When I'm really enjoying a book, I like to provide updates as I go along. I'M REALLY ENJOYING the AUDIO version of The Flower Sisters!!

I'm only at 38% (about 8 hr 41 min remaining). Multiple points of view. Daisy's mom ran off with her latest boyfriend and "dumped" Daisy with her grandmother, who is a mortician/funeral director in Possum Flats. 5 stars so far. I'll continue to provide updates. Additionally, I believe this to be a debut by author Michelle Collins Anderson. Great job! I think I'll be following this author.

Finished The Flower Sisters yesterday. Really enjoyed it (although descriptions of the explosion aftermath were - expectedly - grisly). I enjoyed the writing.

Book audio length is 12.25 hours, publication date is April 23, 204. There is a full cast of narrators who were all very well selected for their roles. I especially liked the narration of "Daisy" and "Hazel".

Many thanks to NetGalley and RB Media for introducing me to (yet again) another fabulous debut author in Michelle Collins Anderson. I'm now following her. I was approved for both the audio by RB Media and the ebook version by publisher Kensington Books. The audio version was reviewed. Publication date for both was April 2024.

A couple paragraphs with Joe and Daisy ...
Joe starts to say somethin, but doesn't. Instead, he pops open a can of Pepsi and sets it beside him before reaching into his bag and removing a bologna sandwich, potato chips and Oreos. "Want a swig?" he asks, noting my lack of liquid refreshment. i usually get a cup of water at The Picayune (newspaper), but in my haste had forgotten to bring anything to drink.
"No," I say. "Soda is terrible for you."
"Oh," he says, taking another long pull at his Pepsi before wiping his mouth with one tanned forearm. "I've heard Fig Newtons are super healthy."
Oops. ...

Loved the nickname Joe had for Daisy.

This story was based on a real life dance hall explosion in the author's home state. A great concept to start a story - and it doesn't disappoint!

Twins, Violet and Rose, are almost identical - except one sister has a small mark on the back of her neck. That information proves to be really informative in the story. One sister attends the dance that fateful night, and one goes on to live with the reminders all her life. Daisy, a granddaughter is left to stay at the Flowers Funeral home when her mother takes off for the west coast with a new boyfriend. She's looking for something to connect her to the town and her family, when she takes a newspaper job and uncovers a huge story that brings back the events of that night that have haunted the town ever since. The characters are well developed and interesting to get to know.

Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for a temporary, digital ARC in return for my review.

EXCERPT: Flowers Funeral Home faces Main Street in downtown Possum Flats and my upstairs room overlooks the back alley, where Grandma takes her 'deliveries' twenty-four hours a day. Not much there except dumpsters and stray cats and, over the buildings, the tip-top of a church steeple. From the front sidewalk of the funeral home, you can see east down Main to the downtown square that has banks on opposite corners and a boring limestone courthouse in the centre with a silver flagpole waving the U.S. and Missouri flags.
Possum Flats. Seriously? It sounds like roadkill - and it's every bit as dead.

ABOUT 'THE FLOWER SISTERS': At birth, Violet and Rose Flowers were identical, save for a tiny bluish-purple mark gracing Violet’s slender neck. By nineteen, their temperaments distinguish them, as different as the flowers their mother named them for—Violet, wild and outgoing, and Rose, solitary and reserved. Still, they are each other’s world. Then, on a sweltering, terrible August night in 1928, an explosion rocks Lamb’s Dance Hall in Possum Flats, Missouri, engulfing it in flames, leaving one twin among the dozens dead, and her sister’s life forever changed.

Fifty years later, Daisy Flowers is dumped on her grandmother Rose’s doorstep for the summer. A bright, inquisitive fifteen-year-old, Daisy bargains her way into an internship at the local newspaper—where she learns of the mysterious long-ago tragedy and its connection to her family. Rose, now the local funeral home director, grows increasingly alarmed as her impulsive granddaughter delves into Possum Flats’ history, determined to uncover the horrors and heroes of the fiery blast.

For a small town, Possum Flats holds a multitude of big secrets, some guarded by the living, some kept by the dead. And through Rose, Daisy, Dash—a preacher who found his calling that fateful night—and others, those ghosts gradually come into the light, forcing a reckoning at last.

MY THOUGHTS: After a breathtaking start in both timelines, I settled in for what I thought was going to be an exceptional read . . . but it didn't quite work out that way. It sort of fizzled out and never really regained its momentum.

Of the two timelines, I much preferred the 1978 story. Daisy is a lovely character and I enjoyed watching her personal growth after her arrival in Possum Flats. I felt that a lot of the 1928 story could have been better told better in flashbacks as Daisy uncovered what actually happened. There are too many points of view, and we get the full background story on each and every one of them. It was just too much. And while they say there is no one so devout as a reformed sinner, the character of Pastor Emmonds (known as 'Dash' in his wilder days) was totally overdone. In contrast, his grandson Joe was a breath of fresh air.

The ending was a little too tidy for me - life just isn't like that and it came across as manufactured and, dare I say it?, twee.

I really enjoyed the Author's note at the end which tells the story of the explosion in her hometown in 1928 that was the basis for this novel, but the execution of the actual novel itself left a lot to be desired. While I didn't feel compelled to abandon the read, my attention frequently wandered and I would have to backtrack to pick up the thread again.

⭐⭐.9

#TheFlowerSisters #NetGalley

THE AUTHOR: Michelle Collins Anderson grew up on a farm in the Missouri Ozarks — a place and a way of life that has shaped her writing.
Michelle has been an adjunct professor at the University of Missouri and Stephens College, taught creative writing at her local elementary school, and serves on the board of The Missouri Review.
She and her husband, Clay, have three adult children and live in St. Louis, Missouri, with a rambunctious border collie and two sister cats.

DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Kensington Books via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of The Flower Sisters by Michelle Collins Anderson for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

This was an interesting story based on an actual event in 1928. I liked how I learned what happened the night of the explosion as Daisy, a newspaper intern, interviewed people that were there that night. Lots of other secrets were revealed through the interviews as well. Some will surprise you! The descriptions were amazing yet some are quite morbid. I loved the overall theme of love, home, and forgiveness. The ending was the best part of the book because it brought closure and a feeling of hope to the story. The author includes notes from her research of the Bond Dance Hall Explosion in 1928 and discussion questions for book groups. This is a good read for historical fiction fans!

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

Although I wondered what was going on at the beginning, the whole story was thought out so well. It moves between two timelines, 1928 and the present in the book which is 1978. Daisy Flowers moves in with her Grandma who she doesn’t know. Daisy finds it hard to settle in a town that she doesn’t think she'll stay in long, where she feels like everyone knows her although she doesn’t know anyone. While researching a story for the local paper, Daisy begins pushing some boundaries and opening up memories of a town tragedy that happened 50 years ago. She discovers a big secret and learns about herself in the process. The ending is perfect and one of the best endings I have read for a long time. Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

In The Flower Sisters, Michelle Collins Anderson has created a believable world populated with a reasonable range of people of all ages, with real secrets and real fears. Highly recommended!

Daisy’s mom has dropped her off with her grandmother at Possum Flats, MO. This is absolutely not where she wants to be. She ends up with a job for the summer at the local newspaper. She uncovers a tragedy in this small town and no one has ever talked about it. She writes a series of articles about this tragedy that killed several young people. This causes numerous secrets to come out of the past!

I really enjoyed Daisy. She is a go getter and she does not let grass grow under her feet. She went after the internship at the small town newspaper and got it! This gave her a purpose. I also felt like it helped ease her pain of her mother (you will need to read this to find out!). She definitely stirs up trouble for this close knit small town and uncovers quite a few secrets and causes some major drama!

Now, I did figure out one of the secrets and you will too. But, that did not stop me from loving everyone in this tale!

Y’all know I love an audiobook which has several narrators. This one is narrated by Jim Frangione, Andrea Gallo, L.J. Ganser, Laura Knight Keating, Christina Moore, Graham Winton. And this team of talented narrators made this story so real!

Need a good historical tale with a family twist…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this eARC.

"The Flower Sisters" by Michelle Collins Anderson is a poignant and beautifully crafted novel that weaves together the lives of two generations, separated by fifty years but connected by a shared history and the enduring bonds of family.

