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Must Love Flowers
Two women at different stages of life find themselves on a journey of renewal after undergoing hardships in this uplifting novel from #1 New York Times bestselling author Debbie Macomber.
Joan Sample is not living the life she expected. Now a widow and an empty-nester, she has become by her own admission something of a recluse. But after another birthday spent alone, she is finally inclined to listen to her sister, who has been begging Joan to reengage with the world. With her support, Joan gathers the courage to take some long-awaited steps: hiring someone to tame her overgrown garden, joining a grief support group, and even renting out a room to a local college student. Before long Joan is starting to feel a little like herself again.
Across town, Maggie Herbert works mornings as a barista, tending to impatient customers before rushing to afternoon nursing classes. She's been living with her alcoholic father, ducking his temperamental outbursts and struggling to pay the household bills. But her circumstances brighten when she finds a room for rent in Joan's home. In the unexpected warmth of her new situation, Maggie finds a glimmer of hope for a better life. But will Maggie's budding attraction to one of her favorite customers ruin the harmony she's only recently found with Joan? Meanwhile, what is Joan to make of the mysterious landscaper who's been revitalizing her garden--a man who seems to harbor a past loss of his own?
As Maggie and Joan confront unfamiliar life choices, they find themselves leaning on each other in surprising ways--discovering in the process that "family" is often just another word for love in all its forms.
Joan Sample is not living the life she expected. Now a widow and an empty-nester, she has become by her own admission something of a recluse. But after another birthday spent alone, she is finally inclined to listen to her sister, who has been begging Joan to reengage with the world. With her support, Joan gathers the courage to take some long-awaited steps: hiring someone to tame her overgrown garden, joining a grief support group, and even renting out a room to a local college student. Before long Joan is starting to feel a little like herself again.
Across town, Maggie Herbert works mornings as a barista, tending to impatient customers before rushing to afternoon nursing classes. She's been living with her alcoholic father, ducking his temperamental outbursts and struggling to pay the household bills. But her circumstances brighten when she finds a room for rent in Joan's home. In the unexpected warmth of her new situation, Maggie finds a glimmer of hope for a better life. But will Maggie's budding attraction to one of her favorite customers ruin the harmony she's only recently found with Joan? Meanwhile, what is Joan to make of the mysterious landscaper who's been revitalizing her garden--a man who seems to harbor a past loss of his own?
As Maggie and Joan confront unfamiliar life choices, they find themselves leaning on each other in surprising ways--discovering in the process that "family" is often just another word for love in all its forms.
354 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 11, 2023
1157 people are currently reading
20352 people want to read
About the author
Debbie Macomber
895 books20.6k followersDebbie Macomber is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and one of today’s most popular writers with more than 200 million copies of her books in print worldwide. In her novels, Macomber brings to life compelling relationships that embrace family and enduring friendships, uplifting her readers with stories of connection and hope. Macomber’s novels have spent over 1,000 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Fifteen of these novels hit the number one spot.
In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.
Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.
She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.
In 2023, Macomber’s all-new hardcover publication includes Must Love Flowers (July). In addition to fiction, Macomber has also published three bestselling cookbooks, three adult coloring books, numerous inspirational and nonfiction works, and two acclaimed children’s books.
Celebrated as “the official storyteller of Christmas”, Macomber’s annual Christmas books are beloved and six have been crafted into original Hallmark Channel movies. Macomber is also the author of the bestselling Cedar Cove Series which the Hallmark Channel chose as the basis for its first dramatic scripted television series. Debuting in 2013, Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove was a ratings favorite for three seasons.
She serves on the Guideposts National Advisory Cabinet, is a YFC National Ambassador, and is World Vision’s international spokesperson for their Knit for Kids charity initiative. A devoted grandmother, Debbie and Wayne live in Port Orchard, Washington, the town which inspired the Cedar Cove series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,227 reviews
September 30, 2023
Joan has become reclusive after losing her husband four years ago and then came and went the pandemic. And it only gotten worse. Her sons and friends are worried and even HOA contacted Joan to tidy up her unruly garden.
