Where Flowers Once Grew: A Roosevelt County Novel

by Sheila Quinn

210 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 23, 2026

About the author

There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name. This profile is for the author of The Roosevelt County novels.

Reviews

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t read very quickly so I think this would be considered a quick read. I adored the first book in this historical fiction series. I did read that as part of a book club and enjoyed the author’s interview about her family folklore. This book has some of the great character development as the first and a lot more drama and hardship. I adore the authors writing, I find the characters to be really charming, but I was disappointed at how dark the storyline is in comparison to the first book. It is still cozy and inviting but heavy mostly.

[Toni Wellhausen · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best reads of 2026! Sheila writes with such eloquence and believability that you feel you know each of the characters personally. Honestly, I felt like I was a member of the family, experiencing everything they did during the dust storms of the plains and the Great Depression - I could almost taste the dirt as it relentlessly blew through any and every opening in the walls of Maxine’s home. The character development is so strong that you easily immerse yourself into each one. A truly heartfelt look into life, family, and history during these rough times. Kind of like growing up poor and never really realizing it. Sheila has such a way with words that draws you into the lives of each character and their part of the story. Such an easy, enjoyable read that I found myself so disappointed that the book had to end! You can grab Where Flowers Once Grew on Amazon April 7!! Before then, be sure to read Sheila’s introductory novel to the Tollett family, So Long As It’s Wonderful, although each book is a stand along novel of its own. You’ll be left wanting more!

[Michelle Izo · Rating 5 out of 5]

I carved out some time this weekend and read “Where Flowers Once Grew” by Sheila Quinn. It was such a fantastic story. Set during the Great Depression, it follows 10-year-old Maxine as she navigates life while learning more about its hardships. It’s rare to find a book that is warm and encouraging while not shying away from harsh realities of things as they are (or rather, were).

There’s so much more I could say, but I don’t want to risk spoilers. I guess you’ll just have to read it for yourself! I absolutely loved it!

[Ginny Yurich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how you become so immersed in the books Sheila writes. This one is told from a ten-year-old girl’s point of view growing up in the dust bowl/great depression. I learned a lot and I really enjoyed reading this book.