There are some authors that are a go-to when you’re looking for a warm, yet realistic story featuring women of a certain age. Macomber is one of those authors.
With one more novel under her belt, she didn’t even expect to write, I was thrilled to be able to read a story about like-minded women managing and surviving through big life changes. Continue on for my full review.
Must Love Flowers by Debbie Macomber
Published by Ballantine Books
Jul 11, 2023
ISBN 9780593600559
SYNOPSIS:
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 Emmie’s 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 lives 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 difficult life choices, they draw strength from this new friendship in surprising ways—discovering in the process that “found family” is often the very best kind.
Must Love Flowers by Debbie Macomber Review
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 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!
4 STARS!
Disclaimer: Chris has personally reviewed the product listed above. She has not received any monetary compensation for her review but did receive a free ebook so she could evaluate and use it for this post. Her thoughts & opinions in this review are unbiased & honest and your opinions may differ.
Hi! I’m Chris! Just a Midlife Wife sharing about life’s journey; screaming and kicking through it while supposedly aging gracefully…
Focusing on healthy living, low carb & keto, things I am loving right now, and life in general.