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3.71 AVERAGE
3.71 AVERAGE
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I don't often listen to audiobooks all the way through in one straight shot unless I'm driving, but I did with this one. I felt like this story was really unique and will likely stick with me. I liked the writing style and felt like all of the characters were well thought out, getting to know the side characters was so fun. I also appreciated the production of the audio book. Cassandra Campbell had a really pleasing voice and spoke really clearly so I was able to listen to the audiobook at 2.5x speed, which is my preference.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to fans of magical realism, but I would definitely recommend checking trigger warnings!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to fans of magical realism, but I would definitely recommend checking trigger warnings!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infertility
“My dreams were vivid, as if I’d stumbled across another realm, the colors brighter, the sounds more vibrant, the tastes more intense. A realm where I transformed into flowers, one after another, from warm calendula to cool violets. My petals flew in the skies full of stars and my nectar trailed like the Milky Way.”
What a beautiful surprise this book was. The writing is so lyrical and the world within these pages so lush and gorgeous with a hint of mystery. The story has many beautiful messages throughout and the author does a great job at illustrating vivid scenes. I was so completely captivated and felt I was unable to put down the book at times. As soon as I did, I could almost hear the whispers of the flowers, luring me back in.
The way this story is a blend of cozy, heartbreaking, magical, whimsy and healing with some mystery sprinkled on top of it, is very well done. It’s a beautiful story that handles these hard and difficult topics very well.
Important trigger warnings:
- infertility
- rape
- child marriage
- miscarriage
- murder
- cancer
Thank you HarperCollins Focus | Harper Muse and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions in this review are my own.
What a beautiful surprise this book was. The writing is so lyrical and the world within these pages so lush and gorgeous with a hint of mystery. The story has many beautiful messages throughout and the author does a great job at illustrating vivid scenes. I was so completely captivated and felt I was unable to put down the book at times. As soon as I did, I could almost hear the whispers of the flowers, luring me back in.
The way this story is a blend of cozy, heartbreaking, magical, whimsy and healing with some mystery sprinkled on top of it, is very well done. It’s a beautiful story that handles these hard and difficult topics very well.
Important trigger warnings:
- infertility
- rape
- child marriage
- miscarriage
- murder
- cancer
Thank you HarperCollins Focus | Harper Muse and NetGalley for the ARC. Opinions in this review are my own.
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Infertility, Miscarriage
Moderate: Cancer, Murder
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse for an advanced copy of the audiobook!
Eloise has experienced some personal trauma in her life over the past 10 years, so when she reads about a position tending the flowers in the garden of paradise where no children are allowed, she jumps at the chance to apply. The garden and all of its mysteries, as well as the other tenants, help her on a journey of healing - but what price is she willing to pay to follow its strange rules?
This book takes readers on a journey about relationships, happiness and misery and ultimately, the meaning we give to life. The story is full of secrets, mysteries, mythology and more as Eloise balances curiosity and concern with the pleasure of living in a healing garden.
I would classify this as a cozy book with some mystery, though there are some darker elements to the story and in the characters' past (see trigger warnings). I enjoyed the mythological elements (though at times I wish I was more well read about the various deities - not crucial to the storyline) and I enjoyed the magical realism.
The audiobook narrator did well with character voices and had a wonderful french accent. I felt like the pacing was good as well (though I usually listen at 1.5-1.75x speed). I would recommend it for audiobook listeners!
Eloise has experienced some personal trauma in her life over the past 10 years, so when she reads about a position tending the flowers in the garden of paradise where no children are allowed, she jumps at the chance to apply. The garden and all of its mysteries, as well as the other tenants, help her on a journey of healing - but what price is she willing to pay to follow its strange rules?
This book takes readers on a journey about relationships, happiness and misery and ultimately, the meaning we give to life. The story is full of secrets, mysteries, mythology and more as Eloise balances curiosity and concern with the pleasure of living in a healing garden.
I would classify this as a cozy book with some mystery, though there are some darker elements to the story and in the characters' past (see trigger warnings). I enjoyed the mythological elements (though at times I wish I was more well read about the various deities - not crucial to the storyline) and I enjoyed the magical realism.
The audiobook narrator did well with character voices and had a wonderful french accent. I felt like the pacing was good as well (though I usually listen at 1.5-1.75x speed). I would recommend it for audiobook listeners!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Infertility, Miscarriage, Blood, Grief, Medical trauma
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Cancer, Death, Incest, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thank you to NetGalley for the Alc of The Alchemy of flowers by Laura Resau. I rated this 3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
This is one of those books that I think would read better on pages for my brain. Although not as difficult for me to follow as an epic fantasy on audio but I probably missed things.
