This has been a rather strange story, as it begins with a funeral where the partner of one of the protagonists, Hannah, has just died. At the cemetery appears Vanessa, a woman unknown to Hannah, and turns out to be a former partner of the deceased.

And more strange things, Hannah was going to break up with the late partner on the day of the accident in which she died, which implies that their relationship was not good, so her death is not affecting her as much as expected.

But Vanessa's presence at the funeral, and the things Hannah didn't know about her partner that she discovers while collecting his belongings at work and in their own home, spark Hannah's curiosity and also suspicions that her partner was leading a double life. This leads her, with Vanessa's collaboration (though Vanessa is not very convinced at first), to find out what was causing him to travel so frequently if it wasn't for work.

This that seems so complicated, in the end is nothing more than a sad story of lack of acceptance of sexuality that turns into living a life of deceit and lies, that when they affect other people can cause a lot of emotional damage. Fortunately, here the trauma is overcome with a new mature relationship without deceit.

An emotional adventure!

Hannah’s girlfriend, Bren, dies in an unexpected accident and everyone expects her to be upset, but Hannah had been planning to break up with Bren to focus on launching her family jewelry business to new heights. Bren’s ex, Vanessa learns about her passing when her flower shop is hired to do the flowers for the funeral, and when she turns up at the funeral she meets Hannah. They quickly discover Bren had secrets neither of them knew about during their relationships, and in a bid to try and get closure for both of them, they are drawn together.

This was an unexpected romance, blooming from a completely unexpected situation, but I loved it. There were complete opposites in how Hannah hadn’t really been the girlfriend she thought Bren deserved because of her career focused mind set, and Vanessa had been left broken hearted and hadn’t forgiven Bren for dumping her, but when they learned about each other and Bren’s secrets it left them both with the same questions. I adored how despite being so headstrong, Bren’s death somewhat derailed Hannah and had her needing Vanessa for support throughout everything.

They both did a lot of growing throughout the story, more so Hannah as she realised there could be more to life and she could find joy in things outside of her career and the family business. Vanessa learned to be more forgiving, especially when Hannah was leading by example when their investigations took them on quite the adventure to learn the truth about all Bren had expertly hid from them both. The nice thing is it gave them both a chance to learn from their relationships with Bren, which ultimately was the one thing bringing them together. Vanessa was definitely pushed emotionally, both with all she was holding onto about how Bren had made her feel, but also with her own elderly mother really challenging her as she tried to find a sense of happiness with Hannah. My heart just kept breaking for her, but I loved how Hannah stepped up to be a good support, in the way Vanessa had selflessly done for her very early on after they met.

A cute romance, with a lot of depth and emotion, things to unpack and analyse, and lots of takeaways and lessons to learn about forgiveness, being aware in relationships, and taking chances. I loved it and thought it had beautiful sentiments.

4.5⭐️
This is a story about Hannah who is the CEO of her family’s jewelry company. She is a work alcoholic and can’t let go of any aspect of the job. She intends to break up with her girlfriend Bren, but Bren dies in a car accident before she can tell her. So she’s consumed with guilt at the funereal. Vanessa also dated Bren five years ago when Bren literally left her at the alter. Hannah and Vanessa meet at the funeral. Vanessa owns a florist shop.

The story had plenty of emotional trauma for Vanessa as she is also tormented by her childhood and her horrific mother. She’s trying to recover but continues to struggle. So even though Hannah and Vanessa like each other they continue to get into arguments and hurt each other. The side characters enhanced the story.

I liked this book especially because both women were strong mature characters, both were 50 years old. I also enjoyed the business aspects of the book.
Erdell did a great job writing this story, I couldn’t put it down. Erdell is a proven winner for me. I’ve read all of her books.

Thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This is a story about two women, who both own and operate their own companies. Vanessa’s has ‘Late Bloomer Florist and Gifts' and Hannah’s was in the gem business ‘Baros Family Jewelers’.
Hannah had a relationship she wanted to end. Her GF Bren, has really left her long ago, she just didn’t make it official but Hannah has had enough. She wasn’t happy, she needed a change. But the very day Hannah decided to let Bren know they were through, but the police let her know Bren had died in an accident that very day. Now What? Seeing that Bren didn’t have any family it was left to Hannah to make arrangements.
Hannah knew she wasn’t happy but for some reason she believed Bren’s traveling for work was legit. Imagine her surprise when she received Bren’s belongings she found items from Bren’s former girl friends. She decides to ask the florist she’d met at the service to help her, seeing as she was one of Bren’s former GF.
Vanessa hasn’t seen Bren for years but it didn’t mean she didn’t remember Bren. Their relationship ended when Bren didn’t show up for their wedding. She had no memories worth keeping so when Hannah asked her to go through Bren’s belongings with her. This has turned into a very enjoyable romance with two leading ladies you can’t help but like.
ARC via NetGalley/ Bold Stroke Books

*Flowers and Gemstones* by Alaina Erdell is an emotionally charged novel that explores the complexities of love, loss, and personal growth. The story centers on Hannah, a successful jewelry designer, who is struggling with the emotional fallout of her relationship with her girlfriend, Bren. Before she can end things, tragedy strikes, leaving her to grapple with unspoken feelings and unresolved issues. Meanwhile, Vanessa, Bren's ex, is still haunted by the scars of their past, unsure of how to move forward despite owning a thriving flower shop. When Vanessa unexpectedly shows up at Bren’s funeral, it sets off a chain of events that forces both women to confront the secrets they never knew they shared about Bren—and themselves.

Erdell weaves a narrative that expertly blends grief with self-discovery, as the characters navigate the pain of lost love and the difficult process of healing. The novel delves deep into the emotional landscapes of its protagonists, highlighting their vulnerabilities and the impact of their past relationships. As secrets unravel and the truth about Bren’s life and choices comes to light, Hannah and Vanessa are faced with the possibility of redemption and a chance at rebuilding their connection. With richly developed characters and a compelling plot, *Flowers and Gemstones* is a poignant exploration of how understanding the past can shape a brighter future, both in relationships and in oneself.

This was a very well written emotional book that was both challenging and exhilarating. The writing was simply incredible. Hannah and Vanessa the main characters of this story demonstrated remarkable resilience in their ability to communicate and evolve when they were faced with immense difficulties and very genuine problems. Despite the numerous obstacles that continually threatened to derail their budding relationship and tear them apart, their love story unfolded at a slow and gradual pace. I didn't want to stop reading, because these characters had me hooked from the beginning to the end of this story. This was both a joyful and sorrowful read for me, and the writing was absolutely superb. I would definitely recommend this book to my friends and family,and I look forward to what's next from this author.

This book had me captivated from the first page.The story was well written and crafted. The characters were well developed. I enjoyed it tremendously and look forward to Alaina next book. Bravo!!


Thanks to the author Alaina Erdell, Bold Strokes Books and NetGalley.

What a start. Really keen to find out more! Pacing perfect.
Although there was a fair bit of to-ing and fro-ing with the romance, my interest was held pretty solidly throughout. 3.5 almost up to 4.

Flowers and Gemstones is one of those stories that sticks with you long after you’ve turned the last page. The unique storyline immediately pulled me in, and the way it’s told—with rich details, well-developed characters, and beautifully crafted sentences—made it all the more powerful. The emotions in this book hit hard (in the best way), and the themes of love, resilience, and self-discovery add so much depth. What really makes this story stand out is how real it feels. Vanessa and Hannah’s journey isn’t a straight path; their growth is messy, full of setbacks and breakthroughs, just like in real life. The writing flows effortlessly, drawing you in with vivid descriptions, seamless dialogue, and raw, emotional moments. Some scenes lingered in my mind long after reading (no spoilers, though!). It’s not just a book you read—it’s one you experience; an experience I am so glad I had. I can’t recommend this book highly enough.

I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.


Hannah wants break up with her girlfriend Bren but before she has a chance she dies. Hannah feels guilt for not feeling heartbroken over Bren death when she meets Bren ex Vanessa who never really gotten over how they ended. Vanessa learns of Bren death and meets Hannah at Bren funeral when Hannah ask Vanessa to help her figure out who Bren is things comes to light. I enjoy this read Hannah who sees Vanessa but fears she’ll hurt her because she doesn’t do well in relationship and Vanessa who realizes her worth and stands up for herself especially with her mother who was wow I would’ve turn my back on her or at least hire someone to deal with her.

I just finished "Flowers and Gemstones," and wow, what a beautifully woven tale of love, loss, and the complexities of human relationships! Alaina Erdell has done it again, crafting a story that pulls at your heartstrings while keeping you on your toes.

Hannah and Vanessa are two incredibly relatable characters, each carrying their own emotional baggage as they navigate the aftermath of a shared love—the enigmatic Bren. Hannah is a powerhouse in the jewelry design world, yet struggles with vulnerability and the tough decision to end her relationship with Bren. Meanwhile, Vanessa, the owner of a charming flower shop, grapples with the shadows of her past while trying to find her place as she approaches a milestone birthday.

The plot thickens at Bren's funeral, where secrets unravel, leaving readers questioning everything they thought they knew about love and loyalty. Erdell masterfully explores themes of grief and self-discovery, reminding us that understanding our past is essential to building our future.

What I loved most was how Erdell dives deep into the emotional landscapes of both women, allowing us to feel their pain and growth. The writing is lush and evocative, making every scene feel vivid and impactful. The interplay between flowers and gemstones symbolizes the beauty and fragility of relationships, and I was utterly captivated.

Thank you NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the eARC.

would like to thank netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this awesome book

hannah isnt happy.... she hasnt been for a while... so she had written down all the reasons why it was a good idea to break up with her partner bren....

what she hadnt anticipated was the police at her home with the news of bren being in an accident and had died....

what followed after was an eye opener for hannah when she went to pick up bren things from work.... and found out that brens who life with her was a lie....

but more was to come.....

wow i have to say i hadnt expected half of what happened to happen...its compelling reading and one that will have you wondering what will happen next.... its a great read... and the spicy scenes are to die for

This book drew me in and kept me enthralled from the start! An excellent read.

Hannah and Vanessa meet after the tragic loss of Hannah’s girlfriend, Bren, who is also Vanessa’s ex. Vanessa still hasn’t recovered fully from their break up. As the two get to know each other they find they more in common than they realized and neither may have really known Bren.

Together they embark on a journey to find answers so they can heal and move on with their lives. The truth may be more painful than either of them expected. Will they be able to move on and grow their connection or will their common past with Bren interfere?

I really enjoyed this story and will be reading more from this author.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

Wonderfully written. This story has complexity and layers. Hannah run’s her family’s jewelry company. She is planning to break up with her girlfriend of three years but instead finds that Bren died in a car accident. She is left to grieve for a person and relationship that she was planning to leave. At the funeral she notices Vanessa. In the oddest meet-cute, they talk and she learns Vanessa had once been engaged to Bren. Vanessa is a florist and brought flowers to the funeral. Later Hannah seeks out Vanessa’s help in going through some of Bren’s things which leads to unexpected truths.

From this odd beginning a new friendship is formed. I like that the book takes place over several months giving time to get to know each other more. Both women have personal issues as well that make a new relationship harder. But I found myself rooting for them as they grew from friends to more. The book deals with some hard situations in a realistic way and doesn’t get over angsty. I love the maturity of the pair being in their later 40’s. They can talk honestly and know themselves well.

I wasn’t quite sure what I was getting from the blurb. But I really enjoyed and recommend this well written realistic romance.

Hannah is the gemstones of this story, taking over her family business.
Vanessa is the flowers as the owner of a flower shop. These two are about to collide.
Hannah’s girlfriend is killed in an accident and Vanessa has prepared an arrangement for the funeral. She soon learns that the girlfriend was nice her fiancé. Imagine Hannah’s surprise to just now learning about Vanessa.
But there is a lot more she doesn’t know and after catching the eye of Vanessa she asks her for help.
It’s going to get bumpy. Even Hannah’s has her own secret she’s been keeping from a friend.
This is a slow fast burn story with nice character development you’ll enjoy.


Thank you #netgalley #boldstrokesbooks #flowers&gemstones for this ARC

I’ve been a loyal reader since Erdell’s debut. Each book has impressed me in its own way. Her latest, Flowers and Gemstones, marks a turn for Erdell. There’s a growth and understanding for story crafting displayed inside these pages that’s notable, making it a real standout.

Story-worthy problems are the heartbeat of all fiction, and Erdell takes it to the next level with this novel, giving it a whopper of one. Hannah and Vanessa’s story is very complex, featuring multiple layers and twists. It’s mind-boggling to digest at times. However, Erdell handles the plot progression beautifully, connecting scenes in a logical, believable way. The cause and effect compute; readers easily understand the why of what is happening. More importantly, though, they care why it’s happening.

Because the plot is complex and detailed, its relatability hinges on characters with depth and dimension. Furthermore, the characters must have the ability to change. This isn’t a problem for Erdell. She gives her readers two dynamic characters. First, there’s Hannah, a driven and successful businesswoman who holds people at a distance and struggles to express her feelings honestly. Vanessa, the story’s other main character, has spent years living in the shadow of heartbreak and her mother’s criticism. Her struggle for self-worth shapes her choices and relationships. Bren’s tragic death forces both women to confront their deep-seated fear of vulnerability, stirring a change in them. Erdell portrays these women splendidly; they are rich, well-developed characters. Their secrets and insecurities pave the way for a deeply emotional journey, creating something that resonates profoundly.

Bren’s posthumous presence adds a unique layer to the narrative, shaping the arc in intriguing, compelling ways. As Hannah and Vanessa go through her belongings, they learn some surprising things about Bren. She has shocking skeletons buried deep in her closet. As Hannah and Vanessa turn towards one another for comfort and compassion, a growing attraction develops, complicating things even further. Their chemistry is undeniable, but they must deal with their past if they want a shot at something honest with one another. Erdell patiently increases the tension and heightens the stakes, making their eventual emotional breakthroughs quite rewarding. Their HEA is tender, heartfelt, and well-deserved.

Final thoughts…

Poignant and uniquely original, Flowers and Gemstones is well-plotted and well-constructed. The characters are richly drawn, displaying raw and genuine emotions. Erdell’s storytelling captivates readers with its themes of intimacy and connection. Though rooted in loss, it ultimately showcases the power of honesty in a relationship. Hannah and Vanessa’s journey pokes at readers’ feelings long after the final page, underscoring why Erdell is such a fantastic storyteller.

Strengths…

Well-written
Fantastic character development
Compelling storyline
Tender and insightful
Emotionally honest

This was a bit of an emotional rollercoaster of a read. From the beginning tragedy to the twists of how several characters were connected and some events not driven by but related to each of the main characters’ places of work/volunteer interests, there was always a new drama to keep you well, not guessing, but on your toes and wondering what would come next. Both characters are likeable and relatable, and people I could see existing in my everyday world. Somehow, this book seemed like both an almost insta-love story and a slow burn, with instant attraction but also the characters taking time to fully dive into a relationship. Would definitely recommend to someone looking for an emotionally driven read.

4.5 stars.
The blurb of the book immediately drew me in. Meeting her ex at the funeral of your dead partner was a truly original beginning. Hannah and Vanessa first come together to get answers about Bren, and during their journey, full of bumps, they are forced to face not only Bren’s secretive past but also their own ghosts. I liked the dynamic between the initially closed-off Vanessa and the refreshing Hannah. Even though the characters don’t take long to acknowledge their attraction, I consider their love story a slow burn in terms of feelings. I have the feeling I witnessed Vanessa’s and Hannah’s personal journey toward blooming, planting the roots of their loving relationship. Their characters are layered, and the book is well balanced between swoon-worthy scenes (to soothe you) and dramatic ones (to frustrate you).
I liked the secondary characters and loved to hate the ones I was supposed to hate.
Building the book in three parts didn’t feel necessary to me, as I couldn’t especially distinguish them in my head (particularly parts one and two). I also wished that, in the end, the key moments that made a shift in both Vanessa’s and Hannah’s lives were more impactful.
But overall, I really enjoyed this book. I still have to read All Things Beautiful, but for me, this book is Erdell’s best work so far.

Flowers and Gemstones by Alaina Erdell had me enthralled from the first page.

Hannah is a CEO of a thriving jewellery business. When her partner, Bren, dies in a tragic accident, she was curious who the stranger was at the funeral. The chance meeting with Vanessa, a florist, and business owner, was about to change both of their worlds.

Alaina's skill in world-building and creating affable characters pulled me right into the story. I thoroughly enjoyed the older main characters, who in their late forties had rich and relatable pasts that added depth and complexity. This is one book I could not put down and found myself absorbed and emotionally invested in every twist and turn.

Thank you to Alaina Erdell and Bold Strokes Books for providing an advance reader copy for my honest review.

What an amazing opening scene!! It’s fair to say that one doesn’t expect a MC’s introduction to be when she’s contemplating the day she’s finally going to break up with her gf, who she should’ve broken up with ages ago. But then, with the deed ready to be done, finds out that Bren, said gf, has died in a tragic accident. Next MC introduction? Vanessa, the florist who is going to fill a flower order for a funeral and sees it’s for who? The ex who dumped her at the altar 5 years ago, Bren. After meeting at the funeral, there’s a journey taken where our 2 MC’s navigate not only through their own secrets as it comes to their individual relationships with Bren, the secrets Bren kept from them, but their growing feelings for each other.
A wonderfully complex love story.