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3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
This story is grounded in reality with magical elements mixed in. The story is told from Eloise's perspective so the reader learns about the garden as she does. The reader gets stories from Eloise's life before the garden to understand why she would choose to live in such a secluded place. The garden and the characters really came to life for me while reading. I went in knowing very little about the book and it think that helped me enjoy the book more.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The Alchemy of Flowers AUDIO by Laura Resau was on the one hand, intriguing, and on the other, a little too woo-woo for me. Eloise is broken, her husband gone and her dream of having a child, gone as well. She burned up her life in Colorado (literally) and accepted a job as a gardener at a mansion in France. There she finds three other people and the very odd representative of the Patron, her unseen employer. Slowly she heals, essentially due to the other people there, each of whom have their own stories, and the flowers and herbs in the garden, including the tisanes she brews and those brewed by her predecessor. As she rises out of her fog, she becomes curious about the garden and the very odd rules laid down for the residents by the Patron. The others seem to just accept the oddities but Eloise cannot and it gets her in trouble.
The characters, personalities, and backstories of the three other residents slowly reveal themselves and they open up as Eloise opens up to them. One of the rules disallows children and yet she sees a small, almost feral child, and eventually gets to know her. The mystery of the place gets solved quite by accident and in a pretty dangerous way, but it continues the healing process for all of them. It is a curious mix of danger and calm. The characters are all interesting and well-developed. The mystery is truly a mystery and for what reason? Are there bodies involved? Yes. Are all of them explained? Not really. Had to keep listening. I was mesmerized.
The narrator is Cassandra Campbell, who made the whole thing eerier with her calm and almost monotone reading, although she did come alive as things got solved. An interesting voice to a very interesting story.
I was invited to listen to The Alchemy of Flowers by Harper Muse Audio. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Negalley #HarperMuseAudio #CassandraCampbell #LauraResau #TheAlchemyOfFlowers
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I didn't know what to expect when I picked up this book. I enjoyed the majority of it, and I liked its messages. I wish there was a little more polish, but it held my attention, and I wanted to know what happened next, so it was entertaining.
This book is very light on the magical aspects, which I found disappointing. I wish the author had expanded more on Eloise's flower magic and why this garden was so special. I liked that there was mythology around the triple goddesses and the Furies, but it ended up being more mundane than I wanted. Genre-wise, this barely qualifies as magical realism.
The heart of the story is about healing and found family. Eloise struggles with infertility, and the others who work in the garden have their own traumatic history. Each person working there has to go through their own journey towards healing themselves. But they have each other for support and slowly grow together as a family.
The story changes from a slow read to a deeper mystery and then to a crazy, chaotic ending. I liked the happily ever after, but I wish the writing were more consistent. I liked the mystery part more than the beginning, but I found the ending rather disappointing. It's a little rough around the edges, but I did enjoy the book
This book is very light on the magical aspects, which I found disappointing. I wish the author had expanded more on Eloise's flower magic and why this garden was so special. I liked that there was mythology around the triple goddesses and the Furies, but it ended up being more mundane than I wanted. Genre-wise, this barely qualifies as magical realism.
The heart of the story is about healing and found family. Eloise struggles with infertility, and the others who work in the garden have their own traumatic history. Each person working there has to go through their own journey towards healing themselves. But they have each other for support and slowly grow together as a family.
The story changes from a slow read to a deeper mystery and then to a crazy, chaotic ending. I liked the happily ever after, but I wish the writing were more consistent. I liked the mystery part more than the beginning, but I found the ending rather disappointing. It's a little rough around the edges, but I did enjoy the book
Tucked far away in the south of France stands a castle surrounded by Les Jardins du Paradis. This magical garden is off limits to children and electronics, one of the main reasons Eloise chooses to seek employment in an escape from her old life in Colorado. Among the flowers she finds solace, she speaks to them and they talk back.
All is well as long as one follows the rules. But when bizarre things start to occur, Eloise starts asking more and more questions. It starts to take a dark turn hinting something wicked is going on. While growing closer with her companions they try to convince her to let it all go and follow the rules so she isn’t forced to leave.
Overall I enjoyed The Alchemy of Flowers. I felt some of the pacing was off and some parts became major info dumps, but the writing was beautiful. I had some suspicions throughout as to what was going on. And I felt the ending wrapped things up pretty nicely.
