and the concept of magic perfume drew my attention immediately, since i love perfume and scents; i came for the magic and stayed for the all too relatable story and characters. the descriptive writing of scents made me want to pick up perfumery as a hobby because as a girl who loves flowers and their scents, it’s pretty tempting! there was a small romance subplot, which in my opinion wasn’t needed, but it didn’t really detract from the overall novel that much because everything was so mesmerizing and addicting. i did really like how there were chapters with flashbacks of lucy’s ancestors and family members who lived in the past because it added a really interesting and fun historical element. this is my first read by L. C. Chu and i’m excited to read more by her!
⤿ 🌼⌗ thank you so much to netgalley, the author, and landmark publishing for the e-arc of this book!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Very fresh and interesting read for a market that's inundated with drivel. Beautiful descriptions of scent that make you want to run out and buy perfume! I wanted to rate this higher, but coulAi Ai. seem to relate to the main character. It seemed that she interpreted EVERYTHING anyone said ir did as insulting or coming from a place of malice. She acted like a bratty 16 year old for 3/4 of the book. I also wanted more of the flashbacks to previous Hua women, especially with Aiai to flesh out the mystery and importance of the Hua line. Great potential, just didn't hit quite right for me.
2026
April 24, 2026📱 Thank you to NetGalley and Sourcebooks Landmark
June 4, 2026
4.5⭐️
Thank you Raincoast books for the paperback and Librofm for the audiobook 🫶
💭: I really enjoyed this one! It was such a unique read. I loved that it’s set in Canada. The story takes place mainly in present day, but there are flashbacks to women in the FMCs family line going back hundreds of years so it has some really cool historical elements. The magic was really interesting and linked to perfume making! I really enjoyed the FMC in this story. She’s a lonely eldest daughter who feels like she can’t measure up. I enjoyed her character growth throughout the book and her relationship with her mother. I enjoyed the mystery of trying to figure out why she wasn’t able to make her magical perfume. This book also explored the meaning of one’s “true love” in an interesting way. Definitely recommend!
🎧: I really enjoyed the audio for this one! This book is narrated by Cindy Kay. Her narration was crisp and clear. I immersive read this book and I enjoyed learning the correct pronunciation for some of the names and places. Would recommend the audio for sure!
Thank you Raincoast books for the paperback and Librofm for the audiobook 🫶
💭: I really enjoyed this one! It was such a unique read. I loved that it’s set in Canada. The story takes place mainly in present day, but there are flashbacks to women in the FMCs family line going back hundreds of years so it has some really cool historical elements. The magic was really interesting and linked to perfume making! I really enjoyed the FMC in this story. She’s a lonely eldest daughter who feels like she can’t measure up. I enjoyed her character growth throughout the book and her relationship with her mother. I enjoyed the mystery of trying to figure out why she wasn’t able to make her magical perfume. This book also explored the meaning of one’s “true love” in an interesting way. Definitely recommend!
🎧: I really enjoyed the audio for this one! This book is narrated by Cindy Kay. Her narration was crisp and clear. I immersive read this book and I enjoyed learning the correct pronunciation for some of the names and places. Would recommend the audio for sure!
February 20, 2026
(disclaimer: I’m a fan of the author’s romance novels so I went into this book with moderately high expectations, please take my review with a grain of salt!)
I thought the premise of ‘matriarchal perfume witches’ was very cool and while I’d assume it can be a challenge to try and use words to convey scents/perfumes, L. C. Chu really excelled in this regard.
Overall, I enjoyed the themes of history, family, and the way both heritage and the desire for independence/self discovery was threaded throughout the novel.
If anything, since the novel had parallel storylines with Lucy’s ancestors, I think I wanted to see more stories from the perspectives of Hua women in the past.
What didn’t quite work for me was slower pacing and some of the characterization and relationships (especially the relationship between Lucy and her mother). I found it difficult to relate to Lucy because she seemed to be reacting from a place of hurt and mistrust a lot of the time. I would have liked to see a bit more growth from her throughout the novel. I also thought her relationship with Rafe felt underdeveloped and the way their lack of communication for ten years was resolved at the end did not seem very realistic.
That said, I really enjoyed Ana as a character, I think she breathed some needed fresh air in between more fraught relationships between Lucy and her family. I also enjoyed the dual settings of Vancouver and Kensington Market in Toronto.
As additional materials, I really liked the inclusion of the language of perfume glossary and the still-to-come list of daughters of the house of Hua family register.
Thank you to sourcebooks and netgalley for an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
I thought the premise of ‘matriarchal perfume witches’ was very cool and while I’d assume it can be a challenge to try and use words to convey scents/perfumes, L. C. Chu really excelled in this regard.
Overall, I enjoyed the themes of history, family, and the way both heritage and the desire for independence/self discovery was threaded throughout the novel.
If anything, since the novel had parallel storylines with Lucy’s ancestors, I think I wanted to see more stories from the perspectives of Hua women in the past.
What didn’t quite work for me was slower pacing and some of the characterization and relationships (especially the relationship between Lucy and her mother). I found it difficult to relate to Lucy because she seemed to be reacting from a place of hurt and mistrust a lot of the time. I would have liked to see a bit more growth from her throughout the novel. I also thought her relationship with Rafe felt underdeveloped and the way their lack of communication for ten years was resolved at the end did not seem very realistic.
That said, I really enjoyed Ana as a character, I think she breathed some needed fresh air in between more fraught relationships between Lucy and her family. I also enjoyed the dual settings of Vancouver and Kensington Market in Toronto.
As additional materials, I really liked the inclusion of the language of perfume glossary and the still-to-come list of daughters of the house of Hua family register.
Thank you to sourcebooks and netgalley for an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 3, 2026
i love lily chu but this was just NOT it.
the fmc has a personality of a rusted nail. shes selfish, mean and cruel and she barely had any character development outside her bitterness. shes so prideful, self centered, and self absorbed it was a pain to read this. she’s also so delusional in creating fake scenarios in her head, creating a fake reality twisting every word to fit her narrative.
worst choice to read right before mother’s day cause i could never treat my mom the way she treats her mother and speaks to her mother. not to mention the entire family treating her mom that way too.
the pacing too has issues, and the love story so shallow. i honestly im feeling a little betrayed by reading this.
the fmc has a personality of a rusted nail. shes selfish, mean and cruel and she barely had any character development outside her bitterness. shes so prideful, self centered, and self absorbed it was a pain to read this. she’s also so delusional in creating fake scenarios in her head, creating a fake reality twisting every word to fit her narrative.
worst choice to read right before mother’s day cause i could never treat my mom the way she treats her mother and speaks to her mother. not to mention the entire family treating her mom that way too.
the pacing too has issues, and the love story so shallow. i honestly im feeling a little betrayed by reading this.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thanks to Netgalley for this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review. I was intrigued by the cover art of The Library of Flowers by L C Chu for starters. The main character is expected to create a moli fragrance. She experiences pressure to be her own person and wanting to decide for herself about her future instead of being forced into it. She has family conflicts that she works through. I was lured in and wanted to know more about the process and history of moli and if she would find her way. This was well worth the time invested.
May 20, 2026
You know how in some perfumes you have one ridiculously overpowering scent that just swamps everything else? An aggressively jammy rose, a cloying jasmine, or a patchouli that you can smell from space? This book had the same problem with angst. Lucy brooding over every single injustice done to her like a wet hen (real or imagined), making the character read more like someone in their late teens rather than someone in their early thirties.
Which is a shame, because some of the other notes in The Library of Flowers would be truly fascinating if given time to develop. Lucy's friendship with Ana, gifted child burnout, Lucy/Luling identity conflict, the moli power through the generations, familial duty vs. staying true to yourself, the scentless birthday perfume, and what does a person's heart desire really look like. Instead, everything is overpowered by teenage heartbreak or the crushing weight of being a directionless golden child. Lucy's pain and yearning is stated loudly, frequently, and with all the subtlety of that one kid whose hygiene routine consisted entirely of Axe body spray.
