Orchid Blooming

by Carol Van Den Hende

A childhood tragedy followed her into adult life. Will she ever claim real happiness again?

Kind and generous, twenty-seven-year-old Orchid Paige will never forget that day. Living as best she can after witnessing her parents’ fatal accident, the beauty industry marketer yearns to win a promotion to China to connect to her mom’s ancestry. But with competition fierce, she despairs she’ll never make the grade… until she meets an encouraging man who makes her feel safe despite her usual distrust.

After Orchid convinces the handsome entrepreneur to let her gain experience at his nonprofit project, she’s determined to keep their relationship professional and ignore their powerful attraction. But when working on his military ad campaign for veterans triggers her own unresolved PTSD, she fears her confident mentor may be too good to be true even if she could trust him with her heart.

Can she conquer her vulnerabilities before she loses her chance at forever?

Orchid Blooming is the captivating first book in the Goodbye, Orchid women’s fiction series, and can be read as a standalone. If you like complex characters overcoming trauma, heart-warming stories, and compassionate connections, then you’ll adore award-winning author Carol Van Den Hende’s emotionally satisfying page-turner.

“Tension and compelling chemistry that will leave you breathless.”
—Barbara Conrey, USA Today bestselling author of Nowhere Near Goodbye

Genres: Romance, Fiction, Asian Literature, Slow Burn, Contemporary

247 pages, Paperback

First published September 13, 2022

About the author

Carol Van Den Hende is the award-winning author of forthcoming Dear Orchid, Orchid Blooming, Goodbye, Orchid and Always Orchid which are inspired by wounded veterans and have won 40+ literary awards, including the American Fiction Award, IAN Outstanding Fiction First Novel Award, and Royal Dragonfly for Disability Awareness.

Buzzfeed, Parade, and Travel+Leisure named “heartwarming, heartbreaking” Goodbye, Orchid a most anticipated read. Glamour Magazine recommended this “modern, important take on the power of love.” The International Pulpwood Queens, selected all 3 Goodbye, Orchid books as Books-of-the-Month.

Carol’s mission is unlocking optimism as a writer, speaker, strategist, Board member and Climate Reality Leader. One secret to her good fortune? Her humorous husband and twins, who prove that love really does conquer all.

Please sign up for Carol’s newsletter at carolvandenhende.com/contact or linktr.ee/cvdh

If you enjoyed reading the Goodbye Orchid series, she would appreciate it if you would:

Recommend them: Please help other readers find her books by recommending them to friends, readers’ groups, and discussion boards.

Review them: Please tell others you liked her books by reviewing them at Amazon, Goodreads and Bookbub. When you do write a review, please drop her a line at http://www.CarolVanDenHende.com/contact

Thank you!

ORCHID BLOOMING HONORS

■2023 Independent Press Award​ Best Contemporary Novel
■2022 International Chanticleer Chatelaine Award 1st Place Winner
■The Pulpwood Queen June 2023 International Book of the Month
■2022 Pinnacle Achievement Award Best Multicultural Fiction Book
■2022 Royal Dragonfly Awards 1st Place Winner Cultural Diversity, 2nd Place Winner Cover Design
■2022 Shelf Unbound Best Indie Book Top 100 Notable Book Winner
■2022 Best Book Award 1st Place Multicultural Fiction Winner
■2022 American Writing Award Winner Women's Fiction Finalist, Multicultural Fiction Winner
■2022 Reader's Favorite 5-star Review
■2023 Book Excellence Award​ Best Book Cover
■2022 INTERNATIONAL BOOK AWARD FINALIST
■2022 NEW YORK BOOK FESTIVAL HONORABLE MENTION
■2022 BEACH BOOK FESTIVAL HONORABLE MENTION
■2022 JULY INTERNATIONAL IMPACT AWARD
■2022 HOLLYWOOD BOOK FESTIVAL HONORABLE MENTION
■2022 OUTSTANDING CREATOR AWARDS: Women's Fiction, Literary & Contemporary Fiction, Multicultural Fiction, Romance, Drama, Best Couple
■2022 BOOK FEST 2nd Place Award
■2023 Independent Press Award​ Best Contemporary Novel

GOODBYE, ORCHID HONORS
■2020 American Fiction Award WINNER urban fiction
■2020 Pinnacle Achievement Award WINNER multicultural fiction
■2020 Outstanding Fiction IAN Book Award for Best New Novel 50-80K words
■2020 Royal Dragonfly Award WINNER Cover Design and Special Needs/Disability Awareness
■2020 New York Book Festival General Fiction Honorable Mention
■2020 Best Book Award Finalist: Best New Fiction and Fiction: General
■2021 Chanticleer International Book Chatelaine Award 1st Place Winner
■The Write Review Top 2020 Favorite
■In D'Tale Magazine Crowned Heart 5-stars
■Audiobook Reviewer 2020 New Author of the Year
■2021 Book Excellence award for Interior Design
■2021 Authorshout award Recommended Read
■2021 Kops-Fetherling International Award Multicultural Fiction Gold
■2021 American Advertising Award Hampton Roads branch Book Cover Gold Medal Addy
■2021 National Indie Excellence Book Award (NIEA) Multicultural Fiction Winner
■2021 Annie Award 1st Place Finalist
■2021 Zibby Award nominee for interior design
■2022 International Pulpwood Queens and Timber Guys May Bonus Book of the Month
■ 2022 Summer Outstanding Creator Awards Grand Prize Honorable Mention; 2nd Place Women’s Fiction, Multicultural, Romance, and Drama; 3rd Place Literary & Contemporary Fiction; Honorable Mention Best Couple

BUZZFEED Top 12 Most Anticipated Fall Reads
PARADE Most Anticipated Books of Fall 2020
TRAVEL+LEISURE Most Anticipated Books of Fall
POPSUGAR Best New

Reviews

[Lainey Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a page-turner!

Deep down, Orchid Paige has never recovered from traumatically witnessing her parents' death as a child. She’s damaged but resilient. She’s worked hard to build herself a life and a career in marketing, and now she craves an assignment to China that will let her get closer to the mother she lost. But she’s up against “Princeton”, a blue-blooded colleague who represents all the elite who block doors for those like Orchid who come from poverty and must try twice as hard.

When Orchid meets Phoenix, a handsome entrepreneur who comes from that same elite world, she is hesitant to let him help her, but he’s kind-hearted and genuine and Orchid finds herself slowly falling for him. But just when she begins to trust, new events and secrets will possibly tear them apart again (no spoilers!).

Touching on issues of PTSD and childhood trauma, combined with a love story for our times, Orchid Blooming reminds us of the power of empathy and connecting to another’s pain.

Truly touching, Orchid Blooming will especially appeal to anyone who has faced trauma or sought to move beyond their past. With the extra gift of fun insights into the inner-workings of the advertising world,Van Den Hende’s first novel won many awards and reading Orchid Blooming reminds the reader of why. Beautiful writing, complex and interesting characters, a slow burn romance that jumps off the page and pulls you in, and touching on more serious topics like living with PTSD, this is a heart-warming story that will stay with you long after the last page.

Fans of slow burn, meaningful, real-life love stories will adore this touching, emotional read.

[Linda Zagon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carol Van Den Hende, the author of “Orchid Blooming” has written a heartfelt and captivating novel. The genres for this novel are Contemporary Women's Fiction, Fiction, and Romance. The timeline for this story is set in the author’s present and goes to the past regarding the characters and events. The author describes her characters as complex and complicated. There are secrets that some of the characters are burdened with. I appreciate that the author discusses essential topics as PTSD, honesty and trust, forgiveness, kindness, and second chances.

Orchid Paige is a determined, motivated, and hardworking young woman. She is tormented by her past and has worked for everything she has. At her job, there is an opportunity for one employee to go to China, and Orchid will do anything that she can to achieve that position.

Phoenix is a wealthy, young businessman who offers to mentor Orchid to get the China assignment, and has her volunteer on a campaign with disabled veterans. Phoenix is a kind young gentleman but has a secret agenda in seeking out Orchid.

Both Orchid and Phoenix try to maintain a professional relationship, but both start to feel something “more”. Is it possible for the “Spark” to ignite into something? This is a series, but “Orchid Blooming” can be read as a stand-alone. I highly recommend this emotional and thought-provoking novel to other readers.

[Kim Loves Reading! · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings about this book; it started out really good but kind of left me hanging. I didn't feel a connection to Orchid or Pheonix, there will be a second book so maybe it will be better.

What I did like:

* I did like the reference to PTSD and how it effects anyone that had a traumatic life event.
* The power of family even in death,
* Love and the power to forgive
* Finding what you love and developing yourself

Orchid is trying to live her best life after the tragic death of her parents, she wants to get a promotion at work that will lead to China. There she can discover her mom's ancestry, finally know who she is. When a handsome stranger gives her a chance to work on his nonprofit project. This will be her chance to prove herself worthy of a promotion. But soon this working relationship starts to be more than just a work relationship. Can she open her heart or lose everything all over again?

Thank you to NetGalley and Book & Wine lovers for copy of this book for my honest review.

[Susan Ballard (subakkabookstuff) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you @bookandwinelovers and @carolvanhende for a spot on tour and a gifted ebook.

I was thrilled to read ORCHID BLOOMING, winner of serval Honors:
■ 2022 International Book Award Finalist: Women's Fiction and Multicultural Fiction
■ 2022 New York Book Festival General Fiction Honorable Mention
■ 2022 July International Impact Award Multicultural Fiction
■ 2022 Hollywood Book Festival Honorable Mention General Fiction

🌸 🌸 🌸 🌸 🌸


I enjoyed reading about Orchid, a young working woman struggling with the effects of witnessing her parent’s death. Delicately, we see Orchid literally “bloom” or grow past the pain and shadows that haunt her. Don’t miss the importance of her family’s history and why she desperately wants to earn this promotion to China. And Phoenix, a young man who seems to have the world at his fingertips, only to find that he has such dark fears within. The two were brought together by what seems like fate, but that is not entirely true.

This story is about healing, growth, and learning to love and trust again.

[Izzie (on pause) McFussy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful read. "Orchid Blooming" is the prequel to "Goodbye, Orchid." While the point-of-view bounces between Orchid and Phoenix, the focus is on our heroine. She's a strong, self-made woman who is dealing with PTSD from the loss of her parents in an accident at an early age. At 27 her marketing company announces a chance to compete for a work assignment in China. Not only would it help her advance up the corporate ladder, but it would be a rare opportunity to connect with her mother's ancestral roots. As she strategizes how to win the position, she meets Phoenix at a nightclub. He's handsome, charming, an owner of a marketing agency, and knows Chinese. What a coincidence... or is it?

These two are meant for each other. Is it destiny? Karma? Are they soulmates? All three? I adored how Orchid and Phoenix slowly awoke to how much they were deeply in love.

I read "Goodbye, Orchid" first, which concentrated on Phoenix's traumatic accident. While "Orchid Blooming" squeezed my heart with occasional angsty moments, I think it could also be fun to follow a straight timeline and read the prequel first. It would clearly support Phoenix's decision process in "Goodbye, Orchid.".

My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an eARC. All opinions are my own.

[Karen Trosterud · Rating 5 out of 5]

I flew through this story! All the good feels! Adored these characters! Highly recommend

[Keren Herrera-Lyles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carol Van Den Hende, masterpieces a story of loss, love and strength. That we bring within us with the help of people set in our path.

In this story Orchid Paige a young woman with PTSD comes to gain the confidence and strength when she meets Phoenix and entrepreneur who with his presentation at her work place gives her the chance of going to China.

