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The Flower Seller: The best historical romance book of the year from the Queen of West Country Saga
‘Sure to delight her ever-growing legion of fans’ Dilly CourtA charming and evocative tale of family and fortune from the queen of West Country saga, Linda Finlay.
Isabella Carrington has been brought up in a life of privilege in London. Her life seems perfect, until her father suddenly announces bankruptcy. To save Isabella from destitution he sends her to stay with family she has never met, far away on a violet farm deep in Devon.
Isabella is horrified to find her uncle expects her to work for her keep, packing up the flowers and selling them in the nearby market. However she soon discovers that life on a violet farm may not be so bad, especially when she meets handsome local farmer Felix Furneaux…
Perfect for fans of Dilly Court and Katie Flynn.
Praise for Linda
‘Sure to delight her ever-growing legion of fans’ Dilly Court
'Warm and atmospheric, you can practically taste the sea breeze' The Express
Isabella Carrington has been brought up in a life of privilege in London. Her life seems perfect, until her father suddenly announces bankruptcy. To save Isabella from destitution he sends her to stay with family she has never met, far away on a violet farm deep in Devon.
Isabella is horrified to find her uncle expects her to work for her keep, packing up the flowers and selling them in the nearby market. However she soon discovers that life on a violet farm may not be so bad, especially when she meets handsome local farmer Felix Furneaux…
Perfect for fans of Dilly Court and Katie Flynn.
Praise for Linda
‘Sure to delight her ever-growing legion of fans’ Dilly Court
'Warm and atmospheric, you can practically taste the sea breeze' The Express
370 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 8, 2018
23 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
Linda Finlay
25 books32 followersAs an Image Consultant, Linda has always had an avid interest in people. Helping them to regain their confidence after they've undergone life changing surgery is one of the most satisfying areas of her work.
Linda has always loved writing stories and won a competition run by the local paper when she was 11.
She has since been published in magazines and annuals. Moving to the spectacular Devon coast and learning about its local history inspired her to write her first novel The Royal Lacemaker. Under the patient guidance of a local teacher, she learned to make lace and is very proud of the 'spider' she produced.
She loves beach-combing, finding it the perfect excuse to indulge in a spot of people watching.
Linda has always loved writing stories and won a competition run by the local paper when she was 11.
She has since been published in magazines and annuals. Moving to the spectacular Devon coast and learning about its local history inspired her to write her first novel The Royal Lacemaker. Under the patient guidance of a local teacher, she learned to make lace and is very proud of the 'spider' she produced.
She loves beach-combing, finding it the perfect excuse to indulge in a spot of people watching.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 12, 2018
Book Reviewed by Stacey on www.whisperingstories.com
Now, I’m not a huge historical novel reader, in fact, it is often a genre I shy away from. That doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate a beautiful story when I see one, and this was most certainly beautiful, both inside and out.
Brought up in a life of luxury, living in a huge house in London with her father and their maids, butlers, etc. Twenty-year-old Isabella Carrington is used to spending her days socialising, having lunch at Claridge’s, and shopping. Her life of privilege comes to an abrupt end when her father loses his financial investment when the company he invested in is destroyed by a fire.
Knowing that he was going to lose everything, he sent Isabella off to live with her mother’s brother, her Uncle Frederick and his family in a little village called Dawlish in Devon. Isabella is shocked to learn that she will be living with the family in a tiny semi-detached house, sharing a bedroom with two of her cousins and expected to help around the house and with the family’s flower business.
The Flower Seller is one of the most delightful books that I have had the pleasure of reading in a long time. The characters are all divine, especially Isabella. This is a young woman who was well educated, used to everyone doing everything for her, always having enough money to purchase anything she wanted. Then out of the blue she is forced to go and live with relatives she had never heard of before, in their tiny home, and work too!
Ms. Finlay has certainly done her research in order to capture the time period perfectly. It was lovely to be able to see the differences between those with money and the less well off. It was also a joy to read about life, both in historical London and Devon.
This was a book that I fully engaged with. I read it in two sittings and enjoyed every minute of it. I look forward to reading more by Linda Finlay in the future.
Now, I’m not a huge historical novel reader, in fact, it is often a genre I shy away from. That doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate a beautiful story when I see one, and this was most certainly beautiful, both inside and out.
Brought up in a life of luxury, living in a huge house in London with her father and their maids, butlers, etc. Twenty-year-old Isabella Carrington is used to spending her days socialising, having lunch at Claridge’s, and shopping. Her life of privilege comes to an abrupt end when her father loses his financial investment when the company he invested in is destroyed by a fire.
Knowing that he was going to lose everything, he sent Isabella off to live with her mother’s brother, her Uncle Frederick and his family in a little village called Dawlish in Devon. Isabella is shocked to learn that she will be living with the family in a tiny semi-detached house, sharing a bedroom with two of her cousins and expected to help around the house and with the family’s flower business.
The Flower Seller is one of the most delightful books that I have had the pleasure of reading in a long time. The characters are all divine, especially Isabella. This is a young woman who was well educated, used to everyone doing everything for her, always having enough money to purchase anything she wanted. Then out of the blue she is forced to go and live with relatives she had never heard of before, in their tiny home, and work too!
Ms. Finlay has certainly done her research in order to capture the time period perfectly. It was lovely to be able to see the differences between those with money and the less well off. It was also a joy to read about life, both in historical London and Devon.
This was a book that I fully engaged with. I read it in two sittings and enjoyed every minute of it. I look forward to reading more by Linda Finlay in the future.
June 3, 2021
A rather sweet coming of age story as a young woman strives to adjust to the changed circumstances life has dealt her. Isabella is a naive and spoiled young woman from a well do to family. She is used to having servants to attend to her needs. But then events conspire to bring about her dispatch to stay with her aunt and uncle and their family on a violet farm in Devon. A very different way of life is presented to her and with it comes expectations of the role she will play in it. To complicate matters Isabella finds herself drawn towards Felix. With a violet farm of their own Felix and his father are in direct competition to Isabella’s uncle.
This historical novel set around the late 1800s, this will appeal to those who like a gentle story that never reaches great heights, but is a pleasant enough way to spend some time. A couple of things weren’t quite tied up as well as they could have been towards the end but still a charming novel.
This historical novel set around the late 1800s, this will appeal to those who like a gentle story that never reaches great heights, but is a pleasant enough way to spend some time. A couple of things weren’t quite tied up as well as they could have been towards the end but still a charming novel.
March 9, 2018
What a delightful read this was, whisking me away to a violet farm in 1890s Devonshire. I really enjoyed getting to know Isabella and her country cousins, and of course the handsome local farmer Felix Furneaux!
I must admit I wasn’t too sure about Isabella in the beginning. She was quite snooty and definitely got off on the wrong foot with her extended family. Her uncle, aunty and cousins all welcomed her with open arms when her father sent her away from London, but she was rather cold and and stuck up. She refused to listen to their gentle hints on family matters, expecting her beau in London to come and rescue her. Little did she know that the train trip from London to Dawlish wasn’t the only journey she was going to find herself on. Isabella was about to discover who she was, and where she truly came from.
As the story progressed and as Isabella’s character developed I warmed to her and even ended up liking her, especially when she found her herself in some very interesting and amusing situations with the locals.
I loved reading about the daily workings of the violet farm, and the town of Dawlish sounded lovely. Isabella’s aunty, uncle and cousins were wonderful characters who would be great to have as relatives.
I’ve not read any books by Linda Finlay before and will certainly be on the look out for more by her. If you enjoy historical fiction full of like characters and family secrets, you’ll definitely love this.
Thanks so much to HQ for my complimentary copy.
I must admit I wasn’t too sure about Isabella in the beginning. She was quite snooty and definitely got off on the wrong foot with her extended family. Her uncle, aunty and cousins all welcomed her with open arms when her father sent her away from London, but she was rather cold and and stuck up. She refused to listen to their gentle hints on family matters, expecting her beau in London to come and rescue her. Little did she know that the train trip from London to Dawlish wasn’t the only journey she was going to find herself on. Isabella was about to discover who she was, and where she truly came from.
As the story progressed and as Isabella’s character developed I warmed to her and even ended up liking her, especially when she found her herself in some very interesting and amusing situations with the locals.
I loved reading about the daily workings of the violet farm, and the town of Dawlish sounded lovely. Isabella’s aunty, uncle and cousins were wonderful characters who would be great to have as relatives.
I’ve not read any books by Linda Finlay before and will certainly be on the look out for more by her. If you enjoy historical fiction full of like characters and family secrets, you’ll definitely love this.
Thanks so much to HQ for my complimentary copy.
December 21, 2023
The Flower Seller is a story set in 1892 and mainly takes place in Devon.
Isabella's upbringing in London is brought to an abrupt end when her father loses all his money. He sends her to stay with her aunt and uncle in Devon.
She is shocked to find that her relatives live on a small-holding and grow violets. Isabella is expected to join the rest of the family as they all work to grow and sell the flowers; this is a great cultural shock to her.
I enjoyed the setting and the lessons about violets which the author wrote easily into the narrative. Isabella was a little annoying at times with her blinkered outlook on life, but she evolved into a likable character.
Isabella's upbringing in London is brought to an abrupt end when her father loses all his money. He sends her to stay with her aunt and uncle in Devon.
She is shocked to find that her relatives live on a small-holding and grow violets. Isabella is expected to join the rest of the family as they all work to grow and sell the flowers; this is a great cultural shock to her.
I enjoyed the setting and the lessons about violets which the author wrote easily into the narrative. Isabella was a little annoying at times with her blinkered outlook on life, but she evolved into a likable character.
March 8, 2018
The Flower Seller by Linda Finlay is the most delightful historical novel that transports the reader to a quieter age.
The noise and bustle of London contrasts sharply with the peace of the Dawlish countryside. Anonymity is exchanged for neighbours who pull together. The reader delights in the sights, sounds and smells of the countryside. Reading is a pleasant assault on all senses due to the marvellous descriptions.
There is a gap between the haves and the have-nots. The reader watches as the heroine transforms from aloof to all-in.
Family is important. There is a wonderful warm atmosphere that encompasses the reader. The mother is the glue that holds the family together.
Neighbours help each other. They share what little they have. Their attitude contrasts sharply with the London businessmen who if they see a sinking ship, they jump. It is every man for himself.
Secrets destroy lives. Secrets need to be brought into the open and confronted. "Sometimes you need to revisit your past before you can move on to your future."
We are not responsible for the sins of our parents. We cannot alter who they were. We can only concentrate on our character.
The story is highly amusing with some very light hearted moments. The heroine is unaware of the local dialect or meanings of some phrases. This produces hilarity in the reader.
The technique of growing violets is imparted into the reader, showing that Linda Finlay has extensively researched.
The Flower Seller was a pure delight. I read it in just one sitting as I was unable to tear myself away from the action.
A wonderful read.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
The noise and bustle of London contrasts sharply with the peace of the Dawlish countryside. Anonymity is exchanged for neighbours who pull together. The reader delights in the sights, sounds and smells of the countryside. Reading is a pleasant assault on all senses due to the marvellous descriptions.
There is a gap between the haves and the have-nots. The reader watches as the heroine transforms from aloof to all-in.
Family is important. There is a wonderful warm atmosphere that encompasses the reader. The mother is the glue that holds the family together.
Neighbours help each other. They share what little they have. Their attitude contrasts sharply with the London businessmen who if they see a sinking ship, they jump. It is every man for himself.
Secrets destroy lives. Secrets need to be brought into the open and confronted. "Sometimes you need to revisit your past before you can move on to your future."
We are not responsible for the sins of our parents. We cannot alter who they were. We can only concentrate on our character.
The story is highly amusing with some very light hearted moments. The heroine is unaware of the local dialect or meanings of some phrases. This produces hilarity in the reader.
The technique of growing violets is imparted into the reader, showing that Linda Finlay has extensively researched.
The Flower Seller was a pure delight. I read it in just one sitting as I was unable to tear myself away from the action.
A wonderful read.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.
October 1, 2019
The focus in this story is less about the romance that eventually develops and more about the growing up of a young woman who is technically an adult but thinks and acts like a spoiled little kid. She spends 3/4 of the novel acting too stupid to live and I'm really having a hard time believing that a "well bred" woman from London would be so credulous as to believe every scammer and charlatan who crosses her path. Of course, by the end of the novel she has to be redeemed so she sews herself a new dress, gets her hands a little dirty a couple of times, and suddenly she's best pals with everyone in town and lives happily ever after. I felt like this started out with promise but it turned into a slog.
January 15, 2019
A good saga by an author I was not acquainted with. Will definitely be looking out for more books by her. A really good read
March 19, 2018
A Captivating West Country Family Saga
The Flower Seller is a fascinating story of a young woman’s descent from luxury to rural poverty after her beloved papa’s death. The openness and honesty of Isabella draws the reader in as they share her struggles to adjust to an alien lifestyle and family who at first she seems to have no common connection. Then the pace quickens and the pages turn as we want to know if she succeeds in turning her misfortunes around.
The story features another of Linda Finlay’s signature themes of old Devon crafts and wares – this time violet growing around Dawlish. As usual, the author’s talent for research is in evidence as her words, characters and dialect, bringing the world of Devonshire violet growers in the late nineteenth century to life. Light hearted moments between Isabelle and her cousin Dotty or the attractive business rival Felix are in sharp contrast with scenes of darkness and despair, snobbery and corruption.
This is a satisfying novel about a young woman’s rise to fulfillment and is just right for this year of celebration of one hundred years of woman’s suffrage.
Highly recommended.
The Flower Seller is a fascinating story of a young woman’s descent from luxury to rural poverty after her beloved papa’s death. The openness and honesty of Isabella draws the reader in as they share her struggles to adjust to an alien lifestyle and family who at first she seems to have no common connection. Then the pace quickens and the pages turn as we want to know if she succeeds in turning her misfortunes around.
The story features another of Linda Finlay’s signature themes of old Devon crafts and wares – this time violet growing around Dawlish. As usual, the author’s talent for research is in evidence as her words, characters and dialect, bringing the world of Devonshire violet growers in the late nineteenth century to life. Light hearted moments between Isabelle and her cousin Dotty or the attractive business rival Felix are in sharp contrast with scenes of darkness and despair, snobbery and corruption.
This is a satisfying novel about a young woman’s rise to fulfillment and is just right for this year of celebration of one hundred years of woman’s suffrage.
Highly recommended.
September 10, 2018
I loved everything about this book, it's beautiful cover, the lovely story and the wonderful escapism of being taken back to a different time.
Linda Finlay has such a great talent for writing that her descriptions make you feel that you can visualise the devon countryside and maybe even smell the violets!
It's the gentle tale of Isabella, who has to move from London to her Uncle's market garden in Devon.
Gentle, but never slow or dull as it swept me up from the first page and kept me there to the last.
Well deserved 5 stars.
Linda Finlay has such a great talent for writing that her descriptions make you feel that you can visualise the devon countryside and maybe even smell the violets!
It's the gentle tale of Isabella, who has to move from London to her Uncle's market garden in Devon.
Gentle, but never slow or dull as it swept me up from the first page and kept me there to the last.
Well deserved 5 stars.
August 8, 2018
Quite a charming story. Light-hearted tale of a girl finding herself in a new family. The only thing that bothered me, was when the main character had to be portrayed as a silly girl with no common sense. But after I gave it some thought, I realized that at least a couple of times I did some silly things at her age myself. So, yeah I can relate ;-D That is why I gave it five stars.
June 25, 2020
3.5 out of 5 stars
This was a book about growing up and the importance of family. Isabelle carrington has it all at the start and within a few pages she loses it all and goes to live with her uncle in Devon. Set in 1892 we go to two completely different worlds and it’s a book that grows in strength.
This was a book about growing up and the importance of family. Isabelle carrington has it all at the start and within a few pages she loses it all and goes to live with her uncle in Devon. Set in 1892 we go to two completely different worlds and it’s a book that grows in strength.
October 1, 2023
Isabella was sent away after her Father had sent her to her Uncle and Aunts for what she thought was for a short time, but unknown to her her Father was dying, and waiting for her betrothed Maxwell.
Then at her Father's funeral she saw Maxwell with a girl wrapped around him and said he didn't know her, she begins a new life with her Aunt and Uncle and meets Felix her rival and falls in lov e
Then at her Father's funeral she saw Maxwell with a girl wrapped around him and said he didn't know her, she begins a new life with her Aunt and Uncle and meets Felix her rival and falls in lov e
December 31, 2023
The pacing of this book felt very strange to me. I actually enjoyed the fact that it wasn’t completely centered around the main characters relationship with her love interest, however, the book feels advertised that it will be that way and I feel that it is a bit misleading. The book is interesting and you learn a lot about violets.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2021
Another wonderful story from Linda Finlay. Historical fiction at its best. Although I would have liked to have read more about the ‘Seance Sisters’. Maybe a sequel could be in the way? Lovely book which I would recommend along with all Linda Finlay’s others.
March 31, 2020
I finally got to read this book!! It was hard to get a copy of it as it is a UK book. I finished reading it on March 31, 2020. It definitely was an interesting read with some unexpected parts.
September 16, 2021
Amazing......
July 30, 2023
Flowers, family drama and love.. girl loses everything but gains it all.
February 5, 2025
4.5 loved this book so much, entertaining but in a lovely simple way. There's an enjoyable plot keeping you gripped without it being stressful and difficult. Would 100% recommend
August 8, 2018
Overall, a solid historical novel. A good riches-to-rags story with a strong female lead. This story was about Isabella overcoming her circumstances and settling into the new life thrust upon her.
December 21, 2024
Not sure where the tag 'best historical romance book of the year....' comes from, but a generally good read.
November 19, 2025
I'm not opposed to starting with a rather selfish silly character and leaving her room to grow throughout the book but I draw the line at her seeming absolutely moronic.
Isabella is a London socialite but her father loses his fortune and she's sent to her mother's family who live in the countryside growing violets (hence the cover, which is pretty glorious). Ofc, she's out of her depth in a far more modest and rural setting: her boots get torn to smithereens, her uncle isn't a fan of the delicate sandwiches she comes up with, she believes blue mice are a thing (apparently, they're another name for violets). It could've been pretty funny and enjoyable but the writing wasn't up to the task. None of the witty or funny passages managed to be... witty or funny.
There was sth about not making Isabella into a Badass character up from the start and letting her grow in empathy and understanding but it would have meant giving more room to character development. She goes through quite a lot (from riches to rags, her father dies, her fiancé jilts her...) but I didn't really care or see how it impacted her.
I don't think I was expecting too much but that author isn't for me.
Isabella is a London socialite but her father loses his fortune and she's sent to her mother's family who live in the countryside growing violets (hence the cover, which is pretty glorious). Ofc, she's out of her depth in a far more modest and rural setting: her boots get torn to smithereens, her uncle isn't a fan of the delicate sandwiches she comes up with, she believes blue mice are a thing (apparently, they're another name for violets). It could've been pretty funny and enjoyable but the writing wasn't up to the task. None of the witty or funny passages managed to be... witty or funny.
There was sth about not making Isabella into a Badass character up from the start and letting her grow in empathy and understanding but it would have meant giving more room to character development. She goes through quite a lot (from riches to rags, her father dies, her fiancé jilts her...) but I didn't really care or see how it impacted her.
I don't think I was expecting too much but that author isn't for me.
March 29, 2024
Wow. What an incredible story. Like nothing I’ve read and enjoyed so thoroughly before. A wonderful coming of age story and a definite read again.
I picked this gem up at an old rail way station in Scotland. Never thought it would be so good.
I picked this gem up at an old rail way station in Scotland. Never thought it would be so good.
August 4, 2025
This was pretty good. A nice, warm story about family and changing circumstances. Romance aspect didn't do much for me but a solid read nonetheless.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews