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Hometown Holiday Heartstrings #1
The Trouble with Tulips
He prefers plants to people. She’s a black thumb. Can love bloom?
Kim is stagnating in her hometown, like a dying flower. When her mother asks her to create a flower garden to enter into a local competition, Kim decides it’ll be her last big hurrah before skipping town for a new start. But with her wilted gardening skills, she can’t pull it off alone, especially since her mom wants tulips. The only person who might be able to help is her brother’s best friend. Trouble is, she’s liked him for years despite his prickly personality, and he never noticed.
Jake has met with a lot of loss in life. The only thing he can keep alive is a plant. Besides his friend Dusty, Jake has no use for anyone, including God. So when Dusty’s sister asks him for help, he turns her down flat—until he realizes he needs her help, too. Trading tulips and time for business advice, Jake finds there’s more to Kim than he’s ever noticed before. Too bad the only way to keep her safe is to keep her out of his heart.
When things get weedy, Kim must decide whether to dig in her roots or move on. Can Jake trust that God is enough to bridge the distance between the pain in the past and the promise of the future?
Kim is stagnating in her hometown, like a dying flower. When her mother asks her to create a flower garden to enter into a local competition, Kim decides it’ll be her last big hurrah before skipping town for a new start. But with her wilted gardening skills, she can’t pull it off alone, especially since her mom wants tulips. The only person who might be able to help is her brother’s best friend. Trouble is, she’s liked him for years despite his prickly personality, and he never noticed.
Jake has met with a lot of loss in life. The only thing he can keep alive is a plant. Besides his friend Dusty, Jake has no use for anyone, including God. So when Dusty’s sister asks him for help, he turns her down flat—until he realizes he needs her help, too. Trading tulips and time for business advice, Jake finds there’s more to Kim than he’s ever noticed before. Too bad the only way to keep her safe is to keep her out of his heart.
When things get weedy, Kim must decide whether to dig in her roots or move on. Can Jake trust that God is enough to bridge the distance between the pain in the past and the promise of the future?
144 pages, ebook
Published May 22, 2020
92 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
August 9, 2021
I read this book and so can you. It’s a book that has flowers and romance too.
June 23, 2020
This is the first book I’ve read by Emily Dana Botrous, and I really enjoyed this story. The characters are well developed, dynamic and relatable. They experience raw pain, and they are challenged and show growth through the progression of the story. The author seamless tucked in important nuggets of faith and encouragement, without coming across as preaching. It really gives the reader something to walk away with and digest further. The story continued to move forward at a good pace without any drawn out scenes, each one was carefully and methodically crafted. The descriptions were vivid and brought me into the story so that I felt like I was right there with the characters.
The writing was fantastic and I was pulled right into the story and kept there the entire time! I would happily read more stories from this author, and I encourage anyone who enjoys reading Christian Contemporary Fiction to pick up this book and give this author a try!
(I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)
The writing was fantastic and I was pulled right into the story and kept there the entire time! I would happily read more stories from this author, and I encourage anyone who enjoys reading Christian Contemporary Fiction to pick up this book and give this author a try!
(I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including Netgalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own.)
June 2, 2020
I really enjoyed this book and will be looking for more by this author. The characters were relatable, the plot interesting, the storytelling well-done.
I like how Kim refuses to give up on Jake, even when he exudes a gruff demeanor, she knows he still has a huge heart beneath the facade.
I loved seeing Kim’s character mature and develop. In the beginning she was more timid and unsure of herself but by the end she is brave and confident in her identity as a child of God.
Sweet, clean, inspiring, romantic.
I like how Kim refuses to give up on Jake, even when he exudes a gruff demeanor, she knows he still has a huge heart beneath the facade.
I loved seeing Kim’s character mature and develop. In the beginning she was more timid and unsure of herself but by the end she is brave and confident in her identity as a child of God.
Sweet, clean, inspiring, romantic.
May 30, 2020
I really liked this book as the issues the protagonists had to resolve are so basic to many young people. Some people never overcome this personal baggage during a lifetime. Kim Williams and Jake Dunn are a couple that just can’t seem to get it together in order to be together. Emily Botrous has penned a very wise and insightful tale of hurt, beauty, and romance in her The Trouble with Tulips.
Kim Williams has a very marketable MBA, but due to a years-long crush
on her brother’s best friend, Jake, she has moved home where no full-time jobs are available. Jake refuses to let go of guilt over his mother’s and brother’s death. This causes him to become surly and morose to close out any who would get close to him. I often wondered just what Kim saw in him.
Many readers will be able to identify with Kim and Jake. Kim can’t believe she is worth anything to anybody unless Jake sits up and takes notice. Kim needs to learn that God alone can fill the true void in her heart. Botrous does a great job, without preaching, of placing Kim in conversations that point her to begin listening to “The Voice of Truth.”
Jake is an even tougher nut to crack, though. Closed off from people, he is convinced anyone he cares about will meet disaster. He dumped his trust in God long ago, when beloved family members died.
My favorite secondary character was Jason. He figures so strongly into the arc of this couple’s life. As their boss, he cares for them like a father. He is gracious, helpful, and insightful. Jason is also protective of his workers. God placed Jake and Kim in a great work environment, even though Jake is leaving to branch out on his own and Kim is only part-time.
I cried along with Kim until she finally finds her true worth. “Only God can make you understand your real value. And it’s to Him and no one else.”
Other notable quotes:
“The only thing he could take proper care of was plants.”
“Love’s worth the risk. God sure thought so.”
“But wasn’t she, by insulting herself—God’s very own creation—indirectly insulting God?”
“Stop actin’ God, son.”
“You want to be all-powerful to the ones you love, but only God can be that. Us? We have to trust those we love to His hands.”
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This in no way influenced my opinions, which are solely my own.
Kim Williams has a very marketable MBA, but due to a years-long crush
on her brother’s best friend, Jake, she has moved home where no full-time jobs are available. Jake refuses to let go of guilt over his mother’s and brother’s death. This causes him to become surly and morose to close out any who would get close to him. I often wondered just what Kim saw in him.
Many readers will be able to identify with Kim and Jake. Kim can’t believe she is worth anything to anybody unless Jake sits up and takes notice. Kim needs to learn that God alone can fill the true void in her heart. Botrous does a great job, without preaching, of placing Kim in conversations that point her to begin listening to “The Voice of Truth.”
Jake is an even tougher nut to crack, though. Closed off from people, he is convinced anyone he cares about will meet disaster. He dumped his trust in God long ago, when beloved family members died.
My favorite secondary character was Jason. He figures so strongly into the arc of this couple’s life. As their boss, he cares for them like a father. He is gracious, helpful, and insightful. Jason is also protective of his workers. God placed Jake and Kim in a great work environment, even though Jake is leaving to branch out on his own and Kim is only part-time.
I cried along with Kim until she finally finds her true worth. “Only God can make you understand your real value. And it’s to Him and no one else.”
Other notable quotes:
“The only thing he could take proper care of was plants.”
“Love’s worth the risk. God sure thought so.”
“But wasn’t she, by insulting herself—God’s very own creation—indirectly insulting God?”
“Stop actin’ God, son.”
“You want to be all-powerful to the ones you love, but only God can be that. Us? We have to trust those we love to His hands.”
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This in no way influenced my opinions, which are solely my own.
April 26, 2021
Kim did not intend to spend her life pining after her brother's best friend. But she can't seem to get past her interest. Finally her mom provides the perfect excuse for them to spend time together - she wants her garden to be entered into a town contest. Will Jake finally notice Kim? As for the "trouble with tulips," you can find out that answer in one of the final chapters.
This was actually my second book that I read by this author. I picked up the book because I liked the title. When I was several chapters into reading this one, I realized that I had read another book in this series. To me, that was confirming that Emily Dana Botrous will be a must-read author for me. I was really enjoying the book without even realizing that she was a familiar writer to me. I am sure that I will read the rest of this series at some point. The books are connected by overlapping characters, but I am guessing that they could be read out of order.
The characters are well-developed. Plus the romance definitely seemed believable. Faith is also an important element of this book. I definitely recommend this book.
This was actually my second book that I read by this author. I picked up the book because I liked the title. When I was several chapters into reading this one, I realized that I had read another book in this series. To me, that was confirming that Emily Dana Botrous will be a must-read author for me. I was really enjoying the book without even realizing that she was a familiar writer to me. I am sure that I will read the rest of this series at some point. The books are connected by overlapping characters, but I am guessing that they could be read out of order.
The characters are well-developed. Plus the romance definitely seemed believable. Faith is also an important element of this book. I definitely recommend this book.
May 25, 2020
Kim has a crush on her brother Dusty’s best friend Jake for 12 years, but he never looked at her that way and the past few years he’s been grumpy and standoffish. It isn’t until he agrees to help design a garden for her mom in return for her assistance with helping him with the paperwork to start a new business that he feels an attraction for her in return. But in his heart he feels that everything he cares for dies except for his plants. Kim has low self esteem that wasn’t helped by bullies in high school. I know what that’s like. She thinks Jake keeps kissing her and pushing her away because she’s not attractive. She has to see her own self worth and he has to accept that bad things happen and they aren’t his fault in order for them to find happiness together. I loved how excited Jake was about plants and landscaping. The garden he designed Kim’s mother sounds beautiful. Kim’s brother Dusty was a riot and I’m looking forward to his romance in a future book. This was a clean Christian romance with plenty of funny, sweet, and emotional moments.
July 7, 2020
Kim has a crush on her brother's best friend. Jake, the best friend, is totally clueless to Kim's feelings. Kim has stayed in her hometown working two part time jobs, instead of using her degree from college and getting a better job elsewhere, hoping that Jake will wake up and realize her feelings. Kim's mother is suffering from a deliberating disease and doesn't have the energy to enter the town's garden contest, so Kim is roped into creating a beautiful garden for her mother's yard. Kim begs Jake to help her and when he agrees they work together to create a dream garden for her mother. While this is going on Kim has decided to take a good job across the country to try and move on with her life; but Jake is finally coming around to seeing Kim in a different light. The story concludes happily for Kim and Jake. I really like the making of the garden. The author's descriptions of what was being created were amazing.
July 8, 2022
Christian Fiction at its Best!
Honestly, I thought this was going to be a slightly silly book, based on the title (no offense meant), but it was deep, thoughtful, fun, sweet, encouraging, and challenging. We are meant to live our lives through Christ, and that includes how we see ourselves. I loved the characters, even the on the side supporting ones. I hope other of Emily’s stories are about each of them. I love when God uses a book to open my eyes to know Him more.
Honestly, I thought this was going to be a slightly silly book, based on the title (no offense meant), but it was deep, thoughtful, fun, sweet, encouraging, and challenging. We are meant to live our lives through Christ, and that includes how we see ourselves. I loved the characters, even the on the side supporting ones. I hope other of Emily’s stories are about each of them. I love when God uses a book to open my eyes to know Him more.
June 30, 2022
Kim had been in love with Jake since she was 12 years old. He was her brother's best friend and was five years older than her. Jake had never given Kim a second look until recently. Will anything come of this? You definitely won't be disappointed with this book!
I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.
I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.
July 24, 2022
Who doesn't love a pretty pink tulip & romance
What a sweet / cute story of love and learning to love and forgive Oneself. This book is a great ride full of self discovery and learning to trust the Lord and lean on Him.
Jake and Kim are a darling couple and there journey will fill your heart with faith and joy.
What a sweet / cute story of love and learning to love and forgive Oneself. This book is a great ride full of self discovery and learning to trust the Lord and lean on Him.
Jake and Kim are a darling couple and there journey will fill your heart with faith and joy.
April 20, 2021
Good clean romance
I'm a fan of Christian romance. I like to see the life journey of Christians as they meet life's challenges. This story has some likeable characters that face allot of the same challenges we all d.o
I'm a fan of Christian romance. I like to see the life journey of Christians as they meet life's challenges. This story has some likeable characters that face allot of the same challenges we all d.o
June 23, 2022
It was okay. Not really my kind of book
April 2, 2025
This was a fun read that definitely has an opposites attract storyline. Kym has a sunny disposition, though she has spent many years looking after others and longing for something that just doesn't seem forth coming. Then she has an opportunity for the job she has a degree for. Across the country, away from family, away from her comfort zone, away from the one she keeps hoping will notice her.
Jake is everything but a sunny disposition. He is storm clouds and lightning. But he can grown anything and creates beautiful landscape designed. His life has been difficult, with loss and hurt. But a friend who sticks close has kept him moving forward. But he refuses to care for anyone since he has a misplaced understanding of responsibility for loss.
With those around him pushing until they understand Jake's hurt, they can push him to see God's purpose is bigger than our understanding and that the hurt in the world is not God's doing but Satan's use of broken humans. Trust in God is the only thing that can get one through it all and Jake is finally beginning to see that. But will it be in time for his life to truly land in the sunny spot once and for all?
This was a lovely story that brings hope in spite of life's circumstances. The opposite characters were a little hard and I don't really understand Kim's character all that much. But I admire the optimistic outlook she was given and the ability to stick to her feelings for years on end. Not very realistic but hopeful, none-the-less. It was a fun story to read and brought some smiles to my face. I loved the supportive families and friends in the book. Good read.
Jake is everything but a sunny disposition. He is storm clouds and lightning. But he can grown anything and creates beautiful landscape designed. His life has been difficult, with loss and hurt. But a friend who sticks close has kept him moving forward. But he refuses to care for anyone since he has a misplaced understanding of responsibility for loss.
With those around him pushing until they understand Jake's hurt, they can push him to see God's purpose is bigger than our understanding and that the hurt in the world is not God's doing but Satan's use of broken humans. Trust in God is the only thing that can get one through it all and Jake is finally beginning to see that. But will it be in time for his life to truly land in the sunny spot once and for all?
This was a lovely story that brings hope in spite of life's circumstances. The opposite characters were a little hard and I don't really understand Kim's character all that much. But I admire the optimistic outlook she was given and the ability to stick to her feelings for years on end. Not very realistic but hopeful, none-the-less. It was a fun story to read and brought some smiles to my face. I loved the supportive families and friends in the book. Good read.
July 21, 2025
The trouble with tulips is that they need attention. So, when an older woman is unable to tend her own tulips, she has to enlist her daughter and a young landscaper to do the work. Daughter hasn't even told the family that she's talked to an old friend about being tired of her dead-end job in Virginia and been tentatively hired for a more exciting job in Seattle. But does she really want to move that far away from her mother, at this stage in their lives? Could she become interested in a new field of work, if the right man were ready to start his own business? And can the mother's tulips win the prize for the best arrangement in town?
You know the answers. This is "only" a sweet, clean, small-town Christian romance. But it's well written, with more credible character development than most. The small town atmosphere in this series is especially well done. If you want word pictures of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia as they are today, read this series.
You know the answers. This is "only" a sweet, clean, small-town Christian romance. But it's well written, with more credible character development than most. The small town atmosphere in this series is especially well done. If you want word pictures of the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia as they are today, read this series.
June 9, 2020
This book describes a teen crush that evolves to a major love story with lots of forwards and backwards. The main characters have their problems - low self steem, guilt for things they could not control, difficult to express feelings, detachment from people in general. Their story only gets straingtened when they are able to recognize their faith and their shortcomings so as they deal with them they can go on with their lives. It´s an easy to ready story, with a lot of feeling involved (prepare your tissues...) but with very relatable day to day problems. The descriptions of the flowers and gardens are just so well done that you can picture the places in your mind and I just loved it!
I received a free copy of this directly from the author in exchange from an honest review.
I received a free copy of this directly from the author in exchange from an honest review.
May 10, 2022
I fully expecting this to me a light and fun romance. It is definitely a romance and overall a fun read, but not light. Not crazy heavy, but definitely not light and fluffy. Kim and Jake have a history, he just didn't realize it. How long will she wait for her brother's best friend to realize she's in love with him. Will she continue to keep her life on hold while she waits for Jake? Jake is on hold too, but for different reasons. Carrying a load of guilt that has his so weighed down that he won't let himself live.. love.. grow. Can these two open their hearts to God and to each other .. to life and to love?
2022 seems to be the year for me to discover new authors and I am so glad I discovered Emily Botrous!
2022 seems to be the year for me to discover new authors and I am so glad I discovered Emily Botrous!
June 20, 2025
This was a sweet springtime read! I really enjoyed both MCs' occupations in this story. Kim was a secretary for a realtor and for a farmer. Secretary sounds like a boring job, but I think that since no one ever puts it in a book with as much detail as this one, it made this one seem more unique. And Jake was a landscaper, which I think is just perfect for a book set in the spring. I enjoyed learning what goes into that kind of work. The romance was more back-and-forth than I usually prefer, but it helped the characters with the growth they both needed. Jake's healing from guilt and grief and Kim's journey to finding her worth in Christ were both encouraging threads to read about.
May 28, 2020
The Trouble with Tulips captured my attention as soon as I started reading the first chapters. The characters are so down to earth and they feel so real... as if you're living in their little town, watching their love story evolve. Not only does the story tug at your heartstrings but it points you to Christ. Do yourself a favor and read this book!
-I received a free copy of this book and I voluntarily chose to write this review.
-I received a free copy of this book and I voluntarily chose to write this review.
August 12, 2020
Remember whose you are
It can be so easy for a girl to try everything to look good for a guy. She might even place her Worth and value in what he thinks of her. I’m so glad that this is not the right thing to do. God loves us just the way we are: just the way He made us. When we realize that, we need to remember to see ourselves in the loving way He sees us. That girl will only be happy when her basis for happiness is the Lord. Very well done!
It can be so easy for a girl to try everything to look good for a guy. She might even place her Worth and value in what he thinks of her. I’m so glad that this is not the right thing to do. God loves us just the way we are: just the way He made us. When we realize that, we need to remember to see ourselves in the loving way He sees us. That girl will only be happy when her basis for happiness is the Lord. Very well done!
June 11, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. Kim has loved Jake for years, but he has not noticed her. When he takes on the project to prepare Kim's mother's garden for a garden competition they get closer to each other. There are struggles each character needs to overcome before they can move on in life. I liked seeing them grow and discover they needed to put God first in their lives.
Now I want to work on beautifying my garden this summer!
Now I want to work on beautifying my garden this summer!
August 14, 2024
I believe this is the first book I have read by Ms. Botrous, and it won’t be the last. I loved how she wove Christian fundamentals in the story, recognizing God as our Creator and Sustainer, spending time in His Word, praying for direction. It was beautiful to see two young people grow to see themselves through God’s eyes and not their own wrong beliefs. So easily we believe satan’s lies and never move into the truth that we are all beautifully and wonderfully made in His image.
May 25, 2020
I really enjoyed this clean story of Kim and the gardening theme. Struggling with finding her sense of worth while deciding what to do about her job, and knowing she is needed by her family at home provides ongoing tension as Kim searches for answers.
I received an ARC copy and voluntarily wrote a review.
I received an ARC copy and voluntarily wrote a review.
July 2, 2020
I enjoyed this rather heart breaking story. Jake blames himself for the death of his mother and brother, so he feels he is unworthy of being loved. Kim has loved Jake for as long as she can remember but he just doesn't notice her. You have to feel sorry for both of them, she waits but wants more and he needs to forgive himself and move on.
August 31, 2020
Really good read with likeable characters - Jake has never worked through his grief and fears further losses so keeps everyone at a distance with his prickliness. Kim has never been able to let go her hope she can connect with Jake. When they are working together on the garden, it slowly helps each of them to see beyond themselves. Looking forward to the next book.
September 7, 2020
This is the second book I have read by this author. The storyline is realistic, the characters are flawed and I was completely drawn in. I had a hard time putting this book down! Not only is the story a good one, I was touched by the underlying messages brought out in the story of faith, trust and how our hopes should be placed in God not in others or ourselves.
March 25, 2021
Sweet imperfection
In a world of comparisons to what could have been or the worst of yourself with the best in others, it’s easy to feel you’re not enough ... or not measuring up. A sweet romance that gives the heart a chance to blossom. If you like gardens and like happy endings, this one’s for you.
In a world of comparisons to what could have been or the worst of yourself with the best in others, it’s easy to feel you’re not enough ... or not measuring up. A sweet romance that gives the heart a chance to blossom. If you like gardens and like happy endings, this one’s for you.
July 4, 2022
Loved this book, it was so cute. Kim loved Jake for half her life and based everything in it with him in mind, I was glad that at the end she understood that it isn't suppose to be liked that, not exactly. Her love for him was pure and real, she just wanted a chance to show they could be good together. Jake was drowning and she was his lifesaver
June 18, 2020
Kim has crushed on Jake for years. Will Jake finally see Kim as more than his best friend's little sister? I loved how he was so confused about why he never saw her - before now. Sweet romance that had some funny parts. Can't wait for book 2. Loved Dusty's response.
October 20, 2020
The Trouble with Tulips
A really awesome book. Love the characters and the setting. Jake avoided people. Kim had been in love with Jake since forever. Sometimes you just need to step back and let God lead
A really awesome book. Love the characters and the setting. Jake avoided people. Kim had been in love with Jake since forever. Sometimes you just need to step back and let God lead
May 31, 2021
Great message!
Great easy-to-read story, but filled with truth!! Kim doubts her worth - that she is good enough. However, Kim learns that God gives her -and everyone - worth because He created us and loves us. God is enough!!!
Great message!
Great easy-to-read story, but filled with truth!! Kim doubts her worth - that she is good enough. However, Kim learns that God gives her -and everyone - worth because He created us and loves us. God is enough!!!
Great message!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews