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Going into this, I had no idea what to expect but I feel like I’ve proven to myself that I will read (and enjoy) anything even remotely having to do with the titanic. I also felt a great affinity for the book and its characters because they also love and are borderline obsessed with Titanic. This story has so many beautiful complexities and is written in such a way that it is captivating and compulsively consumable. I loved the main mystery we are along to solve but also the character growth and lessons learned along the way. The messages about offering and accepting help. The healing and moving on from tragedy. There are many lighthearted moments but also some serious topics and issues discussed and I feel the author handled them very well. I really enjoyed this book!

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The Secrets of Flowers is such a warm and heartfelt read. It’s one of those books that slowly draws you in with its charm and quiet depth. I honestly picked this book, based off of the cover alone, but it was such a delightful surprise.

One year on from the death of her husband, Emma feels no closer to moving forward with her life. Seeking distraction, she quits her job and begins working at the local garden centre.

Here, Emma begins to open up and finds herself attending boss Les’ talk on the Titanic. Intrigued, Emma sets out to research who would have arranged the flowers on-board.

Alongside her story unfolds the tale of a stewardess on the Titanic, who Emma can’t help but feel connected to….

As we learn more about the language of flowers, we also learn about love, grief, regret, and second chances. What I really liked about this book is how gentle but emotionally rich it is. The characters feel real, and the way flowers are woven into the storytelling is so beautiful and meaningful. It makes you want to learn more about what different flowers "say." As a flower lover myself, I enjoyed this beautiful take on flowers and the meanings behind them.

This story was different from anything I've ever read, and I found myself engrossed in the plot as well as the characters. The only reason it’s 4 stars instead of 5 for me is because the pacing was a little slow at times—but that also kind of fit the tone. It’s more about quiet reflection than big drama, and once I settled into that rhythm, I really enjoyed it.

If you're in the mood for something thoughtful, emotional, and full of heart (with a little mystery sprinkled in), The Secrets of Flowers is a lovely read. I look forward to reading more from this author.

Thank you NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks for the ALC in exchange for my honest review.

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Books like this are the reason I read historical fiction.

The fascination with the Titanic continues but our main gal Emma completely stumbled into her obsession and I loved that. She wanted to connect with one of her bosses after backing out of an event about the Titanic and relatable - because haven’t we all rallied to prove that we have knowledge on a topic that someone we know is passionate about?

This was very much a story of a woman discovering herself again, the Titanic was part of it (and Violet who worked on the ship) but it was definitely something that became part of Emma’s journey back to herself. And she went through a lot! Oh boy.

Absolutely loved everyone that helped her along the way in her quest for information on the lost florist of the Titanic. Betty in particular! And it’s always nice to read and focus on underrepresented people and aspects of history as well.

Narration was fantastic, Karen Cass is so talented!

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author - this ALC had me absolutely captivated.

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Readers, watch out for The Secret of Flowers by Sally Page. I listened to the audio version and loved it. It's out now and is one you don't want to miss.

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A beautifully depicted, character-driven story of grief and loss, friendship, forgiveness, and of course the power of flowers.

This audiobook is narrated brilliantly by Karen Cass, who offered distinct narration between Violet and Emma, and really brings the story to life.

With thanks to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced listening copy of this story, in exchange for an honest review.

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I found this book to really drag and the narration to be poor, thus, I absolutely could not go forth and it was a DNF for me. I really tried and tried, but just could not slog through it. I also did not feel that the transitions between the two characters were very smooth.

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Thank you to NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion. Emma is trying to get over the death of her husband William from a year ago when she decides to quit her job and takes another job at a local flower shop. One day she is invited to attend one of the Titanic Workshops that her boss hosts. It is at this workshop where Emma starts to wonder who was the person in charge of delivering all the beautiful flowers to all of the state rooms on the titanic. Emma decides to do the research to find this out. While researching, she comes across a young lady named Victoria and she immediately feels a connection with her. While on this journey, she also starts to find out things about her own life and the lives of her parents and grandparents and how their lives have all crossed with one another. Great read......Enjoy!!!

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The author does an excellent job alternating between Emma and Violet’s stories to create an intriguing tale. Modern day Emma is still grieving the loss of her husband and leaves her research position to work in a flower shop. She becomes engrossed in finding out if there was a florist on the Titanic. Violet is a stewardess aboard several ships whose passion is working with flowers. Emma’s investigation brings new friendships and helps her let go of her past worries. Pillow posts play an important role in this marvelous story.

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Told in dual perspectives from the present and the past, The Secrets of Flowers focuses on Emma who has recently lost her husband to a tragic accident and Violet, a young woman helping her family survive by working on various ships. In an effort to restart her life, Emma begins working at a small florist's shop and becomes fascinated in the flowers and florist of the Titanic. Emma digs deep into her research and loses herself in the past. But in the past she finds connections to her own history and more importantly, begins to find a way to move forward in her present. This is a beautifully written, character driven novel with a languid pace that encourages you to drift with the plot back and forth across time. It was a lovely journey.

Thank you to Netgalley and HarperCollins for a free galley of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

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Following the death of her husband, a scientist finds new life and purpose as a florist researching the identity of the person who arranged flowers on the Titanic. She believes she is connected to this person, by blood or something else.

This was a really beautiful book about grief, forgiveness, and the power of connection through symbols like flowers. Titanic history has always been interesting to me, so I liked listening to this one.

The audio narration was lovely, although the sound quality was lacking on certain tracks.

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Being a Titanic fan, I read just about every book that I can about the ship. This one was different because it was about a passenger but also about flowers. I loved that the author used flowers to unify two time periods and lead Emma down a path to discover her heritage.

Knowing the Titanic passengers as well as I do, I figured out fast who Violet was, but I also enjoy reading about her. This book is almost fragrant with its descriptions and I loved the modern day story of Emma.

Thanks NetGalley for letting me get this one.

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The Secrets of Flowers follows the journey of Emma, a young woman grappling with the deep grief of losing her husband. Struggling to move forward, she quits her job and takes a new position at a local garden center. There, surrounded by blooming plants and a warm, endearing cast of characters, Emma begins to slowly reconnect with life.

Emma is a very closed in person, so she tries to open up. After attending a talk by Les about the Titanic, Emma becomes captivated by a curious question: Who arranged the flowers on the Titanic? This seemingly small curiosity blossoms into a heartfelt mission of discovery—one that not only explores a forgotten piece of history but also helps Emma find healing in unexpected places.

The story is utterly lovely. Emma is a beautifully drawn character—quietly strong, full of depth, and a joy to follow.

Sally Page’s writing is beautiful and vivid. She masterfully weaves a compelling and tender story, one that is filled with charm, quiet wisdom, and emotional resonance. The Secrets of Flowers is a gentle yet powerful reminder of how history, nature, and unexpected friendships can help us bloom again after loss. A beautifully written and genuinely uplifting read.

I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did an excellent job not only bringing the story to life, but making Emma a character I could connect with on many levels.

I want to thank the publisher for providing me with a copy in exchange of a review.

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Thank you Netgalley & Blackstone Publishing omfor the advanced listeners copy!!

Emma is lost, her husband died suddenly a year ago, not only did he leave, but a piece of her heart did as well. When deciding it's time for something new, Emma starts working and here she finds some peace and tranquility. We are taken on a heart felt journey through her grief and her new found peace. However, it's dual POV, we get a little of Emma and a little of a stewardess on the Titanic. It was an interesting blend of history and present.

While the book is beautiful, and the journey is just as beautiful, it's very slow-paced, not usually something I read/ listen to (I did an immersive read—listened and read the book simultaneously). Even though it's slow, I feel like it's kind of supposed to be to evoke certain emotions out of the reader/ listener. Hearing the audio really made me feel there with Emma or Violet. It was beautifully narrated.

I wouldn't reread this book, but I will check out some of Page's other work!

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Narrator: The narrator chosen for this story did a wonderful job bringing the story and characters to life.

Story: This story is perfect for anyone with a passion for flowers. The story goes into the meaning of flowers, how scents can bring us back to a memory, and how they are part of numerous moments in our lives You can feel the connection the main character has with flowers throughout the story.

