The Complete Goodbye Orchid Trilogy: Orchid Blooming, Goodbye, Orchid, Always Orchid contemporary love stories

by Carol Van Den Hende

Recommended by Glamour l Popsugar l Travel+Leisure.

“A literary masterpiece of contemporary romance fiction.” —Midwest Book Review

Rising from ashes is hard. Giving up the one you love is harder.

Orchid Paige has learned to hide her pain. Haunted by childhood loss, she pours herself into work and friends, determined to honor her mother’s heritage by winning a work trip to Asia. The competition is fierce, and victory feels out of reach, until she meets Phoenix Walker. The rising entrepreneur whose scars run deep stirs something she thought she’d buried the possibility of trust, and of love.

But fate is not kind. A devastating accident leaves Phoenix forever changed, forcing him into an impossible hold on to the woman who makes him whole, or protect her by letting her go. She has survived tragedy once before, and he cannot bear to trigger her pain again.

Yet Orchid refuses to surrender. With patience, courage, and compassion, she reaches for Phoenix, proving that her love is stronger than his fears. Together they confront not only the wounds of their pasts, but also the prejudices of a world that sees his disability before his humanity. From the boardrooms of Manhattan to her ancestral home in China, their journey is one of resilience, tenderness, and the unshakable belief that we are all whole no matter what we think is missing.

Spanning years of heartbreak and hope, The Goodbye, Orchid Trilogy is a tale of sacrifice and redemption, of star-crossed hearts daring to trust again, of two people who learn that to be truly seen—and truly loved—is the greatest victory of all.
Blending the heart of multicultural storytelling with the passion of second chance romance and the quiet courage of a disabled hero, the Goodbye Orchid trilogy is a love story that blooms where it’s least expected.

This complete set includes all three books in the Goodbye Orchid trilogy, presented in the story’s chronological
Orchid Blooming, a prequel
Goodbye, Orchid, a novel
Always Orchid, a sequel

The series has won 40+ literary

American Fiction Award, IAN Outstanding First Novel, Pinnacle Achievement Award, Independent Press Award Best Contemporary Novel, International Chanticleer Chatelaine 1st Place Winner, Pinnacle Achievement Award Best Multicultural Fiction, Royal Dragonfly 1st Place Winner Cultural Diversity, Shelf Unbound Best Indie Book Top 100, Best Book Award 1st Place Multicultural Fiction, American Writing Award, Book Excellence Award, International Book Award Finalist, New York Book Festival Honorable Mention, International Impact Award, Outstanding Creator Award, Book Fest Award, Pulpwood Queens International Book-of-the-Month, Shortlisted Hawthorne Prize for Fiction.

961 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 5, 2025

About the author

Carol Van Den Hende is the award-winning author of forthcoming Dear Orchid, Orchid Blooming, Goodbye, Orchid and Always Orchid which are inspired by wounded veterans and have won 40+ literary awards, including the American Fiction Award, IAN Outstanding Fiction First Novel Award, and Royal Dragonfly for Disability Awareness.

Buzzfeed, Parade, and Travel+Leisure named “heartwarming, heartbreaking” Goodbye, Orchid a most anticipated read. Glamour Magazine recommended this “modern, important take on the power of love.” The International Pulpwood Queens, selected all 3 Goodbye, Orchid books as Books-of-the-Month.

Carol’s mission is unlocking optimism as a writer, speaker, strategist, Board member and Climate Reality Leader. One secret to her good fortune? Her humorous husband and twins, who prove that love really does conquer all.

Please sign up for Carol’s newsletter at carolvandenhende.com/contact or linktr.ee/cvdh

If you enjoyed reading the Goodbye Orchid series, she would appreciate it if you would:

Recommend them: Please help other readers find her books by recommending them to friends, readers’ groups, and discussion boards.

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Thank you!

ORCHID BLOOMING HONORS

■2023 Independent Press Award​ Best Contemporary Novel
■2022 International Chanticleer Chatelaine Award 1st Place Winner
■The Pulpwood Queen June 2023 International Book of the Month
■2022 Pinnacle Achievement Award Best Multicultural Fiction Book
■2022 Royal Dragonfly Awards 1st Place Winner Cultural Diversity, 2nd Place Winner Cover Design
■2022 Shelf Unbound Best Indie Book Top 100 Notable Book Winner
■2022 Best Book Award 1st Place Multicultural Fiction Winner
■2022 American Writing Award Winner Women's Fiction Finalist, Multicultural Fiction Winner
■2022 Reader's Favorite 5-star Review
■2023 Book Excellence Award​ Best Book Cover
■2022 INTERNATIONAL BOOK AWARD FINALIST
■2022 NEW YORK BOOK FESTIVAL HONORABLE MENTION
■2022 BEACH BOOK FESTIVAL HONORABLE MENTION
■2022 JULY INTERNATIONAL IMPACT AWARD
■2022 HOLLYWOOD BOOK FESTIVAL HONORABLE MENTION
■2022 OUTSTANDING CREATOR AWARDS: Women's Fiction, Literary & Contemporary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Romance, Drama, Best Couple
■2022 BOOK FEST 2nd Place Award
■2023 Independent Press Award​ Best Contemporary Novel