I also think this book was heavy on romance and the synopsis should explain that.
If you want a little magic realism in your romance novel set in an eerie garden with a little bit of humor added, then check out this strange gothic tale.
This is one of those books that I think would read better on pages for my brain. Although not as difficult for me to follow as an epic fantasy on audio but I probably missed things.
I also think this book was heavy on romance and the synopsis should explain that.
If you want a little magic realism in your romance novel set in an eerie garden with a little bit of humor added, then check out this strange gothic tale.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The immediate whimsy and french is very attention grabbing right from the get go. A great story that ties mysticism, magic of herbs, personal healing and growth, and honestly some thriller aspects. This story provides something for everyone and the lesson of being able to let go and accept help to heal is one of the many that stuck with me. The narrator was great but I will say for people who don't have a history of french, the audiobook might offer some difficulties.
The Alchemy of Flowers is a curious and intoxicating blend of mystery, tragedy and magical realism.
Resau’s prose is beautifully lyrical and creates an immersive atmosphere, sometimes fragrant and peaceful, other times tragic and violent. It makes for a compelling and unique reading experience, and I found myself hooked, enjoying the twists and turns of this strange garden.
The Secret Garden is one of my favourite books and to some degree it carries a similar mix of gothic and beauty. I think it’s a wonderful read for fans of authors such as Sarah Addison Allen. To note - While impactful, the storyline is a a heavy one, and some readers may like to check triggers about infant loss and infertility before diving into this read.
I enjoyed this in ebook and audio form. I found myself racing through the pages, but the listening experience truly elevated the mystery of the garden and its curious inhabitants. The production value was excellent, and the narrator did a wonderful job of drawing out the emotional experiences of the characters.
Thank you to the publishers for an advanced copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.
Resau’s prose is beautifully lyrical and creates an immersive atmosphere, sometimes fragrant and peaceful, other times tragic and violent. It makes for a compelling and unique reading experience, and I found myself hooked, enjoying the twists and turns of this strange garden.
The Secret Garden is one of my favourite books and to some degree it carries a similar mix of gothic and beauty. I think it’s a wonderful read for fans of authors such as Sarah Addison Allen. To note - While impactful, the storyline is a a heavy one, and some readers may like to check triggers about infant loss and infertility before diving into this read.
I enjoyed this in ebook and audio form. I found myself racing through the pages, but the listening experience truly elevated the mystery of the garden and its curious inhabitants. The production value was excellent, and the narrator did a wonderful job of drawing out the emotional experiences of the characters.
Thank you to the publishers for an advanced copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
slow-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
Be prepared for a slow burn -- especially at the start. While I ended up really enjoying this book, I did almost DNF it about a quarter of the way in. I thought that the supernatural/mystery element was going to occur a lot sooner than when it did, so for a second I thought that maybe I misunderstood what this book was going to be like. However, once we got into the thick of it, it became extremely enjoyable. Love the characters and I really appreciated the plot twist. Eloise is such a sympathetic lead and I enjoyed going through the journey with her.
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infertility, Miscarriage, Violence, Pregnancy
Moderate: Death, Murder
Minor: Emotional abuse, Stalking
Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Muse for supplying me with a complimentary e-arc of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I was really drawn to the beautiful cover of this book and the premise sounded promising, filled with magic realism, intrigue and mystery. I think I was hoping for something a bit darker as the blurb felt like this story could take a sinister turn.
Perhaps I am at the wrong stage of my life, but this novel fell short of the mark and the characters didn’t resonate with me. I just couldn’t bring myself to care about them.
The interjection of the French language was somewhat cumbersome and made me feel as though the author was displaying her proficiency in French more than enriching the story.
The author does have a rich, vivid writing style, able to convey settings beautifully.
I was really drawn to the beautiful cover of this book and the premise sounded promising, filled with magic realism, intrigue and mystery. I think I was hoping for something a bit darker as the blurb felt like this story could take a sinister turn.
Perhaps I am at the wrong stage of my life, but this novel fell short of the mark and the characters didn’t resonate with me. I just couldn’t bring myself to care about them.
The interjection of the French language was somewhat cumbersome and made me feel as though the author was displaying her proficiency in French more than enriching the story.
The author does have a rich, vivid writing style, able to convey settings beautifully.