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 a connection to.

Emma is still struggling to cope, one year after the death of her husband. She quits her job and starts working at the local garden centre. Her father was the person who gave Emma the love of flowers. Her new boss, Les, also has a passion for the Titanic. Emma finds herself at Les' talk about the Titanic, it piqued her interest in who had arranged the flowers on the ship. Emma feels an instant connection to her.

What a beautifully written story, Not having green fingers myself, I never thought I would love a story about flowers, but I did. The story is intriguing, the pace is steady, and the characters are perfect for this book. It tells us how a person struggles with the loss of their husband, gave her the chance to change her career and gave her new interests. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

Published 29th August 2024

I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #HarperFiction and the author #SallyPage for my ARC of #TheSecretOfFlowers in exchange for an honest review.

What a beautiful story.After Emma's husband dies she she goes to work I a garden centre where her love of flowers starts her on a journey to try to discover who did the the flowers of the Titanic. I loved everything about this book how it was written by using flowers, my interest in the Titanic which I have always found fascinating although heartbreaking as well and above all the beautiful characters the friendships which shine through the story. Nothing to dislike about this book its fantastic and I was really emotional at the end. Highly recommend this novel

If you’re looking for heartwarming, sensitively written, feel-good fiction, then look no further. This novel seamlessly blends fiction with historical facts about the Titanic to create a compelling storyline. There’s a delightful cast of colourful, fully fleshed out, memorable characters who are given space to breathe and shine.

Newly widowed Emma is in a vulnerable, reclusive state when she seeks part time employment in a local garden centre. Her skills, both floral and relational, are minimal. All her energy is consumed with coming to terms with being single now rather than half of a happy couple. But it doesn’t take long before the scent of flowers relaxes and captivates her and new skills develop.

Owners Betty and Les are kind, caring and considerate. They do their utmost to take Emma under their wings and nurture her growing interest in flowers and the potential florists on the Titanic, spurred on by knowledge Les has already accrued. Emma begins to open up in every way, especially in the teasing friendship she has with their flower supplier Tamas.

Eventually, Emma’s research pays off as she not only has proof of there being florists on the Titanic, she also has a name and information about one of them called Violet. Emma is drawn to her in a mysterious way that becomes clearer over time.

Violet’s own fascinating life story is told parallel with Emma’s until they unexpectedly converge. This is a joyous, superbly told story,, a beautifully written book I highly recommend. Grateful thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for the eARC.

Having thoroughly enjoyed Sally Page's previous books, I was excited to read this one and it definitely didn't disappoint.

The current story follows Emma who, after her husband's death, decides to quit her job and become a florist.

This story then runs alongside one from the past which is driven by stories around flowers.

But what happens when the 2 stories collide.

A story of the power of flowers, laced with tales of the Titanic, this is the perfect book to warm your heart. You can even smell the flowers as you work your way through it :)

Emma and Violet two different women. I struggled with the connection between the two but none the less still enjoyed the story. Flowers for each chapter was a lovely touch and the book was written very well with an obvious amount of research done for accuracy.

At first, I found it hard to get into this novel. I realise that was me and not the book. I let it sit for over a month but, once I picked it back up, I could not stop reading.

What a beautiful array of characters. As different and appealing as the flowers depicted in the story. Sally Page had me crying and laughing. I found some parts so moving that I gasped. At times, I felt I could literally smell the flowers.

A delightful, wonderfully written book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC of this novel. I am truly grateful.

Lovely book with a wonderful cast of characters, each bringing their own style of wisdom to the story. At first I was more connected to Emma’s story than Violet’s, but before long I was enjoying both strands. Heartwarming, heart rending and addictive, this is as good as the author’s previous books.

An absolutely joy! Sally Page never lets us down and this book is possibly my favourite yet!

Emma is a highly qualified doctor of science but having been recently widowed, she finds herself at a crossroads, with her confidence at an all time low.