The Alchemy of Flowers is a whimsical read that took me back to The Secret Garden which is one of my favorite books growing up. It is a story of loss, of healing, and of found family. There are dark and suspenseful moments which is really what kept me going.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for this ARC opportunity. This is an honest and voluntary review.
Thank you Harper Muse for the Netgalley ARC and Harper Muse Audio for the ALC.
What a story!
A mix of literary fiction, romance and magical realism.
An American woman, broken by a brutal struggle with infertility, finds a job ad to work as a gardener in a French remote country side chateau. Why not, she has always had a unique relationship with plants and flowers. But the biggest selling point is that children are not allowed on the premises.
She arrives there, meets her colleagues and starts a journey of self discovery, healing, reaching a better understanding of herself and the magical place she ended up in, and finds love in the most unexpected places.
I quite enjoyed this story. The writing is so beautiful and atmospheric; I could visualize the environment and the characters and connect with them.
My issues were that some aspects of the magic were not explored, there was minimal explanation of the main character’s relationship with her magic and knowledge of plants and flowers. My other issue is pacing; the final act was such a big change from the sedate pace of the first two acts in the book, shocking, fast paced and felt a bit rushed.
As I was fortunate enough to receive an advanced copy of the audiobook; narrated by Cassandra Campbell, this review will include me gushing about Cassandra’s narration; beautifully executed, especially with the French accent and the mannerisms of each character. 10/10 job.
What a story!
A mix of literary fiction, romance and magical realism.
An American woman, broken by a brutal struggle with infertility, finds a job ad to work as a gardener in a French remote country side chateau. Why not, she has always had a unique relationship with plants and flowers. But the biggest selling point is that children are not allowed on the premises.
She arrives there, meets her colleagues and starts a journey of self discovery, healing, reaching a better understanding of herself and the magical place she ended up in, and finds love in the most unexpected places.
I quite enjoyed this story. The writing is so beautiful and atmospheric; I could visualize the environment and the characters and connect with them.
My issues were that some aspects of the magic were not explored, there was minimal explanation of the main character’s relationship with her magic and knowledge of plants and flowers. My other issue is pacing; the final act was such a big change from the sedate pace of the first two acts in the book, shocking, fast paced and felt a bit rushed.
As I was fortunate enough to receive an advanced copy of the audiobook; narrated by Cassandra Campbell, this review will include me gushing about Cassandra’s narration; beautifully executed, especially with the French accent and the mannerisms of each character. 10/10 job.
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
A broken woman. A mysterious job ad. A chance to heal in French castle gardens. The Alchemy of Flowers is an enchanting, modern-day take on The Secret Garden, sprinkled with magic, a hint of mystery, and a dash of romance.
The Alchemy of Flowers is a unique and complex debut novel. While enchanting and visually stunning, this book wasn’t what I was expecting at all. I’m not sure if it was due to the pacing or because I was hoping for a darker tone. Don’t get me wrong, there was definitely an air of mystery, but I just felt like something was missing.
The Alchemy of Flowers is a story about healing, fresh starts, and second chances. Unfortunately, this book was a bit hit and miss for me as it had its fair share of ups and downs. It was a bit rough around the edges, and the pacing definitely could be improved. That being said, I do think the bones of this story are solid and that the author has a lot of good potential. I would definitely be open to checking out future books from this author.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
The Alchemy of Flowers is a unique and complex debut novel. While enchanting and visually stunning, this book wasn’t what I was expecting at all. I’m not sure if it was due to the pacing or because I was hoping for a darker tone. Don’t get me wrong, there was definitely an air of mystery, but I just felt like something was missing.
The Alchemy of Flowers is a story about healing, fresh starts, and second chances. Unfortunately, this book was a bit hit and miss for me as it had its fair share of ups and downs. It was a bit rough around the edges, and the pacing definitely could be improved. That being said, I do think the bones of this story are solid and that the author has a lot of good potential. I would definitely be open to checking out future books from this author.
*I was provided an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
This has major gothic vibes. I’m not sure I really agree with the comparison to the Secret Garden. It does have found family and a garden. It’s more the story one woman’s joureny towards acceptance of some devastating news. It dragged in places but overall I enjoyed it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage
Moderate: Infertility
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Thank you to @lauraresau and @harpermusebooks for the #gifted e-book and the accompanying audiobook.
I picked up this book, drawn in by its enchanting Secret Garden vibes, and it utterly captivated me.
Eloise embarks on a transformative journey to escape the shadows of a failed marriage and the deep-seated heartache of infertility that has kept her feeling trapped. When she seizes the opportunity to work as a gardener in France, she uncovers a rich tapestry of mystery, family ties, and unexpected love.
The narrative unfolds with a heart-wrenching yet uplifting authenticity that brilliantly captures Eloise’s path toward healing from profound loss. Her struggles with helplessness and grief, particularly related to her infertility, resonated deeply with me. The raw and vivid emotions in this story pulled me completely into Eloise’s world, making her journey feel profoundly personal. While this book may not resonate with everyone, its impact is undeniable.
The exquisite writing and lush, vivid descriptions of the garden, vibrant blossoms, and majestic castle transport you to another realm, immersing you fully in the narrative. The threads of magical realism elevate the story, igniting the imagination as the enchanting French gardens and the castle’s secrets unfold. Each character is intricately crafted, their complexities revealed beautifully throughout the story. The elements of slow-burn romance, delightful culinary experiences, and deep friendships intertwine seamlessly, all while exposing the darker undertones as the mysteries of the castle unravel.
The narrator shines in embodying the characters, skillfully bringing the French language and accents to life with authenticity. The snippets of French throughout add a lyrical charm that enhances the reading experience.
At its core, this tale is a poignant exploration of self-forgiveness, the transformative power of love after loss, and the extraordinary beauty of found family. Mark your calendars—this captivating book will be available on July 29, 2025. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this unforgettable story!
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Healing and flower witches and wild things. Darkness and grief and death. I loved the magic of the woman who talked to flowers. The end drama was a little much. And I wanted a little something else at the end about the motives of the Patron. But charming mostly.
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The Alchemy of Flowers is a captivating story about a woman seeking refuge among the flowers of a French garden as she tries to heal from the heartbreak of the life she left behind.
At its heart, this is a story about loss, vulnerability, and healing. Resau writes with care and compassion about the complex grief that accompanies infertility, miscarriage, and endometriosis and how deeply these conditions can impact self-worth and relationships. Too many people feel alone in these experiences and I appreciate how central they were to the main character's development.
The writing is vibrant and evocative. I could feel the cool river water on my skin, smell the lavender, taste the tisanes (never have I craved floral infusions more!). The descriptions of nature, wine, and food painted a world that felt both grounded and enchanted. The slow build of trust and found family was deeply touching.
Genre-wise, this one is hard to categorize. There’s a touch of magical realism from the whispers of the flowers, a thread of mythology through the lore of the triple goddesses and the Furies, and a foreboding sense of mystery tied to the estate’s dark secrets and deadly threats.
The pace is slow at first, but then the story finds a steady rhythm until the last 10% or so, which felt mildly chaotic. I listened on audio and loved the narrator’s delivery, especially the Franglish scattered throughout.
Thank you to NetGalley, Laura Resau, and Harper Muse Audiobooks for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
At its heart, this is a story about loss, vulnerability, and healing. Resau writes with care and compassion about the complex grief that accompanies infertility, miscarriage, and endometriosis and how deeply these conditions can impact self-worth and relationships. Too many people feel alone in these experiences and I appreciate how central they were to the main character's development.
The writing is vibrant and evocative. I could feel the cool river water on my skin, smell the lavender, taste the tisanes (never have I craved floral infusions more!). The descriptions of nature, wine, and food painted a world that felt both grounded and enchanted. The slow build of trust and found family was deeply touching.
Genre-wise, this one is hard to categorize. There’s a touch of magical realism from the whispers of the flowers, a thread of mythology through the lore of the triple goddesses and the Furies, and a foreboding sense of mystery tied to the estate’s dark secrets and deadly threats.
The pace is slow at first, but then the story finds a steady rhythm until the last 10% or so, which felt mildly chaotic. I listened on audio and loved the narrator’s delivery, especially the Franglish scattered throughout.
Thank you to NetGalley, Laura Resau, and Harper Muse Audiobooks for the audio ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infertility, Grief
Moderate: Death, Miscarriage, Blood
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Domestic abuse, Violence