I thought the Titanic storyline was a unique historical moment to tie into the story, but I enjoyed it. It does tie in with the overall story.

If I missed part of a story then I was lost as to what was happening in the story. It also switches between timelines and for the most part transitions smoothly.

Thank you Blackstone Publishing - Audiobooks and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this book.

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A beautiful and heartfelt look into grief and self discovery with some mystery thrown in. Emma is still reeling from the loss of her husband of almost 10 years and she finds herself surrounded by flowers, something that she has always enjoyed. She leaves her research job to try something new, to work in a flower shop where she gets pulled into the mystery of who arranged the flowers on the Titanic. Her researcher mind can't stay still and she slowly opens herself up to those around all the while searching for answers about the flowers.
The story is told in dual timelines, one of which is based on a real person who was on the Titanic at the time.
The story was informative and interesting and I really enjoyed the listen. The narration was well done.

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The Secrets of Flowers by Sally Page is a beautifully crafted novel that intertwines themes of grief, healing, and rediscovery. The story follows Emma, a young widow who, a year after her husband's death, seeks solace by working at a local garden center. Here, she becomes intrigued by the history of flowers and embarks on a journey to uncover the story of a Titanic stewardess, Violet Jessop, who survived multiple shipwrecks.
The narrative is split between Emma's present-day experiences and the historical mystery she unravels. Sally Page's writing is evocative, blending vivid descriptions of flowers and landscapes with poignant explorations of loss and resilience. The novel also emphasizes the importance of community and friendship in overcoming life's challenges.
If you enjoy stories that combine personal growth with historical intrigue, this book might be a wonderful choice for you! Have you read any other novels by Sally Page?

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What a beautiful story. I loved getting to know Emma and go along with her journey of discovery, new connections and ultimately of hope. After the death of her husband her world became smaller and smaller every day. She needs a reset so she quits her job and starts anew at the local garden center to bring some new life and color into her world. When she attends a lecture by her boss, her whole world changes in the best of ways. She needs to unravel the story of the woman who was responsible for the flowers on the Titanic. She goes down the rabbit hole to discover the story. It’s beautifully written and this book is representative of why I have come to adore historical fiction. The narration added to the experience.

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This is a heartwarming and uplifting story centering around the transformative power of flowers and personal connections. Woven together are together themes of healing, self-discovery, and the beauty found in everyday moments. Emma, our main character has lost her young husband and is adrift with not really a clue what to do with her life. So she quits her job as a scientist and takes on something she has never done before: working at a garden center with flowers. As she eases into the new job she meets and works with new people who love her for just who she is, which is a new experience for Emma. There is some historical fiction woven in a swell, with a second timeline concerning a young woman who was a stewardess on the Titanic. The twist at the end of the story made me smile -- that's all I way now!

The audiobook’s narrator brings the story to life with warmth and depth. It’s a perfect choice for listeners who enjoy feel-good, character-driven stories with emotional depth.

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A lovely heartwarming story of the power and healing nature of flowers and how they can connect people, especially those who are hurting. I loved the gentle and loving writing style of Ms. Page, it is so descriptive that I could almost smell the flowers she was describing. Emma, our main character has lost her young husband and is adrift with not really a clue what to do with her life. She quits her job as a scientist and takes on something she has never done before, working at a garden center with flowers. As she eases into the new job she meets and works with new people who love her for just who she is, which is a new experience for Emma. And Emma begins to heal her heart. This is a lovely, lovely book that I can fully recommend. I just loved it. The audio version I listened to was delightful, great narration.
Many Thanks to Net Galley and Blackstone Publishing for a chance to listen/read and ARC version of this book. 4.5 stars.

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The Secrets of Flowers (audiobook) by Sally Page is a heartwarming and uplifting story that centers around the transformative power of flowers and personal connections. The narrative weaves together themes of healing, self-discovery, and the beauty found in everyday moments. Page’s writing is tender and full of charm, and the audiobook’s narration brings the story to life with warmth and depth. It’s a perfect choice for listeners who enjoy feel-good, character-driven stories with emotional depth.

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