Did struggle at first with this, but once I got past chapter two, everything began to fit into place. How wonderful to see how a love of flowers can help heal the recently bereaved Emma and teach her how to believe in herself again . Very well written, I look forward to more from this author

I have loved all of Sally Page’s books. I think each one gets better if that is possible! I loved the characters and could immediately connect with them from the start. I will be buying this for friends. I am already looking forward to Sally’s next book!
Thank you for letting me read this.

I truly didn’t intend to read this in one sitting, but once started, I just had to keep going. Emma's story of loss and betrayal is heartbreaking, but her journey through healing and the people along the way were just gorgeous, especially Betty and Les. The intertwining of true life Violet Jessop's story was interesting in its own right and a wonderful reflection on life at that time. A poignant and satisfying ending made this a very special read. Although a story about grief, it is story about the best of humanity as well. I will be looking out for more books by this author. Thank you to NetGalley for a chance to review this book.

Was a little confused in the first 2 chapters of who was who, but it all came together and I thoroughly enjoyed. Page turner. Predicted she was going to be related to the florist from the titanic so a lovely surprise that she wasn't. Great twist that there was a connection. Read story.

Researching and pulling together the various pieces of the puzzle makes for an interesting read. Heartbroken Emma struggles with the loss of her husband and his infidelity, whilst Betty and Les the owners of the Flower Shop give comfort and much needed support to Emma through her difficult path. Salient facts and characters arise during Emma’s quest to discover The Florist of the Titanic.

An enjoyable book, written with two voices, with strong elements of non-fiction.

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for this APC

I thoroughly enjoyed The Secrets of Flowers by Sally Page. This novel is a wonderfully written multilayered read, primarily focusing on Emma's journey of recovery after a terrible loss, but also weaving in new and captivating storylines along the way.

A year after her husband’s death, Emma feels trapped in her grief, unable to move forward. Seeking a change, she decides to leave her job and starts working at a local garden center. It's here that her curiosity is piqued by a seemingly random question: who arranged the flowers on the Titanic? This curiosity sets her off on a fascinating quest, full of informative adventures where she meets some truly extraordinary people. It becomes a treasure hunt after the history of the Titanic and her own family.

I loved reading about Emma. As a researcher and introvert who is socially awkward and has difficulty expressing herself, she finds herself on a surprising path to writing a book. What I found particularly heartwarming is that her journey didn’t turn out to be a solitary one. On the contrary, she discovered great connections, people who were willing to help her and above all the courage to ask for help.

If you enjoy mysteries of history, particularly those surrounding the Titanic, you should definitely read this book. And if you have an appreciation for flowers and gardens, even better! Make sure to read the author's notes as well; they show just how much research and passion went into creating this story.

Many thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I so enjoyed this delightful story of the restorative nature of the love of flowers which helps the recently bereaved Emma find herself and regain her confidence and self belief. Emma’s story is beautifully aligned to her research into the Florist of the Titanic, all so cleverly reimagined. I enjoyed every minute of this gentle tale.

A lovely, heartwarming story. Emma is a young widow who leaves her job as a scientist to work at a garden centre. There, she becomes fascinated with the Titanic and starts digging (sorry! 🤣) into whether there was a florist onboard the vessel. Running alongside Emma's story is the tale of Violet, a flower lover who worked on the Titanic.
The characters are relatable, and Emma's growth throughout the book is both touching and inspiring.

I've really enjoyed by this one, Sally Page’s books are always guaranteed to leave you feeling warm and hopeful.

Emma is a grieving young widow who decides to leave her job as a scientist and go to work as a florist in a garden centre. She becomes immersed in the flowers and when she misses her employers Titanic talk, begins to research who the florist on the Titanic would have been. Her investigations take her to new places and she meets lots of new people. She learns about how to open up to others and how to forgive. Alongside her story is Violets story and we learn how the stories interweave as the novel progresses. This was a lovely story, easy to read and engaging.

This started slowly, but gradually dragged my in until I was submerged in the tale and found it impossible to put down.

The deeply damaged main character slowly discovers through her investigation of the florist of the Titanic and her 'found family' and positively 'blooms'

The premise: Emma, who's just started a job in a garden centre, wants to find out if, and who, the florist was on the titanic. It's funny, charming, and well observed. I loved the historical research unfolding, and the relationships built throughout - and the journey shy, awkward Emma goes on to make sense of her feelings around the tragic event that happened before the novel starts.

Loved Sally's first two novels, and this warm hug of a book is no different.

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