All the Yellow Posies

Threaded Entanglement #1

by Elaine DeBohun

1919—the Great War has come to an end and small-town Fredericksburg, Virginia is still reeling from the last outbreak of 1918 influenza. Free-spirited Lou, an aspiring journalist from a wealthy family, answers the classifieds for an apartment above a local tailoring shop. There, she meets Holden Thompson—who's just returned from the Western Front. As she's brought further into his circle of family and friends, Lou quickly learns that, despite being charismatic, handsome and witty, Holden is tormented by the past. Unforeseen circumstances splinter the tight knit group as they are carried into the roaring 20s—tied by tragedy and woven together by a thread of fate.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, Historical Romance, Ebooks

363 pages, Paperback

Published April 21, 2021

Reviews

[Kaylah Rodriguez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't expect this book to hit me as hard as it did, but I'm not lying when I say that once I finished the last page I had to take a minute just to sit, clutching the book to my chest as tears streamed down my cheeks. I am so glad this came across my radar when it did. It was beautiful, sweeping, heartfelt, magical, and it spoke to the place deep inside me that still believes in signs and fate and real love. I know that I will never forget these characters or this story and I'm eagerly awaiting whatever it is that Elaine DeBohun decides to do next.

[Kaya Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

walking around the fredericksburg book festival, i have to admit i was more struck by the cover and the fun bookmarks than anything else. and now i’m here, struck by the beautiful, if heartbreaking, storytelling in this historical fiction novel. it’s a powerful story of trauma and grief, love and joy, with a hint of magical realism. i’m shocked with how good this was, and hopefully be reading more from this author!

[Jennie Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the Yellow Posies resonated deep, deep inside me. I'm not sure I can quite describe the way it made me feel, only it brought up so many memories and emotions that I wasn't sure where the line between my life and Lou's began. It was like slipping into a world I knew so well, a world full of dreams and stories and people that break your heart. Bittersweet and achingly elusive, All the Yellow Posies is a beautiful debut novel. Elaine is a master of character, story and theme, and I'm looking forward to reading more of her work in the future.

[Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an Enneagram 4 I live for my deep complex emotional journeys. Even with an awareness of this book ahead of time I wasn't prepared for just how drawn to the characters and their relationships I became. Reading All the Yellow Posies is a journey akin to the protagonist Lou's journey through the book. You are introduced to strangers and find yourself quickly swept into their circle and their lives, constantly turning pages wanting to witness the next interaction or the next conflict. I am keeping an eye on Elaine Debohun and hope to see future writing from her, especially if she finds merit in returning to these characters.

[Julie Booklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some authors grab you with their words, and some authors' words transport you into the story. This author does both. On top of that, she has taken us back in time, with accuracy, all in her debut novel.

In addition to the details, we experience all the emotions as we read this beautifully written story of love. Lou is taking us on a life journey, and we are lucky enough to join her.

I had a hard time putting this book down; when I did, it called me back. After I finished, I am still thinking about it. I know I will be reading it more than once, and any others the author writes!

Thank you to Booksprout and the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.

[Ally · Rating 5 out of 5]

As if Elaine has been writing for decades- All The Yellow Posies feels like a staple historical fiction piece for the masses to dissect. Having the pleasure to read this piece has felt like looking into a window of a world that is so real. I quickly felt touched by each and everyone of the characters, as if they were my actual peers. It became very clear very quickly that DeBohun has an incredible talent for writing dialogue- I found myself laughing as well as emotional reading the words coming from these characters. Watching those peers respond to the difficulties of relationships and life itself made me attached to them even more. Exploring the ins and outs of grief pertaining to this strange life we live, Elaine poked at some otherworldly symbolism that left me thinking about my own way of life. I especially enjoyed those little details that circled back to the start of our protagonists story. The growth you read about in each of these characters makes you never want to put down the book. All The Yellow Posies left me with thoughts for days after having read it so quick. I believe that this book is one of my new favorites- and I am so glad that I had the opportunity to read it.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Light, airy, and full of whimsy, yet somehow also deeply heartbreaking and grounded. All the Yellow Posies is a love story in every sense. The characters are familiar and relatable, and the relationships amongst them are warm and deeply rooted. The book moves quickly, while still giving you vivid imagery and historical accuracies - the type of book you should reread to discover meaning in new places.

[Gloria Lesher · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s August, 1919, and twenty-one-year-old Louisa (“Lou”) leaves her parents’ drab estate to make her own way in the world. A Teachers College graduate, Lou promptly secures a position as receptionist in Fredericksburg, Virginia, at a family-run business called Thompsons’ Tailoring, in tandem with renting the apartment above the shop. In just a few weeks, Lou finds herself accepted by the Thompsons to the point that she is treated almost as a member of the family.

Brothers Jamie and Holden become Lou’s fast friends, as does their sister Marceline. In due course, Lou’s relationship with Holden deepens into more than friendship, although because this is a sweet historical romance, consummation isn’t part of the picture. But don’t expect a traditional romance plot from this fine author; she takes you down unexpected roads into a land of the heart where unthinkable tragedy shatters not only Lou but the entire Thompson family.

DeBohun’s prose shines with witty dialog and sharply drawn characters who spring to life on the page. There’s a Great-Gatsby-feel to the world she creates, with every single person involved in one way or another with the greater historical, political and social contexts of the age, including Prohibition, World War I, and women’s suffrage. Because this is a self-published work, it suffers from spelling and grammatical errors a good editor would have caught (“suiter” instead of “suitor;” confusion over the verbs lay and lie). However, overlooking these minor failings came easily, since I was engrossed with the story from the first pages.

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Indie Visible Book Tours @hayley_a_writes and @elainedebohun for the opportunity to read this wonderful, memorable book!

This book was just so beautiful!! It actually choked me up and I think I said "Oh no," when it ended because I wanted more!!! This really is the definition of heartbreaking and heartwarming and I want to tell you my every single thought and emotion... But, I also want other readers to feel those emotions as they're reading it, to properly travel alongside Lou.

I loved her so much, I wanted to reach into the book and give her a hug. This book will stay with me for a long time. It looks at life and loss in a way that's so real, in a way that shows us we can move forward but never forget, to continue loving even when that love is no longer in a physical form for us to reach out too. If you've ever lost someone, this book will obviously be a sad read, but such a lovely inspiring one which will make you reflect so much. Maybe shed a tear or two while a small smile takes your face.

As I say, I want to talk so much more but I don't want to spoil anything. Perhaps my favourite piece of historical fiction. There's something special about reading a book of this genre, where it feels like the author has time travelled to this period of time in order to write the book.

[Pay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book…wow. I can’t recall the last time I genuinely cried while reading a novel, but this one did me in. I tend to steer clear of fiction and romance in general (not for any great reason- just difficult for me to relate, sometimes), but I am absolutely elated I read this book.

There are countless wonderful things that could be discussed at length regarding All The Yellow Posies, but what spoke to me the most was the interweaving of life, love, loss, and, if we’re lucky, closure or reconciliation. There is something so moving and beautiful about Lou’s ability to not let grief take over her life, but instead to turn it into something that is both healing and unifying. Her impact on Dane, his subsequent return to Fredericksburg, the breaking of his self-imposed isolation to return to now foreign territory…just wow.

I especially loved the arc of the Romani camp trip, and how it caused Lou to be more perceptive to Holden’s (spiritual) presence in her life. Her newfound lens of the string that binds through life’s darkest (and wonderful) moments was moving.

Another part I shed tears at includes Dane’s breakdown at the Parisian bar, followed by his raw analysis of the individuality of his late brother and what the war truly did to him. He didn’t die on the battlefield, but pieces of him withered nonetheless.

I can’t say enough good things about this novel, and I’m anxiously awaiting more content from Elaine.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Following in the lyrical footsteps of her historical fiction foremothers, DeBohun has created a wonderful array of characters with complexity and feeling, and a moving story that immediately draws in the reader. From murmured condolences and exuberant celebrations, the bustling noises of a busy lunch counter or the quiet eeriness of an abandoned manor, a sharp verbal exchange tinged with desire or the sounds of laughter and glasses tinkling at a Parisian café, DeBohun effortlessly conveys the mood and intensity of a scene. A reader feels transported, both in heart and body. DeBohun’s deft handling of heartbreak, grief, the supernatural, love, and healing makes All The Yellow Posies a remarkable debut novel to enjoy reading again and again.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Andi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to say, this book was good. I honestly thought it would go one way but it went another and I am absolutely thrilled I stuck with it.

It gives off Gatsby vibes without TRYING to be Gatsby. It's a completely different story of a girl who wants to prove herself, travels to a city and takes up stay above a family's tailor shop. She gets involved with the family, but more importantly with the post-war haunted / tormented / mysterious brother.

The friendships she makes and the slow friendship / maybe something more with the brother was kind of going into a territory of girl crushing on a married man. But luckily that was taken care of before it went wrong and ick for me.

And that's when the story became a totally different beast. One that involved fate, the use of tarot cards, red threads, and grief. If you are not a fan of stories that talk about suicide or the aftermath of loosing someone to suicide this book might not be for you. (My cousin took his life in 2008 and it took a while for me to come to terms with it.) This book was strangely cathartic and powerful.

It's a Kindle Unlimited read and if you enjoy character driven stories with romance and fate being the link that brings everything together, I encourage you to give the book a try.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really surprised by the quality of this story, it´s beautifully written, describes a time when very little was known regarding the effects of traumatizing events in people´s life and how to treat them. It also describes a world post WWI, a pandemic, the start of women´s liberation of movement (equal opportunities and especially the possibility of voting in the US). The historical facts are mingled with broken relationships, broken people, strong family ties, strong friendships, and a very special woman looking for her space in the world. It´s touching, sometimes heartbreaking and or heartwarming, a very entertaining reading. I´ll be looking forward to reading other books by Elaine DeBohun.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rebecca Dunn · Rating 5 out of 5]

All The Yellow Posies takes place at the start of the 1920s in small-town Fredericksburg, Va. We are introduced to Lou and follow her along as she navigates through discovering which direction life intends to take her. This story, at its core, is a tragic and beautiful examination of loss and grief. The tragedy and pain of all of the characters are so expertly addressed through Elaine’s writing, that every emotion is felt within the reader as it is through the character. The author’s skills for dialogue and imagery transports the reader directly to the setting. Warm, nostalgic, and tragic. It is a cathartic read, rich with symbolism and synchronicities. I truly missed these characters when the book was over!

[Kristen Titsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, the things I could say about this book. I would be lying if I said I did not read this in one sitting; I honestly couldn't pull myself away. DeBohun does such a beautiful job painting powerful, emotive scenes with words, and I truly came to understand and love the characters. And I felt it all, from happiness to grief to melancholy to joy, with healthy dashes of mysticism sprinkled throughout, all leading to a satisfying ending after some twists that I didn't see coming. Anyone who has dealt with grief or depression will be able to identify with parts of this story. In fact, anyone with a heart should read this book.

[Victoria Wren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was exceptional. I was in tears, it had me in a chokehold, and I think this one will remain with me for a long time to come. I won't spoil this, but if you want an emotional, historical romance with a touch of tarot magic, then give this a go. You might think for the first third that the plot is slow moving, but trust me, it's the beautiful character building and relationship between the main characters that makes this book worth reading. If this book has taught me one thing, it's to look for the signs everywhere for the ones we love and listen to the magic around us that we don't always see. Give this book a chance; it should be everywhere!

[Becca Firth · Rating 5 out of 5]

“All the Yellow Posies” was my time-traveling ticket that took me back to early 20th-century Fredericksburg, engrossing me in the fight for women’s suffrage, prohibition adventures, and characters who are compelling to boot. I loved diving into each character’s story plot, experiencing the depth and development that each had to offer. I felt like I was best friends with Lou and the whole Thompson family, and that we got closer with the turn of each page! By the end, I dare say my eyes were glistening and Elaine Debohun left me eager for more.

[Ellen Schaefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the Yellow Posies shines with the juxtaposed explorations of life's deepest sorrows and greatest joys. It reflects the synchronicities that make life magical and romantic, weaving its characters together. Elaine DeBohun's use of theme and recurrent imagery reminds us that love grows from even the worst despair. She captures the complexity of grief and how mental health ripples far beyond a single person. The book's spiritual and mystical threads create the reassuring undertone that we are all connected, regardless of if we have left this earthly plane.

I truly enjoyed All the Yellow Posies and would love to recommend it to you.

[Carrie Lowery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly I had the hugest fictional crush on one of the main characters, Holden. He is a perfect bad boy with soft heart kind of character, and oh my word. He stole my heart. That, coupled with the well written dialogue made this seemingly simple love story hard to put down, and once I was in the thick of it, I realized it wasn't a simple story at all. One of my favourite reads of 2021, and worth mentioning that the author has also written two short stories on her website that go along with the book and are in my opinion, equally as good.

[Sarah Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional, whimsical, and thoughtful. Elaine DeBohun has a way of painting scenes with her words that are eloquent and succinct, leaving the characters vivid in your mind after you put the book down. It’s the kind of book that you keep thinking about between reading, wanting to see where the story goes next. I smiled and cried throughout as the characters developed. It is a nostalgic novel that raises emotions yet feels light at the same time, as it's punctuated with humor and intentionality. I cannot wait to read the next book from DeBohun.

[C.A. Farran · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book... wow. The author's gorgeous writing style, the complex characters, and the immersive setting all create an atmosphere that was a joy to lose myself in. From the first page she captures the reader's attention. This isn't normally my genre. I'm a hardcore fantasy reader. But this swept me away and left me breathless and aching. A superb story of love and pain. Of humanity and all it's dark and lovely corners.

[Courtney Fredrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the Yellow Posies is everything you need in a novel. There is so much depth to every character, it was easy to sympathize and feel exactly what they were feeling with every page. It was so well and beautifully written I felt as if I knew, Lou, the main character and that I was right there with her throughout her journey. It’s been a long time since there has been a book that I just could not put down from the first page, but this is did it for me!

[Laney Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Realistic enough to break your heart, but hopeful enough to heal it back again.

An all around impressive debut from Debohun, with one of the most heartfelt forewords I've read in a long time. The symbolism, irony, and authenticity of the writers not only paints a vivid picture of the fallout of loss, but also anchors the story in a very real setting with very real people. Well done.

[Kacie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A truly wonderful read, All The Yellow Posies tells a beautiful story of life, and how it moves on in ways you don’t expect.

DeBohun paints each character with such real emotions and feelings, it is impossible to feel anything but connected with them as you read their story. Reading about Lou as she traverses her own life and her loves and accomplishments in it has been such a rewarding and inspiring experience. With it’s historical accuracy, incredible symbolism, worldly travel, and more, All The Yellow Posies is a breakout novel I would recommend to anyone.

[Jessica Seyfried · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW. What an amazing story teller Elaine is! I loved it so much, I gave it to my husband to read! I’m not one for historical fiction, but this book changed my mind. The effortless flow of the storyline to the incredible amount of detail in each character makes this book a must-read!

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It has been a while since characters have captured my attention and left me daydreaming about them when I had to step away from a book! All the Yellow Posies transported me to the 1920’s and introduced me to personalities I would treasure as friends. Elaine DeBohun masterfully highlighted that the human experience is timeless.

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has soul, with epic foreshadowing and symbolism. It’s the kind you want to read more than once.

[Thea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful book, heartbreaking and had me sobbing for half of it. I suspect this one will stay with me for a while.

[Caroline]

Review coming soon!

[Holden Trimmer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book overall. It had a lot of emotion and a lot of moving moments, but I felt myself wanting more from it. The book covers a long span of time and it feels like an impressionist painting of Lou's experiences during these years. It never quite stays in any one moment for long enough to feel rooted, everything blows by rather quickly and in a matter of a sentence it might skip a significant amount of time, and it addresses the events in between with a flippant, generic statement about what happened in the meantime.

Because of this, it felt hard to feel too connected with the characters or events, and thus it lost depth during the emotional moments. If there was a little more time to develop the characters and the relationships between them, I would feel the emotional weight of Lou's journey more profoundly.

Despite how much I wanted to have more from the book, it still left me satisfied and had an enjoyable arc from the beginning to end. The setting is well described and it was easy to become immersed in this world. The book certainly wasn't what I expected, but I would have liked for everything to feel more grounded and less like a series of dreams tied together by thread - although perhaps that was exactly the intent and I'm rating the book based on what I wanted it to be rather than what it was.