Flower Shop, The

Die Samenhändlerin-Saga #2

by Petra Durst-Benning, Kristin Watson Heintz (Reader)

Bestselling author Petra Durst-Benning’s Seed Traders’ Saga continues, as a young woman in nineteenth-century Baden-Baden risks everything to pursue her dream of becoming a florist. Twenty-year-old Flora Kerner has arrived in Baden-Baden, the “Summer Capital of Europe.” Having spurned the family seed trade, Flora has instead chosen to accept a floristry apprenticeship in the famed German spa town. She is a quick study in the art of flower arranging, but progress is slower in matters of the heart. As her magnificent displays and keen eye soon reverse the fortunes of her mentor’s shop, she attracts the notice of princesses and other royal clientele. Flora’s found her passion—or at least she hopes she has. But as her new life begins to blossom, does she dare risk everything to discover where her true heart lies?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Romance, Historical

MP3 CD

First published February 1, 2008

Reviews

[Deanne Patterson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Through your imagination the author allows you to visit Germany and learn about flowers in this delightful historical novel.
Pub Date 24 Apr 2018
I was given a complimentary copy of this book from AmazonCrossing through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Sharlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another delightfully written book by author Petra Durst-Benning. I loved her Glassblower series and this one did not disappoint. She writes memorably characters is such a way as she feel you truly know them. I felt I had stepped off the pages of the book into the world of flowers and into the summer capital of Europe. I would recommend this book to friends and looking forward to more books from the author. .

[Monica BIthar · Rating 2 out of 5]

The writing style of the author is good, and just by reading the book you can imagine the flowers that she describes very well.But I was a bit disappointed with the book in general. I am used to reading about strong women who take on the male dominated work domains and excel despite hurdles, that is the usual trend in this Author's book. Unfortunately in this book the lead character Flora, came across as flighty female who falls easily into temptations and there are hardly any other well developed women characters in this book who support her, the story starts falling apart as the lead character goes astray.

[Carmen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Die Geschichte handelt sich von einer Frau die in Baden-Baden in 1870wohnt. Nach dem Krieg haben die Einwohner viele Sorgen. Die Kundin kommen nicht zurück. Wovon können sie leben? Flora ist geheiratet, soll zufrieden sein, aber hat eine Affare mit einem Mann. Natürlich ist ihr Mann nicht okay damit. Und wie sie wechselt handelt die Geschichte. Nicht interessant genug.

[Barbara D. Mason · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't enjoy the book! I read to be entertained, and I found that the characters were not particularly endearing. At first, Flora was, but she went on to make a series of mistakes that just make you cringe. Couldn't she see what kind of character her charming Bulgarian was? Was she that naive?
I read to book to the end, just to get through it (while hoping it would redeem itself), but it was overall not satisfying.
Two points of criticism: I understand that the book was written in German and translated, but the cadence was awkward in many places. More editing could have improved this.
The sex scenes were too graphic. Is this required to sell a story? Come on!

[Gayle England-Triplett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprises of life...

This is a story about how life is full of surprises! Some are good, some are not. Each choice turns you in a different direction. Flora thought she would be selling seeds for the family business all her life. But her choices greatly changed her life. She met Frederick. His father owned a floral shop that was not thriving. Flora was a talented woman who arranged flowers in unique ways. As the older man lost interest in his shop, the life of his family began to deteriorate. LOVE enters!
Please read this book. This is #2 in this series. However, each book be read as a single.

[Anna Beste · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about the second book in the Seed Traders' Saga. I was looking forward to finding out what happened after the last book because it ended on a bit of a cliffhanger but it was totally ignored except for some mentions of the characters. I did enjoy Flora pursuing her dreams of becoming a florist and her journey to creating a successful business and the ABC of Flowers. I wasn't crazy about the storyline of Konstantin, it turned a girl boss story into a cheater's tale. I don't feel like it was necessary to the story and just created conflict that felt glossed over at the end of the book when Friedrich just takes Flora back.

[Sasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

First I would like to state that I received this book through the Goodreads giveaway in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank the author for giving me this opportunity and honor in being able to read this book. When I received this book I began reading it at once. I really enjoy the authors writing style, the author pulls you into the book from the very beginning and makes it so you don't want to put the book down. This book was a very interesting read. The author kept you interested from the first chapter to the very last. I would recommend this to anyone.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

Roller coaster

This read like a roller coaster. Started out slowly and I wasn’t thoroughly enjoying it. But the author did a good job on the middle to explain the characters and draw you into the plot. I actually found myself enjoying the book. Then the ending completely dropped off and didn’t measure up. The theme of paying for your mistakes just didn’t measure up and the ending ruined the book for me.

[Melinda M · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Flower Shop by Petra Durst-Benning is book two of The Seed Traders' Saga. this is the story of Flora who is the daughter of seed traders. It is set in 1871 in Baden-Baden, Germany so you get some history of the area as well as learn about the seed trading . If you like gardening or flowers this will be a bonus for you. It is a interesting story that capture my attention but is a little slow to start so hang in there.
I received a copy thru a Goodreads Giveaway.

[Christine G Bridger · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely flowery gentle flow

I enjoyed this story it gently flowed along . The florist Fiona introduced you to the flowers and their meaning. Making the shop a great success. The story meandered along with little ripples here and there. Then storm broke and Fiona was lost. Frederick finding Flora and talking together I wonder if they got back together. A love story with a difference.

[jode garbe · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not as good as previous books

Not as good as the other books. No follow-up for the characters from the first book - any explanation of what happened to those characters was superficial & not satisfying. What flora did toward the end of the book was predictable & not interesting. Could have been more imaginative& positive with a different last 15% of the book. Since there is no book 3 then ending was a letdown

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

ABC'S of flowers

This is my first read by this author. It was a wonderful story encompassing flowers, love and finally the hope of forgiveness. I learned so much about flowers and their meanings. There was such a wonderful amount of history included and bound within this story. A fabulous read!

[Joyce T. Enderle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Baden Baden

After 40 trips to Europe Baden Baden will always be my favorite. We rented an apartment for a month. Enjoyed the Baths and the 4PM concert every day. The food was outstanding. Every page of this delightful well written book reminded me of all the wonderful times we had in Baden Baden. This is one of my favorite authors.

[Sunflower · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not read this in German, but I can't find "The Flower Shop" on GR, and this is the second book in the series. You know what you are going to get with this author, and I was looking for a "by-the-fire with a cup of tea" book after a challenging week. There were times when i thought that things just got too predictable, but made it to the end and resolution. Phew.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flora convinces her parents to allow her to help in a flower shop to hone her skills as a florist. There is no pay but she gets room and board. Flora knows this will be her last chance to convince her parents she is better as a florist than a seed woman. She never anticipated how far reaching this decision would be.

[Heather Coker · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series just doesn’t hold a candle to Glassblowers or Century Trilogies by this author. I felt transported to other times and lands with the first two but these are just average. Thankfully, the second book improved upon the first in this saga but I still find myself disappointed and looking for the depth and intensity of those first 6 books I read by this author.

[Kris · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not enjoy this book as much as the first one. In fact, I was 70% done reading, and just quit. I marked it as read. There just wasn't as much interaction with characters, and the character development wasn't there for me. I have always enjoyed Petra Durst-Bennings books, so this surprised me.

[Amy Gennaro · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked the first book in this series. This one was good too, but I would have liked to stay more on the flowers and less on the intrigue. It was a great insight into mid-1800's resort spa area Baden-Baden. The stories of the flowers and getting her shop up and running were interesting.

[Kayla Tornello · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked all the details about flowers in this book. However, I was very distracted by my strong desire to slap the main character, Flora, in the face. At first, she has some charm to overcome her thoughtlessness. After a while though, she just becomes mean, rude, and completely idiotic. The setting in a German spa town was nice, though.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant book. Even though the love element was partially introduced at the beginning,the way it panned out kept the interest of the reader. The appeal of the book was in the descriptions of the flowers and the interaction of the characters. To include "The language of Flowers" as a prologue was an unexpected pleasure. Although I read this book first I am keen to read the prequel.

[Judee · Rating 4 out of 5]

So much drama

I had too much time between the first and second book in the series, so I lost some of the background, but this could be a standalone book too. Lots of activity, personality conflicts, romance, and betrayal. Nice ending leans to the positive side but still up in the air.

[Pat Beals · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book!

I love every Petra book I have read. Not only do I learn of the times they are written, the characters are always fun to get to know. I always hate when they end and I have to wait for the next one.

[Jodi · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book of The Seed Traders' Saga was an interesting read. If you like flowers, you'll love this book. Petra Durst-Benning has an easy readable style with complex characters. This is a perfect summer read.

[Fay D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Flora...

Loved reading your story and following your ups and downs. I'm only sad it's over. I throughly enjoy all of Petra's books and this was just as inspiring, exciting and enjoyable as all the others

[Kim Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not Your Typical Romance

Petra Durst-Henning usually chooses interesting characters and places that are not so well known to the average person. It is obvious that she researches her times and settings. The reader gets an education along with a plot that holds the interest.

[paula banzhaf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Durst's books are very readable. I like the strong well developed female characters and historical perspectives


And interesting and absorbing plot lines and twists. I Enjoy the series and LOOK forward to more of her books

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

I won this book in a free Goodreads giveaway. It is a nice light read and a refreshing change to so many dark topics that seem to be the norm now. But it got to be very predictable and a little slow at times. I did enjoy learning about the language of flowers.

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Started out pretty good. Interesting info @ types of flowers and all in the beginning, but then "poof"! Fell apart. It was as if someone else took over writing this 3/4 way through and didn't know how to wrap it up.

[Martina · Rating 1 out of 5]

Wollte Buch gerne lesen weil es in Baden-Baden handelt. Leider ist es schlicht und einfach zu schlecht geschrieben um es zu Ende zu lesen. Vorhersehbar, uninteressant, banal, langweilige, stereotype Charaktere, eine Story wie aus einem kitschigen Heftroman... ich passe.