As Orchid Paige has a shattered past after witnessing her parents deaths. She pushes herself to go to China the place where she feels she will be closer to her mother.

But with her pain and a secret that Phoenix has will they gain the trust and love they both need?

A truly touching story of how to become stronger within ourselves.

Received a Complimentary ecopy of the story for my personal opinion. All here is my own.

[Susan Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Orchid Blooming is a compelling and heart-stirring book, featuring two main characters who occupied my thoughts even when I wasn’t reading. Orchid is a beautiful, smart, successful young woman who is still haunted by a tragic event she witnessed as a young girl. They meet under the most auspicious of circumstances, then come together as colleagues and friends—will they ever become more? Despite their successes, they each fight feelings of insecurity and doubt—but can they deny fate or destiny? This novel will tug on your heartstrings, it will make you smile, it will leave you hopeful.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the surface, Orchid Paige appears to be a bright, successful businesswoman. Born of a Chinese mother who died when Orchid was only twelve, she has a yearning to visit China. Now, the beauty industry marketing agency she works with has a vacancy in China. And Orchid is determined to get it.

Successful entrepreneur Phoenix Walker promises his father he will do a good deed for one of his father’s former clients, Orchid Paige. But Phoenix cannot tell anyone about the request.

After Phoenix makes a presentation at Orchid’s workplace, she is given the opportunity to volunteer at Phoenix’s nonprofit project, one that serves wounded veterans. This will be life-changing for Orchid in a couple of ways.

Orchid was witness to a tragedy in her childhood, and now occasionally experiences episodes of PTSD in her adult life. This project with the wounded veterans will help her learn to overcome her episodes of PTSD. Working with Phoenix, she gains self-confidence and increases her Mandarin skills. Even though she is strongly attracted to Phoenix, she tells herself that they will keep it strictly professional.

I really enjoyed the characters – Orchid, her best friend Mandy, Phoenix, his brother Caleb, and wounded vet Tammy. This is a story of compassion, overcoming trauma, secrets, and learning to trust.

This book is the prequel to “Goodbye, Orchid.” I think I am glad I read this one first as everything in “Goodbye, Orchid” will now be a surprise.

The author provided me with an advance digital galley, but all opinions expressed here are my own.

[Colleen T · Rating 5 out of 5]

How do two people come together in love? Is it fate or a higher power in mind? Orchid Blooming answers this question in the love story of Phoenix and Orchid. This is a great novel that details how Phoenix and Orchid find each other and how they navigate their feelings. They don't want to fall in love, and "keep it professional", but the universe has other plans. It's a realistic view of a typical love story. Love stories have their ups and downs, and sometimes we don't want to lean into our feelings for one reason or another. However, fate will have it the way it wishes.

I enjoyed this read so much! I like to read about how and why characters have developed into who they are and where they will be going, and this book fulfilled this need. I can't wait to see what Carol offers in future books!

[scthoughts · Rating 2 out of 5]

Who doesn't love when a woman with long-held trauma starts to finally feel healed once a random blue-eyed man suddenly appears with basic manners and tells jokes? Orchid's 10+ years of night terrors never stood a chance against his sense of humor.

In all seriousness lol, it's not a terrible book, just not for me. I couldn't connect to the writing itself and I didn't care about any of the characters or the romance. There were many scenes that were supposed to be emotionally-charged and evoke sadness and heartbreak but they didn't feel genuine and fell flat.


Thanks to NetGalley and Azine Press for providing a copy for an honest review.

[Dallas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carol Van Den Hende has done it again! After falling madly in love with Goodbye, Orchid, I was both excited and nervous to read the prequel Orchid Blooming. How could this new book ever manage to live up to the first? Well, I should not have worried - we are in the hands of a master storyteller! Orchid Blooming is a beautiful, evocative and gripping love story that will keep you turning pages late into the night. Five sparkling stars for this gorgeous novel.

