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Sunflower Street #1
Spring Shoots on Sunflower Street
Lila Edwards keeps to herself. Jilted on her wedding day by her fiancé, she has little interest in looking for love again. She spends most of her time hiding away in her cosy cottage, snuggling on the sofa with her two cats and trying to find the energy to invest in her online craft business.
Widower Ethan Morris has been drifting from job to job since he lost his wife, unable to commit to anything for long. He’s returned to Sunflower Street to stay with his ailing mother and is secretly glad to have an excuse to go home. His mother suggests that he puts his manual skills to good use by starting his own painting and decorating business.
The glorious spring sunshine reveals all the areas of Lila’s cottage that are in need of maintenance, as well as a good spring clean, and her friends suggest that she hires someone to do the work. At first, Lila is reluctant, having kept things the same since her fiancé left, but she has to admit that a fresh lick of paint on the walls and some more shelves for her books would be nice. When a flier advertising a new local painter and decorator lands on Lila’s doormat, it seems like fate has made the decision for her.
As Ethan works his magic on Lila’s cottage, and spring brings hope and renewal to Sunflower Street, is it possible that there could be a new beginning in store for Lila and Ethan too?
Widower Ethan Morris has been drifting from job to job since he lost his wife, unable to commit to anything for long. He’s returned to Sunflower Street to stay with his ailing mother and is secretly glad to have an excuse to go home. His mother suggests that he puts his manual skills to good use by starting his own painting and decorating business.
The glorious spring sunshine reveals all the areas of Lila’s cottage that are in need of maintenance, as well as a good spring clean, and her friends suggest that she hires someone to do the work. At first, Lila is reluctant, having kept things the same since her fiancé left, but she has to admit that a fresh lick of paint on the walls and some more shelves for her books would be nice. When a flier advertising a new local painter and decorator lands on Lila’s doormat, it seems like fate has made the decision for her.
As Ethan works his magic on Lila’s cottage, and spring brings hope and renewal to Sunflower Street, is it possible that there could be a new beginning in store for Lila and Ethan too?
144 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 28, 2020
292 people are currently reading
579 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Griffiths
49 books136 followersRachel Griffiths is an author, wife, mother, Earl Grey tea drinker, gin enthusiast, dog walker and fan of the afternoon nap. She loves to read, write and spend time with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
May 27, 2020
Book reviewed on www.whisperingstories.com
Spring Shoots on Sunflower Street is a lovely moving love story after past tragedies, for the two main characters Lila and Ethan.
The book starts strong as we meet Lila’s friend Roxie trying to get her to open her front door. Roxie is determined to get Lila back into the real world, instead of hiding on her sofa with her cats after she was jilted on her wedding day.
We also meet the other main character, widower Ethan, who too has been struggling in the past year with his life and has returned to his childhood home, and his sick mother to look after her.
I felt the author was able to portray the heartache, emotions, and grief throughout this beautiful story in a realistic manner. I smiled and cried whilst reading this book and it certainly touched me.
My favourite character has to be Ethan. My heart went out to him as he had to pick up and start again with life. The author made this so real for me.
A definite page-turner, not for thrills and spills but everyday life with its ups and downs. I loved the description of Sunflower Street and the local area, which I could visualise perfectly, pity it is all a work of fiction!
I loved the length of this book which can be easily read in just one or a couple of sittings. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and now look forward to reading more from author Rachel Griffiths, especially book two. I will definitely be recommending this to family and friends and to anyone who loves to read everyday life, love, and new beginnings tales.
Spring Shoots on Sunflower Street is a lovely moving love story after past tragedies, for the two main characters Lila and Ethan.
The book starts strong as we meet Lila’s friend Roxie trying to get her to open her front door. Roxie is determined to get Lila back into the real world, instead of hiding on her sofa with her cats after she was jilted on her wedding day.
We also meet the other main character, widower Ethan, who too has been struggling in the past year with his life and has returned to his childhood home, and his sick mother to look after her.
I felt the author was able to portray the heartache, emotions, and grief throughout this beautiful story in a realistic manner. I smiled and cried whilst reading this book and it certainly touched me.
My favourite character has to be Ethan. My heart went out to him as he had to pick up and start again with life. The author made this so real for me.
A definite page-turner, not for thrills and spills but everyday life with its ups and downs. I loved the description of Sunflower Street and the local area, which I could visualise perfectly, pity it is all a work of fiction!
I loved the length of this book which can be easily read in just one or a couple of sittings. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and now look forward to reading more from author Rachel Griffiths, especially book two. I will definitely be recommending this to family and friends and to anyone who loves to read everyday life, love, and new beginnings tales.
March 13, 2020
This may have been a quick read but my word it was brilliant I couldn’t put it down. So heartwarming and full of moving forward and finding love again. Also about friendship and being happy. Characters are brilliant and you just get hooked into it straight away. Lila thought she had everything with her boyfriend and getting married but when he leaves her she is so upset she doesn’t want to do anything in life and can’t see a way forward again. Then there it Ethan has lost his wife after being ill and he decides to move back home to help his mum and see how his life takes him. He decides to start decorating and doing odd jobs and he puts leaflets through people’s doors and when Lila sees it her friends say it would be perfect as would give her a focus to do the house up so she gets a quote and he starts work at hers. They both are upset and can support each other and who knows where it will take them. But when she kisses him and he reacts in a way she wasn’t expecting can they be friends again or not.
October 1, 2020
A lovely enjoyable read about Lila who has been jilted right before her wedding and Ethan who is grieving after the loss of his wife.
A beautiful story of friendship love and happiness.
A beautiful story of friendship love and happiness.
November 1, 2020
This was a really quick read got it done in about 40 minutes now going onto the second book so this story starts with Lila who was left at the altar by her fiancé Ben he is now coming to terms about the relationship and now thinks that he never did love her this book follows two characters Lila and Ethan he has come back home to look after his mum who isn't feeling so good he has also just lost his partner to cancer and he is trying to get his head around everything what happened and how to start his new life if if in sunflower Street the two meet when Lila bumps into Ethan and even drops the eggs that he was taking her to his mother to make omelettes but at first sight Ethan wants to know everything about her
It was so funny when Joanne farted in the face of their yoga teacher lol sooooo funny
It was so funny when Joanne farted in the face of their yoga teacher lol sooooo funny
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 20, 2020
really enjoyed this one can't wait to start next one
February 16, 2024
Very good story about people surviving grief and starting over. Ethan lost his wife to cancer. He's been a wreck ever since but his mum isn't well so he sells his house and returns home to stay with his mum and take care of her. Lila was left standing at the alter on her wedding day. She's spent several months in a downward spiral of depression. Her best friend decides enough is enough and takes Lila in hand getting her cleaned up and then helping her get her life back together - beginning with clearing out her home. Ethan decides he needs to work and takes his mum's advice to start his own business as a handyman. At the same time Lila decides it's time to give her home a little TLC - some patch and paint work. Lila and Ethan end up spending quite a bit of time together as he fixes her place up and develop a friendship with frightening sparks igniting between the two of them. Each wonders if they're ready.
August 16, 2025
If I were to evaluate it strictly as a novel or novella, it would be less than ordinary—predictable, quick, and offering nothing new. But what made it enjoyable for me is that, even before I started reading, I already expected—or rather felt—that I would see the whole series as episodes of a light, cozy autumn TV show set in a small village where everyone knows each other, and the story revolves around their everyday lives and simple details. I think holding on to that idea is the only thing that will keep me going with the series.
March 30, 2020
Book review
Amazing story and funny.at times I found myself wanting to shout in places as I longed for a happy ending for Ethan and lila.well written story
Amazing story and funny.at times I found myself wanting to shout in places as I longed for a happy ending for Ethan and lila.well written story
May 5, 2020
A nice quick story, loved it
August 26, 2021
4.5 Stars- this book was short but so sweet!
March 11, 2023
A lovely heartwarming story, with a new love interest. 4☆
March 15, 2020
A touching story.
I love Rachel Griffiths books they are so uplifting and this one is no exception. I can't wait for the next one to be published.
I love Rachel Griffiths books they are so uplifting and this one is no exception. I can't wait for the next one to be published.
February 29, 2020
I was so looking forward to reading this book that I had it pre-ordered so I could get it as soon as possible!
Lila Edwards lives in Sunflower Street and loves her cottage but it needs a bit of freshening up; Ethan Morris has recently moved back to the area and sets up his new handyman business just in time for Lila to be his first customer. Both of them have baggage (and then some!), so they begin by tiptoeing around each other ... can they be friends or perhaps even more?
This is such a lovely read! Rachel Griffiths was one of the very first authors to offer me an arc when I began blogging; I adored that first book and have relished everything she has written since then. Spring Shoots on Sunflower Street heralds a new series and it promised to be everything I expect it to be - warm, empathetic, magical, entertaining and providing a wonderful warm glow to the reader. The writing flows smoothly and makes for such an easy read, and the cover is just perfect given the content! I'm so looking forward to the rest of this series and cannot recommend this enough. A full five sparkling stars!
I bought this book myself; this is - as always - my honest, original and unbiased review.
Lila Edwards lives in Sunflower Street and loves her cottage but it needs a bit of freshening up; Ethan Morris has recently moved back to the area and sets up his new handyman business just in time for Lila to be his first customer. Both of them have baggage (and then some!), so they begin by tiptoeing around each other ... can they be friends or perhaps even more?
This is such a lovely read! Rachel Griffiths was one of the very first authors to offer me an arc when I began blogging; I adored that first book and have relished everything she has written since then. Spring Shoots on Sunflower Street heralds a new series and it promised to be everything I expect it to be - warm, empathetic, magical, entertaining and providing a wonderful warm glow to the reader. The writing flows smoothly and makes for such an easy read, and the cover is just perfect given the content! I'm so looking forward to the rest of this series and cannot recommend this enough. A full five sparkling stars!
I bought this book myself; this is - as always - my honest, original and unbiased review.
March 3, 2020
Such a heartwarming story, characters that you completely love and take to your heart. Both Lilia and Ethan have difficult and heartbreaking pasts, you just want to see them recover and move on.
Fabulous community feel too, you really feel like you are there with the gorgeous descriptions of the place and people. I really enjoy the gentle writing style of this author.
Looking forward to reading more from this series.
Fabulous community feel too, you really feel like you are there with the gorgeous descriptions of the place and people. I really enjoy the gentle writing style of this author.
Looking forward to reading more from this series.
March 2, 2020
Wow
Just finished spring shoots on sunflower street. What can I say!!!!! A wonderful book, absolutely..heart reaching, sure... full of laughter and happiness, yea.. so thankyou racheal for yet another fabulous book can’t wait for the follow on books hope we don’t have long to wait
Just finished spring shoots on sunflower street. What can I say!!!!! A wonderful book, absolutely..heart reaching, sure... full of laughter and happiness, yea.. so thankyou racheal for yet another fabulous book can’t wait for the follow on books hope we don’t have long to wait
April 2, 2020
If you are looking for a light hearted and sweet uplifting story then look no further! Spring Shoots on Sunflower Street is exactly what I needed to read after struggling to concentrate and read for any length of time. With this being a short story it really was the perfect way to keep my attention!
What can I say, I loved getting to know both Lila and Ethan. Especially seeing the way their friendship grew along with a wonderful simmering chemistry that builds the more time they spend together. Both Lila and Ethan find themselves single albeit through different circumstances and you get to see how the attraction between them comes as a complete surprise. Ethan’s back story especially brought a lump to my throat and even some tears. Rachel Griffiths wrote Ethan’s part with a lot of heart and gave this book an extra depth that made it extra special.
The themes of friendship, new beginnings and love are at the heart of this book. It all combined to create a wonderfully heartwarming story that had me smiling away to myself. Which at the moment is just what I needed! There really was such a warm and very loveable feeling to this story. Let’s just say that if the next book in the series is anything like this one then I will be in for a gorgeous treat!
What can I say, I loved getting to know both Lila and Ethan. Especially seeing the way their friendship grew along with a wonderful simmering chemistry that builds the more time they spend together. Both Lila and Ethan find themselves single albeit through different circumstances and you get to see how the attraction between them comes as a complete surprise. Ethan’s back story especially brought a lump to my throat and even some tears. Rachel Griffiths wrote Ethan’s part with a lot of heart and gave this book an extra depth that made it extra special.
The themes of friendship, new beginnings and love are at the heart of this book. It all combined to create a wonderfully heartwarming story that had me smiling away to myself. Which at the moment is just what I needed! There really was such a warm and very loveable feeling to this story. Let’s just say that if the next book in the series is anything like this one then I will be in for a gorgeous treat!
September 16, 2021
Full review:
https://clife.blog/2021/07/28/bookclu...
This novel was quite a lovely and quick read. I found myself itching to read more of it as it was quite soothing and gently written. It’s one of those pick-me-ups that quickly progressed.
Both the main character Lila and Ethan are in a similar chapter in their lives where they are experiencing pain and are looking for the next chapter to rebuild their futures, together as we already know where this story is heading.
Overall it was a great read and just what was needed to finish a novel.
4/5 Stars
https://clife.blog/2021/07/28/bookclu...
This novel was quite a lovely and quick read. I found myself itching to read more of it as it was quite soothing and gently written. It’s one of those pick-me-ups that quickly progressed.
Both the main character Lila and Ethan are in a similar chapter in their lives where they are experiencing pain and are looking for the next chapter to rebuild their futures, together as we already know where this story is heading.
Overall it was a great read and just what was needed to finish a novel.
4/5 Stars
August 26, 2025
I enjoyed this book, just a short one but a lovely read. Sad at parts and touching and funny in others.
The yoga scene had me laughing so much!!!
The characters are all so likeable (apart from Ben!) and I was hooked from the first page.
I’m eager to start book 2 to explore Roxie’s story next.
With 18 books (so far?) I’m hoping the future books will continue to add more developments to the first one.
The yoga scene had me laughing so much!!!
The characters are all so likeable (apart from Ben!) and I was hooked from the first page.
I’m eager to start book 2 to explore Roxie’s story next.
With 18 books (so far?) I’m hoping the future books will continue to add more developments to the first one.
June 24, 2020
Very uplifting story
Absolutely loved this story and the way it is written. I do find the books by this author very easy to read and great to get into the individual characters. A full 5/5 stars for me and I will certainly get the next instalment in this series.
It's just a great read and pure escapism into a different world.
Absolutely loved this story and the way it is written. I do find the books by this author very easy to read and great to get into the individual characters. A full 5/5 stars for me and I will certainly get the next instalment in this series.
It's just a great read and pure escapism into a different world.
August 22, 2021
A Delightful Read
Loved how the story flowed. Loved the characters. So true to life situations. How one can heal from life’s hurt. How there.is always hope in the future. The friendships that help through the pain of loss and sadness. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a happy ending. A feel-good story. Excellently written.
Loved how the story flowed. Loved the characters. So true to life situations. How one can heal from life’s hurt. How there.is always hope in the future. The friendships that help through the pain of loss and sadness. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a happy ending. A feel-good story. Excellently written.
November 9, 2022
4.5 Stars
Spring Shoots on Sunflower Street is a fantastic start to the Sunflower Street series and is one heck of an emotion packed book. Confession time:- I bought the entire series (so far) before I started this one so I'm extremely relieved that this paid off as I've bought nearly an entire 30+ book series before and hated the first one!!!! Anyways, I'm off to read book 2!!
Spring Shoots on Sunflower Street is a fantastic start to the Sunflower Street series and is one heck of an emotion packed book. Confession time:- I bought the entire series (so far) before I started this one so I'm extremely relieved that this paid off as I've bought nearly an entire 30+ book series before and hated the first one!!!! Anyways, I'm off to read book 2!!
May 25, 2020
Beautiful, sunny, uplifting novella. The book centres around recently jilted Lila Edwards & widower Ethan Morris on their journey to finding happiness & putting the past behind them. Looking forward to the next sunny installment 🌻
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2020
I loved this book. It was an easy read with a feel good factor and it was nice and short so didnt drag on. I loved lila and taking that journey with her and her friends seem so lovely.
I also loved the names of the cats they did make me laugh a little.
I also loved the names of the cats they did make me laugh a little.
January 15, 2022
It's...cute. The writing style is not the best but overall it's a good start to the series. I already bought the rest of the series and hope that the relationship between Lila and Ethan is fleshed out more in the following books and that the stores of her friends are expanded.
February 1, 2022
Read this short book quickly and it left me wanting more. I loved Lila and Ethan’s story of how they both thought they weren’t ready to move on but they were so obviously right for one another. Sunflower Street is a great location and I am looking forward to reading more about this community.
December 20, 2022
Fantastic read
I Have thoroughly enjoyed reading about lola ethan roxy and the others in this book it was a very good book. Im now off to read book 2 and then continue till i reach book 11
I Have thoroughly enjoyed reading about lola ethan roxy and the others in this book it was a very good book. Im now off to read book 2 and then continue till i reach book 11
April 26, 2025
Lovely
I absolutely love the Sunflower Street series. They are just the perfect read, with wonderful characters that you grow so attached to and not to mention the beautiful scenery.
I absolutely love the Sunflower Street series. They are just the perfect read, with wonderful characters that you grow so attached to and not to mention the beautiful scenery.
June 3, 2025
This was a really sweet book! It wasn't a typical romance like I was expecting, but it was slow and kind and very suited to Springtime.
I did find myself wanting to read on and I do think I'll look for the next book in the series so that's always a good sign!
I did find myself wanting to read on and I do think I'll look for the next book in the series so that's always a good sign!
April 18, 2020
Quick read but very interesting. I wish it went on longer
April 23, 2020
Book review
This book was entertaining and caught my attention at a time when things are unusual and for that I am grateful.
This book was entertaining and caught my attention at a time when things are unusual and for that I am grateful.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews