Two Sears and Roebuck’s Craftsman homes stand side-by-side in Grand
Haven, Michigan. A very old lady, Iris Maynard, lives in the one her
father built. She wants to rent her grandmother’s house next door.
She doesn’t want to interact with the tenants but she wants to
select them. Iris is a recluse having lost her husband in WWII and
her daughter to polio. She has managed her grief by creating
beautiful gardens now hidden behind the high wall surrounding her
house.
Abby Peterson, a
chemical engineer, has a job in Grand Haven. Her husband, Cory, is a
veteran who came back from the war with PTSD. The family is having
trouble adjusting to his changed personality. Her daughter, Lily, is
a delightful child who is also trying to adjust to her changed
family.
Iris approves of the
family and they move in. Although there is supposed to be no contact,
that doesn’t work with a curious child like Lily and the women
begin to interact for the benefit of both.
If you love flowers,
this is a wonderful story. Each chapter begins with a new flower and
a short passage that relates to the story. I loved the description of
the gardens and flowers.
The story focuses on
the redemption of both families. The narrative weaves between the
present and the past where we learn about Iris’ tragedies and
challenges. In the present Abby’s difficulties with her job and
coping with her husband’s condition take center stage, but binding
it all together are the flowers.
I received this book
from Harlequin for this review.
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