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3.64 AVERAGE
3.64 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
hopeful
mysterious
relaxing
sweet little ghosties and sisters making amends!
Haunted house book for spooky month!
Not a perfect read (there are a few things I could comment on), but I enjoyed this overall.
The writing was quite descriptive, which took me a bit to get used to at the start, but wasn't really a problem later on. I thought it added to the atmosphere and was generally well-written.
It was described to me as a haunted house book, and while it wasn't terrifying, it did have ghosts, a creaky house, tragedy, and a bit of crime solving. There are hints all throughout, but it's never entirely predictable.
One thing I noticed is that people seem to agree that the characters, especially Francine, aren't likeable and that the romance is forced. While I agree with both comments, I don't really see a problem with an unlikeable main character, since it makes sense with how she was raised. She is frustrating, but many cranky older people are, and for no reason. It is true though that the romance felt baseless.
Not a perfect read (there are a few things I could comment on), but I enjoyed this overall.
Content Warnings
Trigger warnings for domestic abuse, child abuse, child death
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This book is described as horror, but I would consider it a paranormal mystery, that aside, I was rooting for Francine the whole time. I wanted her to uncover the mystery surrounding her family and for her relationship with Madeleine to heal and flourish, there's strong character development in this book.
The writing is entertaining with great depictions of scenery, especially of Thwaite Manor and the Lonehowe Wood, Shannon Morgan does an amazing job of invoking a gothic and haunted setting. The pacing of the novel was great; the book never felt dull. For a debut novel, this was a solid read.
The writing is entertaining with great depictions of scenery, especially of Thwaite Manor and the Lonehowe Wood, Shannon Morgan does an amazing job of invoking a gothic and haunted setting. The pacing of the novel was great; the book never felt dull. For a debut novel, this was a solid read.
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This book gutted me in the best way. One of my best reads of the year. The narrator for the audiobook is excellent.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Physical abuse, Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Moderate: Cancer
Minor: Animal death, Forced institutionalization
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
HER LITTLE FLOWERS by Shannon Morgan
A five hundred year old manor, a garden filled with beautiful but poisonous plants, a protagonist who sees ghosts, AND family secrets to uncover? Sign me up!
I breezed through the second half of this within a few hours because I didn’t want to put it down. I kept turning the pages wanting to know more. The last few chapters were especially heart wrenching and I legit cried for all these characters.
The prose is atmospheric and haunting. There’s a magical and paranormal element that felt so natural; not at all contrived or “woo woo”. I also loved how “the language of flowers” was incorporated into the story.
This is not just a haunted house story, it’s about the love of family, dealing with grief and guilt, surviving tragedy and trauma… It’s heavy and dark and so beautifully written. Bree, Francine and their family will stay with me for a long while. Highly recommend, but check trigger warnings.
Rating: 4.75/5 ⭐️