Pushin' Up Daisies

by Deseree Marini

Daisy is a young woman grieving the unexpected death of the only family she’s ever known, the single mom who had been her life-long companion and closest friend. After suddenly losing other touchstones that, until now had given her life a sense of purpose and meaning, Daisy makes a rash decision and finds herself staying at a bed and breakfast in the small town of Clover Hill, Tennessee; which is a major contrast to the only home she’s known in the big city of Boston.
During her visit she uncovers clues and meets people from her mother’s past, all while trying to avoid the spark that forms between her and the handsome, but surly and aloof, cowboy who’s working through mysterious struggles of his own. Together, the people of Clover Hill and what it holds might just be what she needs to forge a path through her grief and lead her in new directions. Can Daisy fully uproot her city girl life and put down new roots to flourish and bloom as a small town girl?


Clean & wholesome

302 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 20, 2026

Reviews

[Tami Schmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Okay…BUY THIS BOOK! 🌼

I read Pushing Up Daisies in TWO sittings — and the only reason it took two was because apparently I still had responsibilities. 😂

What a fun, sweet, heartfelt book! It had me hooked from the beginning, and just when I thought I knew where the story was going…NOPE! Another twist. There were plenty of surprises, lots of heart, and characters I genuinely cared about.

One of the things I loved most was the main character and her resilience. But what really struck me was that her resilience wasn’t simply something she had — it was something she chose. She experiences grief, loss, disappointment, and circumstances she certainly wouldn’t have chosen, but she still has a choice in how she responds to them. I loved that reminder because isn’t that so much of what life is? We don’t always get to choose what happens to us, but we do get to choose what we do next. ❤️

At its heart, Pushing Up Daisies is an incredible story about grief, healing, overcoming loss, faith, and choosing to keep moving forward. And I absolutely loved that it was full of Jesus! 🙏 The author wasn’t afraid to weave faith and hope throughout the story while still making it entertaining, funny, touching, and incredibly easy to read.

For a new author, WOW! 👏 I was seriously impressed. If this is the beginning, I cannot wait to see what she writes next.

So yes, I’m going to say it again: BUY THE BOOK! 😂🌼📚 You’ll laugh, you’ll feel all the feels, you’ll be surprised more than once, and you might even find yourself thinking a little differently about your own choices when life gets hard.

Absolutely loved this book! Five stars! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Lori Cribbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a page-turner!

I quickly became engrossed in this beautifully written book, completely transported to the idyllic Clover Hill, TN. After a series of unfortunate events that would drag just about anyone down, Daisy pulls herself up by her bootstraps and decides to visit her deceased mother’s hometown while she figures out life and where to go from here.

Being a small town, Daisy quickly meets many of the locals, and it’s difficult not to wish you personally knew them! Following Daisy’s story as she uncovers clues while also getting to know the local gruff-but-good-hearted cowboy/handyman left me wanting to simultaneously devour this book and somehow make it last forever.

The scenery was painted in such a warm, authentic hometown light that I found myself envious of those who get to experience this kind of community day in and day out.
I especially loved the way the story moves between the present day and the past, slowly dropping hints and giving me more pieces of the story along the way. I kept thinking WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?!

As someone who has experienced loss, it was obvious to me that Daisy (and the author) are well acquainted with grief. Yet this book brings healing to those who are grieving.

And without giving anything away, the ending was exactly what we needed for closure. While I was sad it was over, I was appreciative of the way the story ended.

Finally, this being a clean romance is exactly what this world needs. Wholesome and heartwarming, and definitely some butterflies for Daisy!

[Natalie Wellman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was honored to be able to read this delightful book as an advance reader. It was a beautiful read full of all the emotions possible! I stayed up way too late reading, finally put it down , then finished it the next day. Now I want more! Still thinking about all the characters a day later.
I truly connected with one of the characters in the book. Wanted to meet them all in person.
The author brings them all to life . I could feel what they were feeling in so many instances.
This is a must read for anyone that has lost someone dear to them ! It will help you find your way through. .

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an enjoyable read! It was hard to believe this was the first book written by this author. Pushin' Up Daisies touches the heart, relating the reader to the characters in the most beautiful way. Grief is a hard topic, different for everyone, but I felt the author made an unexpected death into a springboard for healing, hope, and strength. I love the way she sprinkled in scriptures and Godly truths mixed in with words of wisdom from a momma's heart. Daisy was inspirational in the way she listened to her heart to find her path and I was cheering for her the whole way through. I highly recommend this heartwarming book!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

100000000000000/10 stars. I absolutely loved this book. It’s fast enough to keep you on your toes but cozy enough to sink into the pillows to read. I am not kidding when I say I devoured this book in four hours. And I would read it again and again and again. Ms Marini, WRITE MORE BOOKS STAT 🚨 🚨 🚨

There is so much heart and soul pouring through the pages, you can truly feel alongside the main character (no spoilers but she’s the best kind of crazy). Go. Read. This. Now.

[Elizabeth Simon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt this story was so relatable to many aspects of my life: loss, grief, and finding adventure in the next chapter of your life. The main character responded to tough situations the way I wish I had the courage to do. The romance was riveting and had me laughing out loud. The author is able to capture the raw emotions of grief after losing someone, the guilt survivors feel, and illustrates a beautiful story of a path forward: with a positive disposition we can find love and new purpose.

[Kaycee Caetano · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!! Pushin’ Up Daisies is an amazing book. I was hooked from the very beginning and honestly could not put this book down. The love story was beautiful, but what truly stayed with me was the connection the two main characters share through their grief.

This book is literally heartwarming in the best way. I had tears in my eyes throughout the last three chapters, and I loved every second of it. A truly moving, unforgettable read that I would recommend to anyone!!

[Pam Marini · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished your book and I must say young lady
You are very talented, full of life and passion. I felt every emotion in every word. So blessed to know that I was able to get a small insight into your mind and beautiful heart. Oh how your mama and daddy are so uber proud of you, shows the pure essence of love and a Christ filled life you are living. Such an inspiration and mentor to many others especially your boys. God truly has been blessing all of us ❣️⭐️ 🙏🏼

[Kayla Slack · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely LOVED Pushin’ Up Daisies! This book felt like a warm hug every night before bed, and I looked forward to picking it up all day. You know those books you want to keep reading but also want to stretch out because you’re not ready for them to end? This was that book for me! Cozy, comforting, and such a joy to read. I’m so glad I picked it up, and I can’t recommend it enough. An easy five stars! ❤️

[Samantha Jensen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could NOT put this book down! Such a fun, uplifting, cozy read! The way the author wove everything together made this a must read! Daisy will forever hold a place in my heart because the minute you start reading she becomes a fast friend! Daisy will make you fall in love, laugh and embrace the uncomfortable moments! Read read read!

[Brenda Langston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pushin’ Up Daisies was an absolute delight. I loved the small-town Southern setting, where everybody knows everybody and every interaction feels full of personality, charm, and just the right amount of gossip. The story pulled me in quickly, and I found myself wanting to keep reading to see what would happen next. Found myself lost in all the characters lives.

[Vanessa Leal · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC review
Pushin Up Daisies is a sweet story about over coming your own hurdles and getting to know your roots. The story deals with grief from loss of a loved one, and is told so well since it comes from the author’s personal experience. I enjoyed this debut novel from Deseree Marini and look forward to her writing more books in the future.

[Stephanie Marlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you for allowing me to read an advanced copy of the book! What a fantastic homage to the author’s mother and family. I knew the author’s mom and I can see her influence throughout the novel. The chemistry between the main characters is palpable and it is a very quick and enjoyable read. Congratulations on your publication and thank you for letting me be a part of it!

[Kylie Schmitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t put this book down!!! Such an amazing story that spoke to my heart so much as I have also lost my mom. What a beautiful story of how God will never waste our grief. LOVED Clover Hill and all the characters!

[Carolyn Chambers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing plot, characters, and setting. The author really captures the culture shock of moving to the south in the best way! Will be giving this to everyone for Christmas and birthdays!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this as a beta tester and loved it. I couldn’t put it down. It is charming and engaging. I can’t wait for another book from this author!

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pushin' up Daises is a well paced story with emotional resonance. It is both fun and deep in the best way! I look forward to more books by this author.

[Robin Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this book! The story drew me in immediately. I may have skipped a few chores in order to keep reading! Well written and heartfelt emotions throughout.