What do you think?
Rate this book
The Desert Sage Inn #2
Christmas Castles
The power of love and the strength of women working together are proved once again.
When Lily Weaver is asked to help Alec Thurston, the one man she’s ever truly loved, and to come to Palm Desert, California, she doesn’t hesitate. He’s dying of cancer and needs her help in overseeing the sale of his hotel, The Desert Sage Inn, to another hotel group. For five wonderful years, she was his assistant at the hotel until he kindly told her their relationship was getting too serious, and he helped her find other work. With her organizational skills and attention to detail, she’s his perfect choice to oversee the details of the sale to help make a smooth transition while maintaining the reputation of the upscale property. Unappreciated in her job with a law firm in New York State, she’s eager to leave it and the cold weather to head for the desert. Her only regret is leaving her sister and three-year-old niece behind. Lily arrives at Alec’s house to find two other women summoned to help him. Rose Macklin was once the social director at Alec’s hotel, and Willow Sanchez is like a daughter to him. They join forces to help him, lovingly accepting his nickname for them—the Desert Flowers, similar to the well-known Charlie’s Angels. As Lily forms her friendship with the other women, she becomes intrigued with the man the hotel company has put in control of the transition. Brian Walden is a war veteran who has never married and is someone who Lily finds, to her delight, she can talk to about most anything when they meet up for early morning walks. Disaster strikes them both as they’re falling in love. Lily ends up having to raise her niece, and Brian is left with a son he never knew he had. It seems only natural that they turn to one another for help, and Lily wonders if this is as Alec might have planned all along.
A series for those who love strong women coming together to help each other and someone they love. Be sure to read all the books in the series— The Desert Flowers-Rose, The Desert Flowers-Lily, The Desert Flowers-Willow, and Mistletoe & Holly.
Another of Judith Keim’s series books celebrating love and families, strong women meeting challenges, and clean women’s fiction with a touch of romance—beach reads for all ages with a touch of humor, satisfying twists, and happy endings. Be sure to check out her other delightful books and series that readers adore.
When Lily Weaver is asked to help Alec Thurston, the one man she’s ever truly loved, and to come to Palm Desert, California, she doesn’t hesitate. He’s dying of cancer and needs her help in overseeing the sale of his hotel, The Desert Sage Inn, to another hotel group. For five wonderful years, she was his assistant at the hotel until he kindly told her their relationship was getting too serious, and he helped her find other work. With her organizational skills and attention to detail, she’s his perfect choice to oversee the details of the sale to help make a smooth transition while maintaining the reputation of the upscale property. Unappreciated in her job with a law firm in New York State, she’s eager to leave it and the cold weather to head for the desert. Her only regret is leaving her sister and three-year-old niece behind. Lily arrives at Alec’s house to find two other women summoned to help him. Rose Macklin was once the social director at Alec’s hotel, and Willow Sanchez is like a daughter to him. They join forces to help him, lovingly accepting his nickname for them—the Desert Flowers, similar to the well-known Charlie’s Angels. As Lily forms her friendship with the other women, she becomes intrigued with the man the hotel company has put in control of the transition. Brian Walden is a war veteran who has never married and is someone who Lily finds, to her delight, she can talk to about most anything when they meet up for early morning walks. Disaster strikes them both as they’re falling in love. Lily ends up having to raise her niece, and Brian is left with a son he never knew he had. It seems only natural that they turn to one another for help, and Lily wonders if this is as Alec might have planned all along.
A series for those who love strong women coming together to help each other and someone they love. Be sure to read all the books in the series— The Desert Flowers-Rose, The Desert Flowers-Lily, The Desert Flowers-Willow, and Mistletoe & Holly.
Another of Judith Keim’s series books celebrating love and families, strong women meeting challenges, and clean women’s fiction with a touch of romance—beach reads for all ages with a touch of humor, satisfying twists, and happy endings. Be sure to check out her other delightful books and series that readers adore.
142 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 29, 2021
412 people are currently reading
131 people want to read
About the author
Judith Keim
129 books957 followers Judith Keim, A USA Today Best Selling Author, is a hybrid author who both has a publisher and self-publishes. Ms. Keim writes heart-warming novels about women who face unexpected challenges, meet them with strength, and find love and happiness along the way, stories with heart. Her best-selling books are based, in part, on many of the places she's lived or visited and on the interesting people that she's met, creating believable characters and realistic settings her many loyal readers love.
She enjoyed her childhood and young-adult years in Elmira, New York, and now makes her home in Boise, Idaho, with her husband and their two dachshunds, Kacy and Wally, and other members of her family.
While growing up, she was drawn to the idea of writing stories from a young age. Books were always present, being read, ready to go back to the library, or about to be discovered. All in her family shared information from the books in general conversation, giving them a wealth of knowledge and vivid imaginations.
Ms. Keim loves to hear from her readers and appreciates their enthusiasm for her stories.
To sign up for her newsletter, go here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/oeiwdp1vkc
Her website: https://judithkeim.com/
Follow her on Book Bub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/judit...
She enjoyed her childhood and young-adult years in Elmira, New York, and now makes her home in Boise, Idaho, with her husband and their two dachshunds, Kacy and Wally, and other members of her family.
While growing up, she was drawn to the idea of writing stories from a young age. Books were always present, being read, ready to go back to the library, or about to be discovered. All in her family shared information from the books in general conversation, giving them a wealth of knowledge and vivid imaginations.