Which is a shame, because some of the other notes in The Library of Flowers would be truly fascinating if given time to develop. Lucy's friendship with Ana, gifted child burnout, Lucy/Luling identity conflict, the moli power through the generations, familial duty vs. staying true to yourself, the scentless birthday perfume, and what does a person's heart desire really look like. Instead, everything is overpowered by teenage heartbreak or the crushing weight of being a directionless golden child. Lucy's pain and yearning is stated loudly, frequently, and with all the subtlety of that one kid whose hygiene routine consisted entirely of Axe body spray.
May 14, 2026
3.5 stars. I found the ideas for the fragrances intriguing, but the main character seemed a bit whiny so she got on my nerves. I was glad that her relationship with her mother improved as they learned to understand each other better.
March 19, 2026
Book Review
A Library of Flowers LC Chu aka Lily Chu
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨4.5
What Its Got
✅ Perfume
✅ the idea that scent evokes memory or can manipulate human emotions
✅ True love vs hearts desire
✅ Role of women historically
✅ Witch vs perfumer
✅ family business and drama
✅ second chance romance
Thoughts
📕 Binged in one day
📕 Made me see perfume differently- grew up with it being a luxury item- Something only people of wealth could afford, then only as something for special occasions- not To be “wasted” on day to day- now- I know I can wear it just because, it makes me
Smile and brings me joy and thats a “good” reason
📕 Author reminds us that joy and love are
Not always found in romantic Love, but can also be found In a Mothers love, in friendship and in following your passions/hearts desire
📕 Loved all the references to Kensington market, and the backdrop of Toronto ( familiar surrounding and a taste of home always resonates with me as a reader
Thanks to @netgalley and the publisher for my digital ARC in return for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own.
A Library of Flowers LC Chu aka Lily Chu
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨4.5
What Its Got
✅ Perfume
✅ the idea that scent evokes memory or can manipulate human emotions
✅ True love vs hearts desire
✅ Role of women historically
✅ Witch vs perfumer
✅ family business and drama
✅ second chance romance
Thoughts
📕 Binged in one day
📕 Made me see perfume differently- grew up with it being a luxury item- Something only people of wealth could afford, then only as something for special occasions- not To be “wasted” on day to day- now- I know I can wear it just because, it makes me
Smile and brings me joy and thats a “good” reason
📕 Author reminds us that joy and love are
Not always found in romantic Love, but can also be found In a Mothers love, in friendship and in following your passions/hearts desire
📕 Loved all the references to Kensington market, and the backdrop of Toronto ( familiar surrounding and a taste of home always resonates with me as a reader
Thanks to @netgalley and the publisher for my digital ARC in return for an honest review. Opinions expressed are my own.
June 15, 2026
3.5 stars Review to follow shortly
July 17, 2026
This might be the most beautiful book I’ve ever seen, but not the best book that I’ve ever read. The story, itself, while good, was not extraordinary. A multi-generational story of mothers and daughters reminiscent of The Joy Luck Club, unfortunately it lacks its emotional punch.
May 29, 2026
A departure from Lily Chu's rom coms and it doesn't disappoint. Lucy is descended from legendary perfume makers but her magic didn't manifest when it was supposed to. Her journey in discovering her talent as well as learning her family history, through perfume, was so well done. And the adjacent romance with her childhood bestie as well as her family dynamics made this a rich read. The descriptions of the scents were just delightful.
March 16, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, L.C. Chu and Sourcebooks Landmark for the digital advance reader's edition of The Library of Flowers.
"You don't have a job, girl, you have a calling."
This book is a beautiful mixture of magical realism and historical fiction. Chu took a departure from some of her excellent romantic comedy books to write a story that spans time and the complexities of familial relationships. While learning the history of her family's perfume business and the magic that is woven into it, Luling (Lucy) learns much about herself and her relationships with family members and friends. Lucy has had a history of running from situations when the going gets tough but the trials of her own magic push her to lean into relationships to help work through the murky middle ground. With delving into the challenges of familial business versus one's own true calling, Lucy gains knowledge on the motivations for her loved ones and discovers what is most important for herself.
"You don't have a job, girl, you have a calling."
This book is a beautiful mixture of magical realism and historical fiction. Chu took a departure from some of her excellent romantic comedy books to write a story that spans time and the complexities of familial relationships. While learning the history of her family's perfume business and the magic that is woven into it, Luling (Lucy) learns much about herself and her relationships with family members and friends. Lucy has had a history of running from situations when the going gets tough but the trials of her own magic push her to lean into relationships to help work through the murky middle ground. With delving into the challenges of familial business versus one's own true calling, Lucy gains knowledge on the motivations for her loved ones and discovers what is most important for herself.
April 15, 2026
This book was so mesmerizing! I loved how the registry was at the beginning of every chapter so you got the history of the Hua women, while the story with Lucy and her mom happened. As they described the scents I almost felt like I could smell them. I don’t wear perfume but this book made me want to go grab a shit ton of scented candles! Such an enchanting and inspiring book. Absolutely loved it! Thank you Net Galley for the digital arc!
April 7, 2026
The responsibility to carry on the Hua family legacy is a heavy responsibility.
The pull a fragrance has. The memories it can invoke.
The importance of friendship.
Family legacy and its expectations causing strain in those relationships. A deep dive into the history and the women whose stories shaped their legacy of perfumers. The diaries of Hua ancestors as they developed fragrances.
It’s about a line of women who are perfume makers who add a touch of magic (moli) to the scents they develop.
The base notes and heart notes at the start of the chapters is a thoughtful touch.
I thought the development of Lucy’s friendship with Ana was done very well.
However, at the halfway point I felt the story begin to stall and was easily losing interest.
A lot of time is spent on the Hua immediately family’s tumultuous relationships with each other. Specifically, the main focus on the dynamics of Lucy’s strained relationship with her mother. The fights and arguments accusations blame.
I couldn’t connect with the story or its characters and I felt Lucy’s character was too childish.
Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book.
The pull a fragrance has. The memories it can invoke.
The importance of friendship.
Family legacy and its expectations causing strain in those relationships. A deep dive into the history and the women whose stories shaped their legacy of perfumers. The diaries of Hua ancestors as they developed fragrances.
It’s about a line of women who are perfume makers who add a touch of magic (moli) to the scents they develop.
The base notes and heart notes at the start of the chapters is a thoughtful touch.
I thought the development of Lucy’s friendship with Ana was done very well.
However, at the halfway point I felt the story begin to stall and was easily losing interest.
A lot of time is spent on the Hua immediately family’s tumultuous relationships with each other. Specifically, the main focus on the dynamics of Lucy’s strained relationship with her mother. The fights and arguments accusations blame.
I couldn’t connect with the story or its characters and I felt Lucy’s character was too childish.
Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book.
May 13, 2026
This book made me feel SO nostalgic for my childhood and my Chinese roots. There was something really emotional about reconnecting with that side of my identity again, which is why I always gravitate toward Chinese rooted stories like this, especially during AAPI Heritage Month.
The stories and history surrounding the Hua women were honestly one of my favorite parts. I found myself wishing we got even MORE of their lives because it was so fascinating. Seeing the sexism they faced, even within their own families, was heartbreaking but also felt very grounded in reality.
Also... perfume and scent as magic??? I ate that up immediately. It’s such a cool concept because making perfume really does feel like potion making when you think about it. The atmosphere of this book was gorgeous.
Now Lucy...girl. She frustrated me SO much at times, but I also weirdly related to her. The pressure, expectations, and achievement becoming your entire identity hit a little too close to home. The way the book explored how badly that kind of pressure can break a person when they feel like they’ve failed was honestly really well done.
I did dock a star because Lucy could be hard to like at times and the second chance romance with her childhood sweetheart just didn’t do much for me. It definitely felt more secondary to everything else going on.
Overall, don’t pick this up expecting a romance heavy story because that’s not really the point here. Read this more for the feminism, complicated mother daughter relationships, generational pressure, Chinese history/culture, and the super unique magical system.
Check out my Book2Bracelet on my IG!
The stories and history surrounding the Hua women were honestly one of my favorite parts. I found myself wishing we got even MORE of their lives because it was so fascinating. Seeing the sexism they faced, even within their own families, was heartbreaking but also felt very grounded in reality.
Also... perfume and scent as magic??? I ate that up immediately. It’s such a cool concept because making perfume really does feel like potion making when you think about it. The atmosphere of this book was gorgeous.
Now Lucy...girl. She frustrated me SO much at times, but I also weirdly related to her. The pressure, expectations, and achievement becoming your entire identity hit a little too close to home. The way the book explored how badly that kind of pressure can break a person when they feel like they’ve failed was honestly really well done.
I did dock a star because Lucy could be hard to like at times and the second chance romance with her childhood sweetheart just didn’t do much for me. It definitely felt more secondary to everything else going on.
Overall, don’t pick this up expecting a romance heavy story because that’s not really the point here. Read this more for the feminism, complicated mother daughter relationships, generational pressure, Chinese history/culture, and the super unique magical system.
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April 6, 2026
i didn’t really get into the story at all until 28% in because it was so slow moving. then once i hit around 65%, i lost interest again. i just finished it bc i already spent so much of my time reading it and wanted to know how it ended.
lucy was incredibly annoying as a main character and she spent so much time searching for negative undertones when people would speak to her, especially her mom, and i just wonder why it took until age 33 for someone to learn to try to stop doing that. it just doesn’t feel like she grew very much as a character.
the descriptions of different scents throughout was fantastic though! with thee exception of a few things i’ve never heard of before, i think i grasped what they were making pretty much the whole time.
i feel like i’m i was constantly beaten over the head with information about “selling to only a select and trusted group of clients” 😑
lucy was incredibly annoying as a main character and she spent so much time searching for negative undertones when people would speak to her, especially her mom, and i just wonder why it took until age 33 for someone to learn to try to stop doing that. it just doesn’t feel like she grew very much as a character.
the descriptions of different scents throughout was fantastic though! with thee exception of a few things i’ve never heard of before, i think i grasped what they were making pretty much the whole time.
i feel like i’m i was constantly beaten over the head with information about “selling to only a select and trusted group of clients” 😑
July 30, 2026
Powerful people don't see others as people in their own right. We're only there to serve their needs. No one calls them to account. p146
Many of them would also have be trapped, unable to envision their own dreams outside what had been presented to them as the life they were expected to lead. p313
True love, a hearts desire, comes in different shapes for all of us and might not look like what you think. p314
Luling, now Lucy, has broken away from the exalted Hua dynasty to start her own perfumery. She has not yet come into her own power nor has she recovered from the abrubt rejection from the boy she loved.
Trying to determine motivation is futile. p268
Lies to yourself are almost impossible to get over. p225
She is not entirely on her own. She has inherited the registry containing the accounts by the long line of her foremothers stretching back to the time of Empress Wu in the Tang dynasty. Faith and trust, the evolution of tradition and intricate mother-daughter dynamics are quite thoroughly explored if not resolved. How reliable can a narrator be if they are stuck in their convictions?
You're always so worried about being perfect, it prevents you from taking action. You get in your own way. p60
What kept me going with this protracted romance were the chapters depicting the lives hinted at in the register. The notion of duty is not so strong these days, and magical gifts of power even less. This gave a quaint feeling to the modern setting.
She didn't want true love but the safety she thought it would bring. p313
The hate in the love and the love in the hate is what makes it difficult. p247
3.5 rounded down for GR
5/7
Many of them would also have be trapped, unable to envision their own dreams outside what had been presented to them as the life they were expected to lead. p313
True love, a hearts desire, comes in different shapes for all of us and might not look like what you think. p314
Luling, now Lucy, has broken away from the exalted Hua dynasty to start her own perfumery. She has not yet come into her own power nor has she recovered from the abrubt rejection from the boy she loved.
Trying to determine motivation is futile. p268
Lies to yourself are almost impossible to get over. p225
She is not entirely on her own. She has inherited the registry containing the accounts by the long line of her foremothers stretching back to the time of Empress Wu in the Tang dynasty. Faith and trust, the evolution of tradition and intricate mother-daughter dynamics are quite thoroughly explored if not resolved. How reliable can a narrator be if they are stuck in their convictions?
You're always so worried about being perfect, it prevents you from taking action. You get in your own way. p60
What kept me going with this protracted romance were the chapters depicting the lives hinted at in the register. The notion of duty is not so strong these days, and magical gifts of power even less. This gave a quaint feeling to the modern setting.
She didn't want true love but the safety she thought it would bring. p313
The hate in the love and the love in the hate is what makes it difficult. p247
3.5 rounded down for GR
5/7
May 18, 2026
This book was beautifully written and gave such an emotional journey of young adulthood and connection between family. The growth that the FMC experienced was perfect. It felt organic and while it was significant growth, it felt plausible. The slower pacing was perfection - made me feel like I floated through the story. I appreciated the historical look backs that aligned with the story.
The narrator was so authentic in bringing these characters to life.
The narrator was so authentic in bringing these characters to life.
January 4, 2026
Library of Flowers by L.C. Chu - Review
4.25/5
So pleased that I won the ARC of this book. It is beautiful, sweet and a lovely story of family and how they can be torn apart and mended in unexpected ways. Lucy has some brattiness that is a little difficult to connect to, though some growth is shown and more expected off the page. I wish the mystery around the birthday scent was addressed, I feel like maybe I missed something or if there was a different piece to the book that addressed it, but was edited out. The ending felt a little rushed, but I am happily left wanting more of the Hua women and imagining the future of them.
Even half-way through I knew who in my life needed to read this book and I will happily make sure copies go their way when it is released in June 2026.
Thank you Sourcebooks and Goodreads giveaways for this opportunity to read this ARC.
4.25/5
So pleased that I won the ARC of this book. It is beautiful, sweet and a lovely story of family and how they can be torn apart and mended in unexpected ways. Lucy has some brattiness that is a little difficult to connect to, though some growth is shown and more expected off the page. I wish the mystery around the birthday scent was addressed, I feel like maybe I missed something or if there was a different piece to the book that addressed it, but was edited out. The ending felt a little rushed, but I am happily left wanting more of the Hua women and imagining the future of them.
Even half-way through I knew who in my life needed to read this book and I will happily make sure copies go their way when it is released in June 2026.
Thank you Sourcebooks and Goodreads giveaways for this opportunity to read this ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 10, 2025
3.8/A typical coming home story with a bit of scent and alchemy.
I loved the premise, the grip, the story writing. But it had a lot of things it could have done better. First, let me talk about the protagonist, she is 30 30-something perfumer who is running away from her legacy, her past, her family and especially her powers _ her moli.
Born in a matriarchal family of alchemists/ perfumers, Luling, aka Lucy Hua, is the 5th daughter, the redeemer, the one who will carry her legacy into the future. But as far as Lucy is concerned, she doesn't have her power. Without her power, she is dishonouring her family legacy and their power. 10 years have passed since she left behind her past and her family, but everything changes when her grandmother sends her their family register containing the stories of all the Hua women who came long before her. Her grandmother's death, a disaster with her perfumes and the return of an Old friend may change everything.
I enjoyed the story; the story writing and format were incredible, and I found myself lost in the world of perfumes and scents. I really commend the author for her extensive research on perfumes, flowers and various fragrances. The back story on other Hua women could have been developed better. I believe that most of her characters are well written but lack depth, especially the men in her family. I get that this is a woman-centric story's but the men in this story are just so poorly written. I mean, the author could have explored Eric a little more, his emotions and why he was the way he was or Lucy's father. On the other hand, women were better written, their stories, relationships and friendships were explored. Lucy's mother, Meilin, was such a complex character. I loved the mother-daughter dynamic..
I feel that the love between Lucy and Rafe could have been omitted. Their reunion, even their friendship, felt forced. People change, but after 13 years of no contact, you get a completely new person in the skin of someone familiar. It takes time and effort to rekindle a friendship after so many long years. The author could have developed a better love arc herself or none at all. It wasn't necessary for the story; I think it was enough that she found herself.
I loved the premise, the grip, the story writing. But it had a lot of things it could have done better. First, let me talk about the protagonist, she is 30 30-something perfumer who is running away from her legacy, her past, her family and especially her powers _ her moli.
Born in a matriarchal family of alchemists/ perfumers, Luling, aka Lucy Hua, is the 5th daughter, the redeemer, the one who will carry her legacy into the future. But as far as Lucy is concerned, she doesn't have her power. Without her power, she is dishonouring her family legacy and their power. 10 years have passed since she left behind her past and her family, but everything changes when her grandmother sends her their family register containing the stories of all the Hua women who came long before her. Her grandmother's death, a disaster with her perfumes and the return of an Old friend may change everything.
I enjoyed the story; the story writing and format were incredible, and I found myself lost in the world of perfumes and scents. I really commend the author for her extensive research on perfumes, flowers and various fragrances. The back story on other Hua women could have been developed better. I believe that most of her characters are well written but lack depth, especially the men in her family. I get that this is a woman-centric story's but the men in this story are just so poorly written. I mean, the author could have explored Eric a little more, his emotions and why he was the way he was or Lucy's father. On the other hand, women were better written, their stories, relationships and friendships were explored. Lucy's mother, Meilin, was such a complex character. I loved the mother-daughter dynamic..
I feel that the love between Lucy and Rafe could have been omitted. Their reunion, even their friendship, felt forced. People change, but after 13 years of no contact, you get a completely new person in the skin of someone familiar. It takes time and effort to rekindle a friendship after so many long years. The author could have developed a better love arc herself or none at all. It wasn't necessary for the story; I think it was enough that she found herself.
June 5, 2026
6.5/10 20somethings are sooooo stupid omg - never once occurred to her that being a nasty mean selfish person on her own would have an effect on her magic? Sheesh
Read
May 12, 2026"Mothers worry about daughters because we know what daughters don't." — Grandmother Hua Yulan
The eldest daughter from the House of Hua are each gifted with the ability to make magical perfumes. Every fifth generation comes a daughter with the most coveted ability of them all: the ability to make perfumes that can bring forth the user's one true love ... except Hua Luling (or Lucy) who ends up being the sole exception to that tradition. Unable to accept her failure to manifest her magic, Lucy flees across the country to open a small perfume shop in Toronto, and only her grandmother's unexpected passing forces her back home.
... And back to her mother, who is adamant that she must find the reason behind her malfunctioning perfume magic. As Lucy is forced to confront her past, her family, and her childhood friend slash crush she never got over, Lucy gradually realizes that, perhaps, her missing magic is not actually the root of her problems.
⬦ Healing Mother/Daughter Dynamic
⬦ Whimsical Cozy Perfume Magic
⬦ Ancient Chinese History & Lore
⬦ Second Chance Childhood Friend Love Interest
⬦ Canadian Setting (Vancouver & Toronto!)
It's a struggle for me to encapsulate everything I felt when I reached the end of the story and had to say goodbye to both Lucy and her mom. I must admit I spent longer than I expected reading The Library of Flowers, because there were so many parts that made me almost uncomfortable at how they hit close to home (which surprised me, as my family dynamic is nothing like Lucy's! 😳). While a dry and sassy narrator, Lucy's self-deprecating personality made her the type of friend I would like to shake a few (many) times while trying to talk sense into her 😂
She was directionless, messy and REAL in a way I appreciated for a character in her early thirties. I also loved all her relationships, such as her sweet friendship with her only friend Ana, her (reciprocated) yearning with her green flag best friend, and her fraught relationship with her stern mother (which was really the highlight of the story). And though it was sometimes frustrating, I also loved how her progress and healing was (realistically) NOT linear.
The fascinating lore behind the perfume magic, insightful flashbacks to the alternative POVs from Lucy's ancestors, and evocative way scent was described in The Library of Flowers was absolutely beautiful. I also loved all the themes on legacy, identity, and a mother's love, along with how the biggest mystery tied up neatly at the end! While I will miss these characters, the hopeful open ending leaves me satisfied that they will probably be alright (and now I desperately need to pick up more of Lily Chu's books! 🥰).
The eldest daughter from the House of Hua are each gifted with the ability to make magical perfumes. Every fifth generation comes a daughter with the most coveted ability of them all: the ability to make perfumes that can bring forth the user's one true love ... except Hua Luling (or Lucy) who ends up being the sole exception to that tradition. Unable to accept her failure to manifest her magic, Lucy flees across the country to open a small perfume shop in Toronto, and only her grandmother's unexpected passing forces her back home.