Set against the backdrop of a small Missouri town, the story unfolds through the twin narratives of the Flower sisters, Violet and Rose, in 1928, and Rose's granddaughter, Daisy, in 1978. The author masterfully captures the essence of the Ozarks, with its rich cultural heritage and the haunting beauty of its landscape, which serves as a silent witness to the joys and tragedies of its inhabitants.

At the heart of the novel is the tragic explosion at Lamb's Dance Hall in 1928, a disaster that claims the life of one of the Flower sisters and leaves an indelible mark on the town of Possum Flats. The event is a catalyst for change, setting off a chain of events that ripple through the decades.

In 1978, Daisy's arrival at her grandmother Rose's doorstep marks the beginning of a summer that will unearth long-buried secrets. Her youthful curiosity and determination to uncover the truth about the past lead her on a journey through the town's history, revealing the deep-seated secrets and the resilience of those who call it home.

Anderson's prose is lyrical and evocative, with a keen eye for detail that brings the characters and their emotions vividly to life. The Flower sisters, though identical in appearance, are distinct in personality, and their complex relationship is rendered with sensitivity and depth. The interplay between past and present is skillfully handled, as the narrative shifts between the two timelines, drawing parallels and contrasts that enrich the story.

The novel is not just a tale of tragedy and loss; it is also a celebration of survival, the strength of the human spirit, and the healing power of truth. It is a reminder that, while we cannot change the past, we can choose how we respond to it and how we move forward.

In conclusion, **The Flower Sisters** is a compelling read that offers a window into a bygone era and the timeless nature of family and community. It is a testament to Anderson's talent as a storyteller and her ability to craft a narrative that is both intimate and universal. This debut novel is sure to resonate with readers who appreciate historical fiction with a strong sense of place and richly drawn characters.

Thank you Netgalley and Kensington books for access to this arc.

CW – Violent death depicted on page, the aftermath of identifying remains is discussed – both these sections get graphic. Death of an infant.

I loved these characters. None of them are perfect. Rather they are flawed in great and small ways that make them come alive. Daisy is intelligent and stubborn, things that Rose immediately remembers in her daughter Lettie who fought against the restrictions on females in the 1940s and finally fled town to escape. Rose is meticulous about her job and proud of the service she supplies but lived a painful life with her husband and in-laws who disliked her. Rose also still mourns her twin sister who died in 1928.

One of the local pastors was a party boy until that night after which he devoted his life to God, something he never thought or planned to do after a horrible childhood. The stubborn sheriff has devoted his life to the town and its people. He might take an afternoon nap in the office every day but he’ll never leave a job undone. The other reporters take Daisy under their wing and try to give her good advice and photography lessons but warn her to tread lightly as despite the passage of fifty years, the town is still sensitive about its losses. Meanwhile Daisy keeps sending letters to her mother even though she’s yet to hear back from Lettie.

I did guess a few of the secrets and who was responsible for them. Clues are given and if readers pay attention, not much will be a surprise. But the enjoyment is in watching the various characters interacting, remembering, and coming to terms with events past and present. There is an “epilogue” of sorts which shows what will happen to some characters and allows forgiveness for others which I liked but might be too sappy for some. I’m still debating some of the outcomes. This is not a light and fluffy book though parts are truly funny. I enjoyed watching Rose and Daisy, who are both strong women, as well as revisiting the late 1970s but be warned that there are graphic scenes in the book. B

Goodreads prefaces this blurb with the following: “Drawing on the little-known true story of a tragic event that took place in the author’s Missouri hometown at an Ozarks dance hall in 1928, this beautifully written novel, told through twin story-lines fifty years apart, explores the unpredictable effect of split-second decisions, small-town tragedy, and the ways family secrets reverberate through generations.” Because this book is based on a true, tragic event, I’m also calling this biographical fiction. But do note that I also included a “sort of” regarding the dual timelines. You see, this isn’t really a dual timeline story. It is more a story that takes place in 1978, but that we have characters who tell their recollections of the tragic event that happened 50 years before. More like recollections or flashbacks than what we’ve come to call dual timeline novels. Arguably, this is how millions of books were constructed until someone came up with the idea of breaking an older story into little pieces, and inserting those into the telling of a connected, more modern tale. So, please don’t discount this book on that element.

Mind you, I was a touch wary when I saw that too, but I really shouldn’t have been. There’s something very natural about the older version of this mechanic that I don’t think I’ve ever found problematic, but I don’t much care for the tennis game version of hopping between two eras to solve a mystery of some kind. Yes, there are a few mysteries here as well, but no one in this book is trying to solve any of them. Mind you, some questions do get answered with the memories that Daisy pulls out of the survivors, including some that no one ever asked or wondered about. Of course, it makes sense that dredging up an event from the past will open up some old wounds, so if some skeletons end up getting dug up along the way, that just makes the telling all the more interesting. If you like that sort of thing, then this is a book that’s going to tick that box with a huge green check mark.

Now, from what I can see, this is Anderson’s debut novel, and once again, I am amazed at how polished and well-crafted I found this book. To begin with, early on in the novel she has a scene that was so funny, it made me literally laugh out loud. I mean I can’t keep a straight face even when I think about it. So that truly bode well for me right away. It also immediately made me almost all of the main characters, which automatically gets your sympathetic juices flowing. So, as Anderson has Daisy learn more and more about that fateful night, we become increasingly attached to (or detached from) each of the characters. At the same time, Anderson carefully increases the pace so we get more intensely involved in the story of the tragedy itself. By the time the climax comes, I was so engaged that I couldn’t stop myself from crying, and then afterwards came the bit where I wasn’t sure if I should laugh or cry. But, if I have one niggle about this book, it is how Anderson ended it, with a final chapter that didn’t totally work for me, although it was beautifully written. Therefore, it didn’t ruin the whole book for me, because did enjoy reading it, and I totally get why she did it that way.

So yes, overall, this is truly a wonderful novel that starts out a bit unassuming, and then becomes totally consuming. Beautifully written, excellently paced, and just a joy from start to (almost) finish. Plus, Anderson’s characters feel real and honest, and her plot is inventive, using just one bit of real history to devise a whole novel. There’s absolutely no doubt in my mind that Anderson is an author to watch out for in the future, and I have no question that this will be a huge hit. For all this, it deserves a full five out of five stars, and is highly recommended. (Oh, and I just adore the look of the cover, as well.)

Based on a true story, The Flower Sisters is a fictionalized account of a tragedy that remains in the psyche of the older citizens of a small Ozarks town in 1928. Told through a dual timeline, you're drawn into the story by learning about twin sisters, one who lived and one who died on that tragic night.

Now, well actually in the late 1970's according to the story, a young girl, Daisy, is dropped off by her 'flower child' mother with her grandmother, Rose, the surviving twin. Daisy has never even met her grandmother prior to being dropped off. Not wanting to work in the family business, a funeral home, Daisy gets an internship at the local newspaper.

As Daisy begins to research the tragedy that happened 50 years prior and killed her great-aunt, she realizes that the secrets surrounding the fire and people who remember that night, don't want to talk. Daisy is stirring up the town and her relatives.

An engaging book and I understand this is a debut novel. Very well done!

A story that spans different generations. From the 1928 Dance Hall explosion to when Daisy Flowers comes to live with her Grandmother in Possum Flats. Based on some historical facts with a story that will have you wanting to keep reading from the start to the end. From the funeral parlor to the news paper, where Daisy secured a summer job. The secrets that are uncovered.
I received an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley and am leaving a review by my own choice.

The Flower Sisters by Michelle Collins Anderson is Historical Fiction with a mystery in small town America. Why did all these young people die in an explosion? What are the hidden secrets and who knows the truth? I read about this book that is based on a real tragedy in 1928 and knew I had to read it. Life in a small town where everyone knows everything with never to be forgotten entertaining characters. Loved the funeral home business setting although the state of one of the corpses is a bit unbelievable. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Each character had their own special personality and the story had frequent plot surprises. I hope to read more books by this author. Oh glory, I’ll fly away… Hallelujah!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. I appreciate the opportunity and thank the author and publisher for allowing me to read, enjoy and review this book. 5 Stars

Michelle Collins Anderson's dazzling debut, THE FLOWER SISTERS, is spellbinding—a stand-out, talented new voice in fiction! From a master storyteller, this captivating tale is full of scandal, wit, grit, dark secrets of the past, nostalgia, family, forgiveness, reinvention, wisdom, and second chances—with dual timelines and characters you will love and care for.

Inspired by a true story, a top book and audio of 2024.
I loved THE FLOWER SISTERS! 5 Stars ++

OK, booklovers and fellow readers, hang on. You know I get long-winded when I am passionate about a book I love, so here goes.

THE FLOWER SISTERS is a fully immersive, engrossing, insightful story of home, family, and belonging. Richly woven, full of heart, emotion, and humor. Vivid and evocative, with perfect pacing and lyrical prose that captivates you from the first page to the last with characters that linger long after the book ends. Inspired by a true story with dual timelines from 1928 to 1978, you will genuinely be spellbound.

INSPIRATION: Drawing on the little-known true story of one tragic night at an Ozark dance hall in the author’s Missouri hometown, this beautifully written, endearingly nostalgic novel picks up 50 years later for a folksy, character-driven portrayal of small-town life, split-second decisions, and the ways family secrets reverberate through generations.

1928: Possum Flats, Missouri.
Violet and Rose Flowers are identical twins. Violet has a birthmark on the back of her neck. One is quiet and reserved (an introvert), and the other is wild and outgoing (an extrovert). Otherwise, they are identical.

It is Friday 13, 1928: The Ozarks. Lamb's Dance Hall Explosion.
39 Lives Lost before the night ends. What caused the explosion? A cautionary tale.

The highly anticipated dance (my parents met at a dance, which blows my mind, being from the Bible belt) was to be attended by the older teens and those in their twenties. There was to be dancing, jazz, The Charleston, smoking, booze, and fashion, with plenty of young women and men ready to cut loose, plus more! However, this was pretty risque for this period, considering this was during the Prohibition in the heart of the Bible Belt. Some thought what happened was deserved due to the night's sinning nature and activities.

In the small town, this was the night of letting go. Everyone has their issues. Hormones are flying. However, there was an impulsive decision that caused an explosion, and before the night was over, there were 39 lives lost. One twin will not survive, and many of their friends and loved ones. Families grieving, trying to make sense of the night's events.

For the ones who survived, there was guilt and regret and a night that changed the trajectory of their lives. Some later became town leaders, hiding their buried secrets behind their masks.

However, the town never knew the secrets it was hiding until 50 years later, when a young girl, a summer intern at the local paper, digs up the explosion archives and brings all its haunting secrets to the surface.

1978. Possum Flats, Missouri. Daisy Flowers, age 15.
Her mother, Lettie, is a wanderlust hippie who left home as a teen and said she would never return to Possum Flats. She and her daughter have moved everywhere, chasing dreams across the country. Daisy just wished they would settle down somewhere.

Now, 18 years after leaving her home in Possum Flats, Lettie drops off her daughter, Daisy, now 15, at her mom's house, Rose, the mortician and owner of the local funeral home. This is the first time she has seen Lettie or her granddaughter. Then Lettie takes off to California with a man and says she will send for her daughter.

Daisy is at a loss. She is accustomed to organic foods and city life and thinks these people are weird. She is stuck with an eccentric grandmother she does not know in a dead-end town, living above the funeral home with embalming fluids, dead people, odors, and terrible food. Daisy, the main character, learns a lot from dead bodies coming through and the juicy secrets.

LETTERS: She wonders when her mother will return for her. She writes to her mom (we get to hear the letters), but the mom never returns her letters. Throughout the book, there is an ongoing mystery regarding the mom's whereabouts until the end. Is she coming back? Hazel, the postmistress, sees Daisy mailing the letters and selling her stamps. She also considers the returned letters but cannot tell Daisy or open them.

ROSE: Rose, the grandmother and funeral director, is hilarious—all the characters are! You will laugh out loud as Rose prepares for the Mayor's funeral (he was with his mistress when he died in a compromising position), not his wife, of course. In the meantime, Daisy loves reading books and writing.

SUMMER INTERN NEWSPAPER: Daisy decides she can use her grandmother's funeral home and all the scandal to snag a summer internship at the local paper. She gets the job but is not thrilled about writing obits and the mundane events of the town. However, she meets a fun teen, Joe, the newspaper delivery boy, and her editor at the paper, who finally allows her to write about past events and explore the archives. She will get her first byline, and she is thrilled.

50TH ANNIVERSARY: This is where she finds the story in the newspaper's archives about the explosion at the dance hall in 1928. She plans a 50th-anniversary celebration and a series of feature stories.

OPENING PANDORA'S BOX: Little does she know that opening Pandora's box will change everything she knows about her family and the town's leaders. Possum Flats is not thrilled to have the past unearthed with the pain, regrets, and lies it has buried. Some think what happens as a teen should be left there, but Daisy is tenacious and begins interviewing. Some are ashamed of their actions and do not want their past broadcasted.

Then she learns her grandmother has a big secret. Nothing is as it appears with many.

Told from alternating POVs:
~Daisy: (Flower Child) 15-year-old granddaughter. Intern for the local newspaper, The Possum Flats Piscayune
~Rose: Grandmother. Town mortician. Small town owner of Flowers Funeral Home.
~Dash: Pastor of the Assemblies of God Church
~Hazel: Postmistress of Possum Flats
~Jimmy: Police Chief
~Smiley: Photographer
~Violet-Rose: Twin sisters

Some may have found their calling that night. Others changed their lives due to the horrific night.

The side characters—Mayor Watson, Lettie, George, Ginger, Fern, Joe, Roger, Mabel, Betty, Myra, and more—are all part of the story that also makes it sizzle. Rose/Violet, Daisy, Dash, and Jimmy are so funny! They are highly entertaining! But beneath the humor, there are essential takeaway messages. There are some strong women!

MY THOUGHTS: Words cannot convey how I resonated with this engrossing and impressive story of home. It has it all—from the exquisite front cover, a cast of well-developed characters you will fall in love with and care about, an audiobook with a stellar cast of narrators that make the characters come alive (you will laugh out loud), pitch-perfect! I enjoyed it so much that I listened twice, read the e-book, and ordered the paperback.

I LOVED the ending and hope we see more of these characters in future books.

AUDIOBOOK: I loved the distinct voices of the different narrators: Jim Frangione, Andrea Gallo, L.J. Ganser, Laura Knight Keating, Christina Moore, and Graham Winton. This was an award-winning performance! Highly recommended.

This truly is a Fannie Flagg of the Ozarks! Multi-generational, crossing genres, perfecting the blending of uplit, suspense, humor, mystery, coming-of-age, rural small town, literary, historical, Southern, and women's fiction.

THE FLOWER SISTERS is for fans of Elizabeth Berg, Ron Rash, Jan Karon's Mitford Series, Catherine Ryan Hyde, Joshilyn Jackson, Heather Gudenkauf, and Kristy Woodson Harvey, with an added winning signature style!

Michelle is an author to watch. She has been added to my top author list. Get this gem on your TBR list now! Storytelling at its finest. I highly recommend the book and audio. If this is a debut, I cannot wait to see what comes next!

The novel is movie-worthy, an ideal pick for Book Clubs (discussion questions included), and a fascinating Author's note about the real Bond Dance Hall explosion that killed 39 people and was never solved.

INTERVIEW: Stay tuned for my upcoming featured April #AuthorElevatorSeries Q&A, where we go behind the book and this talented new author.

THANKS to Kensington Books, RB Media Recorded Books, and NetGalley for being introduced to this outstanding author and book and providing an ARC and ALC.

Blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: April 23, 2024
My Rating: 5 Stars ++
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An interesting story line that Michelle Collins Anderson weaves using source material from her own history. The back story of how the community in 1978 is influenced by a 1928 tragedy sets the stage for the 15yr old main character to stir the ashes of the cold case.

Daisy Flowers is 15 when her mother delivers her into the hands of a grandmother she doesn't know for what she says is just the summer. But Daisy knows her mother too well and is afraid Possum Flats, Missouri may become her permanent address. Daisy's family has owned and operated the local funeral home for ages which sets the scen for some entertaining breaks in the boredom Daisy finds in Possum Flats. When you're 15 and bored, the local funeral home is not where you see yourself hanging out to meet friends, so Daisy talks her way into an internship on the local paper where any dusty, dirty job is hers. This is the back story of THE FLOWER SISTERS.

Daisy finds stories in the paper's archives about the explosion of the dance hall in 1928 that killed many, including one of Daisy's ancestors, and has never been solved. She decides to conduct interviews with Possum Flats citizens to write a 50th anniversary story. With every interview, Daisy meets resistance to her plans. The more resistance she gets, the harder she digs.

Anderson has populated Possum Flats with some typical characters you'd expect to find in a small town but she also throws in some surprises along the way. The book is REALLY good. It deserves a place in your library.....after you've read it and shared.....just like I did.

I am not usually a historical fiction girly - but I picked this book up because the setting was the Ozarks and the event happened there, which is a few hours drive from where I live. I really loved the investigating, the mystery, and all the stories from the different characters point of views. The book though, seemed a little too long, and that parts of it could of been cut to make for a quicker read without the extra fluff. Overall, I did enjoy the story and that it is based off a real event that you can read about in the author notes at the end of the book.

Excellent historical fiction from Michelle Collins Anderson about a little-known tragedy in the Missouri Ozarks.

Twin sisters, who are as opposite as opposite can be, Violet and Rose Flowers are everything to each other. Violet is wild and free and has never met a stranger. Rose is more reserved and prefers her own company. The two sisters attend a dance in August 1928. The night is disgustingly sweltering and an explosion destroys the local dance hall. At the end of the night, one twin is dead and the other's life is forever changed.

50 years later, Daisy is dropped off for the summer at her Grandmother Rose's door. Daisy is smart and industrious so she works her way into an internship at the local paper. While there she learns about the fire in 1928 and how her own family is connected.

I love multi-generational stories like this. I love a family secret and then the later discovery. The Flower Sisters is a book that does this and takes it to a new level. I could not put this down.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

The Flower Sisters by Michelle Collins Anderson is a historical fiction story set in the Ozarks of Missouri in 1928 and 1978. In the story, Daisy is left with her grandmother that she barely knows in the summer of 1978 while her mother travels to California to set up a place with her boyfriend. While there, Daisy starts an internship at the local paper and begins to investigate the dance hall bombing that took place in the town in 1928. During that investigation she uncovers several secrets in the town and her own family.

I enjoyed the premise of this story and that the author is local. However, the first half of the book was very slow for me. The second half picked up once we started getting more into the events of 1928. Overall, an interesting read as the bombing event was actually based on a true event.

I absolutely enjoyed this book. Welcome to the town of Possum Flats, Missouri. All the residents know each other, each other’s parents and in some cases, each other’s grandparents. Thrown into the close-knit group of people is Daisy, a teenager whose Mom dropped her off at her grandmother’s house and took off for parts unknown. Rose Flowers, her grandmother, happens to be the town undertaker. Through the eyes of Daisy, we get to see the town and get to know the inhabitants. When a town tragedy which occurred in 1928 piques Daisy’s curiosity, everything changes. The Flower Sisters by Michelle Collins Anderson is a great read. The ending of this book is simply beautiful.

The Flower Sisters by Michelle Collins Anderson is inspired by true events which occurred in 1928 Missouri, namely the Bond Dance Hall explosion. The multiple narrators and dual timelines are written seamlessly. Layer upon layer of secrets are peeled back, exposing old wounds. Most small town locals are desperate to keep them closeted. It takes a young girl, an outsider, to bring them to the surface.

In 1928, tragedy of epic proportions struck and the town hadn't recovered fifty years later. When fifteen-year-old Daisy is hired to write articles at the local news office, she's tasked with an intriguing job. However, digging around causes a cascade of emotions. Her grandmother, Rose, has secrets of her own. As a mortician she's seen more than most and is usually unfazed in life. Daisy had been unceremoniously left at Rose's home by her mother and Daisy holds hopes of reuniting. She isn't exactly enamored with small-town living but her job gives her purpose.

Vivid imagery, wondrous writing and fascinating characters pulled me in immediately. Details such as fashion and food added to the atmosphere. I also really enjoy slow burn stories. The explosion story is remarkably sad.

My sincere thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for providing me with an early digital copy of this engrossing novel.