The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
Victoria Jones, the main character here, was abandoned as an infant and spent her young life in foster care and group homes. Her last foster home, when she was nine still haunts here, and it was there she learned the language of flowers.
Victoria has reached the age of 18 and is emancipated, but doesn't know how to begin her life on her own. She plants a small garden in a park and her talent is recognized by a local florist who offers her work. As Victoria grows more secure in her skills with flowers, she also finds herself drawn to the past, unsure if she can find peace with what she left behind.
This is a love story, a story of independence, a story of families, and of course a story of the language of flowers. I'd long been aware that flowers had meanings, but hadn't taken the time to investigate them. The author includes a listing of flower language at the end that is an interesting beginning. Diffenbaugh was inspired to write this novel by her own experiences as a foster mother.
As a person with two adopted siblings, I found that side of it interesting too.
Great read.
I think this is one of those books where the "sample" function on Kindle comes into its own - I can easily see why some people might not get on with the book, and how the main character could easily grate on a reader. It's definitely worth having a taster, because if she gets on your nerves, then you probably shouldn't download the book! That said, if the sample grabs you, this book is definitely well worth a read. It was one that was on my wishlist for a long time, but I almost wish I had downloaded it at the higher price and read it sooner - I enjoyed it that much.
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