... And back to her mother, who is adamant that she must find the reason behind her malfunctioning perfume magic. As Lucy is forced to confront her past, her family, and her childhood friend slash crush she never got over, Lucy gradually realizes that, perhaps, her missing magic is not actually the root of her problems.
⬦ Healing Mother/Daughter Dynamic
⬦ Whimsical Cozy Perfume Magic
⬦ Ancient Chinese History & Lore
⬦ Second Chance Childhood Friend Love Interest
⬦ Canadian Setting (Vancouver & Toronto!)
It's a struggle for me to encapsulate everything I felt when I reached the end of the story and had to say goodbye to both Lucy and her mom. I must admit I spent longer than I expected reading The Library of Flowers, because there were so many parts that made me almost uncomfortable at how they hit close to home (which surprised me, as my family dynamic is nothing like Lucy's! 😳). While a dry and sassy narrator, Lucy's self-deprecating personality made her the type of friend I would like to shake a few (many) times while trying to talk sense into her 😂
She was directionless, messy and REAL in a way I appreciated for a character in her early thirties. I also loved all her relationships, such as her sweet friendship with her only friend Ana, her (reciprocated) yearning with her green flag best friend, and her fraught relationship with her stern mother (which was really the highlight of the story). And though it was sometimes frustrating, I also loved how her progress and healing was (realistically) NOT linear.
The fascinating lore behind the perfume magic, insightful flashbacks to the alternative POVs from Lucy's ancestors, and evocative way scent was described in The Library of Flowers was absolutely beautiful. I also loved all the themes on legacy, identity, and a mother's love, along with how the biggest mystery tied up neatly at the end! While I will miss these characters, the hopeful open ending leaves me satisfied that they will probably be alright (and now I desperately need to pick up more of Lily Chu's books! 🥰).
May 14, 2026
Interwoven with stories of Hua women across generations, the novel becomes a sensory exploration of olfaction itself. The descriptions of perfume, flowers, and everyday scents are immersive enough to make readers hyperaware of every smell around them. The premise is fascinating and full of potential, though I found myself wanting more time with the women of the past rather than focusing so heavily on only a few generations. A broader buildup of the Hua legacy would have made Lucy’s struggle land with greater emotional weight. And while her emotional isolation is understandable, Lucy often felt surprisingly emotionally stunted for a thirty-three-year-old protagonist.
Still, The Library of Flowers is an atmospheric and unique read for anyone drawn to stories steeped in family legacy, fragrance, and quiet magic.
Thank you to NetGalley, RB Media, and author L.C. Chu for the advanced copy of the audiobook. The Library of Flowers is out now. All opinions are my own.
http://www.instagram.com/passionforprose
Still, The Library of Flowers is an atmospheric and unique read for anyone drawn to stories steeped in family legacy, fragrance, and quiet magic.
Thank you to NetGalley, RB Media, and author L.C. Chu for the advanced copy of the audiobook. The Library of Flowers is out now. All opinions are my own.
http://www.instagram.com/passionforprose
May 1, 2026
Thank you for the opportunity to review this ARC! This book isn’t just a book about perfumes, it is a book that carries its own unique fragrance. The top note: is the coming into one’s own self that Lucy experiences, the heart notes: of one’s family history and complex familial dynamics, and the base notes: a lingering scent that stays in your mind once you close this book.
Ms. Hua is a mother that reminds me of my own, always wanting to help her daughter but unable to connect. When Lucy reached out needing help, her Mom steps in. Their complex relationship makes the history of their family and the magic they share smell so much sweeter as they transform Lucy’s shop into something much more. The scent of this book transports you to a place you feel powerful, deeply loved and homesick all at once.
Ms. Hua is a mother that reminds me of my own, always wanting to help her daughter but unable to connect. When Lucy reached out needing help, her Mom steps in. Their complex relationship makes the history of their family and the magic they share smell so much sweeter as they transform Lucy’s shop into something much more. The scent of this book transports you to a place you feel powerful, deeply loved and homesick all at once.
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