Accepting a part time job at a garden centre, Emma meets the owners, Betty and Les, and their flower supplier, Tamas, and the four form an unlikely bond.

In a past timeline, Irish born Violet is raised in Argentina and her young life is literally saved by her love of flowers. Violet returns to the UK and finds herself working as a ship stewardess, on the Titanic.

Emma finds a photograph of Violet when carrying out research into the Titanic, and is inexplicably drawn to her, although she cannot fathom why.

This story is just incredible! The character development is amazingly well done and I can’t even begin to imagine the hard work that the author has put into her research of the Titanic in order to achieve the perfect blend of historical fact and fabulous fiction for us to lose ourselves in. I adored the pillow post!

5 ⭐️ Thanks to Netgalley, Sally Page and Harper Collins for an ARC in return for an honest review.

Another beautiful story from Sally Page. To across two timelines with two strong female protagonists, violet who is a stewardess on some white star shipping liners, including the Titanic, And Emma are recently bereaved woman who takes a job in a flower shop. This is a lovely story with many relationships taking front and centre, including friendships, love, family, and nostalgic.
It was a delightful

Thanks to #NetGalley For the opportunity to have read this ahead of publication and exchange for an honest review.

Thank you to netgalley for the ARC of this book.
I have read The Keeper of Stories by Sally Page and I loved it, so was very excited to begin The Secrets of Flowers.
It's safe to say Sally has a true passion and a huge knowledge of flowers, which shines through throughout the book. I loved that each chapter was named after a different flower.
Personally, I preferred Violets side of the story to Emma's. I appreciate Emma was going through an emotionally tough time, and although she was the main character, I liked Betty more. I thought Betty was the unsung hero in the book, full of wit, wisdom and was the mother Emma needed.
There was a lovely theme of community and unity throughout the book, as always Sally Page highlights the extraordinary within the ordinary. It was a feel good, lovely read that I look forward to reading again in the future.

The Secrets of flowers by Sally Page is the first book from the author that I have read and after hearing good things from her previous books, I couldn’t wait to get stuck in.
A year ago, Emma’s life fell apart when her husband Will died suddenly not only that, but she also found out that he was had an affair. She works as a scientist but now decides that she needs to follow a new path. She loved being with her father when she was younger who taught her the love of flowers. So, she quits her job as a scientist and gets a job at the local garden centre, with owners Les and Betty.
Les has a love for all things flowers and the Titanic and after telling her what he knows Emma decides to find out who was the florist on the Titanic. Something to get her mind of the death of her husband Will. They found out about a woman called Voilet who is a stewardess on the ship and when Emma sees a photo of her, she feels and instant connection.
This is a beautifully written story of grief and living again. And I did enjoy the two individual characters stories, But I struggled with the connection between the two. 3.5 stars from me.

Really enjoyed this book! I have loved other Sally Page stories and this one didn't disappoint either. The story centres around Emma, a young widow who leaves her job as a scientist and starts working as a florist at a garden centre with the wonderful Betty & Les (wouldn't you love those two as your boss!). When Les does a talk around the Titanic, Emma starts to wonder about who was responsible for the flowers onboard. Her extensive research is helped along the way by a variety of people, all who add something more for her to think about. The alternate chapters of the book are narrated by Violet, a young girl in Argentina, who ends up as a stewardess on the ocean liners (including eventually the Titanic). Emma is sure she recognises the photo she finds of Violet, thinking she is part of her family history. Her research doesn't appear to lead to this, however, although she keeps looking.

Lovely characters and a great story. Highly recommended.

Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review, which is what I have given.

Oh my goodness, this story! Such beautiful words winding through a story entwined with beautiful flowers and the well written characters swept the story along the waves, I cried lovely tears with this and it will stay with me for a long time

This is a charming dual timeline in which the link between the main characters is only revealed at the end.
I found it a thought-provoking read in places, with much to say about grief, the power of friendship to bring healing and hope, and of course the significance of flowers. As one character says, “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.’”
It’s also about the importance of small, easily unnoticed things, the things which hold people together. The main character of Emma isn’t small, in fact she feels self-conscious about her big feet and her height and noticeable hair - but her life has fallen apart and it takes a host of small things, and the support of those around her, to help her rebuild it and face the future.
There are a couple of dramatic events I didn’t foresee while reading, but anyone who knows about the Titanic will probably guess the identity of Violet. The author had clearly done lots of research, and the premise was intriguing. I felt the dual timeline worked well and this was an enjoyable read.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the ARC, which I read in exchange for an honest review.

I couldn't put this down! Such a well written book by @SallyPage that takes you on an emotional journey with Emma, the main character. There are some great characters that Emma meets along the way, which help her to find herself.
I love the idea of the 'pillow post' and the idea of her wanting to find out about the florist on the titanic.
This is definitely a book that, once read, will move you and will be remembered!
Thank you, @NetGalley_UK and @HarperCollinsUK, for allowing me to read it before it was released.

Emma a young woman struggling with grief after the death of her husband Will. She gives up her job to take up a position as a florist in a local garden centre. And so starts her new life with friends who become family.
This is a lovely story, despite the potential for sadness. I loved the chapters being titled with floral names. The interlinking of the story with Violet's is interesting too and I didn't work out the connection to Emma.
A good read.

After her husband dies suddenly Emma gives up her job as a research scientist to work as the florist at a garden centre. Les the owner gives a talk on the Titanic and invites Emma along but she cannot face going to it, feeling guilty she starts to research the Titanic and becomes fixated on who the florist was on the great ship. Told in parallel is the story of Violet, how is she connected to Emma?

A beautifully told story of history, relationships and healing. Going to recommend this to my Book Club.

I recently finished reading "The Secrets of Flowers" by Sally Page.

This is a beautifully written novel about Emma's journey of recovery after her husband's death. Her quest to uncover the history of the Titanic's flowers leads to unexpected adventures. I loved reading about Emma's transformation from a socially awkward introvert to a courageous author. This book is a must-read if you enjoy historical mysteries, primarily related to the Titanic, and have a passion for flowers and gardens. Be sure to check out the author's notes; they reveal the depth of research and passion behind the story.

As I anticipated, this is a thoroughly engaging five-star read that captivated me, thanks to Page's inventive storytelling. I highly recommend it to enthusiasts of this author and genre. It is an absolute delight!

Another beautiful book by Sally Page.
I don’t even know where to start with my review. I’m going to have to use the authors own words from when she spoke at our book club ‘the ordinary can be extraordinary’.
I think that really sums up this story.

Can we just mention the cover? I see so many similar, bland covers these days, but this one is just so pretty, so relevant. I know you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, but you certainly can’t overlook this one in a hurry!

We meet Emma, trying to live day to day after her husband’s death. Just trying to move on and live as best she can. As the story continues, she makes friends, finds a passion, finds ways to move on and enjoy her life.
It is written in such a lovely way as we learn more about Emma, but also about flowers and their significance aboard the titanic. I’ve read other stories which have incorporated tales from the titanic but this was such a different and lovely approach.
The author has clearly done her research into the titanic and her passion for flowers shows through in every chapter.
I could have read this in one sitting given the chance, but then, I wouldn’t have wanted it to end so quickly!
Absolutely beautiful story Sally!

Emma is not only recently widowed, but also discovered that her husband had an affair. She has lost her confidence and interest in life and takes up a job in a flower shop. When the owner invites her to his talk about the Titanic, she doesn't go - she is ashamed of herself and begins to read about the ship so that she can discuss it with him, instead, she finds herself obsessed with finding out who was responsible for arranging the flowers on the ship. As she begins her quest, she isn't ready for the changes it will make to her life.
This book made me laugh as well as cry. I felt like I was part of Emma's journey to rediscover herself. A good heartwarming read from Sally Page.