A lovely, lovely read. I wasn’t sure about the two separate arcs at first but they came together so well. Great cast of characters and a wonderful story. Highly recommended.

Thanks Netgalley and the Publisher. I have liked all the books that the author has written and have to say this was the best so far. Great characters and a great storyline. Enjoyed it

I enjoyed this novel which was told from the point of view of two women, one modern woman who has given up her job as a scientist and started working as a florist and the other and flower enthusiast and arranger working on the Titanic as a maid
It’s quite light and easy relaxing novel something to read on your holiday, I did think it’s somehow missing some of the depth of the previous two novels which I had adored
Having said that it’s interesting and the bits on the Titanic fascinating
I particularly loved the idea of pillow post
I enjoyed two of the previous novels by this author The keeper of stories and The book of beginnings . When this novel appeared on NetGalley UK, it went to the top of my to be read list.
The author has a flowing lyrical writing style making the novel a very enjoyable relaxing read. I read it in my gardens surrounded by my own flowers which I felt was quite appropriate
I would recommend this book for two lovers of relationship or character based novels
I read an early copy of the novel on NetGalley UK. The book is published on the 29th of August 2024 by Harper Collins UK, Harper fiction.
This will appear on NetGalley UK, Goodreads, and my book blog bionicSarahSbooks.WordPress.com. After publication it will also appear on Amazon UK.

As usual in my reviews, I will not rehash the plot - there are already reviews like that out there if that's what you are looking for.

I really enjoyed reading this novel. It's a multilayered read, mainly about Emma's recovery after her terrible loss, but also interspersed with glimpses into the life of the mysterious "Violet". Flowers are everywhere - beautiful descriptions of the colours and scents, how they affect people, what they mean to those sending and receiving them - gorgeous writing. Emma's ongoing research into the flowers on the Titanic made it even more interesting.

There are some wonderful characters - I particularl Betty and Les, Clementine, Tamas, and Emma herself. I found myself moved to tears at times, but was delighted with the book's outcome.

When I read the author's notes at the end, I was thrilled to learn that Violet was a real person, and that the Titanic sections were largely based on her memoirs (yes, she survived!).

I love Sally Page's writing style (having read another of her earlier novels) - she understands people and how they feel, particularly (it seems to me) characters who are awkward in their own skins. I look forward to reading more from this talented author.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.

Thank you to Sally Page, Netgalley and Harper Collins for this ARC. I have read a few Sally Page novels and have always really enjoyed her writing style and this book is just as brilliant. Delving into themes of grief, relationships and flowers this book has me laughing and crying. Beautifully woven narrative shifts in time and brilliant character development in the form of Emma and Betsy- I wanted her shirts! A brilliant read, loved it.

What a great idea for a story!
I enjoyed reading about an aspect of the Titanic that had never occurred to me before.
The pace of the book was just right and the characters were believable. I think my favourite person is Betty, the mother figure who cares about and shows interest in Emma in a way that Emma’s own mother never has.
Flowers are a huge part of this story and it was fascinating reading about how the smell of flowers can trigger memories good and bad.
If you like flowers and history, then you will adore this book.

Another thoughtful book by Sally Page, the third I've read written by her. Indeed, the power of congratulating, celebrating, thanking, or encouraging others by the gift of flowers. And the scent of them, unlocking powerful memories. Basically, nature in general has this effect.

When reading this book we had tropical weather here in the Netherlands. Being ill with ME I am usually in bed by 8.30, but instead I was resting on the bed in the garden because of the temperatures. Somehow the smell of the garden changed dramatically and reminded me of a forest which I haven't been to in years and years and years. Just experiencing the earthy scent made me cry my eyes out.

But this is about the book and not about me, so let me add that I appreciated The Secrets of Flowers for the theme of feeling inferior, not being good enough, self-doubt... while at the same time us fellow human beings being interdependent. I've got a special shelf on Goodreads for books like this, my being-good-enough shelf :)

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of the book.

I enjoyed reading this book - it was a lovely experience. Thank you to the writer, publisher, and NetGalley for allowing me to review this book.

The Secret of Flowers by Sally Page

I had read a previous book by Sally Page so when I was offered this one I accepted with alacrity. It is two stories, told in alternating chapters, which merge at the end.

Emma is struggling after the death of her husband Will, so she resigns from her job, and takes a job at a small garden centre run by the lovely Betty and Les – looking after the plants and arranging the flowers. After a missed talk by Les on the Titanic, Emma starts to wonder who arranged the flowers on the Titanic. This sets her off on a number of very informative journeys, meeting some extraordinary people. Meanwhile in the alternating chapters, Violet is a young girl living with her Mother, two brothers and much younger sister. When her father passed away they all have to make sacrifices to keep the family together.

What is fascinating is that the story of Violet is based on the true story of a girl who sailed as a Stewardess on the Titanic. A really interesting and informative story.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/6601325298
https://maddybooksblog.blogspot.com/2024/06/the-secret-of-flowers-by-sally-page-i.html

A 5 star read for me! I have really enjoyed Sally Page’s novels and this one did not disappoint.

One year on from her husband’s death Emma decides to give up her job to work in a garden centre with Les and Betty. Les is fascinated by the Titanic and this leads Emma on a search for a record of the florist on board.

Alongside we hear about Violet - a stewardess on the Titanic - her backstory and her survival.

Throughout it all are flower facts - little snippets of information.

I became immersed in Emma’s story and enjoyed how her research opened her up to those around her and gave her he opportunity to come to a sense of closure about her past and hope for her future.

A book I will be recommending.

