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Flowers in July
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Expected 31 Mar 26Disciplined and pragmatic, Mary Roberts feels she's got her life under control. She's recently moved to Hobart, she's nearing the end of her training as an emergency doctor, and she keeps a tight handle on the wellbeing of her mother and her sister back home in Sydney.
But when it comes to her long-term boyfriend, Felix, Mary's always had a blind spot. That is until she finds another woman's G-string in their bed ...
In need of a temporary escape, Mary signs up to help run a wilderness expedition medicine course. She soon discovers that rock climbing, plunging into freezing cold water, and working in the close company of a grumpy yet disconcertingly magnetic retrieval doctor is pushing her way out of her comfort zone.
Suddenly, everything she thought she knew about herself is starting to unravel. The question is, what will the fallout be? A breakdown in her relationship with her sister? Her mother's brittle mental health reaching the point of catastrophe? Or - most dangerous of all - could Mary Roberts finally be ready to fall in love?
But when it comes to her long-term boyfriend, Felix, Mary's always had a blind spot. That is until she finds another woman's G-string in their bed ...
In need of a temporary escape, Mary signs up to help run a wilderness expedition medicine course. She soon discovers that rock climbing, plunging into freezing cold water, and working in the close company of a grumpy yet disconcertingly magnetic retrieval doctor is pushing her way out of her comfort zone.
Suddenly, everything she thought she knew about herself is starting to unravel. The question is, what will the fallout be? A breakdown in her relationship with her sister? Her mother's brittle mental health reaching the point of catastrophe? Or - most dangerous of all - could Mary Roberts finally be ready to fall in love?
331 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication March 31, 2026
6 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This book started strong! I was instantly drawn to the main female character, and I was hooked immediately by the story.
The slow burn was great! I don’t usually like this trope, but it worked here because it was executed really well. We see them go from reluctant allies, to friends, to feeling attracted by one another, to finally giving in and having a HEA. It wasn’t rushed at the end, like other slow burns usually do, it was just perfect.
The FMC has a good character arc. Her inner journey was inspiring, and I think I felt so much for her because I relate to her a lot. I’m an eldest daughter too, so I both felt represented and attacked by Mary’s story aha. I did learn a lot from her journey though!
Abel was an incredible MMC too. He was so gentle and "nice" (iykyk) to Mary, so patient and understanding, and honestly, everything we love about fictional male characters in a romance book. The part I really liked was that he wasn’t the superhero in her story, solving all of her problems and leaving it at that. No, he was really trying to make her see that she’s capable of changing and advocating for herself and find what she really wants by herself first. If this isn’t swoon worthy, I don’t know what is…
This book is warm and comforting, and the type of story you should read when you want something heartfelt and inspiring!
Thank you Echo Publishing for the ARC! It was exactly the type of story I needed 💐
The slow burn was great! I don’t usually like this trope, but it worked here because it was executed really well. We see them go from reluctant allies, to friends, to feeling attracted by one another, to finally giving in and having a HEA. It wasn’t rushed at the end, like other slow burns usually do, it was just perfect.
The FMC has a good character arc. Her inner journey was inspiring, and I think I felt so much for her because I relate to her a lot. I’m an eldest daughter too, so I both felt represented and attacked by Mary’s story aha. I did learn a lot from her journey though!
Abel was an incredible MMC too. He was so gentle and "nice" (iykyk) to Mary, so patient and understanding, and honestly, everything we love about fictional male characters in a romance book. The part I really liked was that he wasn’t the superhero in her story, solving all of her problems and leaving it at that. No, he was really trying to make her see that she’s capable of changing and advocating for herself and find what she really wants by herself first. If this isn’t swoon worthy, I don’t know what is…
This book is warm and comforting, and the type of story you should read when you want something heartfelt and inspiring!
Thank you Echo Publishing for the ARC! It was exactly the type of story I needed 💐
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you to Echo Publishing for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.
This started off incredibly strong. I was hooked right away by the dynamic between the main characters. Their assumptions and constant misreads of each other created such fun tension, and watching that shift from reluctant allies to friends and then slowly into something deeper was so satisfying. The slow burn really worked for me and felt earned rather than rushed.
That said, the middle section lost some momentum. The pacing dragged, and I found myself skimming a few pages just to get things moving again. The heavy reliance on miscommunication also started to frustrate me. At some point I just wanted to shake them and say, “You’re adults. Please just talk to each other.” It felt like conflict that could’ve been solved with one honest conversation.
Thankfully, the final stretch picked back up and delivered emotionally. By the end, I was fully invested again and closed the book feeling positive overall. Not perfect, but still a really enjoyable read with great chemistry and a slow-burn romance that shines.
This started off incredibly strong. I was hooked right away by the dynamic between the main characters. Their assumptions and constant misreads of each other created such fun tension, and watching that shift from reluctant allies to friends and then slowly into something deeper was so satisfying. The slow burn really worked for me and felt earned rather than rushed.
That said, the middle section lost some momentum. The pacing dragged, and I found myself skimming a few pages just to get things moving again. The heavy reliance on miscommunication also started to frustrate me. At some point I just wanted to shake them and say, “You’re adults. Please just talk to each other.” It felt like conflict that could’ve been solved with one honest conversation.
Thankfully, the final stretch picked back up and delivered emotionally. By the end, I was fully invested again and closed the book feeling positive overall. Not perfect, but still a really enjoyable read with great chemistry and a slow-burn romance that shines.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Big thanks to Echo Publishing for sending us a copy to read and review.
A floral inspired bright cover always catches my eye and lures me to open the pages.
Romance is a theme that adds flair, interest and investment in a story.
The portrayal of love is developed authentically and cleverly as Mary not only finds a soul mate but herself.
Mary was sailing through life with her boyfriend, her blinkers were on and not picking up signals until she found a g-string in her bed that did not belong to her.
Her personal journey did a U-turn.
Signing up to do an outdoors medical training course in her adopted home state of Tasmania will challenge, enhance and enlighten her.
Abel will slowly etch his way into her emotional sphere.
Abel and Mary have a series of miscommunications, shifting dynamics and aligned feelings.
A slow burn romance can work well and in this instance it felt right and real. The love and devotion Mary has for her mum and sister adds a layer of compassion and truth.
Quite refreshing to meet Mary after watching toxic characters on MAFS.
A floral inspired bright cover always catches my eye and lures me to open the pages.
Romance is a theme that adds flair, interest and investment in a story.
The portrayal of love is developed authentically and cleverly as Mary not only finds a soul mate but herself.
Mary was sailing through life with her boyfriend, her blinkers were on and not picking up signals until she found a g-string in her bed that did not belong to her.
Her personal journey did a U-turn.
Signing up to do an outdoors medical training course in her adopted home state of Tasmania will challenge, enhance and enlighten her.
Abel will slowly etch his way into her emotional sphere.
Abel and Mary have a series of miscommunications, shifting dynamics and aligned feelings.
A slow burn romance can work well and in this instance it felt right and real. The love and devotion Mary has for her mum and sister adds a layer of compassion and truth.
Quite refreshing to meet Mary after watching toxic characters on MAFS.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Oh I just loved this book, so many emotions, self reflection and growth.
Mary has relocated from Sydney to Hobart with her boyfriend of six years, to complete her fellowship in emergency medicine. But on once again finding tell tale signs that he has been cheating on her, she finally bites the bullet and moves out. It’s hard to find suitable accommodation and to give herself breathing space she signs up for a Wilderness Medicine course, not realising she’ll be on the course with Abel Sutherland, one of the grumpy head Dr’s from the Emergency Department.
Mary’s also got a lot going on with her family in Sydney too, so suddenly control freak Mary is very much out of her comfort zone.
For me this was a beautiful book and frankly the tonic I needed with everything going on atm.
I loved the slow burn and respect between the two main characters, the growth of Mary and the way Abel stepped back to encourage that.
Pure pleasure, thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy to read.
Mary has relocated from Sydney to Hobart with her boyfriend of six years, to complete her fellowship in emergency medicine. But on once again finding tell tale signs that he has been cheating on her, she finally bites the bullet and moves out. It’s hard to find suitable accommodation and to give herself breathing space she signs up for a Wilderness Medicine course, not realising she’ll be on the course with Abel Sutherland, one of the grumpy head Dr’s from the Emergency Department.
Mary’s also got a lot going on with her family in Sydney too, so suddenly control freak Mary is very much out of her comfort zone.
For me this was a beautiful book and frankly the tonic I needed with everything going on atm.
I loved the slow burn and respect between the two main characters, the growth of Mary and the way Abel stepped back to encourage that.
Pure pleasure, thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy to read.
February 19, 2026
Flowers in July – Anna Maynard 🌼📚
When Echo Publishing sent me an ARC of Flowers in July, I was so excited—and genuinely grateful. Anna Maynard’s debut, Dancing with Bees, was released last year and is a book I still think about daily, so my expectations were high.
Flowers in July follows Mary, a doctor in her final year at a hospital in Tasmania. Fresh out of a relationship with her awful, serial-cheating ex, Felix, Mary is desperate for distance—and escape. On impulse, she signs up for a wilderness expedition medical course. What she doesn’t expect is to be working closely with Abel, the gruff retrieval doctor she’s always written off as permanently grumpy.
Pushed well beyond her comfort zone, Mary forms new friendships and begins to see her life—and herself—differently. She’s long been the glue holding her family together, supporting an alcoholic mother and a single-mum sister who rely heavily on her. But what happens when Mary starts putting herself first? When she finally allows herself to consider her own happiness?
I absolutely loved this book. I read with tears in my eyes and laughed out loud more than once. The banter and chemistry between the two leads is magnetic, warm, and deeply satisfying.
Bravo, Anna—another beautiful novel. I could not put it down. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Flowers in July will be available to purchase at all major booksellers from 31 March 2026.
When Echo Publishing sent me an ARC of Flowers in July, I was so excited—and genuinely grateful. Anna Maynard’s debut, Dancing with Bees, was released last year and is a book I still think about daily, so my expectations were high.
Flowers in July follows Mary, a doctor in her final year at a hospital in Tasmania. Fresh out of a relationship with her awful, serial-cheating ex, Felix, Mary is desperate for distance—and escape. On impulse, she signs up for a wilderness expedition medical course. What she doesn’t expect is to be working closely with Abel, the gruff retrieval doctor she’s always written off as permanently grumpy.
Pushed well beyond her comfort zone, Mary forms new friendships and begins to see her life—and herself—differently. She’s long been the glue holding her family together, supporting an alcoholic mother and a single-mum sister who rely heavily on her. But what happens when Mary starts putting herself first? When she finally allows herself to consider her own happiness?
I absolutely loved this book. I read with tears in my eyes and laughed out loud more than once. The banter and chemistry between the two leads is magnetic, warm, and deeply satisfying.
Bravo, Anna—another beautiful novel. I could not put it down. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Flowers in July will be available to purchase at all major booksellers from 31 March 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Abel Sutherland should be everyone’s new book boyfriend!!
Flowers in July is such a fun warm read. It is also probably one of the slowest burns I’ve ever read. They don’t kiss until 80% through. The slow burn felt natural with how mature both characters are though. It can be a fine line between slow burn and a book being boring or slow. But I would have happily read another six chapters of them at the wilderness training just so I could read all the different ways Abel could help Mary into a harness.
As an Australian who has done a lot of camping in Tasmania I loved reading a book where I actually knew where the characters were. It wouldn’t have mattered anyway though because Anna’s descriptions of the landscape were another highlight of this book.
I rated it four stars and definetly will be wanting a physical copy on my shelf. The cover is absolutely gorgeous by the way. I will now also have to go and read dancing with the bees
Thank you so much to Echo publishing for this ARC
Flowers in July is such a fun warm read. It is also probably one of the slowest burns I’ve ever read. They don’t kiss until 80% through. The slow burn felt natural with how mature both characters are though. It can be a fine line between slow burn and a book being boring or slow. But I would have happily read another six chapters of them at the wilderness training just so I could read all the different ways Abel could help Mary into a harness.
As an Australian who has done a lot of camping in Tasmania I loved reading a book where I actually knew where the characters were. It wouldn’t have mattered anyway though because Anna’s descriptions of the landscape were another highlight of this book.
I rated it four stars and definetly will be wanting a physical copy on my shelf. The cover is absolutely gorgeous by the way. I will now also have to go and read dancing with the bees
Thank you so much to Echo publishing for this ARC
Review of advance copy
Oh! So this is one of those books...
It's 2 37 am on a Tuesday morning and I have to work in less than 4 hours, however this book would not let me sleep until I finished it.
Bursting with emotion and joy , I absolutely loved it. I laughed and cried along with Mary and now I am exhausted.
Mary is in Tasmania for a medical placement before her exams.
She is cheated on by her long term partner, Felix, and somehow ends up on a Wilderness expedition medicine course.
Abel Sutherland is the grumpy leader of this course and Mary hates the great outdoors.
What ensues is funny, sad, inspiring and addictive reading as we learn about family and relearning to like ourselves.
Do yourself a favour and grab a copy.
Good night.
Thanks to Good Reading and Echo Publishing for an ARC of this book with it's gorgeous cover.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I loved this book! I loved the concept of a woman hitting rock bottom and having to work through her internalized problems to find her way in the world again. I really enjoyed the dynamics between Mary and Abel, he could've been a knight in shining armor for her but instead he pushes her to recognize her worth and make her own decisions.
The story lost points on the star rating due to the classic miscommunication trope for the fmc and the mmc. It felt too repetitive. I also didnt enjoy the strange relationship that Mary had with her sister. I understand that her need to mother her sister was part of the character development but I found it unrealistic that sisters wouldn't talk about their romantic lives with each other. Especially when they're also supposed to be best friends.
The story lost points on the star rating due to the classic miscommunication trope for the fmc and the mmc. It felt too repetitive. I also didnt enjoy the strange relationship that Mary had with her sister. I understand that her need to mother her sister was part of the character development but I found it unrealistic that sisters wouldn't talk about their romantic lives with each other. Especially when they're also supposed to be best friends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 22, 2026
Mary Roberts has her life under control; she’s moved to Hobart, is nearing the end of her training as an emergency doctor and she’s got a handle on her mother and sister back home.
Or rather, she had control, until she finds evidence that her boyfriend, Felix, has cheated on her… Again!
In need of an escape, Mary signs herself up to help run a wilderness expedition medicine course taking her out of her comfort zone.
I found myself loving Mary from the very beginning! Her journey to this point was covered really well and I feel as readers we have a great understanding of who she is and how we got to this point. Her story as the typical ‘eldest daughter’ was relatable and I especially loved her relationship with her sister and how that was explained.
Abel, the gentle revival doctor is also fantastically written. The way he helps Mary come out of her shell and realise that she’s not the person that Felix has made her out to be was so lovely to read.
Just all round a beautiful book and I can’t wait to see what Anna writes next
Thank you to Good Reading Mag, Echo Publishers and Anna Maynard for my copy of this book
Or rather, she had control, until she finds evidence that her boyfriend, Felix, has cheated on her… Again!
In need of an escape, Mary signs herself up to help run a wilderness expedition medicine course taking her out of her comfort zone.
I found myself loving Mary from the very beginning! Her journey to this point was covered really well and I feel as readers we have a great understanding of who she is and how we got to this point. Her story as the typical ‘eldest daughter’ was relatable and I especially loved her relationship with her sister and how that was explained.
Abel, the gentle revival doctor is also fantastically written. The way he helps Mary come out of her shell and realise that she’s not the person that Felix has made her out to be was so lovely to read.
Just all round a beautiful book and I can’t wait to see what Anna writes next
Thank you to Good Reading Mag, Echo Publishers and Anna Maynard for my copy of this book
March 1, 2026
5 STARS ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Vibe check: Slow Bloom Romance, Small Joys and Second Chances
full review ⬇️
Anna’s debut Dancing With Bees was one of my favourite books of 2025 so it was safe to say Flowers In July had some serious expectations to live up to.
I’m very pleased to report it absolutely delivered!
Despite the title and the blooms on the cover, this is far more than an episode of Gardening Australia. Although as an amateur gardener, I adored all the flower references and the sweet older neighbour sharing her bulbs (manifesting that future for myself 👵🏼🌼)
Following Mary the main character was such a joy. Her life feels real and layered with family pressures, responsibility, questionable exes, career expectations and that all-too-relatable fear of falling.. in work, in life and in love. Watching her navigate it all felt tender and honest.
Just like a flower, this love story slowly and beautifully blooms, growing brighter and braver with every chapter.
I constantly claim I’m not a big romance reader and then authors like Anna Maynard make me realise that maybe I just like really good romance.
This book is warm, kind and exactly the type of story you should reach for when you need something hopeful and heartfelt.
A huge thank you to Echo Publishing for sharing the book love with me again 🤍
Vibe check: Slow Bloom Romance, Small Joys and Second Chances
full review ⬇️
Anna’s debut Dancing With Bees was one of my favourite books of 2025 so it was safe to say Flowers In July had some serious expectations to live up to.
I’m very pleased to report it absolutely delivered!
Despite the title and the blooms on the cover, this is far more than an episode of Gardening Australia. Although as an amateur gardener, I adored all the flower references and the sweet older neighbour sharing her bulbs (manifesting that future for myself 👵🏼🌼)
Following Mary the main character was such a joy. Her life feels real and layered with family pressures, responsibility, questionable exes, career expectations and that all-too-relatable fear of falling.. in work, in life and in love. Watching her navigate it all felt tender and honest.
Just like a flower, this love story slowly and beautifully blooms, growing brighter and braver with every chapter.
I constantly claim I’m not a big romance reader and then authors like Anna Maynard make me realise that maybe I just like really good romance.
This book is warm, kind and exactly the type of story you should reach for when you need something hopeful and heartfelt.
A huge thank you to Echo Publishing for sharing the book love with me again 🤍
February 19, 2026
Flowers in July – Anna Maynard 🌼📚
When Echo Publishing sent me an ARC of Flowers in July, I was so excited—and genuinely grateful. Anna Maynard’s debut, Dancing with Bees, was released last year and is a book I still think about daily, so my expectations were high.
Flowers in July follows Mary, a doctor in her final year at a hospital in Tasmania. Fresh out of a relationship with her awful, serial-cheating ex, Felix, Mary is desperate for distance—and escape. On impulse, she signs up for a wilderness expedition medical course. What she doesn’t expect is to be working closely with Abel, the gruff retrieval doctor she’s always written off as permanently grumpy.
Pushed well beyond her comfort zone, Mary forms new friendships and begins to see her life—and herself—differently. She’s long been the glue holding her family together, supporting an alcoholic mother and a single-mum sister who rely heavily on her. But what happens when Mary starts putting herself first? When she finally allows herself to consider her own happiness?
I absolutely loved this book. I read with tears in my eyes and laughed out loud more than once. The banter and chemistry between the two leads is magnetic, warm, and deeply satisfying.
Bravo, Anna—another beautiful novel. I could not put it down. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Flowers in July will be available to purchase at all major booksellers from 31 March 2026.
When Echo Publishing sent me an ARC of Flowers in July, I was so excited—and genuinely grateful. Anna Maynard’s debut, Dancing with Bees, was released last year and is a book I still think about daily, so my expectations were high.
Flowers in July follows Mary, a doctor in her final year at a hospital in Tasmania. Fresh out of a relationship with her awful, serial-cheating ex, Felix, Mary is desperate for distance—and escape. On impulse, she signs up for a wilderness expedition medical course. What she doesn’t expect is to be working closely with Abel, the gruff retrieval doctor she’s always written off as permanently grumpy.
Pushed well beyond her comfort zone, Mary forms new friendships and begins to see her life—and herself—differently. She’s long been the glue holding her family together, supporting an alcoholic mother and a single-mum sister who rely heavily on her. But what happens when Mary starts putting herself first? When she finally allows herself to consider her own happiness?
I absolutely loved this book. I read with tears in my eyes and laughed out loud more than once. The banter and chemistry between the two leads is magnetic, warm, and deeply satisfying.
Bravo, Anna—another beautiful novel. I could not put it down. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Flowers in July will be available to purchase at all major booksellers from 31 March 2026.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
4.7 stars
Review to follow
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews