The Blooming of Delphinium Book Review

Sometimes you just need a book that makes you laugh so hard you almost pee yourself. Okay, maybe that’s a little strong, but honestly – I laughed so much reading this book and it was such a delight. And now I find myself looking for another book that I can laugh out loud at and I just haven’t found one that’s comparable – send help!!!

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About the Book

The Blooming of Delphinium
Author Holly Varni
Published by Baker Books
on September 24, 2024
Genres: Fiction / Christian / Romance / General, Fiction / Romance / Contemporary, Fiction / Small Town & Rural
Pages: 320

As far as hidden talents go, Delphinium Hayes is blessed with one of the more unique ones. With the slightest passing whiff, she knows someone's most admirable or weediest characteristic. This peculiar perception never fails to give her an advantage in life--until she meets two men who turn her world upside down.

Mason McCormack has agreed to help her with a group of seniors who have taken over her flower shop as their hangout. But his assistance is not without its price, and Delphinium agrees to compensate him with beautiful bouquets that seem to possess a bit of dating magic.

Elliot Sturgis, director of The Gardens Assisted Living Facility, is determined to discover why a group of his residents keeps sneaking over to Delphinium's shop to play poker in the walk-in refrigerator. He soon finds himself as enchanted by Delphinium as everyone else. But his devotion to following the rules and maintaining order does not endear him to the shop's owner.

Sparks fly as opposites attract and love finds a match in Delphinium's Flora Emporium--even for those who resist it the most.

Amazon | Goodreads | Baker Book House

My Perspective

I cannot remember the last time I read a book that made me laugh as much as this one. There were giggles, full belly laughs, snorts and more as I read. I mean, Holly Varni writes in such a way that the story comes alive – not just visualizing the story but being immersed IN the story. I was there when the older men were found in the fridge playing poker. I was there when a certain man walked into the flower shop wanting flowers so he could break up with someone. I was there through all of it – laughable and cryable.

The thing that made this story great was the characters. I don’t just mean Delphi and her love interest. I mean the secondary characters – all the elderly. I have some special people in my life that I actually pictured as these characters because they have just as much spunk. I have so much respect for the elderly, and have empathy for those who maybe are struggling like our characters are. And Varni just really highlights them as people. Reminds us that though they are older, they can still have fun. And older people….well they tend to just share what’s on their mind – good or bad – without a filter. And that’s what made this story utterly delightful.

That being said, there were some sad parts, as expected with the elderly involved. But it wasn’t just that. Delphi’s character need to grow, and with growth comes some difficult moments in life. She went through so much and at times I was crying along side of her. The balance of humor, romance, character growth, and yes tears, was just perfect. This is a book I can easily see myself reading over and over again!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

About the Author

Holly Varni is the author of On Moonberry Lake. A native Minnesotan of strong Norwegian descent, she was raised in the Lutheran Church that Garrison Keillor made a career depicting. Though she, her husband, and their three sons live along the Central Coast of California, her beloved Midwest roots continue to haunt everything she writes. She hosts the Moments from Moonberry Lake podcast, where she shares more stories of her beloved characters. Learn more at HollyVarni.com.

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