The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh

Hello All,

The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh was an interesting book, some of it sad, some of it very hopeful. Victoria Jones is brought up in the foster care system, but at around ten years old, Victoria is taken to Elizabeth, a foster mother who owns a vineyard. Victoria doesn't make it easy for their relationship, but as they learn from each other, they discover a love for flowers and what they mean, and together they explore the world of flowers and grapes.

Elizabeth's sister Catherine lives next door, and grows flowers. Elizabeth and Catherine are estranged, and as Elizabeth's love for Victoria grows, she realizes she wants to reconcile with Catherine. Victoria is threatened by this, causes trouble between the sisters, and is removed from Elizabeth's care, just when there was the possibility of adoption.

Victoria spends her life until age 18 back in the system, becoming very tough, but retaining her love for flowers and the meanings of each. Upon being released from foster care, she finds her way to working for a florist, and finds that her knowledge of the language of flowers brings magic to those who need the right flowers for the right relationships.

Victoria also reconnects with Catherine's son, Grant, and a relationship blooms between them. Victoria's background makes it very hard for her to maintain relationships, and they travel a tough road together and apart before they figure how the language of flowers speaks to them.

Happy Reading,
Patti

The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh, Ballentine, 2011, ISBN 9780345525543

This book was sent to me for review by Ballentine/Random House Publishers; no other compensation was offered or accepted for this review.