Joan took her friend's advice and found a boarder who desperately needed a place to escape her own family troubles. Maggie is a nursing student and works at Starbucks. Joan also attends therapy for her grief and hires a gardener who must love flowers. 😉🌷
This is okay if you're looking for a comfy sweet and easy read. Joan and Maggie's lives are entwined as with people in their circle. The Seattle neighborhood area has a cozy atmosphere. Also, I like when they talk about Joan's garden and the variety of flowers. But...
There are some eye-rolling moments like $300 monthly rent and hot meals, (yeaaahh ah ha), and silly tensions between Maggie and Nick that ruin it for me. I can't stand Nick 😒 so what romance there was, never felt right.
Not my favorite DM's summer read, but I hope there's a holiday novella around the corner.
Audio read by Therese Plummer.👍❤️
Joan took her friend's advice and found a boarder who desperately needed a place to escape her own family troubles. Maggie is a nursing student and works at Starbucks. Joan also attends therapy for her grief and hires a gardener who must love flowers. 😉🌷
This is okay if you're looking for a comfy sweet and easy read. Joan and Maggie's lives are entwined as with people in their circle. The Seattle neighborhood area has a cozy atmosphere. Also, I like when they talk about Joan's garden and the variety of flowers. But...
There are some eye-rolling moments like $300 monthly rent and hot meals, (yeaaahh ah ha), and silly tensions between Maggie and Nick that ruin it for me. I can't stand Nick 😒 so what romance there was, never felt right.
Not my favorite DM's summer read, but I hope there's a holiday novella around the corner.
Audio read by Therese Plummer.👍❤️
April 15, 2023
It’s nice to take a break from psychological thrillers and this one was fantastic! This was book #14 for me by Debbie Macomber and I enjoyed it so much! Joan Sample has been a widow for 4 years and she’s had a very tough time. This book is about strength, courage and starting over. Can I also say how much I love the cover too? Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release in exchange for my honest review. To be published July 2023.
July 9, 2023
Debbie Macomber is one of the greatest storytellers of all times and she has another touching and emotional tale in Must Love Flowers. She said that she was ready to retire but had a story of a widow to tell and she did a wonderful job of pulling the reader in to experience all the raw emotions and feelings of the grief that one goes through. Joan lost her husband right before the pandemic and has been shut in her home since. Her sons don't know what to do to help her over her depression. A letter from her HOA opened her eyes to the state of her lawn and flower beds. This started a process that helped her climb out of the hole she had buried herself in and other lives were changed in the process. Lovely, touching story of overcoming, with healing, growth, love, new friends, and romance. Highly recommended. I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts and opinions.
June 25, 2023
Always heartwarming and a delightful, easy to read story.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I love the way this author continually finds topics and plots that fit in with our emotions and life experiences. An endless voice of uplifting messages of hope and love, Macomber brings another go-to story to the masses. Must Love Flowers focuses on healing from loss and an unfortunate disconnection from society.
Finding your way through the minefield of the loss of a loved one is the main focus of this book, and Macomber writes the story with a positive, realistic outlook. Faced with an empty nest and empty home, the answer to the main character’s healing is unexpected and delivers a warm message to those struggling with similar issues.
Written with care and kindness, Macomber doesn’t tiptoe around the messy struggles people can encounter and deal with during times of loss. She plows right through them and opens our eyes to possibility and hopes for healing and happiness.
This story is loaded with truths and unexpected healing from multiple sources as Joan, the main character, opens her eyes and heart. Strong and supportive secondary characters make this book a sweet feel-good treat for the soul. Plus, this cover is everything!
* copy received for review consideration
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/must-love-fl...
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I love the way this author continually finds topics and plots that fit in with our emotions and life experiences. An endless voice of uplifting messages of hope and love, Macomber brings another go-to story to the masses. Must Love Flowers focuses on healing from loss and an unfortunate disconnection from society.
Finding your way through the minefield of the loss of a loved one is the main focus of this book, and Macomber writes the story with a positive, realistic outlook. Faced with an empty nest and empty home, the answer to the main character’s healing is unexpected and delivers a warm message to those struggling with similar issues.
Written with care and kindness, Macomber doesn’t tiptoe around the messy struggles people can encounter and deal with during times of loss. She plows right through them and opens our eyes to possibility and hopes for healing and happiness.
This story is loaded with truths and unexpected healing from multiple sources as Joan, the main character, opens her eyes and heart. Strong and supportive secondary characters make this book a sweet feel-good treat for the soul. Plus, this cover is everything!
* copy received for review consideration
* full review - https://amidlifewife.com/must-love-fl...
July 18, 2024
OMG I LOVED 🥰 THIS! I will be reading more Debbie Macomber soon.
November 19, 2024
I loved this book and wish the characters were real!
April 7, 2023
Joan has been widowed for 4 years, and she has become a virtual recluse. Her sister urges her to get counseling, and maybe even to take in a boarder. When she gets a letter from the HOA criticizing the state of her yard, which was formerly her pride and joy, she calls a landscaping company, specifying that they must love flowers. Phil is the person who comes to give her an estimate, and she is surprised to see him at a grief support group. She decides to rent a room to nursing student Maggie who is desperate to get away from her alcoholic father. There are several romances and caring friendships, and Debbie is great about providing all different age groups with her trademark happily-ever-after ending. In the preface, Debbie says that she was thinking of retiring, but changed her mind--I'm so glad she did, because I really enjoyed this novel. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.
June 25, 2024
3.5 stars
May 24, 2023
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I loved this story. Having recently lost a loved one, I connected with the characters who were struggling with their grief. Joan is a widow of four years. Since her husband's death, she has become detached. Her sister reaches out to her to encourage her to take some risks and get out of her comfort zone. She wants her to "live" again. Her suggestions include having a boarder in her home (which she believes can help with her loneliness), talking to a therapist, using the gift certificate she gave her to update her look. She is forced to get out of her comfort zone when she receives a letter from her HOA telling her to clean her yard or pay a fine. She hires a landscaper who is friendly and caring and recognizes that she is suffering from her grief.
Through a friend, Joan finds the perfect boarder, Maggie, and they connect immediately. Joan has two sons who are concerned about her reclusiveness and her youngest also objects to her decision to have a boarder. Her son, Nick, meets Maggie, and after a contentious first meeting, they realize there is an attraction that they may want to explore.
Joan meets with a therapist who encourages her to join a weekly grief support group and she is resistant at first as her assumption is that she believes she will shoulder the grief of the group in addition to her own. It turns out that her landscaper, Phil, is part of the group and in time, the two learn things about each other and of themselves. This evolution is sweet as you can feel the pain of their loss on the pages, but you're also cheering for them and hoping that they will find happiness.
This is a great story with great characters. It meant more to me knowing that this author had hit all of the notes when suffering a loss. .
I loved this story. Having recently lost a loved one, I connected with the characters who were struggling with their grief. Joan is a widow of four years. Since her husband's death, she has become detached. Her sister reaches out to her to encourage her to take some risks and get out of her comfort zone. She wants her to "live" again. Her suggestions include having a boarder in her home (which she believes can help with her loneliness), talking to a therapist, using the gift certificate she gave her to update her look. She is forced to get out of her comfort zone when she receives a letter from her HOA telling her to clean her yard or pay a fine. She hires a landscaper who is friendly and caring and recognizes that she is suffering from her grief.
Through a friend, Joan finds the perfect boarder, Maggie, and they connect immediately. Joan has two sons who are concerned about her reclusiveness and her youngest also objects to her decision to have a boarder. Her son, Nick, meets Maggie, and after a contentious first meeting, they realize there is an attraction that they may want to explore.
Joan meets with a therapist who encourages her to join a weekly grief support group and she is resistant at first as her assumption is that she believes she will shoulder the grief of the group in addition to her own. It turns out that her landscaper, Phil, is part of the group and in time, the two learn things about each other and of themselves. This evolution is sweet as you can feel the pain of their loss on the pages, but you're also cheering for them and hoping that they will find happiness.
This is a great story with great characters. It meant more to me knowing that this author had hit all of the notes when suffering a loss. .
May 11, 2024
So glad Debbie Macomber has decided to keep writing. Must Love Flowers is a sweet, inspirational story that offers a compassionate look at grief and its impact on families.
September 22, 2025
Must Love Flowers is a stand-alone novel by best-selling American author, Debbie Macomber. The death, four years earlier, of her beloved husband, Jared, followed by COVID lockdowns, has seen Joan Sample become rather reclusive. But spending her fourth consecutive birthday alone, along with her older sister’s suggestion to treat herself to a hairdo, and to take a boarder for companionship, spur her to get out and do something.
The visit to the hairdresser times nicely with her younger son Nick’s invitation to a belated birthday restaurant meal, and the hairdresser urges her to contact the young woman she knows of who is looking for a place to stay. Unusually impulsive for Joan, but she does so despite Nick’s disapproval. Then there’s the HOA letter threatening a fine if she doesn’t do something about her garden, which is looking very neglected. She calls Harrison Lawn and Landscaping Service for a quote.
Maggie Herbert is desperate to move out. Since her mother died, her father, already on disability benefits for a back injury, spends his days, his disability payments, and the rent she pays him, drinking beer. Maggie’s day is full: mornings working at Starbucks; afternoon nursing classes; late afternoons volunteering at the school with poor readers; and evenings studying. Yet Roy Herbert expects her to cook him meals and cover the bills.
Maggie is overjoyed, and grateful when Joan offers her a choice of rooms, and heads home to get her things, but returns in tears just as Phil Harrison is finishing off his quote for Joan’s lawn and flower beds. Already impressed by this calm, quiet man and his understanding of what she needs, when he offers to accompany Maggie and Joan, to keep an angry and inebriated Roy distracted while they gather her things, Joan doesn’t hesitate to offer him the job.
Things are going perfectly for Maggie until she overhears the flirty carpenter, a regular at Starbucks, telling his friend that he avoided his depressing mother on her birthday, then dumped a stray puppy on her for companionship so she won’t need a boarder. It must be his room she’s living in! Sparks fly when Nick drops in on his mom…
This is another heart-warming tale from the queen of feel-good. Several of the characters are dealing with the loss of a loved one, so the benefits of counselling and group therapy for those grieving is explored. She also touches on alcoholism, loneliness, and making major life changes. Classic Macomber.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK.
The visit to the hairdresser times nicely with her younger son Nick’s invitation to a belated birthday restaurant meal, and the hairdresser urges her to contact the young woman she knows of who is looking for a place to stay. Unusually impulsive for Joan, but she does so despite Nick’s disapproval. Then there’s the HOA letter threatening a fine if she doesn’t do something about her garden, which is looking very neglected. She calls Harrison Lawn and Landscaping Service for a quote.
Maggie Herbert is desperate to move out. Since her mother died, her father, already on disability benefits for a back injury, spends his days, his disability payments, and the rent she pays him, drinking beer. Maggie’s day is full: mornings working at Starbucks; afternoon nursing classes; late afternoons volunteering at the school with poor readers; and evenings studying. Yet Roy Herbert expects her to cook him meals and cover the bills.
Maggie is overjoyed, and grateful when Joan offers her a choice of rooms, and heads home to get her things, but returns in tears just as Phil Harrison is finishing off his quote for Joan’s lawn and flower beds. Already impressed by this calm, quiet man and his understanding of what she needs, when he offers to accompany Maggie and Joan, to keep an angry and inebriated Roy distracted while they gather her things, Joan doesn’t hesitate to offer him the job.
Things are going perfectly for Maggie until she overhears the flirty carpenter, a regular at Starbucks, telling his friend that he avoided his depressing mother on her birthday, then dumped a stray puppy on her for companionship so she won’t need a boarder. It must be his room she’s living in! Sparks fly when Nick drops in on his mom…
This is another heart-warming tale from the queen of feel-good. Several of the characters are dealing with the loss of a loved one, so the benefits of counselling and group therapy for those grieving is explored. She also touches on alcoholism, loneliness, and making major life changes. Classic Macomber.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Little, Brown Book Group UK.
July 14, 2023
Debbie Macomber's books always have a way of making you feel warm inside. They are heartwarming and uplifting while dealing with tough topics. This one has great characters and I really enjoyed watching our MC Joan grow through the grief of losing her husband 4 years ago. Such a lovely story of found family.
Joan is an empty nester of two sons, and has become reclusive since her husband died. Her sister is trying to get to try new things and come out of her shell a little bit. Joan joins a grief support group, and also decides to rent a room in her home to a young college girl, Maggie. Maggie works as a barista, and is going to nursing school. Her father is an alcoholic so she tries to stay clear of him and his temper as much as possible. Now that she's decided to rent a room in Joan's home, things are looking much brighter. I loved the friendship that Joan and Maggie build, and the relationships Maggie and Joan are forming with other characters in the book. Joan finds at the support group that her landscaper, Phil, also is dealing with his own grief.
This is such a well written story, and definitely recommend it to anyone who needs a feel good book!
Thank you to the author and publisher for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own!
Joan is an empty nester of two sons, and has become reclusive since her husband died. Her sister is trying to get to try new things and come out of her shell a little bit. Joan joins a grief support group, and also decides to rent a room in her home to a young college girl, Maggie. Maggie works as a barista, and is going to nursing school. Her father is an alcoholic so she tries to stay clear of him and his temper as much as possible. Now that she's decided to rent a room in Joan's home, things are looking much brighter. I loved the friendship that Joan and Maggie build, and the relationships Maggie and Joan are forming with other characters in the book. Joan finds at the support group that her landscaper, Phil, also is dealing with his own grief.
This is such a well written story, and definitely recommend it to anyone who needs a feel good book!
Thank you to the author and publisher for the gifted copy. All opinions are my own!
July 25, 2023
This is a sweet, comforting story of second chances. There are two romances, but the strongest theme concerns two women helping each other in tough times. Joan is a widow of four years who just can't seem to start over again. Maggie is a young woman trying to move forward in life, but she is constantly pulled down by an alcoholic father. When Joan offers to rent Maggie a room, things begin to look up for both of them. The themes of loss, starting over, and helping others shine through. Recommend.
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March 28, 2023#GoodreadsGiveaway
August 9, 2023
I felt like this book did a really good job with the character of Joan and explaining the grief journey but I couldn’t stand the story of Nick and Maggie. It was so unrealistic. They were terrible communicators and their fights were so weird. When nick got really mad because he found out she had a father living in the area, that was just way over dramatic I can’t imagine any dude reacting like that. But all in all their relationship wasn’t built up at all, like I didn’t care whether they worked out in the end or not.
July 26, 2023
I was very disappointed in the subject matter. I found it depressing. I thought it was not as well written as her earlier work. It was a very predictable story.
July 20, 2023
Not my cup of tea.
April 13, 2024
This was a great book and a interesting read. I loved the characters and the way the story went. I am in a bit of the same situation and it’s inspired me to get on with life.
July 3, 2023
Review coming soon.
July 20, 2023
Must Love Flowers is the newest release from the beloved, prolific, Debbie Macomber. It’s another one of her signature light, hopeful, uplifting stories.
In this story we follow Joan who became an empty-nester and a widow right before the pandemic hit. She secluded herself away, along with the rest of the world, which stalled her healing and recovery. One day, Joan determines that it’s time to turn things around. She takes on a border, gets her landscaping refreshed and her hair shaped-up…all things she’s let go over the years of isolation. People serendipitously show-up in her life; people who have a tremendously positive effect on Joan, and she in return is able to impact their lives as well. Healing takes place, relationships are restored, romance blooms, and an HEA is granted for all.
Must Love Flowers is a simple, sweet story. I thought I would love it just as much as others did, but unfortunately, it didn’t quite work for me like her previous books have. I found it a bit dull, predictable, and too easily resolved. I was not a fan of most of the characters. They were decidedly immature and exaggeratedly naïve. I also did not like one of the sons who simply not the nicest guy, quick to lose his temper and turn on people whom he supposedly cared about. The way Joan and her son handled a particular situation with their border, Maggie, was highly problematic and disconcerting to me.
I typically love Debbie’s stories, but this one just had too many issues that hindered my full enjoyment of it. It definitely had it’s sweet moments, but despite my age similarity with the main character, and my ability to identify with the empty-nesting situation, I wasn’t able to relate to Joan. Others will enjoy this story, and I did to a degree, but I also sadly found it a bit disappointing.
In this story we follow Joan who became an empty-nester and a widow right before the pandemic hit. She secluded herself away, along with the rest of the world, which stalled her healing and recovery. One day, Joan determines that it’s time to turn things around. She takes on a border, gets her landscaping refreshed and her hair shaped-up…all things she’s let go over the years of isolation. People serendipitously show-up in her life; people who have a tremendously positive effect on Joan, and she in return is able to impact their lives as well. Healing takes place, relationships are restored, romance blooms, and an HEA is granted for all.
Must Love Flowers is a simple, sweet story. I thought I would love it just as much as others did, but unfortunately, it didn’t quite work for me like her previous books have. I found it a bit dull, predictable, and too easily resolved. I was not a fan of most of the characters. They were decidedly immature and exaggeratedly naïve. I also did not like one of the sons who simply not the nicest guy, quick to lose his temper and turn on people whom he supposedly cared about. The way Joan and her son handled a particular situation with their border, Maggie, was highly problematic and disconcerting to me.
I typically love Debbie’s stories, but this one just had too many issues that hindered my full enjoyment of it. It definitely had it’s sweet moments, but despite my age similarity with the main character, and my ability to identify with the empty-nesting situation, I wasn’t able to relate to Joan. Others will enjoy this story, and I did to a degree, but I also sadly found it a bit disappointing.
April 14, 2023
Thanks so much NetGalley and Random House Publishing - Ballantine for an advance read in exchange for this review.
Joan Sample is an empty nester and a widower. Things have not been the best for her since her husband died 4 years ago. After another birthday alone, she decides to finally brave into the world. She hires someone to deal with her overgrown yard, finds a boarder, goes to a grief group, and starts to connect with others. Maggie is in nursing school and deals with her father who struggles with alcohol abuse. She rents a room in Joan's home and the two connect instantly.
On the surface, this book seems really sweet. It was really nice to read about Joan figuring herself out, as well as Maggie connecting with a mom like figure after her mother passed away. However, there were a couple of things that left a bad taste. The author uses race to describe a person of color, but does not do so with the rest of the characters who I am guessing are white. Al, Maggie's father's friend - "The Black man saluted her" and "An elderly Black man stepped outside". When describing Phil, the author writes "He was around her age, early fifties, with salt and pepper hair. Average height and looks, but definitely attractive".
Nick was not a nice character, and I started liking Joan a little less after he got mad at Maggie for multiple things and Joan defended him. His reactions to several scenarios were kind of concerning, and Maggie should run.
Joan Sample is an empty nester and a widower. Things have not been the best for her since her husband died 4 years ago. After another birthday alone, she decides to finally brave into the world. She hires someone to deal with her overgrown yard, finds a boarder, goes to a grief group, and starts to connect with others. Maggie is in nursing school and deals with her father who struggles with alcohol abuse. She rents a room in Joan's home and the two connect instantly.
On the surface, this book seems really sweet. It was really nice to read about Joan figuring herself out, as well as Maggie connecting with a mom like figure after her mother passed away. However, there were a couple of things that left a bad taste. The author uses race to describe a person of color, but does not do so with the rest of the characters who I am guessing are white. Al, Maggie's father's friend - "The Black man saluted her" and "An elderly Black man stepped outside". When describing Phil, the author writes "He was around her age, early fifties, with salt and pepper hair. Average height and looks, but definitely attractive".
Nick was not a nice character, and I started liking Joan a little less after he got mad at Maggie for multiple things and Joan defended him. His reactions to several scenarios were kind of concerning, and Maggie should run.
December 24, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Such a beautiful well written story and wonderful characters.
Such a beautiful well written story and wonderful characters.
November 24, 2023
Rating: 5 Stars!!
Review:
Thank you to Goodreads for picking me to win this FREE Hardcover Copy in a giveaway on their website a few months ago.
Even tho ive read other books by Debbie before, i really enjoyed this one more then the others mainly because this one mainly concentrated on Grief and how to overcome it after losing a spouse and father which i can relate to since My Mom and i have been going through that for 2 years now.
The Characters were fun and enjoyable to read about. Joan and Maggie were definately my favorites. I loved how Joan wanted to rent out her house to Maggie to help both of them financially even tho i wouldnt personally do it myself cause thats a HUGE Commitment.
The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like i was really in the book while reading especially when the scenery was described.
Overall a Good Contemporary Novel!! Can't wait to read more by Debbie in the future!!
Review:
Thank you to Goodreads for picking me to win this FREE Hardcover Copy in a giveaway on their website a few months ago.
Even tho ive read other books by Debbie before, i really enjoyed this one more then the others mainly because this one mainly concentrated on Grief and how to overcome it after losing a spouse and father which i can relate to since My Mom and i have been going through that for 2 years now.
The Characters were fun and enjoyable to read about. Joan and Maggie were definately my favorites. I loved how Joan wanted to rent out her house to Maggie to help both of them financially even tho i wouldnt personally do it myself cause thats a HUGE Commitment.
The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like i was really in the book while reading especially when the scenery was described.
Overall a Good Contemporary Novel!! Can't wait to read more by Debbie in the future!!
October 10, 2023
I loved this so much. Such a sweet story.
June 20, 2023
Debbie Macomber fans will rejoice as they read her note at the beginning of this book. Essentially she writes she tried retirement for four months before deciding she was created to write. I’ve only read a few of her more recent holiday books (which I rated highly) as before covid I didn’t read romance as a genre for a few decades.
Must Love Flowers focuses on Joan Sample. She is 54 and has been a widow for four years. Her husband surprisingly died right before covid closed down the world. She sold his dental practice where she ran the office and retreated into her home. She is finally ready to step from her comfort zone. With some prompting she decides to take in a border, start therapy and join a grief support group. It is a lot of change but she feels better with each step.
Maggie Herbert is the nursing student and current barista who is the new border. She is a dutiful daughter but needs to get away from her dad. He drinks too much and she knows she is enabling in by taking care of him. There is also a budding romance between Maggie and Joan’s son. He makes some jerky missteps in the beginning, which I guess shows that everyone isn’t perfect.
This is well written women’s fiction with romances for more than one character. I like that Joan has to learn that her grief effects others especially her sons. Sometimes the story is light on details. Joan is given a puppy and although it is often in scenes you never know the size or possible breed mix. Obviously there is a need for well written, uplifting, wholesome romances. If that is what you want you will not be disappointed in this book.
Thank you to Random House, Ballantine for the ARC via NetGalley and I am leaving a voluntary review.
Must Love Flowers focuses on Joan Sample. She is 54 and has been a widow for four years. Her husband surprisingly died right before covid closed down the world. She sold his dental practice where she ran the office and retreated into her home. She is finally ready to step from her comfort zone. With some prompting she decides to take in a border, start therapy and join a grief support group. It is a lot of change but she feels better with each step.
Maggie Herbert is the nursing student and current barista who is the new border. She is a dutiful daughter but needs to get away from her dad. He drinks too much and she knows she is enabling in by taking care of him. There is also a budding romance between Maggie and Joan’s son. He makes some jerky missteps in the beginning, which I guess shows that everyone isn’t perfect.
This is well written women’s fiction with romances for more than one character. I like that Joan has to learn that her grief effects others especially her sons. Sometimes the story is light on details. Joan is given a puppy and although it is often in scenes you never know the size or possible breed mix. Obviously there is a need for well written, uplifting, wholesome romances. If that is what you want you will not be disappointed in this book.