GOODBYE, ORCHID HONORS
■2020 American Fiction Award WINNER urban fiction
■2020 Pinnacle Achievement Award WINNER multicultural fiction
■2020 Outstanding Fiction IAN Book Award for Best New Novel 50-80K words
■2020 Royal Dragonfly Award WINNER Cover Design and Special Needs/Disability Awareness
■2020 New York Book Festival General Fiction Honorable Mention
■2020 Best Book Award Finalist: Best New Fiction and Fiction: General
■2021 Chanticleer International Book Chatelaine Award 1st Place Winner
■The Write Review Top 2020 Favorite
■In D'Tale Magazine Crowned Heart 5-stars
■Audiobook Reviewer 2020 New Author of the Year
■2021 Book Excellence award for Interior Design
■2021 Authorshout award Recommended Read
■2021 Kops-Fetherling International Award Multicultural Fiction Gold
■2021 American Advertising Award Hampton Roads branch Book Cover Gold Medal Addy
■2021 National Indie Excellence Book Award (NIEA) Multicultural Fiction Winner
■2021 Annie Award 1st Place Finalist
■2021 Zibby Award nominee for interior design
■2022 International Pulpwood Queens and Timber Guys May Bonus Book of the Month
■ 2022 Summer Outstanding Creator Awards Grand Prize Honorable Mention; 2nd Place Women’s Fiction, Multicultural, Romance, and Drama; 3rd Place Literary & Contemporary Fiction; Honorable Mention Best Couple

BUZZFEED Top 12 Most Anticipated Fall Reads
PARADE Most Anticipated Books of Fall 2020
TRAVEL+LEISURE Most Anticipated Books of Fall
POPSUGAR Best New

Reviews

[Bambi Rathman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Goodbye, Orchid Trilogy swept me in from page one. Phoenix and Orchid’s journey is tender, real, and full of the kind of resilience that reminds you God can bring beauty from even the hardest seasons. The characters feel alive, the emotion is honest, and the story left me both humbled and uplifted. A touching, compassionate series that lingers with you—highly recommended.

Book One/Prequel: Orchid Blooming review:

I was so excited when I learned that Ms. Van Den Hende was writing a prequel to Goodbye, Orchid that I couldn't wait to read Orchid Blooming! Returning to spend time with Orchid and Phoenix was something I looked forward to after the amazing story I will never forget in Ms. Van Den Hende's exceptional storytelling in Goodbye, Orchid. Learning the backstory of Orchid and Phoenix has built up to the events that were gut wrenching and heart breaking but left my heart wound around them anew.

These characters are written with depth and emotion. I was drawn into their thoughts and feelings because of the intricate details that caused me to feel their fears, their doubts, their self protection and even unworthiness. Yet there were the emotions on the other end of the spectrum I felt just as much. The excitement of that first heart fluttering, the joy of seeing each other, the tenderness and compassion to accept who each was. This is mainly the story of Orchid and her struggles through a tragic event she experienced as a young girl. Facing her loss and guilt but yet staying strong and true to herself. I felt her stuggles and yearned for her to overcome emotional chains. This passage touched me so deeply:
"If she went deeper, she sometimes felt she was forged from the painful markers of her life. Other times, she floated above it all, as if spun of steel from her Chinese warrior ancestors, and then merged with the beauty of fairy sprites."
What perfectly written words for who Orchid is!

Then there's Phoenix. Perfect and ambitious Phoenix. Is it destiny, fate, or some other force that brings him into her life? He's so sensitive and compassionate. But her relationship with him is strictly business. Nothing more. It has to be that way. How could she let down her vulnerabilities and let him in? But sometimes the heart will not be denied. Ms. Van Den Hende built this connection between the two with pages of young hearts that can't deny the chemistry between them. I am in awe of the ability she has to take me into the pages as if I'm right there with her characters.

Orchid and Phoenix's story touched my heart. This book has brought their journey to a perfect point to read Goodbye, Orchid. I am so happy that I was part of this beginning to their story. It's a wonderful read by an author with amazing skills to bring the pages of her books to life. I am honored that I was taken into the pages of this book and spend time with these wonderful characters. Ms. Van Den Hende has a talent to warm my heart with her beautiful writing. I want to thank her for the honor and privilege of reading this poignant work of fiction that I enjoyed so very much. All opinions and thoughts in this review are my heartfelt own.

Book Two: Goodbye, Orchid review:

When I open a novel and the first pages are a "gotcha" like the pages of Goodbye, Orchid, I know I'm in for an exceptional read. Oh, my gosh! Is this ever one of those books! I have a book hangover from such an amazing story written with intricate details and emotional passages that took my heart and tore it to pieces. I find myself almost speechless trying to form words for a review. Wow! How Ms. VanDenHende took me into the emotional depths of her characters is beyond description. This is the story of Phoenix and Orchid. Perfect and ambitious Phoenix. Gentle and sweet Orchid. Just like the beautiful cover of this book and the shattering orchid, would these characters lives break into pieces and will they find a way to put their lives back together? I couldn't tear myself away from the pages. This was more than a casual read, this was an experience. One that touched me so deeply and even personally.

There are no guarantees in life and in an instant, everything can change. Phoenix's life is forever changed because of a devastating accident. The trauma he experiences is brutal physically and emotionally. What Ms. VanDenHende created in this story is a masterpiece in human resilience. It's not easy, pretty or quick. Sometimes deep and dark. But it's possible to rise from the ashes. She masterfully and meticulously takes the reader into the depths of Phoenix's recovery and his feelings for Orchid, through various stages. Not only the physical but the mental stages as well. There are so many emotions that were pulled out of me through her characters. Each character written with purpose and depth. I'm in awe of her talent and her exceptional ability to put me in the pages like she did. I especially appreciate her compassion for what these traumatic injuries do to people. This is a story that will be in my heart for a very long time.

This is an amazing read! My review is so inadequate for how powerful and emotional this book is. It was unputdownable from the first compelling page to the last touching words. Yes, Phoenix and Orchid expanded my heart. I want to thank Ms. VanDenHende for the honor of reading her story that so sincerly came from her heart and from the inspiration of combat wounded veterans. This is an extraordinary novel! One of the best I've read this year. It's so worth much more than five stars! This is my honest and heartfelt review of a book that ranks as one of my top 5 this year.

Book Three: Always Orchid review:
Oh, my gosh! Always Orchid.....Always Phoenix...this is how I feel about these characters and the amazing stories Ms. Van Den Hende created and then dropped them into my heart. From the very first words in the book that grabbed hold of my emotions, to the very last sentences, I was in a story with characters I completely connected to and that I felt so much for. Their ups and downs pulled at my heart and I was compelled to reach out in love and compassion for them. I love that the character, Roy, spoke to her and his story comes out, too. It's like putting in the last piece of the puzzle.

I have a book hangover from such an amazing story written with intricate details and emotional passages that took my heart and tore it to pieces and then in the compassionate and sensitive way the author has of writing, she mends it back together. I find myself almost speechless trying to form words for a review. Wow! How Ms. Van Den Hende took me into the emotional depths of her characters is beyond description. This series grabs hold and doesn't let go. I couldn't tear myself away from the pages. This was more than a casual read, this was an experience a third time over.

There are so many emotions that were pulled out of me through her characters. Each character written with purpose and depth. I'm in awe of her talent and her exceptional ability to put me in the pages like she did. I especially appreciate her compassion for what these traumatic injuries do to people. This is a story that will be in my heart for a very long time. Or dare I say....Always!

This is an amazing read! My review is so inadequate for how powerful and emotional this series and this book is. It was unputdownable!!! Yes, Phoenix and Orchid expanded my heart. I want to thank Ms. Van Den Hende for the honor of reading this story that so sincerly came from her heart and from the inspiration of combat wounded veterans. This is an extraordinary series! It's so worth much more than five stars! Thank you for the honor and privilege of reading this touching conclusion to an amazing series. This is my honest and heartfelt review.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love these books and to have them all bundled up in one trilogy bundle is amazing.

Book One Review - Orchid Blooming
When I first heard about this book, I got very excited and could not wait to read. I can still remember reading Goodbye, Orchid. Which takes place after this book. So, it was great to go back and read about the beginning meeting between Orchid and Phoenix. If anything, this book made me appreciate Goodbye, Orchid even more.

The past trauma that Orchid was experiencing that had manifested into PTSD was something that I could kind of relate to. I did not have the same tragic event, but my past situation still sometimes causes me anxiety. The techniques that Orchid was taught to help deal with her PTSD were great and ways that anyone can use to help them in their daily lives.

I just love the way that Carol tackles tough topics like PTSD. She really does her research, and it shows in her books and characters. She treats the characters with care but while highlighting this topic. You need to read both Orchid Blooming and Goodbye, Orchid. Carol is an auto read author for me!

Book Two Review - Goodbye, Orchid

I picked up this book and read it almost in one sitting. I was drawn to Phoenix and Orchid. Although, I do feel like Phoenix did not give Orchid a fair chance in the beginning. As the author says; Phoenix and Orchid did get their happy ending but they really had to work at it. They just needed time.

However, I did understand where Phoenix was coming from due to the tragic accident that he endured. He was bitter and thought that his life was over. Yet, he learned that just because you have a disability does not mean that that you can't still "live". Live for family, live for friends, live for loved ones, and very importantly...live for yourself.

This book does not read like a debut novel. I can't wait to see what author, Carol VanDenHende writes next.

Book Three Review - Always Orchid

I have been with Phoenix and Orchid since the very beginning on their journey. They have endured so much heartache. Yet, they both have shown great resilience and their love for one another has only grown stronger.

"What did one man's action have to do with the care of the other?"

I am so invested in Phoenix and Orchid' story that my heart just ached so much that it felt like there was a vice grip on it the whole time. When the highs were high, I rejoiced and then they were low, I was sad.

If you have not read any of these books by Carol, you need to as all of the book awards are very much earned. Carol takes me on beautiful journeys with each book. Carol is my "always" recommended read author!

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

​An Emotional Journey of Love and Resilience
​Carol Van Den Hende's Orchid trilogy is an intensely emotional and multifaceted journey that captivates you from beginning to end. While each book can be read on its own, I feel reading them in order—beginning with the prequel, Orchid Blooming, followed by Goodbye Orchid, and concluding with Always Orchid—offers a richer, more cohesive experience.
​The story centers on Orchid, a young woman navigating life while dealing with the lasting effects of trauma and PTSD. As you follow her quest for personal and professional growth, you'll witness her struggles, her friendships, and her unexpected romance with Phoenix. The trilogy masterfully explores the complexities of real life relationships, dipping into the insecurities, past baggage, and miscommunication that we all experience.
​Each book builds on the last, with Always Orchid being a particularly powerful conclusion that brings all the emotions to the front. These aren't just books you read; they are books you feel. You'll find yourself yelling at the characters, crying with them, and ultimately cheering for them as they navigate their way through friendship, romance, heartache, and forgiveness.
​Van Den Hende's writing is consistently engaging, creating a story that is nearly impossible to put down. This trilogy is a must-read for anyone who loves a powerful story that is both heartfelt and full of hope.
personal note: I also listened to Goodbye Orchid on audiobook is "spot on perfect," rendition of the book version making it a great option for listening if audio is your preference.
Thank you to Carol Van DenHende for the opertunity to be part of the advance reader team.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodbye Orchid is a series of my heart.

Inspired by wounded warriors, I wanted to explore the heartbreaking dilemma of a man who believes his disabling accident makes him the exact wrong person for the woman he loves.

Though this is fiction, these scenarios play out in real life too, as confirmed by Purple Heart veterans who helped shape the series, and also through medical professionals I interviewed for the trilogy.

You'll meet Orchid Paige, a marketer in beauty who faced early loss and now wants to win a work trip to bring her closer to the memory of her mother. And the entrepreneur who helps her, handsome athlete Phoenix Walker. They're at the precipice of something, until a heroic act leave him forever changed.

Readers have said the series taught them about physical disabilities, brought them to tears, filled them with joy, and kept them up until early morning hours, wanting to know what happens.

I hope you'll likewise fall for the hope and empathy on the pages of the Goodbye Orchid trilogy. From my heart to yours.

p.s. launched on my birthday, a gift to you!

[Jeff Warchal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Goodbye, Orchid was written through the eyes of Phoenix. Orchid Blooming was written through the eyes of Orchid. Always Orchid was written through the eyes of them both. All three books were written through the eyes of love! Real love isn’t afraid of wounds because, through care and persistence, they heal and people become stronger. The Complete Goodbye, Orchid Trilogy shows us just that in beautiful form!

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Orchid Blooming, Book 1, prequel

Carol Van Den Hende is a new-to-me author. This was a wonderful story about trauma, secrets, trust, healing, forgiveness, new beginnings and more. Orchid is hoping to get a dream assignment at work that would allow her to spend time in China where her deceased mother was from. She’s up against tough competition and must work very hard to gain more experience to qualify for the position. She’s allowed to take on a nonprofit project with entrepreneur, Phoenix. Despite her attraction to him, she vows to keep things professional. Getting to know him and working on the project makes that vow hard to keep.

