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The Flower Arrangement
Golden peonies bowing their heads beneath blue delphinium bells. Delicate pink anemones threaded between freckled green orchids. Soft apricot roses woven together with velvety purple irises. Every bouquet tells a story. And every story begins at Blossom & Grow, a tiny jewel-like flower shop in the heart of Dublin. Here, among the buckets of fragrant blooms, beneath the flickering candles and lanterns, Lara works her magic. Translating feelings into flower arrangements that change hearts and lives. But what about her own heart? Has she really healed since she lost her chance to be a mother? What will happen when her own story takes a sudden turn? Can the flowers that heal the customers work their magic on the florist? Drawing together a delightful cast of characters, Ella Griffin brings her warmth, wit and wisdom to a captivating tale woven around a Dublin florist.
340 pages, Paperback
First published June 20, 2015
148 people are currently reading
1893 people want to read
About the author
Ella Griffin
13 books184 followersFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/EllaGriffinA...
Twitter: @EllaGriffin1
In previous lives, Ella has been Ireland’s Clumsiest Waitress and Shyest Radio DJ, a travel writer and an award-winning advertising copywriter.
She has written 4 novels and is working on a 5th.
Twitter: @EllaGriffin1
In previous lives, Ella has been Ireland’s Clumsiest Waitress and Shyest Radio DJ, a travel writer and an award-winning advertising copywriter.
She has written 4 novels and is working on a 5th.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 252 reviews
August 10, 2016
Dear reader,
I must admit to loving this deceptively charming and clever book.
It tells the story of Lara,a florist,who,having lost a much wanted baby,puts all her energies into her business,Blossom and Grow.
Her brother,Phil,a courier,has had a string of beautiful girlfriends but,at nearly thirty,has yet to settle down.
Katy,a bridal magazine editor,finally realises that the man she is living with is more a flat mate than her soulmate,so makes a decision that Fate happily smiles upon.
Her sister,Mia,has finally found her soulmate but will the fact that he's an artist who doesn't fit into her corporate lifestyle be a deal breaker? Does the fact that she wishes to change certain aspects of him mean that she's the threat to their relationship and not,as she perceives,his flat mate,Hillary?
I found this beautifully written book very compelling and the various characters quite interesting,especially their individual back stories.
I also loved how the author knitted each of these characters into the same tapestry of a storyline. Their link to Lara,although not immediately obvious,seemed appropriate and brought a smile to my face,especially when I recalled them being mentioned earlier in the book.....Rebecca and her son Josh,the old gentleman buying tulips for his dead wife,to name but a few.
So impressed was I by this book that for the majority of the story,it was a 5* read for me.
However,I was very disappointed with the ending. I felt the story just stopped,dead, without tying up all those little threads that give a certain peace of mind to the reader.
I wanted,no,needed to know what befell Lara,was she destined to live a partner-less future,or did she decide to reunite with her fiancée???
What of Mia and Ronan,Phil and his wife??? What of Angela and her mysterious partner of two years??
Perhaps I'm being greedy,or just too fussy, but after reading 310 pages,I felt that I deserved to know that Lara and her extended friends/family would have a happy ever after.
Failing that,I think I would have been happy just knowing what future lay in store for each
pair......but the abrupt and cold way the book ended robbed me of that satisfied 'everything worked out for the best' feeling.
It is for this reason that I give it a 4.5* rating.
Having said that,I do recommend it.
I must admit to loving this deceptively charming and clever book.
It tells the story of Lara,a florist,who,having lost a much wanted baby,puts all her energies into her business,Blossom and Grow.
Her brother,Phil,a courier,has had a string of beautiful girlfriends but,at nearly thirty,has yet to settle down.
Katy,a bridal magazine editor,finally realises that the man she is living with is more a flat mate than her soulmate,so makes a decision that Fate happily smiles upon.
Her sister,Mia,has finally found her soulmate but will the fact that he's an artist who doesn't fit into her corporate lifestyle be a deal breaker? Does the fact that she wishes to change certain aspects of him mean that she's the threat to their relationship and not,as she perceives,his flat mate,Hillary?
I found this beautifully written book very compelling and the various characters quite interesting,especially their individual back stories.
I also loved how the author knitted each of these characters into the same tapestry of a storyline. Their link to Lara,although not immediately obvious,seemed appropriate and brought a smile to my face,especially when I recalled them being mentioned earlier in the book.....Rebecca and her son Josh,the old gentleman buying tulips for his dead wife,to name but a few.
So impressed was I by this book that for the majority of the story,it was a 5* read for me.
However,I was very disappointed with the ending. I felt the story just stopped,dead, without tying up all those little threads that give a certain peace of mind to the reader.
I wanted,no,needed to know what befell Lara,was she destined to live a partner-less future,or did she decide to reunite with her fiancée???
What of Mia and Ronan,Phil and his wife??? What of Angela and her mysterious partner of two years??
Perhaps I'm being greedy,or just too fussy, but after reading 310 pages,I felt that I deserved to know that Lara and her extended friends/family would have a happy ever after.
Failing that,I think I would have been happy just knowing what future lay in store for each
pair......but the abrupt and cold way the book ended robbed me of that satisfied 'everything worked out for the best' feeling.
It is for this reason that I give it a 4.5* rating.
Having said that,I do recommend it.
June 11, 2015
This novel brings with it the scent of flowers and the impact they can have on both the person receiving them and the person selling them. You can almost smell the flowers. Lara, the owner of Blossom and Grow sees flowers brought for special occasions but also for all sorts of reasons, from husbands saying sorry, gifts for new mothers and their babies and just about every other reason imaginable. It is the flowers to the maternity ward, Lara finds hardest to deliver since her baby died weeks before he was due to be born. The reader soon discovers life has even more heartbreak in store for her.
Lara is a woman with a lot of heart, who really cares about other people. She is very easy to like. Flowers are not just flowers to her. She takes great pride and care in suiting the flowers to the person and the situation. As well as Lara’s story the readers also gets windows into her brother Phil and her father as well as a whole range of other characters who buy or receive flowers. Lara’s father who raised her since the death of Lara’s mum when Lara was young is a lovely charterer. Even though Phil, her brother is a bit irresponsible at times I enjoyed him too. I liked all the information about the flowers, their purchase and their care. At times though I found I could have happily done with a few less stories of some of the minor characters.
This charming book told with a light touch, definitely fits under the banner of chick lit. It made me smile and laugh. Tears welled at times too. My thanks to The Reading Room and Hachette Australia for my advanced reading copy of this enjoyable novel to read and review. Just one other thing, lovely and colourful as the cover is, it doesn’t seem to match the description of Blossom and Grow in the book.
Lara is a woman with a lot of heart, who really cares about other people. She is very easy to like. Flowers are not just flowers to her. She takes great pride and care in suiting the flowers to the person and the situation. As well as Lara’s story the readers also gets windows into her brother Phil and her father as well as a whole range of other characters who buy or receive flowers. Lara’s father who raised her since the death of Lara’s mum when Lara was young is a lovely charterer. Even though Phil, her brother is a bit irresponsible at times I enjoyed him too. I liked all the information about the flowers, their purchase and their care. At times though I found I could have happily done with a few less stories of some of the minor characters.
This charming book told with a light touch, definitely fits under the banner of chick lit. It made me smile and laugh. Tears welled at times too. My thanks to The Reading Room and Hachette Australia for my advanced reading copy of this enjoyable novel to read and review. Just one other thing, lovely and colourful as the cover is, it doesn’t seem to match the description of Blossom and Grow in the book.
August 6, 2018
Ella always wanted to be a writer and it shows in her lovely words that she generates throughout The Flower Arrangement. Woman love receiving flowers for any occasion and we adore seeing the flowers growing in our garden. Watching garden shows is so relaxing. And reading The Flower Arrangement is charmingly relaxing. I need to read more in future from Ella Griffin.
Lara gets a brilliant idea that she wants to open a flower shop, but her husband Michael seems not keen on Lara's idea. He makes it clear to Lara that a floristry is not about floating around arranging flowers and that she knows nothing about what she would be getting into or does she?
I totally recommend Ella Griffin's new novel. For a relaxing read look no further.
September 20, 2016
Loaded with the cast of characters that you can connect with, the author dives into a wonderful story where all lives intersect and connect together in one way or another.
Relating to flowers and feeling comfortable with plants is the way that Lara learns how to cope with her life’s ups and downs. We all have struggles in our life, some days are more difficult than others, and finding that comfort that works for you whether it is family, work, or just peaceful surroundings, is a necessity.
The author crafted a beautiful story about Lara and her struggles, marriage, and life. Plus all of her family, friends, and coworkers are all entangled in this engaging story.
I have a love/hate relationship with the ending. I love the surprise we are treated to but I hated the relationship portion of the ending. It made me sad and unfulfilled somehow.
Regardless of that, the book itself weaves in in-depth details of happiness, sadness, and, of course, flowers that was perfect diversion for my busy life.
full review http://amidlifewife.com/flower-arrang...
Relating to flowers and feeling comfortable with plants is the way that Lara learns how to cope with her life’s ups and downs. We all have struggles in our life, some days are more difficult than others, and finding that comfort that works for you whether it is family, work, or just peaceful surroundings, is a necessity.
The author crafted a beautiful story about Lara and her struggles, marriage, and life. Plus all of her family, friends, and coworkers are all entangled in this engaging story.
I have a love/hate relationship with the ending. I love the surprise we are treated to but I hated the relationship portion of the ending. It made me sad and unfulfilled somehow.
Regardless of that, the book itself weaves in in-depth details of happiness, sadness, and, of course, flowers that was perfect diversion for my busy life.
full review http://amidlifewife.com/flower-arrang...
October 24, 2016
Three and a half stars: A book with lovely writing, a cozy setting and a mix of eclectic and interesting characters, but there are too many story lines that are left open and a lot of heartache.
Lara flicks on the fairy lights and eyes her little floral shop with its shelves bursting in a profusion of bright flowers and color. Her little shop is what saved her from unbearable heartache, and in its quiet confines, she has found a life amongst the flowers and her customers. Lara firmly believes that the flowers choose the people, and that every flower and every customer that comes into her shop has a story to tell. Some stories are of heartache, pain and betrayal, while others are of love and hope. Lara is still battling her own demons, and hopefully her little shop will work its magic. What stories will the customers and flowers tell today?
What I Liked:
*The Flower Arrangement is a book I picked up wanting a light and fluffy read. It wasn't as light and as heartwarming as I hoped, but I was drawn in by the cozy shop, the flowers and the stories. I loved seeing how the customers' stories overlapped. I liked the shop and the setting, and I enjoyed most of the characters and their stories.
*I was impressed by the writing. I thought the author did a terrific job with the descriptions. She was able to create a cozy, little floral shop, and she did well describing the flowers, the people and their stories. I loved her metaphors.
*There are many characters that come and go during the story. Some of their stories are just quick visits, while others are more detailed and they interweave with other characters. I was drawn to many of them, the young, single mother, the two women in the same apartment complex, one with a baby and a marriage that was struggling, the other with a cheating boyfriend. Lara was the glue, the constant in the story with her little shop, and I was always pleased when the story returned to her. I enjoyed the way the story shifted, and I liked seeing how everything pieced together.
*Even though I was hoping this would be a little lighter and more fluffy, I appreciated that there was an array of emotion. Some of the characters are bearing heavy burdens as they endure loss and heartache, while others are finding new paths in life and love. I liked that the other kept it real, and though I wished there were more happy endings, it was true to life and realistic. It was a book that made me happy and it made me cry.
*I adored Lara's little shop, Bloom and Grow. I could almost see the fairy lights, candles and lanterns nestled amongst all the bright blooms. It was such a lovely, cozy place. I longed to visit there.
And The Not So Much:
*While I appreciated the realism, I was frustrated that too many of the story lines were abandoned before some type of resolution. I wanted to know what happened to Noah, the old man with Alzheimer's and whether Jenny kicked out her boyfriend. I was especially disappointed with the way Lara's story ended. I needed more.
*The ending was a conundrum. It ends abruptly, almost like a cliffhanger. I was left wondering what happened with Lara. Perhaps there is going to be another novel? I hope so because too much was left undone for my taste.
*Some of the story lines that ended up being lengthy went nowhere and they failed to impress. What happen with Mia? What about Ben? I didn't like that so much time was spent on some story lines and then they were just forgotten.
*There was a great deal of sadness, and I wanted desperately for this to have more happy endings.
The Flower Arrangement was a nice book with lovely writing and interesting characters. I liked seeing how the varied story lines came together. I picked this up hoping for a nice, chick lit read, but I found this one to be a little too sad, and I was frustrated by the fact that many of the story lines were abandoned before they reached a resolution. I was also disappointed in the open ending. Still I did like the book, and I would recommend it, just don't expect it to be a light and fluffy read.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
Lara flicks on the fairy lights and eyes her little floral shop with its shelves bursting in a profusion of bright flowers and color. Her little shop is what saved her from unbearable heartache, and in its quiet confines, she has found a life amongst the flowers and her customers. Lara firmly believes that the flowers choose the people, and that every flower and every customer that comes into her shop has a story to tell. Some stories are of heartache, pain and betrayal, while others are of love and hope. Lara is still battling her own demons, and hopefully her little shop will work its magic. What stories will the customers and flowers tell today?
What I Liked:
*The Flower Arrangement is a book I picked up wanting a light and fluffy read. It wasn't as light and as heartwarming as I hoped, but I was drawn in by the cozy shop, the flowers and the stories. I loved seeing how the customers' stories overlapped. I liked the shop and the setting, and I enjoyed most of the characters and their stories.
*I was impressed by the writing. I thought the author did a terrific job with the descriptions. She was able to create a cozy, little floral shop, and she did well describing the flowers, the people and their stories. I loved her metaphors.
*There are many characters that come and go during the story. Some of their stories are just quick visits, while others are more detailed and they interweave with other characters. I was drawn to many of them, the young, single mother, the two women in the same apartment complex, one with a baby and a marriage that was struggling, the other with a cheating boyfriend. Lara was the glue, the constant in the story with her little shop, and I was always pleased when the story returned to her. I enjoyed the way the story shifted, and I liked seeing how everything pieced together.
*Even though I was hoping this would be a little lighter and more fluffy, I appreciated that there was an array of emotion. Some of the characters are bearing heavy burdens as they endure loss and heartache, while others are finding new paths in life and love. I liked that the other kept it real, and though I wished there were more happy endings, it was true to life and realistic. It was a book that made me happy and it made me cry.
*I adored Lara's little shop, Bloom and Grow. I could almost see the fairy lights, candles and lanterns nestled amongst all the bright blooms. It was such a lovely, cozy place. I longed to visit there.
And The Not So Much:
*While I appreciated the realism, I was frustrated that too many of the story lines were abandoned before some type of resolution. I wanted to know what happened to Noah, the old man with Alzheimer's and whether Jenny kicked out her boyfriend. I was especially disappointed with the way Lara's story ended. I needed more.
*The ending was a conundrum. It ends abruptly, almost like a cliffhanger. I was left wondering what happened with Lara. Perhaps there is going to be another novel? I hope so because too much was left undone for my taste.
*Some of the story lines that ended up being lengthy went nowhere and they failed to impress. What happen with Mia? What about Ben? I didn't like that so much time was spent on some story lines and then they were just forgotten.
*There was a great deal of sadness, and I wanted desperately for this to have more happy endings.
The Flower Arrangement was a nice book with lovely writing and interesting characters. I liked seeing how the varied story lines came together. I picked this up hoping for a nice, chick lit read, but I found this one to be a little too sad, and I was frustrated by the fact that many of the story lines were abandoned before they reached a resolution. I was also disappointed in the open ending. Still I did like the book, and I would recommend it, just don't expect it to be a light and fluffy read.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.
February 16, 2021
Rather enjoyed this.
Told from different charecters points of view in each chapter. Gradually their lives become intertwined as book progresses.
Bought a tear to my eye on a couple of occasions so definitely not a frivolous tale.
Told from different charecters points of view in each chapter. Gradually their lives become intertwined as book progresses.
Bought a tear to my eye on a couple of occasions so definitely not a frivolous tale.
July 25, 2015
In Blossom & Grow, a Dublin based flower shop, Lara combines her talent for arrangements and her ability to match a flower to a customer, resulting in an intuitive bouquet of emotion. With the help of her brother, Phil and some part time help, running the shop is her calling. Her marriage is stale and she finds comfort in the surroundings of beautiful blooms. Seasons change and so does the stock. Each customer is ordering arrangements for a reason, and Lara has a knack of matching the flowers to the client. The floral designs for weddings, christenings and new babies are full of joy and promise, while the sadness of a funeral wreath can be shrouded in despair. When grief hits Lara, unexpectedly, even the world of peonies and orchards can't lift her spirit.
Meanwhile, each customer has their own story to tell. As the bell tinkles each time a person enters the shop, the process of selecting the right ingredients for the perfect bouquet is often done unawares. Blossom & Grow is not your average flower shop. It is a gateway to a secret garden of solace and light...
Ella Griffin has created an oasis of floral beauty within the pages of this novel. Each chapter is titled with a different flower, along with its meaning, and there are delicately detailed descriptions of numerous blooms throughout the book. Each character has a link to either Lara or the shop and not all of them are buying flowers for a loved one. Each stem seems to represent a feeling; an apology, a declaration of love, a moment of spontaneity, a marker of a special day. Lara makes each individual arrangement with care, using her intuition to change orders slightly, add a personal touch or rearrange a customers original idea. Her candid approach to selection the right design or scent makes her the successful florist she has become. But her own life is taking a back seat. Ella uses a host of characters to support her protagonist. Family, friends and customers all play a part in the book and are a mixed bunch. Clever writing means that the reader can almost smell the fallen petals or picture the finished product after assembly. This is a book to inspire. Inspire you to think positive thoughts, never judge people by appearances and learn to forgive. The simplicity of nature and its flora are delicately lifing off the pages and, after reading this delightful novel, I defy you to walk past a bunch of flowers without touching one. A stunning set of peony roses now adorn my windowsill, and I feel a whole lot of happiness as I look at them...
Meanwhile, each customer has their own story to tell. As the bell tinkles each time a person enters the shop, the process of selecting the right ingredients for the perfect bouquet is often done unawares. Blossom & Grow is not your average flower shop. It is a gateway to a secret garden of solace and light...
Ella Griffin has created an oasis of floral beauty within the pages of this novel. Each chapter is titled with a different flower, along with its meaning, and there are delicately detailed descriptions of numerous blooms throughout the book. Each character has a link to either Lara or the shop and not all of them are buying flowers for a loved one. Each stem seems to represent a feeling; an apology, a declaration of love, a moment of spontaneity, a marker of a special day. Lara makes each individual arrangement with care, using her intuition to change orders slightly, add a personal touch or rearrange a customers original idea. Her candid approach to selection the right design or scent makes her the successful florist she has become. But her own life is taking a back seat. Ella uses a host of characters to support her protagonist. Family, friends and customers all play a part in the book and are a mixed bunch. Clever writing means that the reader can almost smell the fallen petals or picture the finished product after assembly. This is a book to inspire. Inspire you to think positive thoughts, never judge people by appearances and learn to forgive. The simplicity of nature and its flora are delicately lifing off the pages and, after reading this delightful novel, I defy you to walk past a bunch of flowers without touching one. A stunning set of peony roses now adorn my windowsill, and I feel a whole lot of happiness as I look at them...
August 7, 2015
I loved this book! I'm not typically drawn to chick lit but something about the blurb on this one made me want to read it. Firstly, it's set in a florists in Dublin- my city. I loved all of the references to streets, pubs, different buildings etc around the capital. The main character was instantly likeable and not your classic run of the mill heroine in a story like this. Furthermore, all of the (even minor) characters are explored in some detail, meaning you get insights into many different personalities and stories, which I found really interesting. That sounds like it could be overwhelming but I thought it just worked, really well. The book does deal with loss and grief, something I'm going through myself at the moment, so I did weep uncontrollably several times but man, what a lovely book. Definitely recommend! With thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a copy to read!
May 4, 2015
I was lucky enough to get a review copy of this book in advance of it hitting the shelves and I absolutely LOVED it. Ella has a really light touch as a writer and handles often deep and emotional subject matter in a warm, genuinely beautiful way. I loved the way that her characters stories were interwoven though the flower arrangements they bought - and the one story in particular about the man in hospital really stayed with me for a long time afterwards. Gorgeous stuff from a really talented Irish writer.
September 10, 2017
I enjoyed reading this light-hearted, though often sad, novel. It is based around a florist shop and particularly its owner, Lara, who is a likeable and well-drawn character. The novel gives us a web of interlinking relationships, each bringing someone to the florist shop, e.g. someone's boyfriend's ex - girlfriend and her new boyfriend might come to buy flowers. All the characters have a link of some kind to the shop and its owner.
At one stage, I felt it was a book about the breaking up of relationships. Most of the characters are well depicted and 'real' so the reader cares about all these relationships.
The ending had elements of surprise but was satisfying.
I found the cover disappointing as the shop front was described in some detail many times and it does not look at all like this one. Also, I didn't like the title.
This novel is not 'literature' but is quite well written and pleasant and often moving to read.
At one stage, I felt it was a book about the breaking up of relationships. Most of the characters are well depicted and 'real' so the reader cares about all these relationships.
The ending had elements of surprise but was satisfying.
I found the cover disappointing as the shop front was described in some detail many times and it does not look at all like this one. Also, I didn't like the title.
This novel is not 'literature' but is quite well written and pleasant and often moving to read.
July 11, 2015
You can judge a book by its cover, it seems.
Yes, I readily admit I wanted to read this book on the strength of its pretty cover alone. And for once, it turned out to be a good move because I found The Flower Arrangement a total treat.
I’ve read books with food porn and chocolate porn and wine porn, but I can’t remember reading any with flower porn, and despite my lack of floral knowledge or interest in gardening in general, I loved that aspect. The descriptions of the flowers were not only gorgeous, they also matched and added to the plot.
The plot, now that I bring it up, is basic. Girls love boys, but boys don’t always, or can’t always, love girls, leading to angst and tantrums and tears. Sounds simple. Yet…
Like many other chicklit novels, The Flower Arrangement has a multitude of characters and their stories are each linked. In this case, linked by a flower shop. We get plots and subplots of the shop’s owner, her relatives, friends, and customers.
Griffin doesn’t only take time to write beautifully descriptive passages on flowers, she’s also taken care to flesh out some very appealing characters in the novel. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book using the multi-character format where I haven’t been bored, disinterested or annoyed by at least one character. This time, I enjoyed reading about the life of each. I find this a feat in itself!
Unlike a lot of chicklit, I can’t say I laughed much. Instead I cried quite a few times. And yes, I was cheering on the romance for some pairings.
Those who want more than just romance should be happy. I found Griffin’s writing quite thought provoking. Each character and plot has some small piece of wisdom to bestow upon the reader. The lessons are woven into the story well though, meaning you’re never feeling like you should bow down to the writer who’s offering some super intelligent revelation.
Small spoiler: The book has unanswered questions and unresolved situations on the last page, and this is another thing that usually makes me wail and cry and screw up my face in frustration and annoyance. However, on this occasion, I was still satisfied with the endings we did get and am happy for the book to finish there, or for it to one day have a sequel, or for this to become the first in a series, or for the characters to turn up as supporting characters in another book. See, I'm just happy all round and can’t even find the strength to whinge about this aspect!
The Irish setting wasn’t particularly important, or should I say it seemed universal. The stories include struggles that most of us could face no matter where we lived.
Interestingly, I did have a rant to someone once that I find all Irish chicklit easy to read and relate to, much more so than American or English books of the genre. I supposed at the time that it could be that Australia is full of people from Irish descent and we’re on the same wavelength. The Flower Arrangement hasn’t made me change my mind on this theory and once again, I’ve struck gold with an Irish author and am adding this straight to my ‘favourites’ list. 5/5
Yes, I readily admit I wanted to read this book on the strength of its pretty cover alone. And for once, it turned out to be a good move because I found The Flower Arrangement a total treat.
I’ve read books with food porn and chocolate porn and wine porn, but I can’t remember reading any with flower porn, and despite my lack of floral knowledge or interest in gardening in general, I loved that aspect. The descriptions of the flowers were not only gorgeous, they also matched and added to the plot.
The plot, now that I bring it up, is basic. Girls love boys, but boys don’t always, or can’t always, love girls, leading to angst and tantrums and tears. Sounds simple. Yet…
Like many other chicklit novels, The Flower Arrangement has a multitude of characters and their stories are each linked. In this case, linked by a flower shop. We get plots and subplots of the shop’s owner, her relatives, friends, and customers.
Griffin doesn’t only take time to write beautifully descriptive passages on flowers, she’s also taken care to flesh out some very appealing characters in the novel. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book using the multi-character format where I haven’t been bored, disinterested or annoyed by at least one character. This time, I enjoyed reading about the life of each. I find this a feat in itself!
Unlike a lot of chicklit, I can’t say I laughed much. Instead I cried quite a few times. And yes, I was cheering on the romance for some pairings.
Those who want more than just romance should be happy. I found Griffin’s writing quite thought provoking. Each character and plot has some small piece of wisdom to bestow upon the reader. The lessons are woven into the story well though, meaning you’re never feeling like you should bow down to the writer who’s offering some super intelligent revelation.
Small spoiler: The book has unanswered questions and unresolved situations on the last page, and this is another thing that usually makes me wail and cry and screw up my face in frustration and annoyance. However, on this occasion, I was still satisfied with the endings we did get and am happy for the book to finish there, or for it to one day have a sequel, or for this to become the first in a series, or for the characters to turn up as supporting characters in another book. See, I'm just happy all round and can’t even find the strength to whinge about this aspect!
The Irish setting wasn’t particularly important, or should I say it seemed universal. The stories include struggles that most of us could face no matter where we lived.
Interestingly, I did have a rant to someone once that I find all Irish chicklit easy to read and relate to, much more so than American or English books of the genre. I supposed at the time that it could be that Australia is full of people from Irish descent and we’re on the same wavelength. The Flower Arrangement hasn’t made me change my mind on this theory and once again, I’ve struck gold with an Irish author and am adding this straight to my ‘favourites’ list. 5/5
June 22, 2015
Every since she was a little girl, Lara has believed in the healing power of flowers. Now as an adult Lara has her own florist shop and has the uncanny knack of knowing just which floral arrangement each of her customers needs even when they don't know it themselves.
The Flower Arrangement is a delightful story about love, life and of course, flowers. At the beginning of the novel Lara is broken and dispirited but with help from her family, friends and the flowers she sells she rebuilds her life and emerges the other side stronger than before. Her brother Phil is always there for her and experiences for himself how a chance floral encounter can change everything.
From first dates to break ups, celebratory birth bouquets to funeral garlands - The Flower Arrangement shows how flowers are evident at the most important events in our lives. The customers of Blossom and Grow, Lara's store, each share a small snippet of their lives through their purchasing of the pretty blooms. It was lovely to see how their stories intertwined in a way which helped us understand Lara's belief in the importance of flowers.
This story is sometimes heartbreaking, at times moving and poignant but it is also a warm and beautiful story about one woman healing herself and her community. I loved following Lara as she goes from the depressed woman nursing a damaged soul to the vibrant woman who is the heart of Blossom and Grow. The pain she felt over her past was palpable but with the help of Phil and her friends she rebuilds her life and finds happiness. The characters in The Flower Arrangement are realistic and relatable each with their own problems in their lives. I adored Phil's storyline and love how it emerged as well as all the secondary characters we got to meet along the way. There's romance and anguish along with a healthy dose of realism - this novel was a pleasure to read.
The Flower Arrangement is a moving story about the many things flowers can say without uttering a word. I recommend this book for fans of Josephine Moon and Marian Keyes.
Thanks to Hachette and The Reading Room for the review copy.
The Flower Arrangement is a delightful story about love, life and of course, flowers. At the beginning of the novel Lara is broken and dispirited but with help from her family, friends and the flowers she sells she rebuilds her life and emerges the other side stronger than before. Her brother Phil is always there for her and experiences for himself how a chance floral encounter can change everything.
From first dates to break ups, celebratory birth bouquets to funeral garlands - The Flower Arrangement shows how flowers are evident at the most important events in our lives. The customers of Blossom and Grow, Lara's store, each share a small snippet of their lives through their purchasing of the pretty blooms. It was lovely to see how their stories intertwined in a way which helped us understand Lara's belief in the importance of flowers.
This story is sometimes heartbreaking, at times moving and poignant but it is also a warm and beautiful story about one woman healing herself and her community. I loved following Lara as she goes from the depressed woman nursing a damaged soul to the vibrant woman who is the heart of Blossom and Grow. The pain she felt over her past was palpable but with the help of Phil and her friends she rebuilds her life and finds happiness. The characters in The Flower Arrangement are realistic and relatable each with their own problems in their lives. I adored Phil's storyline and love how it emerged as well as all the secondary characters we got to meet along the way. There's romance and anguish along with a healthy dose of realism - this novel was a pleasure to read.
The Flower Arrangement is a moving story about the many things flowers can say without uttering a word. I recommend this book for fans of Josephine Moon and Marian Keyes.
Thanks to Hachette and The Reading Room for the review copy.
May 7, 2018
Such a hard book to rate! I've changed it from 3 stars to 4 and then back again 5 times....even harder to review;
All I can do is break it down:
It's beautifully written. I loved every page and every individual story. I loved the main character and connected with each and every character in the book. I loved the cover picture, the shop, the flowers, the meanings behind the flowers. I loved the heart & soul of it.
But....
It isn't a full story with a beginning, middle, end. There isn't a 'plot.'It's a series of stories which fit together like a patchwork quilt & only a handful of characters the author re-connects with. This is an original concept & I both loved & felt frustrated by it. It's a little hard to keep up with who you're reading about & it's not really until the end that you gain perspective. Secondly, there is much grief & angst floating about. Quite a few deaths & disasters . All written with such clarity it made me cry- frequently! Perhaps it's just horribly realistic.
On the whole it is an uplifting book.I certainly enjoyed reading it & won't forget it in a hurry. The writing makes you want to keep turning the pages which is the main ingredient for a 'Good Read' in my opinion.
It also makes you want to chuck in your job to become a florist.......
All I can do is break it down:
It's beautifully written. I loved every page and every individual story. I loved the main character and connected with each and every character in the book. I loved the cover picture, the shop, the flowers, the meanings behind the flowers. I loved the heart & soul of it.
But....
It isn't a full story with a beginning, middle, end. There isn't a 'plot.'It's a series of stories which fit together like a patchwork quilt & only a handful of characters the author re-connects with. This is an original concept & I both loved & felt frustrated by it. It's a little hard to keep up with who you're reading about & it's not really until the end that you gain perspective. Secondly, there is much grief & angst floating about. Quite a few deaths & disasters . All written with such clarity it made me cry- frequently! Perhaps it's just horribly realistic.
On the whole it is an uplifting book.I certainly enjoyed reading it & won't forget it in a hurry. The writing makes you want to keep turning the pages which is the main ingredient for a 'Good Read' in my opinion.
It also makes you want to chuck in your job to become a florist.......
May 5, 2015
This is a beautiful book, I love the way the contrasting stories are interleaved. Emotionally deep but very readable. Ireland's next Maeve Binchy.
March 21, 2019
Ella is amazing and just like Marion Keyes I had moments of laughter and then wanting to cry! Can it get any better than this?? Thanks xx
January 23, 2018
I really enjoyed The Flower Arrangement, I loved the author’s style, Ella Griffin managed to make me cry and laugh on the same page. It is a fast-pace book, which touched my heart. Every chapter has the name of a flower and tells the story of the people who enter in Blossom & Grow. Every chapter tells a heartbroken tale and also hopeful ones. A novel of betray, lost, love and hope.
Blossom & Grow’s owner Lara is a gifted woman who touch the heart of all her customers. She is going through a hard time herself but she is healing herself through the flowers and maybe one day she too will find happiness.
This is the first time that I read a novel by Ella Griffin and won’t be the last.
Blossom & Grow’s owner Lara is a gifted woman who touch the heart of all her customers. She is going through a hard time herself but she is healing herself through the flowers and maybe one day she too will find happiness.
This is the first time that I read a novel by Ella Griffin and won’t be the last.
August 25, 2025
Life is short and it’s a small world after all <3
It was actually super sweet and well written, a mosaic of stories connected by the flower shop
It was actually super sweet and well written, a mosaic of stories connected by the flower shop
June 29, 2015
Once again, Ella Griffin has created a story that is warm and uplifting, dealing with serious and complicated issues at times, with a wonderfully created lead character at it's heart.
The star of the novel for me is Lara's florist shop; Blossom & Grow. I love flowers, and adore florist shops. For me, there is something incredibly special about entering that cool, damp air that every florist shop has and picking out a bunch of flowers that exactly suit my mood. Somedays it could be beautifully scented stocks, another day I'll pick freesias and quite often I'll ask for an assortment of wildflowers. Ella Griffin has so cleverly recreated those feelings with her intuitive and descriptive writing.
Lara, the heroine of this novel has also always loved flowers. Her widowed father bought a bunch of flowers and gave it to her every week. Her Dad brought her and her brother Phil up after the death of their mother. Lara, Phil and their father remain incredibly close and support each other through sadness and tragedy.
Ella Griffin has so cleverly constructed this story. Naming each chapter after a particular flower and dedicating it to a particular character. Each of these individual stories weave together to create the whole thing. Some characters play a bigger role, some develop and some take just a small role, but each one adds something to the depth and beauty of this book.
Filled with descriptions of flowers, and how they add to any and every occasion, from birth to death, this really is a fabulous story. I adore Lara, I felt her sorrow and her pain, and admired her generosity and spirit.
A really special read. Ella Griffin's writing gets better with every book
The star of the novel for me is Lara's florist shop; Blossom & Grow. I love flowers, and adore florist shops. For me, there is something incredibly special about entering that cool, damp air that every florist shop has and picking out a bunch of flowers that exactly suit my mood. Somedays it could be beautifully scented stocks, another day I'll pick freesias and quite often I'll ask for an assortment of wildflowers. Ella Griffin has so cleverly recreated those feelings with her intuitive and descriptive writing.
Lara, the heroine of this novel has also always loved flowers. Her widowed father bought a bunch of flowers and gave it to her every week. Her Dad brought her and her brother Phil up after the death of their mother. Lara, Phil and their father remain incredibly close and support each other through sadness and tragedy.
Ella Griffin has so cleverly constructed this story. Naming each chapter after a particular flower and dedicating it to a particular character. Each of these individual stories weave together to create the whole thing. Some characters play a bigger role, some develop and some take just a small role, but each one adds something to the depth and beauty of this book.
Filled with descriptions of flowers, and how they add to any and every occasion, from birth to death, this really is a fabulous story. I adore Lara, I felt her sorrow and her pain, and admired her generosity and spirit.
A really special read. Ella Griffin's writing gets better with every book
December 31, 2016
This was a cute fluffy book. Some of the love storylines were a bit unbelievable and the amount of grief and despair in the book can get a bit excessive. I mean come on really? Is all that loss really necessary? I mean how much can one woman take? I know that there always needs to be some kind of conflict in a book to get the ball rolling, but the story is about a woman overcoming grief and learning to live and to love again. I just felt like certain things in the end did not need to happen. I think that when it gets to a point that you're reading a book and you just don't care when the main character gets hit with another sad or potentially tragic event that's when you know the author has gone too far. I did like how there are multiple stories that overlap and reconnect at the end. Speaking of the end, I could not comprehend why the author chose to end it the way she did. It seemed excessive and slightly cruel to the main character who had already endured enough. Also the main character's love interest toward the end seemed to act like a child who constantly needed validation and attention and who throws tantrums when he can't get it. Why would anyone root for the main character, Lara, to be with a man like this? Yes, in some ways towards the end she finally gets what she's wanted after all these years, but the final ending seemed hollow and unresolved. I finished the book feeling unsatisfied and unfulfilled.
July 20, 2015
Loved learning about flowers, loved the cast of characters, loved the quirky turns of phrase and the emotions they evoked. A wonderful read.
June 4, 2017
Feelings
This book was astonishing- the depth, the writing, and the hard work that was so obviously devoted to such a project.
I am in awe. I had been trying to quickly get through this book because I wanted to return it to my local library before I went on holiday this summer. I managed to do it but I wish I had appreciated all the stories, and lessons, a little more.
This is not a book to be taken lightly, even with its infinite sweet moments. This book obviously became a favourite, I was hooked by all the stories...All the connections, Ella Griffin's thoughtfulness in her storytelling.
I was fortunate to read this book. I recommend it because I would be at a loss in coming up with even a single reason not to. This book is so devastatingly relatable, so sharp, it will touch all who read it.
This book was astonishing- the depth, the writing, and the hard work that was so obviously devoted to such a project.
I am in awe. I had been trying to quickly get through this book because I wanted to return it to my local library before I went on holiday this summer. I managed to do it but I wish I had appreciated all the stories, and lessons, a little more.
This is not a book to be taken lightly, even with its infinite sweet moments. This book obviously became a favourite, I was hooked by all the stories...All the connections, Ella Griffin's thoughtfulness in her storytelling.
I was fortunate to read this book. I recommend it because I would be at a loss in coming up with even a single reason not to. This book is so devastatingly relatable, so sharp, it will touch all who read it.
October 13, 2019
I highly recommend this book even though there are several characters and some minor ones. Yes the ending kind of sucked because it left a lot of loose ends but at least this wasn’t predictable. It was magical as each flower bouquet made you feel entangled I their beauty and purpose. Flowers make you feel.
A solid 3.75 rounded to 4;’mainly because of the ending but the rest of the book was amazing!
A solid 3.75 rounded to 4;’mainly because of the ending but the rest of the book was amazing!
December 28, 2020
Quick easy read. Perfect holiday book
May 23, 2018
Lovely story and the reader's Irish accent was adorable!
January 18, 2017
Very sweet stories reminiscent of Maeve Binchy
November 3, 2020
Appreciated that this book gave a spotlight on the whole cast of characters including some of the customers. To me, it was one giant, interconnected web of a story with Lara and her flower shop, in the middle. This made the novel more interesting, active and kept me on my toes on how it connects. Its a happy read!
February 15, 2022
Brilliant book. Loves lost and found; lives ordinary and less than ordinary. The Dublin setting is vivid but these people and their lives could be anywhere. Weep with sorrow, shed tears of laughter.
June 23, 2015
.
4.5
Posted in full http://www.reviewedthebook.co.uk/2015...
The Flower Arrangement is such a peaceful, relaxing read – the kind of book perfect to curl up with and lose a day to, to smile and laugh and cry at, to fall in love with the wonderful cast of characters. I wanted to wake up and find myself at Blossom & Grow flower shop, to smell all the gorgeous flowers and to chat tirelessly with Lara, watching all my worries disappear. There’s personal, impactful messages all throughout this story and I can’t say there was a second I wasn’t fully enjoying the book.
The structure of The Flower Arrangement was just effortlessly beautiful. Each chapter is of a different flower with a different meaning and relates to the story of a different character who is in some way affected by Lara’s flower shop. Lara puts so much thought and effort into creating the perfect flower arrangement for each of her customers and her character is such a delight to read. She’s such a gem but you can’t help but notice that she needs a bit of a lift herself. She’s grieving in so many different ways for so many different people but her strength was unbelievably inspirational, how able she was at caring for other people and trying to help them when she was suffering so much. There’s a flower for every story and they each have a healing quality in them but more than anything I wanted to see them bring Lara her own, hugely deserved happy ending.
I don’t think I appreciated, before reading this book, how flowers are involved in every emotional aspect of life, at every occasion and for the romantic (or the apologetic), in everyday life. Blossom & Grow is such a welcoming place to be and each visitor is there for a different reason, mostly leaving a little calmer and a little happier thanks to the magic created with each flower arrangement. I loved how the individual stories and characters were woven together and those moments where we meet a new character and I realise the link they have to a story previously told. I can’t express how moving this book was and how much I cared for everyone we met, and they weren’t perfect people who you couldn’t imagine in real life. They were humans who make mistakes, some more than others, who have feelings they might not always like to admit, who would never have expected how grand a job flowers do at expressing feelings and changing lives. Lara is the one person who understands that more than anything and she’s so understanding of the strangers she meets, so non-judgemental. There’s such a spirit to her and I just had that feeling that anybody’s life could be made that little bit better just for knowing her.
The Flower Arrangement is one of the most charming books I have ever read and it brought out so many different emotions in me. Marian Keyes’ quote on the front cover really does sum up Ella Griffin’s style of writing for me – she truly does have you laughing one second and then wiping a tear the next. There’s such warmth in Ella’s tone and she puts across such a resounding love of life and the importance of appreciating everyday life with its highs and lows. Characters develop and change with subtlety as the book progresses, feelings grow and people move on and this novel provides a very refreshing, very real outlook on life but with a touch of everything is going to be ok in the end, even when things don’t turn out as expected. The Flower Arrangement was a very special book which I loved, I’m just not quite sure I was ever ready to see it end…
*Book received for an honest review
4.5
Posted in full http://www.reviewedthebook.co.uk/2015...
The Flower Arrangement is such a peaceful, relaxing read – the kind of book perfect to curl up with and lose a day to, to smile and laugh and cry at, to fall in love with the wonderful cast of characters. I wanted to wake up and find myself at Blossom & Grow flower shop, to smell all the gorgeous flowers and to chat tirelessly with Lara, watching all my worries disappear. There’s personal, impactful messages all throughout this story and I can’t say there was a second I wasn’t fully enjoying the book.
The structure of The Flower Arrangement was just effortlessly beautiful. Each chapter is of a different flower with a different meaning and relates to the story of a different character who is in some way affected by Lara’s flower shop. Lara puts so much thought and effort into creating the perfect flower arrangement for each of her customers and her character is such a delight to read. She’s such a gem but you can’t help but notice that she needs a bit of a lift herself. She’s grieving in so many different ways for so many different people but her strength was unbelievably inspirational, how able she was at caring for other people and trying to help them when she was suffering so much. There’s a flower for every story and they each have a healing quality in them but more than anything I wanted to see them bring Lara her own, hugely deserved happy ending.
I don’t think I appreciated, before reading this book, how flowers are involved in every emotional aspect of life, at every occasion and for the romantic (or the apologetic), in everyday life. Blossom & Grow is such a welcoming place to be and each visitor is there for a different reason, mostly leaving a little calmer and a little happier thanks to the magic created with each flower arrangement. I loved how the individual stories and characters were woven together and those moments where we meet a new character and I realise the link they have to a story previously told. I can’t express how moving this book was and how much I cared for everyone we met, and they weren’t perfect people who you couldn’t imagine in real life. They were humans who make mistakes, some more than others, who have feelings they might not always like to admit, who would never have expected how grand a job flowers do at expressing feelings and changing lives. Lara is the one person who understands that more than anything and she’s so understanding of the strangers she meets, so non-judgemental. There’s such a spirit to her and I just had that feeling that anybody’s life could be made that little bit better just for knowing her.
The Flower Arrangement is one of the most charming books I have ever read and it brought out so many different emotions in me. Marian Keyes’ quote on the front cover really does sum up Ella Griffin’s style of writing for me – she truly does have you laughing one second and then wiping a tear the next. There’s such warmth in Ella’s tone and she puts across such a resounding love of life and the importance of appreciating everyday life with its highs and lows. Characters develop and change with subtlety as the book progresses, feelings grow and people move on and this novel provides a very refreshing, very real outlook on life but with a touch of everything is going to be ok in the end, even when things don’t turn out as expected. The Flower Arrangement was a very special book which I loved, I’m just not quite sure I was ever ready to see it end…
*Book received for an honest review
March 3, 2019
This book feels like it really does not know itself: from the cover that boldly defies the physical description of the shop (described on the very first page and throughout the rest of the book as pale pink with hyper-realistic green painted ivy), to the mishmash of characters and sideshows who all get too much information about the mundane and not enough of an interpersonal connection.
Having finished this book feeling extremely underwhelmed, I can see two ways this book might have helped itself. Either it should have tried to focus on the individual lives touched by the flower shop as a collection of short stories, or it should have cut out all the extra perspectives and focused entirely on Lara and her emotional development. Because, after reading this hodgepodge, I can see how the author tried to do both, and to be perfectly frank it just does not work. The first quarter of the book (and indeed the first two chapters) are an emotional sledgehammer as we get to know Lara and the hard times in her life. It lures the reader in, making them want to know more about her and how she’ll recover herself. Then, a quarter of the way in, the author switches gears and attempts to show how the shop affects the lives of its customers. It’s kind of like a book of sorrows: everyone suffers in different ways, but the flower shop can help indirectly to turn things around. It proceeds to jump around, sometimes connecting storylines but oftentimes not, occasionally coming back to Lara but mostly just switching to other unrelated characters. It’s too much.
There is no plot guiding everyone along. We don’t even get to see Lara develop or overcome her depression; she just suddenly is back to normal, albeit seeing a therapist. And even though there are really four main characters, I could not keep any of them straight (except for Lara) because of the constant jumping to other side characters. There is way too much unnecessary information of characters of no importance. For example, my least favorite chapter was the one that featured Ronan and his nudist roommate and it went on for over thirty pages! And he is a side character of no importance!
All I wanted was a bit of clarity, but even the ending chapters meander around and offer up more tragedy instead of development. This was just a mess, which is a shame because I think it had a lot of potential to be an emotionally charged narrative on grief. The flower shop was a great front as well, and I really liked how it seemed to touch people, but even the magical realism that the summary hints at are just coincidences and mess ups by the staff. It started out strong and then fizzled into nothing. Overall, it was quite a disappointing read.
Having finished this book feeling extremely underwhelmed, I can see two ways this book might have helped itself. Either it should have tried to focus on the individual lives touched by the flower shop as a collection of short stories, or it should have cut out all the extra perspectives and focused entirely on Lara and her emotional development. Because, after reading this hodgepodge, I can see how the author tried to do both, and to be perfectly frank it just does not work. The first quarter of the book (and indeed the first two chapters) are an emotional sledgehammer as we get to know Lara and the hard times in her life. It lures the reader in, making them want to know more about her and how she’ll recover herself. Then, a quarter of the way in, the author switches gears and attempts to show how the shop affects the lives of its customers. It’s kind of like a book of sorrows: everyone suffers in different ways, but the flower shop can help indirectly to turn things around. It proceeds to jump around, sometimes connecting storylines but oftentimes not, occasionally coming back to Lara but mostly just switching to other unrelated characters. It’s too much.
There is no plot guiding everyone along. We don’t even get to see Lara develop or overcome her depression; she just suddenly is back to normal, albeit seeing a therapist. And even though there are really four main characters, I could not keep any of them straight (except for Lara) because of the constant jumping to other side characters. There is way too much unnecessary information of characters of no importance. For example, my least favorite chapter was the one that featured Ronan and his nudist roommate and it went on for over thirty pages! And he is a side character of no importance!
All I wanted was a bit of clarity, but even the ending chapters meander around and offer up more tragedy instead of development. This was just a mess, which is a shame because I think it had a lot of potential to be an emotionally charged narrative on grief. The flower shop was a great front as well, and I really liked how it seemed to touch people, but even the magical realism that the summary hints at are just coincidences and mess ups by the staff. It started out strong and then fizzled into nothing. Overall, it was quite a disappointing read.
July 7, 2015
The Flower Arrangement by Ella Griffin is set in Dublin and follows the life of Lara, the woman who owns and runs a flower shop. Really it is not just any flower shop, Lara has a gift for relating to people, their hopes and losses, their joys and sadness as she provides them with just the right flowers for them.
Lara herself has experienced loss, beginning with that of a child. Her marriage brings unexpected challenges and for awhile Lara flounders and goes into a deep dark hole. However the need of the people who frequent her shop slowly draw her back into life.
As well as following Lara the novel introduces slices of life of the various people that Lara has come through her shop or are connected to her in some way. Those with marriages in trouble, those who have lost children, those who hope for something better in life - like a mother who might care for them. We never know the outcomes for many of them, for some I know they'll make it, for others I am not so sure. There is a wealth of people from all walks of life, the rich and poor, all the while building up a picture of everyday life in Dublin.
Lara has a brother Phil, he is younger and they have always looked out for each other. Their Dad has raised them and his influence and presence is always there, sometimes just beyond, and both of them value his love and wisdom.
As the story unfolds there are some relationships that gain strength, others suffer a little from the way they are tied to previous relationships. The strength of this novel however I think is Lara's journey from loss to new beginnings and hope.
The cover of this novel is beautiful and would entice a reader in. However a number of times the author described the shop Blossom and Grow and it was not the one on the cover of this edition. A pity that they didn't marry up.
This is a well written book and I enjoyed it. While the cover might indicate this is a light read - it isn't, it is thought provoking, heartwarming and heart wrenching, filled with all kinds of people - a cross section of humanity.
Lara herself has experienced loss, beginning with that of a child. Her marriage brings unexpected challenges and for awhile Lara flounders and goes into a deep dark hole. However the need of the people who frequent her shop slowly draw her back into life.
As well as following Lara the novel introduces slices of life of the various people that Lara has come through her shop or are connected to her in some way. Those with marriages in trouble, those who have lost children, those who hope for something better in life - like a mother who might care for them. We never know the outcomes for many of them, for some I know they'll make it, for others I am not so sure. There is a wealth of people from all walks of life, the rich and poor, all the while building up a picture of everyday life in Dublin.
Lara has a brother Phil, he is younger and they have always looked out for each other. Their Dad has raised them and his influence and presence is always there, sometimes just beyond, and both of them value his love and wisdom.
As the story unfolds there are some relationships that gain strength, others suffer a little from the way they are tied to previous relationships. The strength of this novel however I think is Lara's journey from loss to new beginnings and hope.
The cover of this novel is beautiful and would entice a reader in. However a number of times the author described the shop Blossom and Grow and it was not the one on the cover of this edition. A pity that they didn't marry up.
This is a well written book and I enjoyed it. While the cover might indicate this is a light read - it isn't, it is thought provoking, heartwarming and heart wrenching, filled with all kinds of people - a cross section of humanity.
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