Thank you to Random House, Ballantine for the ARC via NetGalley and I am leaving a voluntary review.
March 29, 2023
I have read so many of her books it hard to put them down they are just awesome
July 23, 2023
This was high drama I just was not in the mood to listen to peoples constant problems. Joan seemed weak for someone who was supposedly in charge of an office
January 2, 2025
One Liner: Simple and heartwarming book
Synopsis: Joan Sample's once happy life turned upside down after the sudden demise of her husband. The onset and dragged on years of pandemic on top of that made things worse. She never stepped out of her house except for picking up groceries or mail from her porch. A nasty letter from HOA regarding her neglected lawn angers a whole lot and she decides to get out of her self imposed slumber. Did her life change in a positive way? And what does "Must Love Flowers" mean forms the crux of the story
My thoughts:
Debbie Macomber found her mojo back with this story. Last couple of books of hers which I read was a dud for me and did not give me that warmth feeling which I get from her books. This book was published in 2023 and this is such a come back from my favorite go to author. The story line is simple and solid. Straight forward story and nothing in this book is over the top. It's a simple uplifting story. The story stays true to the genre and its a super quick read. I loved the book
My rating 3.75 rounded to 4
Synopsis: Joan Sample's once happy life turned upside down after the sudden demise of her husband. The onset and dragged on years of pandemic on top of that made things worse. She never stepped out of her house except for picking up groceries or mail from her porch. A nasty letter from HOA regarding her neglected lawn angers a whole lot and she decides to get out of her self imposed slumber. Did her life change in a positive way? And what does "Must Love Flowers" mean forms the crux of the story
My thoughts:
Debbie Macomber found her mojo back with this story. Last couple of books of hers which I read was a dud for me and did not give me that warmth feeling which I get from her books. This book was published in 2023 and this is such a come back from my favorite go to author. The story line is simple and solid. Straight forward story and nothing in this book is over the top. It's a simple uplifting story. The story stays true to the genre and its a super quick read. I loved the book
My rating 3.75 rounded to 4
July 11, 2023
Must Love Flowers by Debbie Macomber
8h 31m narrated by Thérèse Plummer, 336 pages
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Domestic Fiction, Adult Fiction
Featuring: Widowed Empty Nester, Quinquagenarian MC, Seattle, Washington; Multiple POVs, Alcoholism, Starbucks, Friendships, Post-Pandemic, Roommates, Grief, Self-Actualization, Therapy, Growth Trope
Rating as a movie: PG-13 for adult situations
My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟💐
My thoughts: Who makes a crockpot meal at 3 p. m.? Anyway, this story was fantastic a perfect mix of growth, humor, and heartwarming friendship, the romance is definitely on the slow side but it's realistic and isn't drawn out, which is great because I'm not a fan of Instalove. I think this was the best of the last few Macomber new releases I've read.
Recommend to others: Yes! There was something different here and it was good.
8h 31m narrated by Thérèse Plummer, 336 pages
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Domestic Fiction, Adult Fiction
Featuring: Widowed Empty Nester, Quinquagenarian MC, Seattle, Washington; Multiple POVs, Alcoholism, Starbucks, Friendships, Post-Pandemic, Roommates, Grief, Self-Actualization, Therapy, Growth Trope
Rating as a movie: PG-13 for adult situations
My rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟💐
My thoughts: Who makes a crockpot meal at 3 p. m.? Anyway, this story was fantastic a perfect mix of growth, humor, and heartwarming friendship, the romance is definitely on the slow side but it's realistic and isn't drawn out, which is great because I'm not a fan of Instalove. I think this was the best of the last few Macomber new releases I've read.
Recommend to others: Yes! There was something different here and it was good.
August 12, 2023
I knew I loved this book from page 1. Joan had lost her husband four years ago, and with the pandemic found herself alone in her home most of the time. Her sister kept encouraging her to get out more and finally she decided to take her advice. She decided to rent a bedroom to a young woman, join a grief group, and hire a landscaper for her yard. All of these things worked out great for her and one year later things are all going in the right direction. Highly recommend this book.
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