Ms. Keim loves to hear from her readers and appreciates their enthusiasm for her stories.
To sign up for her newsletter, go here: https://dl.bookfunnel.com/oeiwdp1vkc
Her website: https://judithkeim.com/
Follow her on Book Bub https://www.bookbub.com/authors/judit...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
March 4, 2022
The Desert Flowers: Lily is the second book in the Desert Sage Inn series and let's just say all the issues I had with the first book are all gone here. Moreover, Lily was one of the characters whose story I was interested in reading about and it does not disappoint. The story moves at a consistent pace and although this book is predominantly about Lily, we get all three Desert Flowers POVs like in the previous book. Lily encounters a personal tragedy and finds a new love and family amidst her role as one of Alec Thurston's Desert Flowers.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Wild Quail Publishing and the author Judith Keim for the e-Arc of the book.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Wild Quail Publishing and the author Judith Keim for the e-Arc of the book.
November 21, 2021
A year ago, a group of writers got together and each wrote a book for a new series - The Soul Sisters at Cedar Mountain Lodge. In 2021, they decided to do it again and they all wrote a new book for the series. There are eleven total books in the series and this is my review for book 10. (see the books in the series at the end of this review)
Two years after her sister's wedding at Cedar Mountain Lodge, Hailey is married to Nick and they live in Florida. She is still writing her children's book series and the only problem in her life is that she hasn't been able to get pregnant. She volunteers at the library to read books to children and becomes friends with Brady and his infant sister Luna. As she and their mom, Linnie, become friends, she agrees to babysit both children when Linnie goes to visit her ex-husband to discuss getting back together. When a catastrophic event occurs, Hailey and Nick have to decide how they will cope and if they are willing to make changes to their family.
I really enjoyed the character of Hailey. She is happy and a great friend to her friends. Even though she misses her sisters, she is content with her life in Florida. She has a great rapport with children and her books make them happy. I'm really happy that the authors of the first 6 books, decided to take us back to the characters that we all loved. Maybe...hopefully...we'll meet this family again in the future.
NOTE: This is another great book about Maddie and her adopted daughters Stevie, Jo, Alissa, and Hailey. You should read the books in this series in order to get maximum enjoyment.
Thanks to the author for a copy of this book to read and review.
Two years after her sister's wedding at Cedar Mountain Lodge, Hailey is married to Nick and they live in Florida. She is still writing her children's book series and the only problem in her life is that she hasn't been able to get pregnant. She volunteers at the library to read books to children and becomes friends with Brady and his infant sister Luna. As she and their mom, Linnie, become friends, she agrees to babysit both children when Linnie goes to visit her ex-husband to discuss getting back together. When a catastrophic event occurs, Hailey and Nick have to decide how they will cope and if they are willing to make changes to their family.
I really enjoyed the character of Hailey. She is happy and a great friend to her friends. Even though she misses her sisters, she is content with her life in Florida. She has a great rapport with children and her books make them happy. I'm really happy that the authors of the first 6 books, decided to take us back to the characters that we all loved. Maybe...hopefully...we'll meet this family again in the future.
NOTE: This is another great book about Maddie and her adopted daughters Stevie, Jo, Alissa, and Hailey. You should read the books in this series in order to get maximum enjoyment.
Thanks to the author for a copy of this book to read and review.
August 19, 2021
Lilly is the most fragile of the desert flowers, at least on the surface, but when the chips are down her strength asserts itself and she finds herself to be more self sufficient than she thought. Lilly loved Alec and now finds herself loving him but not in love with him. Will there be someone to replace him? Its a charming story, as are all Ms Keims books, with realistic characters and situations that could absolutely happen in real life. How these characters deal with those situations makes for easy and fun reading. One more flower to follow, anxiously awaiting Willows story.
October 8, 2021
In an unbiased review as asked by the author below is my opinion.
The Desert Flower series tells of Lily’s story although Willow and Rose continue to play a part in the book. Lily's story is filled with a heartbreaking tragedy, but also love
Lily’s story was very intriguing and unexpected. She is a very strong, organized woman who deserves to find happiness. She has had rough life and had pretty much given up on being a mom and finding her own happiness. Then Brian came into her life and changed the path in which she thought was not possible.
I would recommend this book and book 1 to all the romantic readers out there.
The Desert Flower series tells of Lily’s story although Willow and Rose continue to play a part in the book. Lily's story is filled with a heartbreaking tragedy, but also love
Lily’s story was very intriguing and unexpected. She is a very strong, organized woman who deserves to find happiness. She has had rough life and had pretty much given up on being a mom and finding her own happiness. Then Brian came into her life and changed the path in which she thought was not possible.
I would recommend this book and book 1 to all the romantic readers out there.
October 10, 2021
Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review
A story about birth families and families of the heart, affections, friendship and love, “The Desert Flowers - Lily”, by Judith Keim (Wild Quail Publishing), features a wounded hero well adapted and very comfortable in his skin.
I liked the honesty between Brian and Lily, the fact they talk and communicate, although in the end I thought the romance lacked tension and chemistry. They’re both older and successful adults and it was nice to watch them interact and reach their HEA.
There’s almost no drama between them and the obstacles they have to overcome are external.
As this wasn’t a classic romance, but more a story about the Desert Flowers, in which I wasn’t that invested, the romance between Brian and Lily seemed to happen too easily and was wrapped up too quickly while they were dealing with some serious issues life kept throwing at them.
The wounded hero is a bit undeveloped; we get to know more about him as a newly discovered father or a devoted son than about his inner self or him as a lover/partner. As for the disability representation it was sometimes a bit vague.
I felt the story was very long and the details about the hospitality business didn’t really grab my interest.
I also find the premise – Alec and the “desert flowers” – a bit forced.
A story about birth families and families of the heart, affections, friendship and love, “The Desert Flowers - Lily”, by Judith Keim (Wild Quail Publishing), features a wounded hero well adapted and very comfortable in his skin.
I liked the honesty between Brian and Lily, the fact they talk and communicate, although in the end I thought the romance lacked tension and chemistry. They’re both older and successful adults and it was nice to watch them interact and reach their HEA.
There’s almost no drama between them and the obstacles they have to overcome are external.
As this wasn’t a classic romance, but more a story about the Desert Flowers, in which I wasn’t that invested, the romance between Brian and Lily seemed to happen too easily and was wrapped up too quickly while they were dealing with some serious issues life kept throwing at them.
The wounded hero is a bit undeveloped; we get to know more about him as a newly discovered father or a devoted son than about his inner self or him as a lover/partner. As for the disability representation it was sometimes a bit vague.
I felt the story was very long and the details about the hospitality business didn’t really grab my interest.
I also find the premise – Alec and the “desert flowers” – a bit forced.
October 23, 2021
“Lily” is the 2nd book in Judith Keim’s Desert Flower Series.
I was so excited to get to know Lily better. Each of these stories is only going to make me care more deeply about these women!
I can always count on Judith Keim to deliver a story to my door that will take me on a vacation where I meet people I fall in love with in a place I want to visit! Her stories feel so very familiar, simply because she writes with such heart!
I look forward to Willow arriving in February, 2022! Judith’s books are always a hit!
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
#NetGalley #TheWriteReview #JudithKeim #Lily
I was so excited to get to know Lily better. Each of these stories is only going to make me care more deeply about these women!
I can always count on Judith Keim to deliver a story to my door that will take me on a vacation where I meet people I fall in love with in a place I want to visit! Her stories feel so very familiar, simply because she writes with such heart!
I look forward to Willow arriving in February, 2022! Judith’s books are always a hit!
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
#NetGalley #TheWriteReview #JudithKeim #Lily
March 5, 2022
Second in the series Desert Flowers, wish I had known there was a first one and tried to read it first, but I'll go back
Lily is one of three old lovers of Alec, who is dying of cancer. He has asked the three of them to help him with the sale/conversion of his hotels. After Lily comes to California, she really loves it there and wants to move there permanently. She has never married and has a condo in New York to sell. She does have qualms about leaving her sister and niece behind, but moves forward with her plans. Not long after she has been in California, she returns to New York to sell her condo, finding it occupied by her sister's boyfriend. She soon boots him and has to clean the condo so it is in sellable condition again. I won't give away too much of the plot, but this becomes a major focus of the book. The sister and her worthless boyfriend, their innocent 3 year old daughter. I must confess I was more interested in the plot earlier in the book and kind of lost interest as it progressed.
Although the book is titled Lily, there are several chapters entitled Rose and Willow the other three of the Desert Flowers. Each plays a part in the layout of the storyline. This is an interesting book, just seems to lag a little about midpoint. I have already received the third in this series through NetGalley and will be reading it soon as well.
I received an ARC from NetGalley but this is my honest review.
Lily is one of three old lovers of Alec, who is dying of cancer. He has asked the three of them to help him with the sale/conversion of his hotels. After Lily comes to California, she really loves it there and wants to move there permanently. She has never married and has a condo in New York to sell. She does have qualms about leaving her sister and niece behind, but moves forward with her plans. Not long after she has been in California, she returns to New York to sell her condo, finding it occupied by her sister's boyfriend. She soon boots him and has to clean the condo so it is in sellable condition again. I won't give away too much of the plot, but this becomes a major focus of the book. The sister and her worthless boyfriend, their innocent 3 year old daughter. I must confess I was more interested in the plot earlier in the book and kind of lost interest as it progressed.
Although the book is titled Lily, there are several chapters entitled Rose and Willow the other three of the Desert Flowers. Each plays a part in the layout of the storyline. This is an interesting book, just seems to lag a little about midpoint. I have already received the third in this series through NetGalley and will be reading it soon as well.
I received an ARC from NetGalley but this is my honest review.
October 13, 2021
Welcome back to the Desert Sage Inn, and Lily, Rose, Willow and Alec!
While these three amazing women, carry out the wishes of their long time friend and mentor, they are each growing and changing!
This is Lily’s story… and while this book is about Lily, her relationship and her sister, we also get to catch up with the other “ Desert Flowers “ Willow and Rose.
These three ladies have grown not only separately but together they have a bond that will stand time !
This book is beautifully written in true Judith Keim style with so much emotion, warmth and love tucked into every page!
While these three amazing women, carry out the wishes of their long time friend and mentor, they are each growing and changing!
This is Lily’s story… and while this book is about Lily, her relationship and her sister, we also get to catch up with the other “ Desert Flowers “ Willow and Rose.
These three ladies have grown not only separately but together they have a bond that will stand time !
This book is beautifully written in true Judith Keim style with so much emotion, warmth and love tucked into every page!
November 29, 2021
Wow. Judith Keim you Manage to not only break my heart but to repair it as well.
Nick and Hailey I’ll happily married and living in Florida and desperately trying to start a family.
Halle be friends a woman named Linnie. and her young son, when tragedy strikes this will show not only her strength but the strength of her husband and marriage.
I have always been a Hailey fan. And a huge fan of this author. I definitely recommend this novella
Nick and Hailey I’ll happily married and living in Florida and desperately trying to start a family.
Halle be friends a woman named Linnie. and her young son, when tragedy strikes this will show not only her strength but the strength of her husband and marriage.
I have always been a Hailey fan. And a huge fan of this author. I definitely recommend this novella
December 6, 2021
love cones in all different ways
This series is such a great way to find love and family! judith Keim is a very sweet author and I’m trying to all of her and all her fellow authors of this series cause I love them all!
This series is such a great way to find love and family! judith Keim is a very sweet author and I’m trying to all of her and all her fellow authors of this series cause I love them all!
October 14, 2021
The Desert Flowers-Lily, is the second book in The Desert Sage Inn Series by author Judith Keim. When I read the first book in the series, The Desert Flowers-Rose, I knew this series would exceed all of my expectations and then some. Judith Keim is an amazing author, and this series is a testament to her writing skills and her ability to completely draw a reader into the world of her characters.
Normally I would write a brief recap of the book, but this review will be a bit different because I do not want to give away any spoilers. The book blurb gives a description of the book, so I do not need to repeat that. First, let me start by saying that with this series, each book truly can be read as a stand-alone because all of the relevant background information is in each book. However, this is a series that warrants reading each book. The characters are so well-written, and their individual stories are worth reading in order to follow their journeys throughout the series. The character development is just pure joy to follow along with.
We have three women...Rose, Lily and Willow...all brought together to honor the dying wishes of a man they all love, Alec Thurston. Lily is the central focus of this new release, however, all of the characters continue to be a part of the continuing storyline. Lily has decided to make her move to Palm Desert a permanent one, and she is hoping to have her sister Monica, and her niece Izzy move there as soon as she finds housing for all of them. Unfortunately, she is finding out that may be harder to do than she anticipated due to the fact that Monica's ex, Jeremy has returned. Lily has a bad feeling about the situation with Monica, and is worried about the safety of both Monica and Izzy. Jeremy is bad news, and Lily knows she needs to act fast.
The story that unfolds is filled with some unexpected twists and turns that will take you on a rollercoaster ride filled with a wide range of emotions. Once again, the author perfectly weaves together the threads of a beautiful tapestry as her words fill the pages of this heartfelt and heartbreaking story. This is a story filled with love, devotion, and true friendship. There are moments of pure joy, and moments of complete pain. Needless to say, I had a box of Kleenex nearby.
Witnessing the slow decline of Alec from his ongoing battle with cancer is absolutely heartbreaking. At the same time, seeing the way Alec continues to lookout for and protect his "Desert Flowers" is a beautiful thing to observe. Personally, I think Alec has a plan all along to ensure each women meets the perfect man. He could not be THE ONE for any of them, and I think for his own piece of mind, he wants to see them happy before he dies.
I adore the fact that this series is about three strong, determined female characters. The women meet with girls at a local high school to help them prepare for the life ahead of them. They use their own experience to help teach the girls about female empowerment. I hope this is something that will continue throughout the remainder of the series.
Overall, I cannot stress enough how much I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as well as the series. The characters are wonderful and are obviously written from the heart. This series has so many different aspects to the storyline, but Judith Keim blends it all together perfectly. The author also addresses a difficult topic, and she handles it with the honest and often brutal reality of something that happens all too often in life. Kudos to the author for bringing attention to a topic that many do not want to talk about.
Finally, I will end by saying that I will be patiently waiting for the third book in the series, The Desert Flowers-Willow. For some reason, a part of me is secretly hoping the entire deal falls apart, and the Desert Flowers inherit the Desert Sage Inn. However, there is another part of me that can see how the Desert Flowers are starting to plan for life after Alec. Nonetheless, however this story plays out, I know I will not be disappointed!
I would like to thank Judith Keim for allowing me the opportunity to read an ARC of The Desert Flowers-Lily. My views are my own, and are in no way influenced by anyone else.
Normally I would write a brief recap of the book, but this review will be a bit different because I do not want to give away any spoilers. The book blurb gives a description of the book, so I do not need to repeat that. First, let me start by saying that with this series, each book truly can be read as a stand-alone because all of the relevant background information is in each book. However, this is a series that warrants reading each book. The characters are so well-written, and their individual stories are worth reading in order to follow their journeys throughout the series. The character development is just pure joy to follow along with.
We have three women...Rose, Lily and Willow...all brought together to honor the dying wishes of a man they all love, Alec Thurston. Lily is the central focus of this new release, however, all of the characters continue to be a part of the continuing storyline. Lily has decided to make her move to Palm Desert a permanent one, and she is hoping to have her sister Monica, and her niece Izzy move there as soon as she finds housing for all of them. Unfortunately, she is finding out that may be harder to do than she anticipated due to the fact that Monica's ex, Jeremy has returned. Lily has a bad feeling about the situation with Monica, and is worried about the safety of both Monica and Izzy. Jeremy is bad news, and Lily knows she needs to act fast.
The story that unfolds is filled with some unexpected twists and turns that will take you on a rollercoaster ride filled with a wide range of emotions. Once again, the author perfectly weaves together the threads of a beautiful tapestry as her words fill the pages of this heartfelt and heartbreaking story. This is a story filled with love, devotion, and true friendship. There are moments of pure joy, and moments of complete pain. Needless to say, I had a box of Kleenex nearby.
Witnessing the slow decline of Alec from his ongoing battle with cancer is absolutely heartbreaking. At the same time, seeing the way Alec continues to lookout for and protect his "Desert Flowers" is a beautiful thing to observe. Personally, I think Alec has a plan all along to ensure each women meets the perfect man. He could not be THE ONE for any of them, and I think for his own piece of mind, he wants to see them happy before he dies.
I adore the fact that this series is about three strong, determined female characters. The women meet with girls at a local high school to help them prepare for the life ahead of them. They use their own experience to help teach the girls about female empowerment. I hope this is something that will continue throughout the remainder of the series.
Overall, I cannot stress enough how much I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as well as the series. The characters are wonderful and are obviously written from the heart. This series has so many different aspects to the storyline, but Judith Keim blends it all together perfectly. The author also addresses a difficult topic, and she handles it with the honest and often brutal reality of something that happens all too often in life. Kudos to the author for bringing attention to a topic that many do not want to talk about.
Finally, I will end by saying that I will be patiently waiting for the third book in the series, The Desert Flowers-Willow. For some reason, a part of me is secretly hoping the entire deal falls apart, and the Desert Flowers inherit the Desert Sage Inn. However, there is another part of me that can see how the Desert Flowers are starting to plan for life after Alec. Nonetheless, however this story plays out, I know I will not be disappointed!
I would like to thank Judith Keim for allowing me the opportunity to read an ARC of The Desert Flowers-Lily. My views are my own, and are in no way influenced by anyone else.
August 29, 2021
This is Book 2 in the series and it's Lily's story. Three strong and resilient woman have all travelled to the desert to help their good friend Alec complete the transaction of his hotel to the new owners. Alec has cancer and needed the expertise of each of these women to help him complete his sale before he dies.
Lily, Rose and Willow are all in different places in their lives but when Alec brings them together to help him sell his hotel, they become best friends; all united to do what they can to help Alec. Lily worked in a lawyer's office and was overworked and underappreciated so she was thrilled when Alec asked her to come to his hotel to help with the transition. Her only regret was leaving her sister and her three year old niece but her goal was to bring both of them to California to live with her. Alec puts her in charge of the transition and she starts working with Brian who is employed by the new hotel. The more time they spend together, the more their feelings for each other grow. Life throws them into some difficult situations - will they be able to work through the problems and have their happily ever after?
As with all of Judith Keim's books - her readers get characters who are very realistic along with a plot that will keep them anxiously turning pages. This book is about the love between family members, friends, new loves and working to overcome the tragedies that life throws at you. I am anxious to read the next book in the series which will be Willow's story. This is a fantastic series that you don't want to miss.
Thanks to the author for a copy of this book to read and review.
Lily, Rose and Willow are all in different places in their lives but when Alec brings them together to help him sell his hotel, they become best friends; all united to do what they can to help Alec. Lily worked in a lawyer's office and was overworked and underappreciated so she was thrilled when Alec asked her to come to his hotel to help with the transition. Her only regret was leaving her sister and her three year old niece but her goal was to bring both of them to California to live with her. Alec puts her in charge of the transition and she starts working with Brian who is employed by the new hotel. The more time they spend together, the more their feelings for each other grow. Life throws them into some difficult situations - will they be able to work through the problems and have their happily ever after?
As with all of Judith Keim's books - her readers get characters who are very realistic along with a plot that will keep them anxiously turning pages. This book is about the love between family members, friends, new loves and working to overcome the tragedies that life throws at you. I am anxious to read the next book in the series which will be Willow's story. This is a fantastic series that you don't want to miss.
Thanks to the author for a copy of this book to read and review.
October 10, 2021
This book features not only Lily and Brian’s romantic story, but also the story of the three wonderful women who became a family when they came to the aid of a dying friend. Alec is the owner of an up scale inn that he wants to flourish and succeed long after his death. He has called three women from his past to help with the sale of his beloved inn and to see it through the transition to new owners. Rose, Lily and Willow (Alec’s Desert Flowers) each are at different stages of life and have different areas of expertise, but together they make a formidable team that are determined to see that Alec’s dreams for his inn come to fruition. Alec has been a friend, mentor, employer and even former lover to these women and they all hold him in the highest regard. None of them expected that this mission to help Alec with the sale of the inn and be by his side during his last months of life would change their own lives for the better. Together they have found more than friendship, they have found a new family. Individually, each has unexpectedly found their “One”, with a little help from their matchmaking host, Alec.
Lily never expected to find love, especially with Brian who didn’t seem all that interested in her during their first date. Looking after her younger sister and her daughter had become a full time job for Lily before Alec called her for her help. Now she sees California as her new home and wants to build a future there. She hopes to lure her sister and niece from New York to live with her too. She is thrilled to discover that Brian is indeed interested in her, that he wants a chance to date her and get to know her better. But as Brian and Lily grow closer, some aspects of their lives become tumultuous. Both are thrown for a loop by tragedies that lead to new unforeseen responsibilities and lifestyle changes for them. With the love of support of their families, the Desert Flower family included, can Lily and Brian find a happily ever after neither could have expected?
I became fully engrossed into this story from the first page. The strength of these women is evident throughout this book, and Lily and Brian’s story is absolutely beautiful and inspiring. I have a word of caution for readers though. Don’t read this book without having a box of tissues nearby! Yes tears will glow as you read parts of this book, but many moments will evoke smiles too. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lily never expected to find love, especially with Brian who didn’t seem all that interested in her during their first date. Looking after her younger sister and her daughter had become a full time job for Lily before Alec called her for her help. Now she sees California as her new home and wants to build a future there. She hopes to lure her sister and niece from New York to live with her too. She is thrilled to discover that Brian is indeed interested in her, that he wants a chance to date her and get to know her better. But as Brian and Lily grow closer, some aspects of their lives become tumultuous. Both are thrown for a loop by tragedies that lead to new unforeseen responsibilities and lifestyle changes for them. With the love of support of their families, the Desert Flower family included, can Lily and Brian find a happily ever after neither could have expected?
I became fully engrossed into this story from the first page. The strength of these women is evident throughout this book, and Lily and Brian’s story is absolutely beautiful and inspiring. I have a word of caution for readers though. Don’t read this book without having a box of tissues nearby! Yes tears will glow as you read parts of this book, but many moments will evoke smiles too. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 10, 2021
THE DESERT FLOWERS - LILY is a wonderful continuation of THE DESERT SAGE INN series. This is the second book and I am so looking forward to reading Willow's story in the last book in the series. This was Lily and Brian's story but so much more as well since there are so many stories being woven together. Some were lighthearted, others had a heaviness to them since there was some unexpected darkness in both of their lives. Luckily, they seemed to get stronger since they pulled together to deal with everything being thrown at them. Having friends and family there at such difficult times in their lives was a blessing.
In the first book, Alec had contacted his three Desert Flowers - Lily, Rose and Willow, asking them to return to California to help transition his inn to new buyers since he's dying. They all jumped at the chance to help him not knowing that the others were asked as well. The three women have been through a lot together and have formed a strong bond of friendship. Each of them, plus Alec and others on the transition team on both sides of the transaction, are featured prominently in the story. It was nice to be reunited with so many of the characters we've met before.
There are family and friends along with friends who are more like family, children, lots of work, changes to lives and destinies, tears, fear, anger, hurt, sorrow, injuries, crimes committed, sadness, new family members to love, romance, loving and love. Throughout the book there are vivid descriptions of the inn, the homes and the surroundings that were easy to visualize. There are challenges to overcome as the characters determine what will happen next in their lives after the sale of the inn is completed. The story had a wonderful flow to it as it was told in alternating chapters from the perspective of the three Desert Flowers. There is nice closure for Brian and Lily along with a wonderfully portrayed happily ever after.
Ms. Keim has fast become one of my go-to authors. I look forward to reading more of her books and not just those in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
In the first book, Alec had contacted his three Desert Flowers - Lily, Rose and Willow, asking them to return to California to help transition his inn to new buyers since he's dying. They all jumped at the chance to help him not knowing that the others were asked as well. The three women have been through a lot together and have formed a strong bond of friendship. Each of them, plus Alec and others on the transition team on both sides of the transaction, are featured prominently in the story. It was nice to be reunited with so many of the characters we've met before.
There are family and friends along with friends who are more like family, children, lots of work, changes to lives and destinies, tears, fear, anger, hurt, sorrow, injuries, crimes committed, sadness, new family members to love, romance, loving and love. Throughout the book there are vivid descriptions of the inn, the homes and the surroundings that were easy to visualize. There are challenges to overcome as the characters determine what will happen next in their lives after the sale of the inn is completed. The story had a wonderful flow to it as it was told in alternating chapters from the perspective of the three Desert Flowers. There is nice closure for Brian and Lily along with a wonderfully portrayed happily ever after.
Ms. Keim has fast become one of my go-to authors. I look forward to reading more of her books and not just those in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 17, 2021
Delightful read , Lily is one of the three woman referred to the Dessert Flowers who is helping a old friend get his affairs in order. Lily is finding her voice and as she becomes strong willed ,no longer letting others walk all over her , she finds the strength within herself to find true love and help her sister as well . I enjoyed Rose and Willow ,the other two ladies in this series , interwoven into the story .
October 17, 2021
Solid 4.5 star
There was a connection between Lily and Brian in the first book, however it appeared that was all a misunderstanding or crossed wires but now we get to see it wasn't the case and Brian makes his move to show Lily he wants to be more than work colleagues. I feel so much for Lily as not only is she dealing with her wanting to make sure Alex's dying wish comes to fruition as well as deal with her younger troubled sister and her possessive ex while making sure her niece is always safe while she is so far away from them and then dealing with her new relationship with Brian which has just had a curve ball hit it. I highly recommend you keep the tissues and chocolate handy for this one as the are some shocks, loss as well as happy and heartfelt moments as we see Lily and Brian navigate this new world for them as well as see where things are at for the other Desert Flowers and how the bond they have formed enables them to overcome a lot.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There was a connection between Lily and Brian in the first book, however it appeared that was all a misunderstanding or crossed wires but now we get to see it wasn't the case and Brian makes his move to show Lily he wants to be more than work colleagues. I feel so much for Lily as not only is she dealing with her wanting to make sure Alex's dying wish comes to fruition as well as deal with her younger troubled sister and her possessive ex while making sure her niece is always safe while she is so far away from them and then dealing with her new relationship with Brian which has just had a curve ball hit it. I highly recommend you keep the tissues and chocolate handy for this one as the are some shocks, loss as well as happy and heartfelt moments as we see Lily and Brian navigate this new world for them as well as see where things are at for the other Desert Flowers and how the bond they have formed enables them to overcome a lot.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 17, 2021
The Desert Sage Inn series is a beautifully written series about a trio of women that Alec Thurston brings together. He calls Rose, Lily, and Willow his Desert Flowers. This book centers around Lily and Brian. They are tasked with working together, just as Rose and Hank were in the last book. They are going to have to deal with life-altering experiences and it impacts their lives in an ever changing way. This book had me on a roller coaster ride that I didn’t want to end. If you enjoy a beautiful romance for an older couple, I can’t recommend this book highly enough. Grab your copy and see what happens. I can’t wait to read Willow’s book next to see if she ends up with who she imagined or if a new guy will enter the picture.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 16, 2021
Another delightful installment in the tale of the Desert Flowers. This is Lily's story but we get to catch up with the other two flowers also. Lily is struggling with learning to say no and standing up for herself. She has decided to stay in California and wants her sister to move out with her. When she returns to NY to sell her apartment, she discovers that her sister's ex is back and things are not good. Lily never liked him and now he's using her sister and isolating her. Lily is concerned for Monica, her sister, and Izzy, her niece. While she tries to work things out so her sister can come to CA, she also starts a romance with Brian, who works for the company buying Alec's hotel. Things move fairly quickly and there are lots of major changes but the women continue to band together and work things out. Nice romance and lots of feel good moments. Looking forward to Willow's story. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 15, 2021
The Desert Flowers- Lily is the second book in the Desert Flowers series that brings three strangers together to help their mentor, friend and former love. This book continues the story with the focus on Lily.
Friendship, love, family and heartache is at the center of Lily’s story. The reader meets Lily’s sister and the niece Lily adores. We follow their story and see the struggles Lily has faced in her life but nevertheless triumphed.
Love and tragedy come together in Lily’s life. With the love and friendship of Rose, Willow and a special man, Lily can face the day.
I love reading a well written story with amazing, unique female characters who give of themselves and and share each other’s triumphs and pain. I highly recommend this book as I eagerly await the third book in the trilogy.
Thank you #JudithKeim and #Wildquailpublishing for approving my request for an advanced readers copy. The opinions in this review are solely my own.
Friendship, love, family and heartache is at the center of Lily’s story. The reader meets Lily’s sister and the niece Lily adores. We follow their story and see the struggles Lily has faced in her life but nevertheless triumphed.
Love and tragedy come together in Lily’s life. With the love and friendship of Rose, Willow and a special man, Lily can face the day.
I love reading a well written story with amazing, unique female characters who give of themselves and and share each other’s triumphs and pain. I highly recommend this book as I eagerly await the third book in the trilogy.
Thank you #JudithKeim and #Wildquailpublishing for approving my request for an advanced readers copy. The opinions in this review are solely my own.
October 16, 2021
I haven't read Book One in Desert Sage as yet. Reading Lily has ensured that this is an oversight that will need to be remedied; it's already in my TBR waiting.
Keim has a masterful approach to the saga of strong women against all odds, and it's one of the things that consistently draws me to her work. Her characters are keenly developed, popping off the page and into your heart so that you become well and truly entrenched; fully invested in their stories. And that's On one of the things that keeps you coming back. Inventive plots that intrigue and beguile is one of the others. You'll love Lily; and if, like me, you have yet to read Rose, queue it up. Trust me.
[I was fortunate to receive a copy of this book from the author via Booksprouts, with no obligation to review. The opinions expressed herein are given freely and are entirely my own.]
Keim has a masterful approach to the saga of strong women against all odds, and it's one of the things that consistently draws me to her work. Her characters are keenly developed, popping off the page and into your heart so that you become well and truly entrenched; fully invested in their stories. And that's On one of the things that keeps you coming back. Inventive plots that intrigue and beguile is one of the others. You'll love Lily; and if, like me, you have yet to read Rose, queue it up. Trust me.
[I was fortunate to receive a copy of this book from the author via Booksprouts, with no obligation to review. The opinions expressed herein are given freely and are entirely my own.]
October 11, 2021
I really like this Desert Flower series because of the strong, female characters. Lily really pulled me into this book. She has had a rough life with a dad that left and an alcoholic mother who was sometimes cruel. She also had to practically raise her sister, Monica who is ten years younger. Lily has now left her law firm in New York and is living in Palm Desert, California while working for Alec Thurston on helping with the sale of his inn to The Blaize Hotel Group.
This book focused on Lily, Rose, and Willow, the three Desert Flowers and the strong bond of friendship they have made with each other. It was interesting to learn about Lily's sister, Monica. She has a cute three year old daughter named Izzy and she was in an abusive relationship with Jeremy in New York. Jeremy is Izzy's dad. Lily finally went to New York to sell her condo and convince Monica to come to California.
I became so involved with the characters that I experienced their joys and sorrows and even cried along with them at times. It was a very heartfelt and touching book. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
This book focused on Lily, Rose, and Willow, the three Desert Flowers and the strong bond of friendship they have made with each other. It was interesting to learn about Lily's sister, Monica. She has a cute three year old daughter named Izzy and she was in an abusive relationship with Jeremy in New York. Jeremy is Izzy's dad. Lily finally went to New York to sell her condo and convince Monica to come to California.
I became so involved with the characters that I experienced their joys and sorrows and even cried along with them at times. It was a very heartfelt and touching book. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
October 15, 2021
There are several things I admire in Judith Keim’s books. The women as main characters are seen as such strong individuals in that they have strong roles to play but are able to not destruct others on their way to securing their goals. The author is not to write about social problems or situations of the present day. Lily is such an example. She is the soul of planning and executing a plan-even more so when a crisis is placed in her way. Uncomfortable as topics as physical disability or spousal abuse may be and likely to be ignored in most women’s fiction, Ms. Keim addresses these topics in this book. Lucky for we readers, Lily is one book of a series in the Desert Flowers; I eagerly await the next book. I received an ARC of this book from the author; this is my honest review.
October 13, 2021
I read this book as an advanced readers copy. Thank you Judith Keim for such a wonderful story.
Lily has come to help Alec out along with the other Delicate Flowers to fulfill his last wishes. Lily works with Brian they fall in love. He finds out he has a son after the child’s mother passes away. Lily’s younger sister gets mixed up with her ex boyfriend ( daughters father). Lily is trying to get her to move to California with her. She gets her there she’s pregnant again by him. He’s abusing her physically and mentally. She goes to an appointment he kidnaps her and they both die in a car accident. Lily’s niece comes stays with her Brian’s son comes to live with him. They buy a house and both children live with them along with Brian’s mother. Very emotional story.
Lily has come to help Alec out along with the other Delicate Flowers to fulfill his last wishes. Lily works with Brian they fall in love. He finds out he has a son after the child’s mother passes away. Lily’s younger sister gets mixed up with her ex boyfriend ( daughters father). Lily is trying to get her to move to California with her. She gets her there she’s pregnant again by him. He’s abusing her physically and mentally. She goes to an appointment he kidnaps her and they both die in a car accident. Lily’s niece comes stays with her Brian’s son comes to live with him. They buy a house and both children live with them along with Brian’s mother. Very emotional story.
October 20, 2021
Review to follow
October 8, 2021
This is book two in The Desert Saga Inn Series and it is Lily and Brian's story and omg it is emotional and must read. When Alec is diagnosed with cancer he decides to ask Willow, Lily and Rose to help him with the sale of the inn and they don't hesitate as he holds a special place in each of there heart's and they would do anything for him. Willow, Lily and Rose have a bond that is so strong and they work well together to help Alec achieve his goals before it is too late. Lily and Brian are working together to make sure the transaction of the inn goes smoothly but the more time that they spend together the stronger there feelings for each other grows and then when disaster strikes it throws them for a loop and they will need to come together and be stronger to help each other overcome it. There are twists and turns along the way and I couldn't put this book down as it was so addictive and a real page turner. I have read many books by Judith Keim who is an amazing author and writer and she certainly knows how to keep her reader's attention and On the edge of their seats and I definitely recommend you read this book and others by her and you will definitely not be disappointed.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 14, 2021
The Desert Flowers - Lily is the second in this series of strong and capable women united by their love for Alec. Though saddened by his impending death, each of these amazing women is determined to do everything Alec asks of them regarding the sale of his hotel. Ultimately this series is about love and family - both birth families and families of the heart. Ms. Keim's books always draw me into the story to such an extent I cannot put them down. I love this story of Lily and Brian as they grow in love, overcome some large obstacles and make a family. Now I am looking forward to Willow's story.
October 10, 2021
Clean and simple contemporary romance, part of a series but can easily be read as a standalone. Lily moves from New York to help Alec sell his hotel before he dies. She had a very neglected childhood and had always looked after her sister who is 10 years younger and now has a daughter of her own. When her sister's abusive boyfriend re-enters her sister's life Lily struggles to help from her new location. Brian falls hard fro Lily before his own world is upended. Two people looking for a chance at love while managing a whole new set of responsibilities.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 12, 2021
I absolutely loved this book and this series. Judith Keim has a way of pulling you right into the story and keeping your interest throughout, to where you do not want it to end.
I was excited for this next installment of the Series, which did not disappoint.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for fair and honest review.
I was excited for this next installment of the Series, which did not disappoint.
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for fair and honest review.
October 2, 2021
This second book in the Desert Flowers Series written by Judith Keim is Lily's story. She like the other two Desert Flowers, Rose and Willow have returned to Arizona after being summoned by Alex Thurston, their former boss, to help with the transition and sale of his beloved Desert Sage Inn to another group.
Lily's story is filled with a heartbreaking tragedy, but also a love and life more wonderful than she could have ever dreamed.
A wonderful, heartwarming book that is going to make it hard to wait for Willow's story.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. The comments and review are my honest opinion.
Lily's story is filled with a heartbreaking tragedy, but also a love and life more wonderful than she could have ever dreamed.
A wonderful, heartwarming book that is going to make it hard to wait for Willow's story.
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author. The comments and review are my honest opinion.
October 12, 2021
The Desert Flowers – Lily
This is the second book in the series where Alex has brought three women together to assist with the sale of the Desert Inn. Lily hasn’t had the easiest life and leaves a job in New York she dislikes. After her move she meets Brian who is part of the team purchasing the Desert Inn. Lily has struggled to help her younger sister, Monica and her daughter. Lily is faced with a tragedy in the midst of the sale of the inn and a new relationship with Brian. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I was given an ARC for my honest review
This is the second book in the series where Alex has brought three women together to assist with the sale of the Desert Inn. Lily hasn’t had the easiest life and leaves a job in New York she dislikes. After her move she meets Brian who is part of the team purchasing the Desert Inn. Lily has struggled to help her younger sister, Monica and her daughter. Lily is faced with a tragedy in the midst of the sale of the inn and a new relationship with Brian. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
I was given an ARC for my honest review
Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews