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Juniper Creek Golden Years
A Tale of Two Florists
The new florist in town wants to live her best life.
The hometown florist’s life is just fine as it is, thank you very much.
When the petals stop flying, will they find love, or will both their worlds come tumbling down?
Minnie Thomas wouldn’t change a thing. The septuagenarian sees her closest friend every day, she owns the most successful (and only) flower shop in Juniper Creek, and she loves her star employee, Kat, like family. But when Kat inexplicably quits and Minnie’s friend goes out of town, Minnie’s stable world tilts off-kilter—especially when Kat’s newly arrived free-spirited grandmother opens a flower shop just down the street.
Eleanor Lennox is determined to embrace life again and get to know Kat better. She promised her late wife she would open a flower shop, but she never counted on resistance from Kat’s infuriating former employer. When the mayor asks the two of them to work together on the upcoming Sunflower Festival, Eleanor tries to smooth things over for Kat’s sake—but the feisty florist only works harder to run her out of town. Well, two can play that game.
After connecting during a road trip to pick up flower barrels for the festival, Minnie and Eleanor form a budding relationship—which shrivels when Minnie’s friend announces she’s moving. Will Minnie cling to the past so tightly that she misses out on the beauty the present has to offer her—love with Eleanor?
A Tale of Two Florists is the first title in the Juniper Creek Golden Years queer contemporary romance series. If you like golden-years enemies-to-lovers romance and enchanting small towns, you’ll fall in love with this playful, lighthearted romp through Juniper Creek with Minnie and Eleanor.
The hometown florist’s life is just fine as it is, thank you very much.
When the petals stop flying, will they find love, or will both their worlds come tumbling down?
Minnie Thomas wouldn’t change a thing. The septuagenarian sees her closest friend every day, she owns the most successful (and only) flower shop in Juniper Creek, and she loves her star employee, Kat, like family. But when Kat inexplicably quits and Minnie’s friend goes out of town, Minnie’s stable world tilts off-kilter—especially when Kat’s newly arrived free-spirited grandmother opens a flower shop just down the street.
Eleanor Lennox is determined to embrace life again and get to know Kat better. She promised her late wife she would open a flower shop, but she never counted on resistance from Kat’s infuriating former employer. When the mayor asks the two of them to work together on the upcoming Sunflower Festival, Eleanor tries to smooth things over for Kat’s sake—but the feisty florist only works harder to run her out of town. Well, two can play that game.
After connecting during a road trip to pick up flower barrels for the festival, Minnie and Eleanor form a budding relationship—which shrivels when Minnie’s friend announces she’s moving. Will Minnie cling to the past so tightly that she misses out on the beauty the present has to offer her—love with Eleanor?
A Tale of Two Florists is the first title in the Juniper Creek Golden Years queer contemporary romance series. If you like golden-years enemies-to-lovers romance and enchanting small towns, you’ll fall in love with this playful, lighthearted romp through Juniper Creek with Minnie and Eleanor.
192 pages, Paperback
First published March 9, 2023
5 people are currently reading
709 people want to read
About the author
Brenna Bailey
7 books52 followersBrenna Bailey writes queer contemporary romance and runs an editing business called Bookmarten Editorial. If her nose isn't buried in a book, you can probably find her out in the woods somewhere admiring plants or attempting to identify birds. She is a starry-eyed traveler and a home baker, and she lives in Calgary, Alberta, with her game-loving spouse and their cuddly fur-baby.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
January 7, 2024
3.5 stars. One of the rare time I read a heartwarming romance rather then a dark one. Very sweet and funny in parts. Found Minne to be more immature and easy to get caught up her emotions but I liked her. Not sure if I want to get the other books in the series but I enjoyed this one.
November 3, 2022
When I was asked if I wanted to read an ARC about two elderly florists in an enemies-to-lovers romance, I couldn't say yes fast enough. I loved this book, quiet and little and full of love. Brenna Bailey gives her characters vigour and vivacity while also staying true to their age—Minnie's best friend Dot has trouble walking; Minnie has hang-ups about her sexuality that are a result of the time she grew up in. This book is beautifully diverse, with nonbinary characters, many queer characters, and characters of many different cultures. This is a gentle romance, with no sex or large-scale conflict, but that doesn't make the emotions any less potent. The characters' realizations of their feelings for each other, the heartache they both feel, and the flower-filled conclusion made this book as heartwarming as any romance I have ever read, and I cannot recommend it enough.
November 27, 2022
(I received an advance review copy of this book)
Absolutely delightful! Brenna has created a cozy small town and filled it with interesting, kind, and quirky characters. Minnie and Eleanor sizzle as they battle both a petty rivalry (their words) and a growing attraction. The ending is adorable and so sweet.
Absolutely delightful! Brenna has created a cozy small town and filled it with interesting, kind, and quirky characters. Minnie and Eleanor sizzle as they battle both a petty rivalry (their words) and a growing attraction. The ending is adorable and so sweet.
November 19, 2022
I was very happy to be offered and ARC of this book by the author. This was a charming little book. I thought the dynamic between all the characters was great and it really showcased what living in a small town is like. Minnie and Eleanor were great protagonists and their rivalry to romance was fun to read about. Overall a very good lighthearted novel and I would look forward to reading more in the Juniper Creek series!
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May 11, 2023A delightful, super cosy romance and a celebration of queerness. Silly in the best way. Elderly women acting with the spirit of teenagers and then courting each other and talking through flowers. Adorable! Really just lovely. A huge thank you to the author for an e-arc of this book, and apologies it took so long to read it. (Apparently I can’t read romance when I’m writing my own) — A Tale of Two Florists is out now 🩷👩❤️👩🌸
June 4, 2025
This was a low stakes "enemies" to lovers set in small town British Columbia Canada. While there were some pacing issues, the worldbuilding around the town and the two leads were great. I am excited to delve more into Junipet Creek and interact with my favorite townspeople more often.
Give it a try if you like your stories on the cozier side.
Give it a try if you like your stories on the cozier side.
November 14, 2024
4.5 ⭐ - i've never read a sapphic romance about two women in their 70s but it was so cute. the small town vibes and the flower and book stores were super fun to read about. the petty rivalry between minnie and eleanor got a bit annoying the more it went on but the end made up for it. apparently, the little town they're in is on native land and I think the mayor and her husband are natives. i very much liked that the author put that in there too. I'm excited to read more about this universe!
March 10, 2023
⭐️4.5 - A F/F romance featuring two main characters in their 70’s. I really enjoyed this story and the Gilmore Girls vibe of a small Canadian town. Though I will admit, the pranks and misunderstandings between the two of them did start to become a bit ridiculous and at times made me feel like I was reading about teenagers instead of 2 grown women! Other than that, this was very sweet and I adore the town and many of the other characters. Looking forward to the next in the series!
dnf
October 23, 2023DNF at 64%
A sapphic romance featuring septuagenarians! This will work great for readers who love romcoms and Hallmark movies. I wanted to try this because it’s seasoned queer romance but romcoms in book form are tricky for me. I’m generally not into shenanigans on the page because I get fixated on how characters act in ways people in real life would never. All that to say, I rolled my eyes at the shenanigans displayed here, which came across all the more immature given the characters’ ages. I guess we never really fully grow out of our high school selves?
You also have to overlook a big Romance Reason in the form of Eleanor deciding to open her own florist shop in a small Canadian town that already has a florist. Riddle me those economics. And then you have to overlook neither Eleanor nor Minnie discussing how they’re actually offer different services and therefore Minnie isn’t likely to lose her shop.
My main issue is I don’t like either MC this far in. Eleanor swept into town without ever having set foot there and didn’t do any due diligence about opening a store and then is surprised not everyone is pleased by it. She ignored her daughter and grandchild for the past decade; yes, she was grieving the death of her wife but her daughter’s husband left her and she still couldn’t be bothered to support her? And then she’s irritated that Kat won’t spend any time with her when they’re just being a normal teenager who wants to spend time with their friends, as well as Minnie, who has served as their surrogate grandparent. Minnie, on the other hand, goes straight to immature attack mode against Eleanor. We get no explanation for her fatalism or why she thinks her antics won’t blow up in her face. She’s still trying to sabotage Eleanor! There’s no way I’ll be able to believe they’re falling for each other with not much of the book left. Actually, they probably deserve each other but I don’t care to see it play out.
Note: This is a purportedly diverse town but it relies on character’s names to convey that, which is lazy writing and also not proof of someone’s race or ethnicity.
Characters: Minnie is a 72 year old bisexual white florist. Eleanor is a lesbian white Scottish florist who wears glasses. This is set in Juniper Creek, British Columbia.
Content notes: past death of Eleanor’s wife, Eleanor’s son-in-law left her daughter (past), past death of parents, alcohol
A sapphic romance featuring septuagenarians! This will work great for readers who love romcoms and Hallmark movies. I wanted to try this because it’s seasoned queer romance but romcoms in book form are tricky for me. I’m generally not into shenanigans on the page because I get fixated on how characters act in ways people in real life would never. All that to say, I rolled my eyes at the shenanigans displayed here, which came across all the more immature given the characters’ ages. I guess we never really fully grow out of our high school selves?
You also have to overlook a big Romance Reason in the form of Eleanor deciding to open her own florist shop in a small Canadian town that already has a florist. Riddle me those economics. And then you have to overlook neither Eleanor nor Minnie discussing how they’re actually offer different services and therefore Minnie isn’t likely to lose her shop.
My main issue is I don’t like either MC this far in. Eleanor swept into town without ever having set foot there and didn’t do any due diligence about opening a store and then is surprised not everyone is pleased by it. She ignored her daughter and grandchild for the past decade; yes, she was grieving the death of her wife but her daughter’s husband left her and she still couldn’t be bothered to support her? And then she’s irritated that Kat won’t spend any time with her when they’re just being a normal teenager who wants to spend time with their friends, as well as Minnie, who has served as their surrogate grandparent. Minnie, on the other hand, goes straight to immature attack mode against Eleanor. We get no explanation for her fatalism or why she thinks her antics won’t blow up in her face. She’s still trying to sabotage Eleanor! There’s no way I’ll be able to believe they’re falling for each other with not much of the book left. Actually, they probably deserve each other but I don’t care to see it play out.
Note: This is a purportedly diverse town but it relies on character’s names to convey that, which is lazy writing and also not proof of someone’s race or ethnicity.
Characters: Minnie is a 72 year old bisexual white florist. Eleanor is a lesbian white Scottish florist who wears glasses. This is set in Juniper Creek, British Columbia.
Content notes: past death of Eleanor’s wife, Eleanor’s son-in-law left her daughter (past), past death of parents, alcohol
June 18, 2025
This is an indie published sapphic romance set in small town BC - perfect for Pride Month (and honestly anytime, but I love a romance read for the Summer!)
This is about a pair of septuagenarian Florists - one who has been in the town for years with her floral business and one just moving and opening a new store. Adds a little rivals to lovers flair when they are asked to work together on the annual sunflower fest. I don't think I've ever read a romance where the main characters are in their 70s, but it was adorable!
This was a short, cute read! I love rivals to lovers and small town vibes, so this was fun for me! This is the start to a quartet of queer reads set in this small town, all featuring older protagonists. And, I think she just released a new book with younger main characters in the same town if that interests you more!
This is about a pair of septuagenarian Florists - one who has been in the town for years with her floral business and one just moving and opening a new store. Adds a little rivals to lovers flair when they are asked to work together on the annual sunflower fest. I don't think I've ever read a romance where the main characters are in their 70s, but it was adorable!
This was a short, cute read! I love rivals to lovers and small town vibes, so this was fun for me! This is the start to a quartet of queer reads set in this small town, all featuring older protagonists. And, I think she just released a new book with younger main characters in the same town if that interests you more!
January 26, 2024
“Kat didn’t know what sunflowers symbolized according to Eleanor’s book, but for them, sunflowers meant love and happy endings.”
I adore Kat. Unfortunately, Kat had so much to deal with in this book. A teenager forced to be the adult in all their relationships, and situations they’ve been put in. I do wish the book went a little more into Kat and Charlie (as I also ADORE CHARLIE), however, this was about Kats grandmother, and a lady they viewed as a grandmother their whole life.
Eleanor is a kind, loving, heartbroken grandmother coming to Juniper Creek from Scotland. Her wife Amara had passed, and since then she has been isolated and depressed. When she decides to finally make the move to live with her grandchild, Kat, and daughter Vera. Upon arriving she realizes Kat is not too thrilled with her moving in with them and disrupting their life as Kat worked for a rival flower shop under Minnie, who Kat had viewed as a grandmother their whole life and decided they had to quit due to their grandmother opening up her own flower shop.
Minnie is happy with how everything has stayed the same, however she is so lonely with only Kat, and Dot as her main friends. When another flower shop opens and the woman, Eleanor, who she’d just started to like tells her that it’s her flower shop Minnie decides to get revenge.
Now the gossip, I wish I could kick Minnie in the ass so badly. She’s SO MEAN. She’s vindictive, and doesn’t properly communicate her feelings despite her big age. I believe Eleanor and Kat deserve better. Minnie puts a teenager in the middle of her feuds and tries to ruin Eleanor’s flower shop before it even opens even though she knows the significance of the shop. Minnie does grow to be a bit better, but truly I think her only saving grace was at the end of the book, “Minnie felt wave of something warm and bright pass through her at the joy on Eleanor’s face”.
The one thing I did love about Minnie was her and Dot. “Minnie grasped Dot’s arm in excitement. The two of them looked at each other and squealed before walking the rest of the way into the park”. I feel they are such a beautiful example of girlhood, standing up and protecting your friends while also giving them real advice and opinions. “Minnie, I love you and I support you, but I think you’re overreacting”. Dot was such a lovely example of loving your friends despite their actions, and helping them grow to be happier and love more.
I adore Kat. Unfortunately, Kat had so much to deal with in this book. A teenager forced to be the adult in all their relationships, and situations they’ve been put in. I do wish the book went a little more into Kat and Charlie (as I also ADORE CHARLIE), however, this was about Kats grandmother, and a lady they viewed as a grandmother their whole life.
Eleanor is a kind, loving, heartbroken grandmother coming to Juniper Creek from Scotland. Her wife Amara had passed, and since then she has been isolated and depressed. When she decides to finally make the move to live with her grandchild, Kat, and daughter Vera. Upon arriving she realizes Kat is not too thrilled with her moving in with them and disrupting their life as Kat worked for a rival flower shop under Minnie, who Kat had viewed as a grandmother their whole life and decided they had to quit due to their grandmother opening up her own flower shop.
Minnie is happy with how everything has stayed the same, however she is so lonely with only Kat, and Dot as her main friends. When another flower shop opens and the woman, Eleanor, who she’d just started to like tells her that it’s her flower shop Minnie decides to get revenge.
Now the gossip, I wish I could kick Minnie in the ass so badly. She’s SO MEAN. She’s vindictive, and doesn’t properly communicate her feelings despite her big age. I believe Eleanor and Kat deserve better. Minnie puts a teenager in the middle of her feuds and tries to ruin Eleanor’s flower shop before it even opens even though she knows the significance of the shop. Minnie does grow to be a bit better, but truly I think her only saving grace was at the end of the book, “Minnie felt wave of something warm and bright pass through her at the joy on Eleanor’s face”.
The one thing I did love about Minnie was her and Dot. “Minnie grasped Dot’s arm in excitement. The two of them looked at each other and squealed before walking the rest of the way into the park”. I feel they are such a beautiful example of girlhood, standing up and protecting your friends while also giving them real advice and opinions. “Minnie, I love you and I support you, but I think you’re overreacting”. Dot was such a lovely example of loving your friends despite their actions, and helping them grow to be happier and love more.
March 9, 2023
A soft, cozy FF romance about two elderly florists who start off on the wrong foot. I can't decide what I liked best, the quaint tourist town set in the Fraser Valley of British Columbia, the language of flowers incorporated into the story, or the diverse cast of supportive and kind characters. Seriously, Juniper Creek is a town I'd love to live in, spending my time sipping tea with Minnie and Dot on their front porches. Minnie and Eleanor are endearing protagonists and the author did an excellent job with their conflict and gentle romance (there is no sex on the page, but that doesn't lessen the emotional connection these two have), as well as writing them true to their ages. I really enjoyed the diversity in this story, something you don't always see in sweet romances. There are a variety of characters who are queer, nonbinary, and of different cultures, and everyone is so supportive of each other.
If you're looking for a feel-good queer romance, pick up this first book in the Juniper Creek series! I can't wait for the next one.
If you're looking for a feel-good queer romance, pick up this first book in the Juniper Creek series! I can't wait for the next one.
June 6, 2024
A Tale of Two Florists is a sapphic romance starring two elderly women who run rival flower shops in a small town.
Honestly, that premise is absolutely iconic - there was no way I could not read this one.
This is a lovely, cozy, lowstakes story brimming with kindness and a diverse cast. Its vibes and plotline are very Hallmark/Disney, and while that flavor can sometimes make for some great escapism, that wasn't really what I was looking for here (nor is that typically to my taste). I was hoping for more interpersonal depth and a more natural-feeling progression towards the protagonists' romance than I found here. That said, I did find some of the friendships (like Minnie's and Dot's) to be quite charming, and I appreciated the exploration of Minnie's loneliness, which felt very realistic to me.
While this didn't quite live up to my expectations, I still really admire its subjects and the representation it brings to the genre. 2.5 stars rounded up.
Honestly, that premise is absolutely iconic - there was no way I could not read this one.
This is a lovely, cozy, lowstakes story brimming with kindness and a diverse cast. Its vibes and plotline are very Hallmark/Disney, and while that flavor can sometimes make for some great escapism, that wasn't really what I was looking for here (nor is that typically to my taste). I was hoping for more interpersonal depth and a more natural-feeling progression towards the protagonists' romance than I found here. That said, I did find some of the friendships (like Minnie's and Dot's) to be quite charming, and I appreciated the exploration of Minnie's loneliness, which felt very realistic to me.
While this didn't quite live up to my expectations, I still really admire its subjects and the representation it brings to the genre. 2.5 stars rounded up.
March 7, 2023
I just finished this lovely novel and oh my goodness I need more!
A Tale of Two Florists takes place in Juniper Creek, an adorable small town filled with interesting and quirky people. Two of those people are Minnie, the local florist, and Eleanor, the newcomer who opens a competing flower shop. What starts off as a competition quickly turns into a sweet romance I was rooting for throughout.
This book has everything you need:
An amazing kickoff to a new series? ✔️
Enemies to lovers? ✔️
Small-town romance? ✔️
Representation and inclusivity? ✔️
Thank you for the advance copy!
A Tale of Two Florists takes place in Juniper Creek, an adorable small town filled with interesting and quirky people. Two of those people are Minnie, the local florist, and Eleanor, the newcomer who opens a competing flower shop. What starts off as a competition quickly turns into a sweet romance I was rooting for throughout.
This book has everything you need:
An amazing kickoff to a new series? ✔️
Enemies to lovers? ✔️
Small-town romance? ✔️
Representation and inclusivity? ✔️
Thank you for the advance copy!
June 16, 2023
Was I the only one imagining the town from Gilmore Girls?
This was so cute. It’s very lighthearted and adorable (cheeky rivals to lovers), with good vibes all around; everyone was cheerful, friendly, happy to help each other out. A nice relaxing read about sweet (clean) romance, family, and friendships.
I received an eARC courtesy of My Big Gay Book Tour and am leaving a review voluntarily :)
This was so cute. It’s very lighthearted and adorable (cheeky rivals to lovers), with good vibes all around; everyone was cheerful, friendly, happy to help each other out. A nice relaxing read about sweet (clean) romance, family, and friendships.
I received an eARC courtesy of My Big Gay Book Tour and am leaving a review voluntarily :)
May 30, 2024
I enjoyed it but found some of the actions of the mains a bit odd and not in character. One is 72 and aside from a wee tremor, age isn't really material to the character. As an older lady I think this is accurate, I certainly don't feel my age..... if I avoid mirrors at any rate..... and shop windows! I started the book and was compelled to keep reading. That might not sound like much of a recommendation but recently I've started quite a few books but not been grabbed.
They/them representation that isn't highlighted. A sign perhaps that this is, in the book world, common.
They/them representation that isn't highlighted. A sign perhaps that this is, in the book world, common.
November 12, 2024
I’m not normally big into romance as a genre, but this was a cute story that was easy to read once I got into it. The author does a great job of keeping the story moving, and it was a nice change of pace from my usual reads. The setting of Juniper Creek made me nostalgic for a simpler life, and I enjoyed the mental escape from my busy city. Usually, I don’t love when the POV changes for each chapter, but the book flowed really well between the perspectives of Minnie and Eleanor so I barely even noticed! I have already purchased the next book in the series and plan to start it tonight.
September 24, 2025
3.5 stars
This was a really sweet small town romance with two elderly characters. Honestly, I need more older protagonists and will definitely be seeking out the rest of this series.
Minnie and Eleanor were sweet together. The banter and rivalry was so much fun and the scene where Minnie confesses how she feels was so dang sweet.
I did find Minnie a little frustrating at times but overall this was really lovely.
This was a really sweet small town romance with two elderly characters. Honestly, I need more older protagonists and will definitely be seeking out the rest of this series.
Minnie and Eleanor were sweet together. The banter and rivalry was so much fun and the scene where Minnie confesses how she feels was so dang sweet.
I did find Minnie a little frustrating at times but overall this was really lovely.
May 20, 2023
A fun and sweet read by a local author. Available at CPL.
July 19, 2024
Ohhhh this was so sweet!
January 5, 2025
Such a gentle read. The teeniest bit of suspense is enough to make you blow through it, and we love elder lesbians ❤️
May 9, 2023
I need more books starring older sapphics
May 16, 2024
It’s a very cute story. The main characters do act a good bit like middle schoolers when it comes to romance. It’s a quick sapphic read so if you’re in a book slump and want some happy queer romance then I recommend it
May 3, 2024
Before now, most of the sapphic in particular and queer in general romances I'd read were about characters in their 20s or 30s. Being in my 50s, I wanted something about folks closer to my age. Even though the two main characters in "A Tale of Two Florists" are older than me, it was still so nice to read something about queer elders.
The story was simply beautiful and I will be returning to Juniper Creek for the subsequent books!
The story was simply beautiful and I will be returning to Juniper Creek for the subsequent books!
February 16, 2025
Title:
A Tale of Two Florists
Author: Breanna Bailey
Series: Juniper Creek Golden Years #1
Genre: Romance
Rating: 3.50
Pub Date: March 9, 2023
T H R E E • W O R D S
Playful • Inclusive • Cozy
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Minnie Thomas wouldn’t change a thing. The septuagenarian sees her closest friend every day, she owns the most successful (and only) flower shop in Juniper Creek, and she loves her star employee, Kat, like family. But when Kat inexplicably quits and Minnie’s friend goes out of town, Minnie’s stable world tilts off-kilter—especially when Kat’s newly arrived free-spirited grandmother opens a flower shop just down the street.
Eleanor Lennox is determined to embrace life again and get to know Kat better. She promised her late wife she would open a flower shop, but she never counted on resistance from Kat’s infuriating former employer. When the mayor asks the two of them to work together on the upcoming Sunflower Festival, Eleanor tries to smooth things over for Kat’s sake—but the feisty florist only works harder to run her out of town. Well, two can play that game.
After connecting during a road trip to pick up flower barrels for the festival, Minnie and Eleanor form a budding relationship—which shrivels when Minnie’s friend announces she’s moving. Will Minnie cling to the past so tightly that she misses out on the beauty the present has to offer her—love with Eleanor?
💭 T H O U G H T S
A Tale of Two Florists was one of several books from Canadian independent authors I won during a Canadian readathon in 2024. It is the first book in the Juniper Creek Golden Years series, which follows a cast of septuagenarians as they navigate love, loss, and new beginnings in a small Canadian town. My love of all things florals and horticulture instantly drew me to the cover.
Alternating between the POVs of both MCs, there were so many individual elements to love. The highlights included, the small town setting, the flower shops, the bookstore, the sunflower festival, and most importantly, Minnie's friendship with Dot. I adored how they would sit out together and have their tea each day.
When it comes to the plot, I wasn't necessarily buying everything this enemies-to-lovers narrative was selling. For every step forward, it constantly felt like they were taking two steps back. At times their behaviour seemed overly juvenile and immature, especially for such mature characters. Their bonding on the road trip saw forward progression in their relationship, however, there was so much more room for going deeper that the author failed to capitalize on.
A Tale of Two Florists was a quick and straightforward read not requiring a whole lot of investment. While the writing leans towards being overly simplistic, it did contain many elements I appreciated and an inclusive cast of characters. I cannot say for sure whether I will continue with this series, but I would recommend it to readers who prefer their romance lite and closed-door.
📚 R E A D • I F • Y O U • L I K E
• flower shops
• golden years MCs
• queer contemporary romance
⚠️ CW: alcohol, death, death of partner, death of parent, grief
Author: Breanna Bailey
Series: Juniper Creek Golden Years #1
Genre: Romance
Rating: 3.50
Pub Date: March 9, 2023
T H R E E • W O R D S
Playful • Inclusive • Cozy
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Minnie Thomas wouldn’t change a thing. The septuagenarian sees her closest friend every day, she owns the most successful (and only) flower shop in Juniper Creek, and she loves her star employee, Kat, like family. But when Kat inexplicably quits and Minnie’s friend goes out of town, Minnie’s stable world tilts off-kilter—especially when Kat’s newly arrived free-spirited grandmother opens a flower shop just down the street.
Eleanor Lennox is determined to embrace life again and get to know Kat better. She promised her late wife she would open a flower shop, but she never counted on resistance from Kat’s infuriating former employer. When the mayor asks the two of them to work together on the upcoming Sunflower Festival, Eleanor tries to smooth things over for Kat’s sake—but the feisty florist only works harder to run her out of town. Well, two can play that game.
After connecting during a road trip to pick up flower barrels for the festival, Minnie and Eleanor form a budding relationship—which shrivels when Minnie’s friend announces she’s moving. Will Minnie cling to the past so tightly that she misses out on the beauty the present has to offer her—love with Eleanor?
💭 T H O U G H T S
A Tale of Two Florists was one of several books from Canadian independent authors I won during a Canadian readathon in 2024. It is the first book in the Juniper Creek Golden Years series, which follows a cast of septuagenarians as they navigate love, loss, and new beginnings in a small Canadian town. My love of all things florals and horticulture instantly drew me to the cover.
Alternating between the POVs of both MCs, there were so many individual elements to love. The highlights included, the small town setting, the flower shops, the bookstore, the sunflower festival, and most importantly, Minnie's friendship with Dot. I adored how they would sit out together and have their tea each day.
When it comes to the plot, I wasn't necessarily buying everything this enemies-to-lovers narrative was selling. For every step forward, it constantly felt like they were taking two steps back. At times their behaviour seemed overly juvenile and immature, especially for such mature characters. Their bonding on the road trip saw forward progression in their relationship, however, there was so much more room for going deeper that the author failed to capitalize on.
A Tale of Two Florists was a quick and straightforward read not requiring a whole lot of investment. While the writing leans towards being overly simplistic, it did contain many elements I appreciated and an inclusive cast of characters. I cannot say for sure whether I will continue with this series, but I would recommend it to readers who prefer their romance lite and closed-door.
📚 R E A D • I F • Y O U • L I K E
• flower shops
• golden years MCs
• queer contemporary romance
⚠️ CW: alcohol, death, death of partner, death of parent, grief
January 13, 2023
I was so lucky to be asked to be a part of Brenna’s ARC team and read this book before it’s released to everyone this year. I absolutely adore this book as it captures two mature women and their lives as they are changing. Minnie and Eleanor are fun, witty and corky in the best ways. Both women have a love for flowers and vow to honor their departed loved ones with their flower shops but conflict ensues as Eleanor’s shop opens up across from Minnie’s in Juniper Creek. Through out the story a petty rivalry happens but what both ladies don’t expect is a budding romance between the two that blossoms. I adore the diversity and dynamics between all of the characters in this book as everyone is so closely knit together being in a small town. This book is sweet, warm and so very well written that I completely lost myself in it. Brenna’s writing opens up your mind and really paints a beautiful picture of what it’s like to be queer, non binary, enemies to lovers and what living in a close knit community really looks like. Thank you Brenna for such a wonderful book and allowing me the opportunity to read it before its release. I can’t wait to read more about all the happenings in Juniper Creak.
May 30, 2023
The premise of this book is pretty sweet, who doesn't love elder sapphic rivals-to-lovers? but the switch from rivals to lovers was just way too fast and didn't feel believable.
I felt like I barely knew the MCs as well so honestly, this would have made more sense as a full length book to give us time to actually get to know the characters and root for them and their relationship.
I felt like I barely knew the MCs as well so honestly, this would have made more sense as a full length book to give us time to actually get to know the characters and root for them and their relationship.
May 12, 2024
I was drawn to Brenna Bailey’s books as soon as I saw the older, queer protagonists on the front covers! Sapphic florists! Cosy small town! Enemies to lovers/petty rivalry! Women in their 70s! A Tale of Two Florists has it all and I sincerely enjoyed my stay in the Stars Hollow-esque Juniper Creek.
There are lots of beautiful things about this book, from the exploration of later-in-life relationship dynamics, including romantic, platonic, and familial bonds, to the quirky side characters and the queer-normative town - but my favourite by far was the inclusivity. Many authors write books set in Canada. Not many acknowledge the Native land and people it belongs to. This was just a small part of the book, but it was wonderful to see issues raised as they hopefully would be in a real community.
As a person who is irrationally scared to grow older, seeing books with older protagonists finding their love story offers comfort and warmth. I loved that the characters were enhanced by their age rather than held back, and were still given the opportunity to be silly and petty and sometimes just plain wrong, but also sweet and romantic and happy. Despite being fifty years younger, their emotions and stories were very relatable and heart-warming.
The only reason I rate this 4/5 is because the writing didn’t feel too in-depth (?). There wasn’t a huge amount of scene-setting or description, or internal feelings. The story focused on the characters moving through the world to get their happily ever afters. Which isn’t a bad thing at all! Conciseness is important and the story never strayed from its intent. But I wanted to spend more time inside their heads, maybe focusing on smaller moments and delving deeper into certain conversations rather than just summarising them or having them play out in fairly expected, simple ways.
All in all, I can’t recommend this book enough to sapphic readers searching for later-in-life romance. It reads like a Hallmark movie in the best of ways and I’m glad I picked up the book!
There are lots of beautiful things about this book, from the exploration of later-in-life relationship dynamics, including romantic, platonic, and familial bonds, to the quirky side characters and the queer-normative town - but my favourite by far was the inclusivity. Many authors write books set in Canada. Not many acknowledge the Native land and people it belongs to. This was just a small part of the book, but it was wonderful to see issues raised as they hopefully would be in a real community.
As a person who is irrationally scared to grow older, seeing books with older protagonists finding their love story offers comfort and warmth. I loved that the characters were enhanced by their age rather than held back, and were still given the opportunity to be silly and petty and sometimes just plain wrong, but also sweet and romantic and happy. Despite being fifty years younger, their emotions and stories were very relatable and heart-warming.
The only reason I rate this 4/5 is because the writing didn’t feel too in-depth (?). There wasn’t a huge amount of scene-setting or description, or internal feelings. The story focused on the characters moving through the world to get their happily ever afters. Which isn’t a bad thing at all! Conciseness is important and the story never strayed from its intent. But I wanted to spend more time inside their heads, maybe focusing on smaller moments and delving deeper into certain conversations rather than just summarising them or having them play out in fairly expected, simple ways.
All in all, I can’t recommend this book enough to sapphic readers searching for later-in-life romance. It reads like a Hallmark movie in the best of ways and I’m glad I picked up the book!
July 20, 2024
**Most of my reviews contain detailed Content Notes (including CW/TW) sections, which may include spoilers and general tags. I have tried to mark them appropriately, but please use caution.**
2/5
Ebook
* Summary: When a new florist moves to town, the two proprietors strike up a relationship - alternatingly antagonistic and friendly, with really a loose tangential romance.
* Stats: CR, F/F, no sex, part of a series but stands alone.
* Notes: This book annoyed me and I can’t even really justify how much I found it obnoxious. It stuck me as a book that was written more to show off how *interesting* and *progressive* the author was than actually… a book that meant anything or contained a romance, plot or characters I could get behind. One FMC is mostly a Boring placeholder and the other has the maturity of a particularly petulant and spiteful child - despite them both being in their 70s, and any romance felt shoehorned in after/around the nonsensical plot. Maybe that’s my big issue - I was so interested in a mature romance between older characters that I feel like I got dumped on my face by this book.
OTT and Spoilery Content Notes:
2/5
Ebook
* Summary: When a new florist moves to town, the two proprietors strike up a relationship - alternatingly antagonistic and friendly, with really a loose tangential romance.
* Stats: CR, F/F, no sex, part of a series but stands alone.
* Notes: This book annoyed me and I can’t even really justify how much I found it obnoxious. It stuck me as a book that was written more to show off how *interesting* and *progressive* the author was than actually… a book that meant anything or contained a romance, plot or characters I could get behind. One FMC is mostly a Boring placeholder and the other has the maturity of a particularly petulant and spiteful child - despite them both being in their 70s, and any romance felt shoehorned in after/around the nonsensical plot. Maybe that’s my big issue - I was so interested in a mature romance between older characters that I feel like I got dumped on my face by this book.
OTT and Spoilery Content Notes:
November 5, 2024
such a sweet and cozy slice of life small town sapphic romance! <3
really enjoyed reading about older adults (thank u bingo love for the inspo) and seeing a new perspective and issues they may face (e.g., being a widow, lack of family, relationships with grandchildren) - also can’t imagine how nice it must be for older queers to have some rep, and how much it must mean to see themselves represented after not growing up with this type of easy love!! also puts things into perspective a bit - its never too late to chase your dreams/change life courses - what feels like a long time now etc isnt really!! blah blah very cliche but whatever
i dont care if its overly romanticised, i loved the small town setting!! and really appreciated the diversity despite it being a small town - there was POC and NB rep - and there were two acknowledgements of country which i dont think ive ever seen in a fictional book before!!
other themes/things i liked: embracing change, putting effort into new friends, fears of being alone, all the yummy food descriptions practically had me salivating (i am obsessed with chai, cinnamon, vanilla, and apple pie lol), the love of libraries (excited for book 2 focusing on dylan!!), made me really appreciate the art of floristry - i never knew bouquets could have so much meaning imbued in them!
i was expecting this to be a 5 star read but something fell slightly short for me? i think because the romance took too long/wasnt quite as much a romance as i expected idk! and was on the shorter side - only 200 pages so things weren't fleshed out as much. but i still loved reading it though - enough to purchase the series to support the author which i don't usually do oops (and the little epilogue + kat pov was such a nice ending). it did also irk me a bit that nobody really validated minnie being upset about there being a second florist moving into a small town?? obviously dont agree with how she handled it but i think she had a right to be upset about it!!
very excited for the rest of this series <3
really enjoyed reading about older adults (thank u bingo love for the inspo) and seeing a new perspective and issues they may face (e.g., being a widow, lack of family, relationships with grandchildren) - also can’t imagine how nice it must be for older queers to have some rep, and how much it must mean to see themselves represented after not growing up with this type of easy love!! also puts things into perspective a bit - its never too late to chase your dreams/change life courses - what feels like a long time now etc isnt really!! blah blah very cliche but whatever
i dont care if its overly romanticised, i loved the small town setting!! and really appreciated the diversity despite it being a small town - there was POC and NB rep - and there were two acknowledgements of country which i dont think ive ever seen in a fictional book before!!
other themes/things i liked: embracing change, putting effort into new friends, fears of being alone, all the yummy food descriptions practically had me salivating (i am obsessed with chai, cinnamon, vanilla, and apple pie lol), the love of libraries (excited for book 2 focusing on dylan!!), made me really appreciate the art of floristry - i never knew bouquets could have so much meaning imbued in them!
i was expecting this to be a 5 star read but something fell slightly short for me? i think because the romance took too long/wasnt quite as much a romance as i expected idk! and was on the shorter side - only 200 pages so things weren't fleshed out as much. but i still loved reading it though - enough to purchase the series to support the author which i don't usually do oops (and the little epilogue + kat pov was such a nice ending). it did also irk me a bit that nobody really validated minnie being upset about there being a second florist moving into a small town?? obviously dont agree with how she handled it but i think she had a right to be upset about it!!
very excited for the rest of this series <3
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