Ditch Flowers

by Amanda Linsmeier

Trouble comes in threes, Grandma CeCe always said…

A baby. Just holding one sets Julia’s heart thumping. She’s wanted a child for so long. When she finally gets pregnant, she’s bursting to tell the world….until a checkup from the doctor confirms a miscarriage.

Julia’s world feels like it’s dissolving. This second tragedy following her father-in-law’s death, shakes her and her husband Greg. To support his mother, they uproot their lives and move to Greg’s childhood home. Under the bright Midwestern sky, Julia can feel a new world and new hope beginning.

But trouble comes in threes, and soon a boy shows up at Julia’s new daycare whose blue eyes and freckled face look eerily like Greg’s. Despite her love for her husband, Julia finds her thoughts haunted by the boy’s face, and she can’t shake the feeling that her husband has a secret.

Genres: Contemporary, Fiction, Marriage, Chick Lit, Womens Fiction

344 pages, Paperback

First published September 15, 2015

About the author

Amanda Linsmeier has been a book nerd as long as she can remember, and it was that great love of reading—especially R.L. Stine novels and fairytales—that eventually brought her to writing her own stories. In high school, she won the senior class vote for “Most Romantic Girl”, a title she’s still ridiculously pleased with. She feels most joyful when writing, scream-singing her favorite songs, playing in the water, and laughing with her beloved family. She lives in a magical place with a man who smells like maple syrup and woodsmoke, their wonderfully wild children, a dog, and an assortment of half-feral cats.

Reviews

[Debbie DiFiore · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written story. But hard to read at the same time Heartbreaking really and I never read cheating stories so giving this three stars was like giving five stars to a non-cheating story. I really thought he was innocent and it broke my heart that he wasn't. I do not know how I would handle it but I must say the heroine did amazing. I would not be that gracious or forgiving.

Back story: He goes to see his mother after his Fathers death and after the heroines first miscarriage. Goes to a bar, drinks, commiserate with the bartender, picks her up, sleeps with her and returns home. Five years later the move their and heroine sees boy that looks like Greg. She does some sleuthing, becomes the boys Mothers Friend and wonders. It is true. He cheated on her and got the woman pregnant and he has a son. I hated him so much I did believe he loved her but I just felt the heroines pain and betrayal. of course she gets pregnant then and it's a girl and they get back together. HEA for everyone. Made me sick to my stomach but I am crazy that way. At the end I even wanted her to forgive him but I still feel sad. Won't read this again but the author did a wonderful job with it. In Scribd and definitely not safe for me.

[Kristina]

Cheating Pig who knocks up his ONS. But of course the heroine stays with the loser. Because she's a masochist.

[Steve Authier · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought Ditch Flowers after reading a quote from the author, Amanda Linsmeier, in an article where first-book authors were giving advice to other potential first-book authors. She said, "Write the book you want to read." It spoke to me. I immediately checked out her book, read the synopsis and bought it. I'm glad I did, because I met Julia James, the main character in Ditch Flowers.

I'm not a big fan of first person narration so I struggled at first. I was won over because Linsmeier can write. She pulls you into Julia's world quickly. She does a great job at developing Julia's character and gives us a chance to connect with her. We're allowed to feel the myriad of emotions Julia wrestles with as she deals with the lost babies, infidelity, and the tough choice she has to make. The obvious criticism is that certain elements of the plot might come across a bit contrived, but because Julia's character is so well written we can easily get beyond the somewhat predictability of the plot. The plot here is more of a vehicle to let us into Julia's mind, heart, and soul. Plus, sometimes stuff happens in life that if put into a story might come across a little contrived, so I was able to push beyond this weakness.

I loved Julia's inner strength and her willingness to be honest with herself as she worked through the challenges she faced on her journey, and that's what we get to do. We get to go on a journey with a person who feels, who suffers, who is torn by betrayal, who questions life. There are some well written simple lines in this book. One of my favorites is "But I do pray, every day. It seems every second, every kick from the baby is a prayer in itself." Linsmeier can write. This book is worth reading. I for one am happy that Linsmeier wrote the book she wanted to read.

[Rejane]

Que horror 🤮🤢
So the honorable husband cheats, has a child with the ons/ow, got her pregnant after the wife miscarried ANNNDDDDD the wife loves the ow and becomes her friend. WHAT IS THIS SHIT AND WHAT PLANET OR ERA DOES THIS AUTHOR LIVE? Unless it’s a auto biography. 🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️
Nonetheless a bunch of 💩
Review and comments below, just 🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️


https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

[Ixthus]

This book is kinda hard to rate, so I won't give it any stars.
However, I can't say that I hate the book and in fact I enjoyed this more than The White Picket Fence (geez, I am still angry with that book despite reading the sequel).
Anyway, before I rant and stray to this one, the book kinda gave me a different perspective about partnership or relationship. I always hear that a relationship or people in a relationship shouldn't measure the love and the effort they give to each other, but, in reality it is difficult as relationship is a complex matter. In this case I feel that the female protagonist find herself broken as she can't conceive a child into a full term. I Imagine being in a relationship and feeling short with, against my partner because, I believed I am broken. I feel that the mistake her husband did, gave a semblance of balance, that her gunk of a husband wasn't after all perfect >.<
Furthermore, I can't hate the male MC that much,(so can't give a lower rate just because of this) I just can't care about him. and, maybe the frequency of the deed and the POV of the OW helped with me to not totally condemned this book to my trash-human hybrid, totally nope shelf. (I remembered my father saying smart girls do their research, but, it's hard to hate a person because she was stupid and I keep on reading the part where she found a wedding ring to the guy she had the one night stand with, but i must have missed it, because i can't find it, therefore can't hate her).
Still..
I can't and won't tolerate cheating especially by the MCs, because if I start to understand them adulterers (lol), I will start justifying the very act.
The idea of loving someone then cheating with another, doesn't sit with me as a LOVE at all, so for me, if you can't respect your partner (because cheating is NOT respecting) then talk to them and end things before sampling the other fish in the sea!

[Jamie McLachlan · Rating 4 out of 5]

4* This story was heart wrenching. At times it made me cry, and at other times it made me angry. Both emotions are in sympathy with the main character. Julia, has gone through three miscarriages. Even if you haven't experienced such a harrowing event, the author pulls you into the depths of Julia's despair that you more than sympathize with her. Then, Julia meets Jacob-a little boy who bears an uncanny resemblance to her husband-and you're left with the burning question, "Did her husband cheat on her?" The mystery grips you as Julia finds herself pulled to the boy and his mother. The main character experiences so much sorrow and is forced to find strength within herself, leaving the reader to wonder if Julia will ever find the happiness she seeks. The narrative was fluid, bringing the reader from scene to scene effectively, even if there were moments focused on Julia's decorating. I give the novel four stars for the author's ability to raise such strong emotions in me, maintaining a plot that kept my interest, and creating a character I liked (even if I did want more from her at the end).

[Tara Meissner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amanda Linsmeier has a poet's view of the world. The details in her writing pull the writer into the scenes crafted in Ditch Flowers. The story is beautifully told. The theme of resiliency stands out. Julia, the main character, is a woman of strength and grace. Linsmeier's debut novel provides great insight to the lives of women during their child-bearing years. It is a brave work that doesn't gloss over pregnancy loss, but rather paints its reality in a way that those who haven't experienced it can empathize. The pacing of the book, kept me eagerly turning the pages rooting for a happy ending. I look forward to seeing what Linsmeier writes next.

[Willow · Rating 1 out of 5]

What an infuriatingly difficult story to read. I wanted to throat punch the useless AF, cheating H and shake some sense into the love blind fool of an h.

The book is only written in the h’s POV, so we’re never able to get a sense of the H’s level of remorse. Sure, he apologises, but it all feels so inadequate, like he can’t fully comprehend the level of devastation that his infidelity has caused his wife. More so for the fact that he knocked up his ONS and unknowingly had a child, whilst his wife was experiencing heartbreaking miscarriages. What a kick in the teeth. And the fact that the h so easily forgives his immense betrayal, and even apologises to him, had me wanting to throw my kindle against a wall. 😡

I absolutely abhor infidelity IRL and in fiction, particularly when cheaters never truly atone for their betrayal, like in this story. It’s a personal peeve because a family member has experienced her husband’s infidelity that resulted in a baby, and it broke her. She forgave him to save her marriage, but has became a shadow of herself. She lost her spark and has to relive her husband’s betrayal every-time she sees his illegitimate child; she’ll have suffer through it for the rest of her life. That’s something books like this don’t write about: the bitterness, anger and humiliation that the wronged partner has to endure...forever.

Women, please don’t be martyrs. Kick him in the teeth and then kick him to the curb. One☝🏼fucking star.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully written story about all the ups and downs life can throw at us. This book will not disappoint. No matter what you have been through in life the main character will make you cry, laugh and reflect on your own conflicting emotions through personal hardships and struggles. Julia reminds us that there is hope and that the greatest gift we can give to ourselves and others is pure and simply; love.

[Jim Cangany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ditch Flowers is a lovely tale about what it means to love, how to cope with loss, and most importantly, the power of forgiveness. In her debut novel, Amanda Linsmeier gives us a realistic of look into the life of a young woman who wants to be a mother despite the roadblocks thrown in her way. The question is whether she'll ever get her wish, and at what cost. If you like stories about real people and the decisions that form their lives, don't miss this one!

[wrkatreading · Rating 1 out of 5]

Way too many words. The writing made the characters sound like they were very young adults. The husband has a ONS while he traveled back home after the death of his father. His wife just had her second miscarriage. They move to his hometown and she finds out he has a child from ONS. She becomes friends with the baby mama. So unbelievable. There is no discussion of how it happened what he did with her. It made me mad.

[Cc · Rating 4 out of 5]

11/20
I'm bumping this up to four solid stars bc I re read. Still, this is not a romance and the feels are muted. Still a good story and the writing is good.

3.5

Quietly thought provoking. The only overt criticism I have is that it needed more closure than was given. I didn't feel settled with the ending, but maybe that was the authors intent.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

What readers will love about this book, I think, is the strength of the heroine. She's a little hesitant at first, but once she gains her footing watch out. It's also a great tale of love and acceptance. Readers of women's fiction with teeth should pick up this one.

[C.H. Armstrong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really, really, really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed the characters and the story immensely The author did a beautiful job of bringing the reader into the mind of the main character and the anguish of infertility. Very nicely done, and certainly a title I'd recommend to my friends.

[Tiffany Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I received a copy of Ditch Flowers in exchange for a review from www.novelreviewers.com.**
Julia James has always wanted to be a mother more than anything, so when she finds herself expecting her first child, she and her husband, Greg, are truly excited. When she miscarries,it's understandable that they're both devastated. That it comes so soon after the unexpected death of Greg's father, makes it even harder for them both to deal with. Greg and Julia decide to move from Louisiana back to Greg's hometown in Wisconsin to be there for his mother and so that Greg can take over the family wine business. Because Julia's Grandma CeCe always told her that trouble comes in threes, she is anxiously waiting for the other shoe to drop. When she meets little Jacob at her new daycare job, she's mystified at how much he looks like Greg. His hair and eye color are identical to those of her husband and he even has Greg's dimples and freckles. She finds herself drawn to the sweet little boy and to his mother, becoming fast friends with her as she tries to investigate to see if there is any connection between her husband and this sweet little boy and his mother. Have the multiple miscarriages and her inability to carry a pregnancy to full term clouded Julia's judgement? Is she just being paranoid or has her husband been unfaithful? Was another woman able to give Greg the child that they both so desperately want? And if he was unfaithful, what will Julia do? Should she give him another chance or end their marriage?
I really enjoyed reading Ditch Flowers and thought all of the characters were well written. I admired the inner strength and courage that Julia discovered in herself as she experienced the tragedies and setbacks. I even liked Greg,despite being prepared not to from the start. For the most part he was very supportive and a good husband, which surprised me. I enjoyed that every single character, even the minor ones seemed real. I found myself relating with what they were going through and feeling. I hope to read more of Linsmeier's work.
http://amzn.to/1OmKest

[Julie Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of Ditch Flowers by Amanda Linsmeier in exchange for an honest review through LibraryThing.com. I loved this book...no...I'm in love with this book. I like to learn about the author while I'm reading and I was able to read an interview with the author regarding this book. I know that she took a long time to write it and that made me curious about how it was going to progress. I was not disappointed.

This is a very well written and very well thought out story that is complete and fulfilling to read. This is a journey of a life of joy, hard work, disappointments and rewards. This story is REAL, it is every woman and every woman can relate in one way or another to some part of Julia's life. The story is honest and at times will make you cry and in turn become angry and even joyful. I was completely absorbed from page one and thoroughly enjoyed the entire journey. I've read some reviews that claimed the book was long, it is a bit long, but I promise at the end, when it is over...you will be grateful for that. You will want more and yet you won't need anymore.

I highly recommend this book to anyone that has lost a loved one, fallen in love or if you are a woman. Thank you Amanda Linsmeier! I can't wait to read more of what you have written. Well done!

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author really deserves credit for producing such a wonderful book. As I read the book, I was drawn into Julia’s character: her emotions, her thoughts, her decisions. The story plot is not very complex, but the author manages to infuse it with strong emotions and thought. I have not experienced the miscarriages Julia did, but I immediately felt her pain. I also liked the way the author brought Greg, her husband and his pain out in the story. So often, these sort of books spend a lot of time focusing on one character’s pain without much mention of the other main character’s pain. It was heartening as well as sad to see this couple, once filled with such joy, love and enthusiasm about their joined lives together, change into two emotionally struck people. I found the twist of the story, where Julia meets a youngster, who very closely resembles Greg, to be a nice creative touch and added a lot to the plot. How she handles this is a clever fascinating twist. If you had asked me if I would read a book like this one before I read it, I probably would have said I would not. However, I am quite glad read it, and am quite glad Amanda Linsmeier wrote it. It is a wonderful read for anyone looking for a fascinating, heart felt story. I recommend it highly. I received this from Library Thing to read and review.

[Theresa Theune · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love, love, loved this book. Linsmeier's portrayal of the struggles of infertility are heart wrenching and honest. She takes you on a journey of the struggles that real couples face. I found myself trying to imagine what I would do in the situations that her heroine faces, and wondering if the standards that I have set for myself would hold true if they were ever really tested. The issues that Julia faces in this story, both in her marital relationship as well as in her struggle to conceive, speak the heart of every woman. There is something in these situations that we can all relate to, that we have all worried and pondered about. Like some of my other favorite authors, Linsmeier has penned a novel that celebrates women. From Grandma CeCe to her mother and sister, her unconventional new friend and, of course, Julia, she paints a picture of the strength of women. This is one that I will reread over and over again!

[Katie Stevenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was always going to read this book. I personally know the author from college, and she works at my local library. Plus, the cover is perfect and the title is fantastic. So it was nothing but huge bonus that the book itself is awesome. It digs into the pieces of marriage, of life, that are not often examined, and it's done so, so well; I felt like I could've been friends with Julia. I read it in a day while I've been sick. Absolutely, highly recommended, and the bonus to you is getting to know a new and fantastic author!

[Jancy Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ditch Flowers was an amazing story written by a gifted author! The main character, Julia had tremendous strength as she struggled through tradgedy and devastating loss again and again. She never gave up in her determination to have and hold her own baby. Learning of her husband's betrayal did not stop her from opening her heart to his "love " child and forming a friendship with Megan. Loved this book and the talent Ms Linsmeier has to engulf the reader into the story!

[Brooke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book but I have one complaint. Why the eff did Julia not kick Greg out on his ass & raise her baby like a boss single mom. I hated Greg so much. He was not sorry for cheating on her considering he lied to her about it for more than 3 years. I was so disappointed he got his happy ending .

[Jena]

H/husband cheats, has a child with the ons/ow, got her pregnant after the h/wife miscarried their own child, ANNNDDDDD the h/wife loves the ow and becomes her friend.
h easily forgives his betrayal, and even apologies to him

Yea, I totally believe this nonsense.


Avoid.

[Suz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fairly easy read, but it was far from boring! It had some out loud comedy, and characters to fall in love with!

[Bianca Schwarz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me just say that I loved Ditch Flowers. The writing is luminous in its simplicity and although the book deals with difficult emotional subjects it is never sentimental.
It wasn't an easy book for me to read since I am all to familiar with the perils of having a chromosomal translocation but it never made me sad.
The central character, Julia, has a quiet kind of strength she only gradually becomes aware of herself. But by the end of the book there is no doubt that she will survive no matter what life throws at her. She loves quickly and deeply and refuses to let anyone tell her how she should feel and what she should do about it. I found myself disagreeing with her but still respecting her choices.
If I have a criticism it is that the first half of the book, before Julia is forced into confronting the obvious (I don't want to say more), is a little ponderous in part but it did not stop me from reading on and I'm glad I did.
I recommend this book and can't wait to see what Amanda Linsmeier comes up with next.

[Kelly Cain · Rating 5 out of 5]

The writing in Ditch Flowers is sybaritic and mesmerizing. It does not surprise me to learn the author also pens poetry. I was captivated from the first page.

I have never experienced miscarriage or the loss of a child, but somehow, I was able to identify with Julia. There have been times I haven't received what I wanted desperately. Also, perhaps like most people, I have experienced betrayal of trust. She is a strong woman and while she makes choices that possibly I wouldn't make, I could certainly feel why she makes them.

I certainly had leaky eyes several times during this read, but somehow I didn't feel sad. Julia was loved and there was never an uncertainty of that, at least not to me. The question was would it be enough. I felt she would be okay either way she chose.

I highly recommend reading this book. There will be no regrets.

[Anna Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was recommend to me by a good friend, and I'm glad it was. I was completely wrapped up in this story cause I can relate. I myself have experience miscarriages and I knew the author knew what she was talking about as far as what comes behind the pain of losing a child. I felt like she conveyed the experience in detail and it can make people aware of things if it was to happen to them and anyone in their family. I was raised half of my life in the south so I too have heard the saying bad things happen in threes. I always hated to hear that and it made me very nervous as a teenager. This book has open my eyes to read more stories like this. It was well written and I enjoyed every part of it.. A big thank you to the author Amanda Linsmeier for writing this novel .. God Bless

[Brandi Nyborg · Rating 3 out of 5]

I usually tend to stay away from the chick lit, but I've been trying to read more genres. It's a good thing I did! While I have never been in Julia's shoes, I found with the author's writing style I could very easily sympathize with her. This book is heart breaking at times, keeping you rooting for Julia. It's a quick read, but a very enjoyable one!

[Ann Reimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was an awesome read. I couldn't put it down

[Jenn Scott Pickett]

It's so nice when a book you've been interested in reading actually meets (or even exceeds) your expectations. The summary immediately grabbed my attention - a woman learns that not only did her husband possibly cheat on her, but he might have the one thing she wants most and hasn't been able to give him (0r herself)? Yeah, sign me up. I wanna know how that turns out.

I'm happy to say it turned out so well. Nothing about the situation is black and white, and that's what I appreciate most about this book. Linsmeier gives you real characters who you sympathize with and love. Even the "bad guys" (the husband and the other woman) in the story are people that you want to forgive and root for.

Aside from the plot itself, I liked the writing style. I struggled with the first-person aspect, as I generally don't care for books written from that POV, but Linsmeier knows how to weave beautiful sentiments. She strings words together in a way that demands you read and reread the segments to fully appreciate their depth and beauty. Honestly, I probably would have finished the book even sooner had I not stopped a few times to really savor (and highlight) certain parts of the book.

There were a few minor things I didn't care for or really connect with. For example, I found it odd that Jacob's role didn't get discussed more when Julia first confronted Greg about the cheating, and it was weird that Greg didn't throw away the receipt with Megan's number on it. Also, I wasn't sure how I felt about Julia having her first "successful" pregnancy around that time... almost too good to be true, like it gave her the freedom to forgive Greg, because otherwise she'd probably have to deal with a whole lot more underlying resentment with the Jacob aspect. I wonder how she would have handled it long-term without having a baby of her own.

Still, I WANTED her to have a baby and I certainly don't want to complain too much about a happy ending!

All in all, I've found a new author to adore, and I can't wait to read what she puts out next.

[Camille · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ditch Flowers is such a beautifully written book. I listened to the audiobook and loved the way the narrator portrayed all of the main characters. I kept finding reasons to listen to the book until I finished it! This book involves infertility and miscarriage, marital strife, infidelity, groveling, soul-searching, and the decisions hurt married people must make to decide if they can continue on together. The infertility piece rang true to my own experience. This book has the added slap-in-the-face of a baby with the OW/ONS. Angsty but also sweet.