Can Orchid gain the experience she needs, overcome her own PTSD issues, win the coveted assignment, and keep from falling for Phoenix?

Goodbye, Orchid, Book 2, novel

A tragic, life-changing accident leaves Phoenix thinking it might be better to let Orchid live her life without him in it. He’s known about the PTSD she suffers from and doesn’t want to be the cause of additional trauma in her life. But can he let go of the woman he’s come to love?

A story about love, loss, tragedy, hope, healing, new beginnings, and more.

Always Orchid, Book 3, sequel

After a devastating accident, Phoenix decides it would be best to let Orchid continue her life without him. He can’t deal with causing her PTSD to flare up because of him and he can’t change what happened.

Once Orchid finds out about the accident, she decides maybe Phoenix is right. Maybe she should just continue on with her life without him in it. However, after a lot of thought, she realizes she loves Phoenix, no matter what. Now she just must get him to realize that. And she just might be able to give him a new outlook on his own life and others in similar situations.

I’ll admit that the author had me worried there for a while. I wasn’t sure her ending to the story was going to be what I wanted to have happen.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[David Morgan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Orchid Blooming
Orchid is a young professional who suffers from PTSD after witnessing the tragic deaths of her parents when she was twelve. She also has trust issues. When the chance to go to China arises where she works, Orchid desperately wants to win the position and connect to her mother's ancestry. Enter Phoenix, a handsome entrepreneur on a mission of his own and he offers Orchid a way to bolster her resume to get that trip to China. What follows is a touching, heartfelt story of becoming whole despite the challenges life throws your way.
This is a prequel to the award winning novel Goodbye, Orchid. I was excited to have been offered the chance to see where Orchid's story began and how she met Phoenix. If you haven't read either of these books I strongly recommend you start with Orchid Blooming. The growth of these two characters is beautiful to be a witness to. You can't help wanting only the best for these two as they struggle to conquer their fears and become the people they want to be. I look forward to their continuing story.

Goodbye, Orchid
Phoenix and Orchid have unmistakable feelings for each other. Orchid's job takes her to China and on the day she leaves Phoenix suffers a life changing accident. After losing a leg and a hand Phoenix doesn't feel whole and after Orchid had previously expressed her inability to even look at amputees he knows she would be repulsed by his injuries. Orchid witnessed the death of her parents and that trauma has never left her. Can Phoenix and Orchid rise above their challenges in order to be together or will Phoenix say Goodbye, Orchid forever.
Beautifully written and well researched, this one had me in its grip from beginning to end. The characters are richly drawn and relatable. The situations and feelings of each character is believable and real. The journey this novel takes you on is important in its humanity and worth every minute it takes to read. I highly recommend this one that is much more than women's fiction or a love story, it teaches us what really matters in life.

[Susan Cushman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fans of Carol Van Den Hende’s Goodbye, Orchid trilogy—and new readers just now
discovering her storytelling gifts—will love this mixed-genre collection of twenty-seven
essays and stories that build on her themes of loss, love, and perseverance in a variety of
settings. In Dear Orchid, she honors her childhood and Chinese history, boyfriends,
family, and real-life heroes who inspired her books. Van Den Hende reminds us that
tragedy, which often leads to “disability,” can also open hearts and souls to lives fully lived
in unexpected circumstances.—Susan Cushman, author of nine books, including the mixed-
genre collection, Pilgrim Interrupted, and the novels John and Mary Margaret and Cherry
Bomb. Cushman is the adoptive mother of two South Korean children and grandmother to
four mixed race granddaughters. Her sons are retired Army and Air Force veterans.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Goodbye, Orchid series is not your typical love story—it’s deeper, rawer, and more inspiring than I expected. I fell in love with Phoenix and Orchid, especially as Phoenix struggles with the aftermath of a life-changing injury. His internal turmoil—questioning his worth, wrestling with identity, and pushing away the woman he loves—felt so real and heartbreaking. Orchid’s strength and compassion made me root for them both even more. The series is about resilience, healing, and the courage it takes to love fully. It’s moving, beautifully written, and will stay with you long after you finish. Read it—you won’t regret it.

[Barbara Conrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is everything to love about The Complete Goodbye Orchid Trilogy, the story of Phoenix and Orchid that became the beloved, award-winning novel, Goodbye, Orchid.

Carol Van Den Hende has unapologetically created the tension that explodes into a compelling chemistry between these skillfully created characters that will leave you breathless. Fall in love with Phoenix and Orchid all over again.

[Susan Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this trilogy in a giveaway on Goodreads and really enjoyed all 3 books. Orchid is an interesting character.