The Secrets of Flowers by Sally Page

One year on from the death of her husband, Emma feels no closer to moving forward with her life. Seeking distraction, she quits her job and begins working at the local garden centre.
Here, Emma begins to open up and finds herself attending boss Les’ talk on the Titanic. Intrigued, Emma sets out to research who would have arranged the flowers on-board.
Alongside her story unfolds the tale of a stewardess on the Titanic, who Emma can’t help but feel connected to.
I enjoyed reading this book and the idea of it was interesting but I didn't completely relate to Emma so only three stars from me.

A floral twist to the Titanic story. Emma is grieving for her husband, but discovers something about him that spoils her memories of him. She loves flowers, works in the local garden centre and begins to make friends there. To take her mind off her grief, she decides to find out if there was a florist on the Titanic.
In the early 20th century, Violet is sailing on Olympia, sister ship of Titanic. Both young women love flowers but they are from quite different backgrounds. Love the floral headings on each chapter. Another great read from The Keeper of Stories.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for this ARC

I've really enjoyed other books by Sally Page, and I enjoyed this one but not as much as others I've read. It's a nice easy read with plenty going on to keep you entertained.

I feel incredibly lucky to have received a review copy of Sally Page's new book, The Secrets of Flowers, ahead of publication in August. This is her third novel and I absolutely loved the other two, The Keeper of Stories and The Book of Beginnings, so I have been really looking forward to this one.

Sally has a way of presenting characters that really brings them to life and I'm not afraid to admit this book actually made me cry. Flowers are at the heart of it, with every chapter named after a flower, and the writing evokes the scents of them all.

It is a beautiful story about people, people who treasure you and others who let you down. It is also a story about connections, whether by blood or friendship.

I couldn't put it down and that doesn't surprise me. I love the way Sally writes, it really draws you into the story. My only note I would give is that I would have preferred it if the Violet chapters were not in italics. I don't find italics easy to read at length and although Violet's chapters are short, it still jars.

I think as the story shifts from Emma in Oxford in the present day to Violet on the Olympic and the Titanic, and back, it is obvious which chapter is which and the italics are unnecessary. Perhaps it is designed to evoke the dreamlike state Violet comes to hold in Emma's life.

A gorgeous tale.
Emma has had trouble dealing with the loss of her husband who died a year ago. She leaves her job as a scientist and joins Betty and Les, owners of the local garden centre. They take her under their wing. Betty with her wacky jumpers and Les so fond of his begonias and the history of the Titanic. In turn, Emma becomes interested in the Titanic and is soon obsessed with finding out if there was a florist on board. Along the way she is helped with her research by some fascinating characters, flowers playing such an important role and Emma eventually begins to heal..
There is also running alongside, another story - that of Violet who was a stewardess on board the Titanic and survived, Emma believes she has a connection to Violet,
Wonderful, warm, engaging storytelling. Brilliant writing. Highly recommend.
Thanks to Harper Collins and NetGalley for the much appreciated ARC.

What a gorgeous story, a lovely storyline with some wonderful characters, loved every page, loved all the titanic references

This engaging novel is about coming to terms with life after a dramatic change and finding friendships and support even when it is difficult to open up and admit you need help. Emma latches on to something to research which takes her from the time of the Titanic to the modern day and introduces some intriguing characters along the way.

The book tells of Emma, a bit of a lost soul, following a difficult relationship with her mother and the loss of her husband. Rather than pursue her scientific career, she chooses to work in a Garden Centre where she meets the other character’s, that Sally Page brings alive so well.
She finds herself becoming interested in the history of the Titanic and who arranged the flowers and this takes her on a quest to find out more, with the help of her new friends.
Alongside this, is the story of Violet, a stewardess on the ship.
It takes a while for the two lives to connect, but it’s worth waiting for.
I have read all of Sally’s books and this is a great story although I found the wait for the conclusion a tad too long. The last 20% of the book was unputdownable and I found the ending very satisfying. She has a wonderful way of making the characters quirky yet very likeable.
I very much enjoyed this book and would recommend it to others

“𝘍𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘸𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘯 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘪𝘳 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥𝘴 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘦𝘭𝘦𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘰𝘳 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘺’𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘥 𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘪𝘤𝘬 𝘰𝘳 𝘨𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘯𝘨. 𝘍𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘴𝘢𝘺, ‘𝘐 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘮𝘺 𝘧𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘥’.”

After massively enjoying Page’s two previous novels, I was so happy to receive the email asking me to read the ARC of her third novel in exchange for a review, so a thank you goes to Sally Page and Harper Collins UK!

Unfortunately, I must start by saying that I didn’t enjoy this one as much as The Keeper of Stories or The Book of Beginnings, but I still have a lot of positives!

Firstly, I adored the fact that each chapter is named after a flower - what a gorgeous touch. Admittedly, I’m not much of a gardener or flower enthusiast myself, hence why I probably didn’t enjoy this as much as some, but I could still appreciate the beauty in the flower descriptions.

Page’s novels all have the common theme of unity in the most unexpected of places which I absolutely love. She has a way of bringing people together, regardless of their background, which I have not seen demonstrated better by any other author. My only complaint with this one was there was perhaps 𝘵𝘰𝘰 𝘮𝘢𝘯𝘺 side characters introduced and I struggled to keep up.

I have always been really interested in the Titanic and so I loved the parallel story of Violet’s account of being a stewardess on the ship.

I really enjoyed the ending and the idea of pillow post is one I will take forth. 💌

Another masterpiece by Sally Page! I read this in one sitting. It moved me, made me smile and stayed with me like all of Sally’s books have. They are just brilliant and a must read for anyone looking for a feel good heartwarming read.
I cannot recommend Sally Page enough, this is her third book and every one so far has been exceptional. She is a truly incredible writer.
Huge thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for my ARC