Thursday, June 26, 2014

The Art of Arranging Flowers by Lynne Branard

Publish Date June 3, 2014 by Berkley Trade

Ruby Jewell knows flowers. In her twenty years as a florist she has stood behind the counter at the Flower Shoppe with her faithful dog, Clementine, resting at her feet. A customer can walk in, and with just a glance or a few words, Ruby can throw together the perfect arrangement for any occasion.

Whether intended to rekindle a romance, mark a celebration, offer sympathy, or heal a broken heart, her expressive floral designs mark the moments and milestones in the lives of her neighbors. It’s as though she knows just what they want to say, just what they need.

Yet Ruby’s own heart’s desires have gone ignored since the death of her beloved sister. It will take an invitation from a man who’s flown to the moon, the arrival of a unique little boy, and concern from a charming veterinarian to reawaken her wounded spirit. Any life can be derailed, but the healing power of community can put it right again.

My Thoughts:

I am clueless about flowers, yet the synopsis of The Art of Arranging Flowers pulled at me.   I picked up the book hoping that I would not be lost and all it would talk about it different flowers and how to arrange them.    While there is some, okay a lot, of flower talk in the book, there is so much more to Ruby Jewell’s life.    There is friendship, broken hearts, love, and loss.  The small town atmosphere is absolutely perfect.    The other characters in the book are just as important as Ruby and leave their marks on the reader as we get to know them.   

Ruby is the main character of the story and I loved her.   She knew the town better than anyone else.   Knew the birthdates, anniversaries, likes and dislikes before the person ordering the flowers could tell her.   She had bouquets ready before the orders were placed and went above on and beyond to make the town the best she possibly could.   She knew of healing powers of flowers and knew who needed healing or prayers for whatever ails them, broken hearts, cancer, tiredness, or love.   

The other characters in the book were just as great.  Dan is my favorite.   A retired astronaut who manages to connect with everyone he comes in contact with, and does it in a way that makes each person feel special.   He also could read people, he knew who was sick and how to help or comfort them, he knew who needed a little extra push to open their heart, and who just needed him to give them some special attention to make them feel special.   When it was told that he was dying and that he had control of how he was going to die I had tears in my eyes.   I knw that it would be a send off in the most private and highest regards, the way Dan had lived his life. 


The Art of Arranging Flowers is a book that I recommend to anyone who needs a calming and loving story about a town that feels like home.  The story is sweet, sentimental, and unforgettable. 

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2 comments:

  1. I love the cover on this book. It is soft and inviting.Simply beautiful

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  2. The synopsis of this reminds me of The Language of Flowers, which I absolutely loved!

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