[Bambi Rathman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited when I learned that Ms. Van Den Hende was writing a prequel to Goodbye, Orchid that I couldn't wait to read Orchid Blooming! Returning to spend time with Orchid and Phoenix was something I looked forward to after the amazing story I will never forget in Ms. Van Den Hende's exceptional storytelling in Goodbye, Orchid. Learning the backstory of Orchid and Phoenix has built up to the events that were gut wrenching and heart breaking but left my heart wound around them anew.

These characters are written with depth and emotion. I was drawn into their thoughts and feelings because of the intricate details that caused me to feel their fears, their doubts, their self protection and even unworthiness. Yet there were the emotions on the other end of the spectrum I felt just as much. The excitement of that first heart fluttering, the joy of seeing each other, the tenderness and compassion to accept who each was. This is mainly the story of Orchid and her struggles through a tragic event she experienced as a young girl. Facing her loss and guilt but yet staying strong and true to herself. I felt her stuggles and yearned for her to overcome emotional chains. This passage touched me so deeply:
"If she went deeper, she sometimes felt she was forged from the painful markers of her life. Other times, she floated above it all, as if spun of steel from her Chinese warrior ancestors, and then merged with the beauty of fairy sprites."
What perfectly written words for who Orchid is!

Then there's Phoenix. Perfect and ambitious Phoenix. Is it destiny, fate, or some other force that brings him into her life? He's so sensitive and compassionate. But her relationship with him is strictly business. Nothing more. It has to be that way. How could she let down her vulnerabilities and let him in? But sometimes the heart will not be denied. Ms. Van Den Hende built this connection between the two with pages of young hearts that can't deny the chemistry between them. I am in awe of the ability she has to take me into the pages as if I'm right there with her characters.

Orchid and Phoenix's story touched my heart. This book has brought their journey to a perfect point to read Goodbye, Orchid. I am so happy that I was part of this beginning to their story. It's a wonderful read by an author with amazing skills to bring the pages of her books to life. I am honored that I was taken into the pages of this book and spend time with these wonderful characters. Ms. Van Den Hende has a talent to warm my heart with her beautiful writing. I want to thank her for the honor and privilege of reading this poignant work of fiction that I enjoyed so very much. All opinions and thoughts in this review are my heartfelt own.

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Orchid Blooming

I found this prequel to Goodbye Orchid to be a compelling and informative story about how Orchid Paige and Phoenix Walker meet and grow together professionally and personally. Once again, Carol has written a carefully constructed, deeply insightful story that pulled me in right from the first page! There is a lot going on with Orchid since she witnessed an unspeakable tragedy at the tender age of 12 and Phoenix has his own demons although his are of a different kind. I can’t wait for the third book in this trilogy to be available in 2023!!!

[Claire Fullerton · Rating 4 out of 5]

An uplifting, modern day love story written in au currant language that will delight romance readers and more. Author Carol Van Den Hende keeps the reader engaged throughout the story of twenty-seven-year-old Orchard Paige, a beauty industry marketer who hopes to land a job through her company that will give her the chance to work in China, the land of her deceased mother's ancestry. Orchid perseveres in the face of her unhealed wounds concerning her parents' tragic death, even as she intends to work with the attractive, Phoenix, who runs a nonprofit organization aimed at supporting veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. The author's knowledge of marketing is informative and impressive, and her taut portrayal of the push and pull of attraction on the road to the eventual allowance of love will keep the reader rooting for Orchid's happiness with page-turning, even-handed pacing. A heartwarming story full of hope and the promise of happy endings, Orchid Blooming will appeal to lovers of urban fiction and multi-cultural fiction.

[Linda McCutcheon · Rating 5 out of 5]

"She had promised they were just friends. She had lied."

"No matter the broken pieces of her past, she was more than whole."

In this first book of a new series, Orchid Blooming by masterful descriptive author Carol Van Den Hende we not only experience the beginning of an epic once in a lifetime love story but we get the emotional blossoming of a young lady into womanhood, and it's a glorious awakening to behold.

Orchid, at 27 years old, is extremely career oriented and is determined to get the assignment that will not only send her to China but guarantee her promotion. What she doesn't expect is to meet the debonair Phoenix who not only helps her advance her career but open her heart to love, mainly love of herself.

At 11 years old Orchid witnesses the horrendous car accident that kills her parents. She suffers nightmares, anxiety and guilt. It isn't until she meets Phoenix and works on a project for Veterans that she realizes her own PTSD symptoms.

This a slow burn love story but it can't be any other way. Both Orchid and Phoenix have secrets, emotional pasts and a lot of walls built over their hearts. They need to find a way to love and accept themselves before they can be open with one another. They also need to understand they can heal their hurts but they can still be there for one another.

I was amazed at the care and kindness the writer gave to her characters. They weren't perfect, some were very flawed, they had reasons for their pain and yet, they were willing, with time and patience, to listen, learn and start to love. It's what we all need to do for each other and ourselves to bloom.

I received a free copy of this book from #Bookandwinelovers via #netgalley
for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Orchid blooming is the prequel to Goodbye Orchid and a third book coming soon. If you have not read Goodbye Orchid yet, I suggest you read this one first. My personal opinion. This story is Orchid's story. She is a mid late 20's marketer in the beauty industry. Lives alone dealing with ptsd from witnessing her parents fatal MVA at a young age. Brought up by a distant Aunt she is very self-sufficient. Her dream has always been to visit China where her Mother was born. A position comes up at work and Orchid wants this position. Can she win this promotion and go to China?
To gain more experience she signs up for classes in Chinese to become more fluent, then gets an unpaid internship with non profit for mor experience. Can she gain enough experience, overcome her PTSD and not fall for this marketer she is working with? I highly recommend this book and the next one in series, Goodbye Orchid. Forget a week, forget a few days, started this book before bed and finished the next morning! Carol Van Den Hende has another best seller! Can't wait to read the third book in series!! I was given this Advance Reader Copy in exchange for my honest opinion . Thank you to Carol Van Den Hende and the publishers.

[Andrea | andrea.c.lowry.reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Orchid Blooming is an emotionally charged, thought provoking and moving story full of compassion.

"If she went deeper, she sometimes felt she was forged from the painful markers of her life. Other times, she floated above it all, as if spun of steel from her Chinese warrior ancestors, and then merged with the beauty of fairy sprites."

I enjoyed this story about trust, second chances, and forgiveness. Both Orchid and Pheonix’s characters had so much depth, felt very real, and so did their budding romance.

Orchid is dealing with PTSD from a tragic event she experienced as a child. As I read, I could feel her fears, doubts, and depression. However, there was so much joy to be felt too, along with tender moments full of compassion and love, and I found myself cheering for both characters, but especially Orchid.

This may be a story that deals with heavy topics such as PTSD and trauma, but it has so much heart and is a story that touched my heart.

Thank you, Book & Wine Lovers, NetGalley, and Carol Van Den Hende, for this gifted ebook in exchange for my honest review.

[Lisa Wetzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Orchid Blooming is the first book of the Goodbye, Orchid Trilogy written by Carol Van Den Hende. It is the story of a young couple's beginning that will melt your heart. A young woman with a tumultuous background has witnessed a traumatic accident that leaves her with many scars. Then enters a young good looking entrepreneur that has everything going for him. This is a story of learning to trust, being honest, meeting someone halfway and showing compassion for the other person no matter what. This is the beginning of young love and a beautiful journey that will face many life altering events. I am so happy Van Den Hende wrote this addition to the trilogy, it helps me to understand more of what is to come next.
Thank you Carol for the opportunity to read the beginning of this wonderful story. I highly recommend anyone to read this fast paced page turner, you will read way past your bedtime."

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carol Van Den Hende is a new-to-me author. This was a wonderful story about trauma, secrets, trust, healing, forgiveness, new beginnings and more. Orchid is hoping to get a dream assignment at work that would allow her to spend time in China where her deceased mother was from. She’s up against tough competition and must work very hard to gain more experience to qualify for the position. She’s allowed to take on a nonprofit project with entrepreneur, Phoenix. Despite her attraction to him, she vows to keep things professional. Getting to know him and working on the project makes that vow hard to keep.

Can Orchid gain the experience she needs, overcome her own PTSD issues, win the coveted assignment, and keep from falling for Phoenix?

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Iphigenia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Orchid Paige is in her late 20s, working in beauty industry marketing, still dealing with the trauma of witnessing the fatal accident that killed her parents when she was young. She wants to win a promotion to China, where her mother was from, to feel closer to the mother she has lost. She is up against tough competition, and seeks to gain experience and pad her resume by working on a project at a nonprofit run by enterpreneur Phoenix. Phoenix and Orchid become closer, but he is hiding something from her that might stop their budding romance in its tracks. This was a touching and realistic love story. I appreciated the sensitive portrayal of PTSD and how Phoenix was so supportive of Orchid.

[Toothpick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. The characters had so much depth to them, trying to navigate through many situations and expectations. I loved watching their development. Having worked in public relations, I could definitely relate to some of the office scenarios. But even if you haven't worked in public relations, the author does a good job of explaining it. This was a good book to start the series of Goodbye, Orchid. I recommend it.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the prequel to Goodbye, Orchid, which I read a couple of years ago. As I read this one, I remembered pieces of that one, and I think it took away a little bit to know what happens next. That said, this story is touching, and beautifully written. It’s a great example of how people can help us grow and overcome, if only we let them in.

[Kim Crumrine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Orchid Blooming is a moving, inspirational and beautiful story and companion piece to Goodbye Orchid. I empathized with the characters and their journeys and even learned things about myself and the importance of self compassion. The plot builds in such a perfect way that you absolutely can’t wait to see how the story will end! I love Carol’s writing - it is as exquisite as an orchid!!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave this a high 4 ⭐️. It was a slow burn, contemporary romance with a world of struggles. The main characters share similar regrets and they were adorable together. PTSD is experienced and talked about and I even learn a thing or two about this difficult subject. There’s a book to coming that I believe will bring this relationship more to light.
Thanks IBPA via Netgalley.

[Jennifer Ambis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of reading this prequel during the pre release review period. In today's world where it's challenging to find and keep love. Orchid & Phoneix's love story spreads faith that true love exists, even amongst our challenging lives!

[s · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes we happen to stumble upon some reads that not only blew our mind but also touched our soul and end up marking a home in our heart. Yeah, this book is just like that..Beautiful! this book was absolutely beautiful and touching to read. I just simply loved it.

[Lori Chasko · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you read Goodbye, Orchid, you will like this prequel. The author did very well with this book. You will enjoy it.

[Sheila Rambeck · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read!

Orchid is a spunky, intelligent, motivated woman who winds up falling for her soulmate. With him, however, there is an obligation from his past that just might wind up making her hate him. He is everything she wants in a partner, but they’ve agreed to keep it strictly business. Can they ever get past the business relationship and his promise to his father? He can help her career, but will that make things worse between them? I stayed on the edge of my seat waiting to see how it would turn out. Will she leave him to go to China? I knew going into the book that it was the first in a series, so I could not predict the ending. Romance and tension—a great combination!

[Patti Lombardi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A smile is on my face as I finished Orchid Blooming.
I had read the first book Goodbye, Orchid last year.
I was so happy the author decided to make a prequel.
When you read about the two main characters, you feel like you know them. Each is complicated, each carrying with them part of their past.
There were parts of this book that hit me right to the core. Raw emotions. The author leaves nothing hidden. I couldn't put this book down until I finished.
Can't wait for another book about this couple!