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How to Kiss a Flower Girl
"One for sorrow, two for joy. Three for a Flower Girl, four for a boy. Five for their lips, painted red. Six for their kisses, which kill you dead.”
The de la Fleur women have always had bad experiences with men. That is to say, the men that they fall in love with always end up dying. Lux's great-grandfather was found with a dozen miniature roses blooming in his lungs; her father was discovered dead in Providence with traces of nightshade in his bloodstream.
Because of this, her aunts were known throughout town as the Flower Girls, wild and beautiful and deadly. To upset them meant that you would have horrible abdominal pain and hallucinations from foxglove that mysteriously ended up in your nighttime tea. To mistreat them or harm them in any way meant poison ivy rashes and withered gardens and never being able to eat blackberries again without them tasting of dirt.
Unlike her late grandmother, who met the love of her life when she was fifteen, or her Aunt Perrie, who falls head over heels for some man or another at least three times a week, Lux is not particularly interested in love. That is, until she meets Ari Decoteau.
When Lux moves back into the house at the end of Coquelicot Lane, the house where everything happened, she will have to unravel the past if she has any hope of saving her future.
The de la Fleur women have always had bad experiences with men. That is to say, the men that they fall in love with always end up dying. Lux's great-grandfather was found with a dozen miniature roses blooming in his lungs; her father was discovered dead in Providence with traces of nightshade in his bloodstream.
Because of this, her aunts were known throughout town as the Flower Girls, wild and beautiful and deadly. To upset them meant that you would have horrible abdominal pain and hallucinations from foxglove that mysteriously ended up in your nighttime tea. To mistreat them or harm them in any way meant poison ivy rashes and withered gardens and never being able to eat blackberries again without them tasting of dirt.
Unlike her late grandmother, who met the love of her life when she was fifteen, or her Aunt Perrie, who falls head over heels for some man or another at least three times a week, Lux is not particularly interested in love. That is, until she meets Ari Decoteau.
When Lux moves back into the house at the end of Coquelicot Lane, the house where everything happened, she will have to unravel the past if she has any hope of saving her future.
269 pages, Paperback
Published October 31, 2017
3 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 28, 2018
I don’t even know where I came across this book, but after reading the description I was sold. Most of YA I’ve read so far were written by people approximately ten (or more) years older than their characters - Cannon is much closer to her MC, but the story doesn’t feel like she’s trying to live her fantasy through her character as is he case of many young writers. The romance in this book feels realistic and natural - it’s beautiful and gentle and a little bit awkward. The way Cannon portrays the fantasy stuff reminded me of Neil Gaiman - everyone just accepts the weird things as their everyday reality and no one bats an eye, not even the newcomers. In the beginning, Lux says her aunts describe her as peculiar and I think this word is perfect for the ambiance of the whole book.
I liked how Lux’s reality and her dreams sometimes mixed up. It could be a bit confusing, though, especially when the narrative suddenly changed from first person to third. But I enjoyed the chapters telling the story of Lux’s family. The ever-present flowers add some dream-like feeling to the story (and I had to google most of them) and the occasional French fits into the romantic mood.
For once, the bullying in this book didn’t seem over the top - it was there because people are jerks and can’t cope with differences, but Lux still manages to have a best friend (and Hadley is such a great character, I loved everything about her), a supportive family (which was not a traditional one, but not a single bit dysfunctional) and a love interest who doesn’t give a damn about her being a Flower Girl, so there’s no unnecessary angst. There was also a sexual assault and thank god it wasn’t just played for drama (although, the lack of trauma afterwards was weird). The perp is a poster child for an entitled fuckboy and it was very satisfying to read how Lux’s Flower Girl powers protected her. And her aunts’ reaction was genuine and sweet.
The way the house was portrayed was very new for me - I’ve always read haunted houses as malicious or fiercely protective - this one just doesn’t really know how to do what it wants to do. The reveal of Magnolia’s story was heartbreaking, but it explained everything about the house. The Flower Girls powers fit with it so well it’s no surprise that Clémence felt right at home there.
I really liked how Lux wasn’t defined just by her powers and feelings for Ari, all relationships were important to her - with Hadley, with her aunts, with Nuna… It was also nice to read about MC who has special powers but doesn’t have to save the world or be a hero. Lux was just living her life and even as she were uncovering the house’s secret, she was still allowed to be seventeen year old girl falling in love for the first time (I also really appreciate that Lux and Ari aren’t treated like the endgame and don’t make speeches about the other person being their sole reason to live).
I can’t wait for Cannon’s next book.
I liked how Lux’s reality and her dreams sometimes mixed up. It could be a bit confusing, though, especially when the narrative suddenly changed from first person to third. But I enjoyed the chapters telling the story of Lux’s family. The ever-present flowers add some dream-like feeling to the story (and I had to google most of them) and the occasional French fits into the romantic mood.
For once, the bullying in this book didn’t seem over the top - it was there because people are jerks and can’t cope with differences, but Lux still manages to have a best friend (and Hadley is such a great character, I loved everything about her), a supportive family (which was not a traditional one, but not a single bit dysfunctional) and a love interest who doesn’t give a damn about her being a Flower Girl, so there’s no unnecessary angst. There was also a sexual assault and thank god it wasn’t just played for drama (although, the lack of trauma afterwards was weird). The perp is a poster child for an entitled fuckboy and it was very satisfying to read how Lux’s Flower Girl powers protected her. And her aunts’ reaction was genuine and sweet.
The way the house was portrayed was very new for me - I’ve always read haunted houses as malicious or fiercely protective - this one just doesn’t really know how to do what it wants to do. The reveal of Magnolia’s story was heartbreaking, but it explained everything about the house. The Flower Girls powers fit with it so well it’s no surprise that Clémence felt right at home there.
I really liked how Lux wasn’t defined just by her powers and feelings for Ari, all relationships were important to her - with Hadley, with her aunts, with Nuna… It was also nice to read about MC who has special powers but doesn’t have to save the world or be a hero. Lux was just living her life and even as she were uncovering the house’s secret, she was still allowed to be seventeen year old girl falling in love for the first time (I also really appreciate that Lux and Ari aren’t treated like the endgame and don’t make speeches about the other person being their sole reason to live).
I can’t wait for Cannon’s next book.
November 3, 2017
This is a book that a reader can get lost in from the first page. The de la Fleur "Flower Girls" have been a mysterious fixture in the town of Esterview for generations, and the house at the end of Coquelicot Lane they live in is as beautiful and fragrant as the stories it keeps safe.
Take a break to enjoy a thoughtfully written Young Adult book with both heart and mystery. It touches on all the angst and confusion high schoolers experience as they find their way through first love and family drama.
Can't wait to read more from this first-item author with a unique voice on the Young Adult Lit scene.
Take a break to enjoy a thoughtfully written Young Adult book with both heart and mystery. It touches on all the angst and confusion high schoolers experience as they find their way through first love and family drama.
Can't wait to read more from this first-item author with a unique voice on the Young Adult Lit scene.
October 17, 2024
Kennedy Cannon deserves to be a famous & widely acclaimed author because her work never ceases to amaze me, she is a powerhouse storyteller, and a once in a lifetime talent.
This book is like Practical Magic but better. A beautiful story of sisters, powerful matriarchal homes, small town mysteries, young love, and standing up to the darkness and violence of men while also healing ancestral trauma.
I adored it, I adore all of Kennedy’s work & cannot recommend her stories enough.
This book is like Practical Magic but better. A beautiful story of sisters, powerful matriarchal homes, small town mysteries, young love, and standing up to the darkness and violence of men while also healing ancestral trauma.
I adored it, I adore all of Kennedy’s work & cannot recommend her stories enough.
January 20, 2024
love a book that incorporates whimsical events that everyone accepts as normal/somewhat magical realism, and the last page was perfect to wrap this up nicely. glad i finally grabbed this off my bookshelf after like 5 years!
December 2, 2017
BEAUTIFUL. Great romance, great family element, great storytelling. Support this lovely indie author because she is a fantastic writer and person!!!
dnf
May 15, 2025dnf @ 20% i just don't care enough
October 13, 2025
Kennedy you masterful mind
September 12, 2018
If I'm being totally honest, certain elements of this story felt like a pale imitation of what The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender by Leslye Walton succeeded with: the French familial links especially.
The plot was OK, I did like the idea of the house itself protecting the de la Fleur women, but I couldn't help wanting more from the narrative. There should've been more going on throughout. It was as if the book meandered its way to the ending. My least favourite thing was the writing style. There were quite a few phrases that didn't really mean anything and were clearly there to make the narrative sound whimsical and unique. I'm thinking of lines such as: "I felt dead inside. I guess that was because you couldn't water flowers with cheap Rose." I know this is the kind of language often revered in YA publishing, as it comes across as edgy and unique, but if I were to sum it up I'd go with fake-deep.
Lux herself was pretty bland, and didn't seem to really do anything except develop a crush and lament her status as a so-called 'Flower-girl'. In fact, I couldn't really connect with any of the characters, as they all felt to detached from reality, almost like caricatures. I feel as though any symbolism or meaning that the novel meant to convey was only surface-deep.
Truth be told, there were elements of the story I'd rate much higher than 2 stars (e.g. the friendship between Lux and Hadley, the imagery of Ari's backpack becoming entwined with flowers.) However, I feel like there's also no point in skating over negatives. I've tried to be critical in a way that'll encourage progression, and hope that is how it comes across.
The plot was OK, I did like the idea of the house itself protecting the de la Fleur women, but I couldn't help wanting more from the narrative. There should've been more going on throughout. It was as if the book meandered its way to the ending. My least favourite thing was the writing style. There were quite a few phrases that didn't really mean anything and were clearly there to make the narrative sound whimsical and unique. I'm thinking of lines such as: "I felt dead inside. I guess that was because you couldn't water flowers with cheap Rose." I know this is the kind of language often revered in YA publishing, as it comes across as edgy and unique, but if I were to sum it up I'd go with fake-deep.
Lux herself was pretty bland, and didn't seem to really do anything except develop a crush and lament her status as a so-called 'Flower-girl'. In fact, I couldn't really connect with any of the characters, as they all felt to detached from reality, almost like caricatures. I feel as though any symbolism or meaning that the novel meant to convey was only surface-deep.
Truth be told, there were elements of the story I'd rate much higher than 2 stars (e.g. the friendship between Lux and Hadley, the imagery of Ari's backpack becoming entwined with flowers.) However, I feel like there's also no point in skating over negatives. I've tried to be critical in a way that'll encourage progression, and hope that is how it comes across.
July 2, 2018
I received this book as a gift from someone, and I'm very grateful for it, because otherwise I probably never would have picked it up (since it's difficult to come by in my country)! The synopsis really intrigued me, as it was very mysterious and a little vague (in a positive way!) Though I do have a few issues with it, I'm so glad that I got to read this story!
I really liked the romance in the story, it was very realistic and natural and not at all overwhelming! It wasn't like the whole book was about the romance, and I really appreciated that. The story was a beautiful combination, perfectly balanced, of heart and mystery. The haunted house was so different from any other mystery books I've read. The author didn't press too hard on the mystery that surrounded the house, but I was still very curious what was going on with the house and the Flower Girls.
Like I said, I did have a few issues with the story. I didn't really like how the chapters about Lux' dreams and the reality were interwoven, because I found it difficult to separate them. And I experienced some trouble getting in to the story. I thought during approximately a third of the book, that I didn't really know what I was reading, the story didn't really grab me yet. But that changed. I found myself literally on the end of my seat from the second half and onward, and then I actually finished the book in one sitting!
So overall I really enjoyed the book, and Magnolia's story was just heartbreaking. But really...
I really recommend you to read this book if you haven't yet and if you like romance and mystery!
I really liked the romance in the story, it was very realistic and natural and not at all overwhelming! It wasn't like the whole book was about the romance, and I really appreciated that. The story was a beautiful combination, perfectly balanced, of heart and mystery. The haunted house was so different from any other mystery books I've read. The author didn't press too hard on the mystery that surrounded the house, but I was still very curious what was going on with the house and the Flower Girls.
Like I said, I did have a few issues with the story. I didn't really like how the chapters about Lux' dreams and the reality were interwoven, because I found it difficult to separate them. And I experienced some trouble getting in to the story. I thought during approximately a third of the book, that I didn't really know what I was reading, the story didn't really grab me yet. But that changed. I found myself literally on the end of my seat from the second half and onward, and then I actually finished the book in one sitting!
So overall I really enjoyed the book, and Magnolia's story was just heartbreaking. But really...
I really recommend you to read this book if you haven't yet and if you like romance and mystery!
December 30, 2017
The characters were written great, I normally am a little critical when authors write a lot of memories or "flashbacks" but Cannon did an amazing job with making me want to know more back story from them all!
I came into this book expecting it to be similar to the movie Practical Magic (a favorite of mine) and it was a little at first but by the middle of the book I wasn't even comparing the two anymore because I was so engrossed in the story!
I would love it if there was a sequel maybe with Hadley as the main character just so I could read more about her, Lux, Ari, and the aunts.
I really liked how the ending was too because it wrapped up so happily and I only like happy endings lol sad ones or open endings make me so mad!
I can't wait to read more books from Kennedy Cannon in the future!
I came into this book expecting it to be similar to the movie Practical Magic (a favorite of mine) and it was a little at first but by the middle of the book I wasn't even comparing the two anymore because I was so engrossed in the story!
I would love it if there was a sequel maybe with Hadley as the main character just so I could read more about her, Lux, Ari, and the aunts.
I really liked how the ending was too because it wrapped up so happily and I only like happy endings lol sad ones or open endings make me so mad!
I can't wait to read more books from Kennedy Cannon in the future!
January 12, 2026
Beautiful writing style. Love how the main character works her way through family trauma in this YA mystery / romance. Can’t wait to read more of Kennedy Cannon’s books!
———
“It was only a minute later when I thought back that I realized that the face in the mirror hadn’t been my own.” (13)
“She was as beautiful and seemingly delicate as a rose - and with the thorns to match.” (31)
“If there was one thing she did like about spring, it was that she would no longer have to worry about people tracking slush onto the carpets in the library.” (140)
“It was a weight that I’d been carrying for so long, I’d forgotten it was there.” (253)
“Just this once, I want to be selfish. Because without you, there’s no point.” (265)
———
“It was only a minute later when I thought back that I realized that the face in the mirror hadn’t been my own.” (13)
“She was as beautiful and seemingly delicate as a rose - and with the thorns to match.” (31)
“If there was one thing she did like about spring, it was that she would no longer have to worry about people tracking slush onto the carpets in the library.” (140)
“It was a weight that I’d been carrying for so long, I’d forgotten it was there.” (253)
“Just this once, I want to be selfish. Because without you, there’s no point.” (265)
December 29, 2017
How to Kiss a Flower Girl (and live) was one of those books you couldn’t put down, where the characters felt like they’d leap off the page, and where you told yourself “just one more chapter” but ended up reading 4 more. This book helped me get out of my reading slump, which I am so grateful for. It was an enchanting read with interesting, beautiful, and detailed mythology. Looking forward now to more books by Kennedy Cannon.
February 8, 2019
Wonderful
I love reading and recently I’ve been in a sort of rut and no book has been able to capture my attention until this book. I loved the story. I love the characters. It took everything I had to not call in sick to work so I could just stay home and read this book.
I love reading and recently I’ve been in a sort of rut and no book has been able to capture my attention until this book. I loved the story. I love the characters. It took everything I had to not call in sick to work so I could just stay home and read this book.
October 29, 2025
Cute & Suspenseful
Reminiscent of Practical Magic but unique enough on its own. Characters are quirky and interesting, though I would have liked to know more about the Aunt that felt something was off… there is no closure there. But a good easy read, nonetheless.
Reminiscent of Practical Magic but unique enough on its own. Characters are quirky and interesting, though I would have liked to know more about the Aunt that felt something was off… there is no closure there. But a good easy read, nonetheless.
June 8, 2018
This was a lovely read! I loved the romance, the Practical Magic vibes, the whimsy, and suspense. A wonderful debut!
March 23, 2022
DNF @ pg. 140
This one never clicked for me. I love this author's style/immersive descriptions, but this story never hooked me.
This one never clicked for me. I love this author's style/immersive descriptions, but this story never hooked me.
October 31, 2017
I received this ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Short and Sweet: If you want something that will keep you fascinated with it’s beautiful writing and enthralling story line, read this.
—
I’m always a little nervous when I read an ARC. Even more so when the author of the book is someone I’m friends with on Twitter.
Anxiety FTW.
However, I literally had nothing to worry about with this book. It. Was. Amazing!
Because I started reading this while deep into a reading slump, thanks to the worst book that’s ever been published, it took me way longer than necessary to actually finish it. But once I finally sat down and read it, it completely captured my attention. The writing was beautiful and the story kept me continuously excited to read the next page.
My favorite part, though, had to be the characters. I absolutely adored Lux and her aunts and Ari and Hadely and Ina and everyone!
Except Levi, that fucker can burn…
Anyways…
How To Kiss A Flower Girl was a wonderful story that made every character seem real, made their histories feel like it actually happened. It made me want to know more and more about them. By the time the book had ended, my jaw was basically on the floor because of how wonderful the story came together at the end.
If you liked The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender, read this…
It’s better.
But seriously, Kennedy is an extremely talented author and I’m looking forward to reading more from her if she publishes more in the future.
Go check it out, go follow her on Twitter (she’s hilarious) and love this book because it deserves it.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews