I already didn't love the book, but I couldn't even make it 10 minutes into this audiobook. The phrasing was awkward and off. The way she takes "au-to-pay" and "stom-ach tightening" right at the very first chapter were enough for me to drop it.

Posted to Goodreads: 6/14/2025

This book combines magical realism, and domestic fiction in a luxurious tale of healing. The story follows Eloise, who applies to a strange job ad in a gardening magazine. By some miracle, she lands the job, and moves to a sweet garden in the south of France. Or at least it appears to be sweet. Strange rules and routines put in place by the mysterious "La Patron" cause Eloise to wonder whether everything is alright in this garden of paradise. This book has very heavy themes of infertility and also lends itself to a mysterious and almost paranormal vibe at times. That being said, I did find the book to be a bit scattered because it seemed to have multiple focuses and many things happening in the story that didn't necessarily connect together. I was given the opportunity to listen to the audio book version through NetGalley, and I hope other readers enjoy it!

The Alchemy of Flowers begins with Eloise, heading to France to be employed as the gardener at Jardins du Paradis. Her employer lives on an estate with a huge Medieval house, only partly restored. The person who links the employees to their employer is Antoinette and no one ever sees the Patreon. Eloise, who went through a divorce partly related to the inability to bear a child or adopt a child is uncomfortable around children. Paradis forbids children on the grounds. A huge wall keeps those who live there locked in and only Antoinette can let them out. Eloise immediately relates to her coworkers, two men and a woman, with different responsibilities. They have kind of a communal life style where they cook and eat together but live in separate little home, each modern enough on a place that is totally off the grid, to have some creature comforts.

The estate sells various products made from herbs and essential oils, flowers and herbs at a town market. Eloise is responsible for the plants, which are exceptional. There is a rule that employees must stay inside at dusk. There are other rules as well. Eloise tries to find out the reasons for them, but her coworkers are mum. They also won't share information about former employees who left suddenly. So, there can be a malevolent feel to the place, even though the day to day experience is very pleasant.

Along the way, Eloise sees images of people or goddesses and she cannot discern if it is due to her imagination. She sometimes hears laughter. She talks to the plants ... and they whisper to her. The mysticism/magic adds to the story a gothic feel as do the sculptures all around. All in all, the characters, the estate itself, the unseen employer all make for a mysterious story and an evolving need to know what's real and what's not. It satisfactorily gives us that. Good book.

An intriguing mystery with a splash of romance and a healthy dose of magical realism set in a luscious garden cut off from the world. It's meant to be a place of healing for broken souls but evil lurks there too. I love the eerie feel of the setting, the sprinkling of French throughout, and all the references to the power of different herbs and flowers. The pace was a bit slow, but that felt right for the telling of this story. However, it felt a little repetitive in places and rushed at the end. The narrator of the audio version did an excellent job.

2.5/5

I loved the setting and the premise of a group of broken people who come to a common place to rediscover their love of life. I was also excited about the borderline fantasy aspect of this book because who doesn’t love a magical garden?? But to compare this to the secret garden or to try to look past the inner dialogue taking up the majority of this book is just…painful.

There are certainly important messages here but the plot is just not strong enough to be captivating for me. I wanted to stop reading multiple times but kept going in hopes something would happen by the end to make me love it. It didn’t quite get there. There was just a lot going on in different directions and muddled my overall feel of the book. So many cliches as well. Just not my type of book.

The Alchemy of Flowers by Laura Resau
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½ (4.5/5)

What a lush, mysterious, and enchanting debut! The Alchemy of Flowers felt like stepping into a modern-day Secret Garden, but with a darker, more magical edge—and I was hooked from the very first page. The story's setting in the South of France is a dreamscape: ancient stone walls, whispering flowers, secrets blooming in the shadows. Laura Resau paints it all with such vivid prose that I could practically smell the jasmine and feel the weight of the summer heat on my shoulders.

As a voice actor myself, I'm often hyper-aware of narration—but Cassandra Campbell absolutely nailed it. Her performance brought Eloise and the hauntingly beautiful Jardins du Paradis to life. Even the French accents, which can sometimes distract me, were smooth and evocative.

The mystery at the heart of the novel—what’s really going on behind those garden walls—kept me turning pages (or rather, leaning in closer to my headphones). I loved the strange rituals, the unsettling rules, the sense that something was always just out of sight. There’s an otherworldly quality to the book that feels grounded in real emotional stakes, and that balance is tough to strike.

My only critique is that the theme of the protagonist’s infertility, while important and tenderly handled, began to feel a little repetitive for me midway through. It overshadowed some of the other rich layers the story had to offer. That said, it's still a powerful narrative of healing and rediscovery.

Overall, The Alchemy of Flowers is a beautifully crafted novel full of heart, suspense, and a dash of magic. I’m so grateful to NetGalley for the opportunity to pre-listen to this one—I’ll be recommending it to anyone who loves a good garden, a great mystery, and a touch of the surreal.

The Alchemy of Flowers is an elegantly descriptive novel by Laura Resau that contains mystery and the wonderful healing power of nature. Eloise, who has undergone significant challenges with infertility and her marriage, applies for a job at a secretive French garden. There are numerous rules in the walled garden behind the chateau, including no children allowed, which is perfect for Eloise. Tending to the flowers and connecting with the few others who work there helps her to recover as they all connect behind the locked garden walls. Each has a secret or a reason to stay there which eventually is revealed as their friendship and love grows. But behind the walls and inside the chateau is a dangerous secret that eventually affects them all.

This debut adult novel is beautifully written with extensive character development. The beginning was slow, but it does pick up, although it is not a fast-paced plot. The author draws readers into each character’s background and the heartache they have suffered, all of which adds to the story as it unfolds. The author’s description of the garden and the magical powers of the flowers and the herbal teas makes the reader feel as if they are there with Eloise. The garden itself is a central character around which the action develops.

Cassandra Campbell excellently narrated the audiobook. Her change in tone and accent brought each character to life. It helped to listen to hear the correct pronunciation of the French words. The narration was well paced allowing the listener to feel what each character was experiencing as if in the garden with them, especially the last third of the novel.

I would highly recommend this novel, especially the audiobook version, to anyone who likes reading character driven books that have some mystery to them. This book will appeal to anyone who likes nature and can relate to its curing power and to anyone who understands that family is not always biological. It is the type of book that stays with you long after you read it. My only negative is that it was a little violent in the end but has a happily ever after ending where everything works out exactly how each character had hoped. But in today’s world, maybe that’s not such a bad thing to have hope that there is a happy ending somewhere in the future.

This story follows 37-year-old Elloise as she navigates starting her life anew at an almost magical French Castle Garden. A beautiful, in-depth look at a woman trying to heal herself from all of the trauma she has gone through, trying to rediscover her body. There is so much self-discovery, and the found family trope is so heartwarming. The prose is so lyrical, whimsical, fantastical and down to earth. The writing makes you feel so connected to the environment set in the book, with really good descriptive metaphoric language use. I appreciate that the author put a focus on our side characters just as much as our main character. Getting the reader to understand that every single person has their reason for being where they are, that this mysterious place brought them all together and helped them in their unique way. There aren't enough words to describe how complex and layered the characters and the plot are. The depth helps connect and sympathise with the characters. Overall, this read brought so much insight into the complications and complexities of wanting to be a parent and the impact that personal experience has on a person's view, mindset and the world around us. The narrator did a perfect job with the accents, the French and the pacing.

To start, the narration of this audiobook
is absolutely fantastic. I was so impressed and intrigued by the sheer amount of accents and talent the VO possesses.

Praises of the book are just the same! High quality writing, full characters who are so well rounded that I would have been thrilled to read another 200 pages just lapping up all the details of their pasts and how it lead them to meet our MC. I was so moved by her and it really took me by surprise. As someone who has too struggled with fertility, I am grateful she and her story were treated with such deep care. I have not a single complaint of how and where she ended up in regards to her motherhood journey. It was so relatable and tangible that she felt like a dear friend by the end. The author has my many thanks for getting to experience that kind of familiarity and understanding. This novel was so healing and i'm grateful for it.

Really good! It's a bit of a double edged sword, it tackles some tough material, but in a way that hopeful and almost healing, with just a touch of magical realism. Definitely worth a read.

Laura Resau’s ‘The Alchemy of Flowers’ is a beautifully crafted novel that intertwines mystery, healing, and the quiet magic of nature. Set against an atmospheric backdrop, this story blooms with emotion, weaving together rich sensory details and compelling characters to create an immersive reading experience.

The audiobook is a delight, with Cassandra Campbell’s narration elevating the novel’s tone and rhythm. Her expressive delivery captures the essence of each character, bringing warmth and nuance to their voices. The pacing feels natural, allowing the novel’s deeply personal themes to unfold with care.

At the heart of the story is Eloise, a woman carrying the weight of past trauma. When she stumbles upon a unique opportunity to tend the flowers in a secluded garden, steeped in mystery and untouched by children, she sees this as a chance for quiet restoration.

As Eloise navigates the garden and connects with its tenants, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery and healing, unraveling the secrets that surround her while tending to her own wounded spirit.

The characters are beautifully written. Each has a distinctive presence, adding layers to the story while reinforcing its themes of transformation and connection. The magical realism elements blend seamlessly into the narrative, feeling entirely organic rather than forced, lending the novel a dreamlike quality.

Resau’s prose draws readers into a world where the scent of flowers lingers, the taste of herbal teas is tangible, and the beauty of the natural world offers quiet solace. The writing evokes a deep appreciation for the hidden magic in everyday life, making the garden feel like its own living character.

The ending delivers unexpected revelations, tying together the threads of mystery. It brings closure in a way that is thought provoking, leaving lingering reflections long after the final page.

This novel is a gem, and I’d gladly explore more of Laura Resau’s works. Her ability to craft deeply atmospheric narratives that resonate emotionally makes ‘The Alchemy of Flowers’ a truly memorable read.

From the very first lines, The Alchemy of Flowers pulled me in with its rich sense of mystery. The blend of English and French added a dreamy, immersive layer that made the story feel both intimate and otherworldly.

This book is a sensory feast, from a shower nestled in honeysuckle and wisteria to almond and rose oils, to the richly described teas, every detail made me feel like I was walking through a world crafted with scent, taste, and color.

Paradise, the setting of the story, feels exactly like its name suggests: magical and gentle. Just as I found myself struggling to picture its layout, the narrator stepped in with such a complete and lyrical description that I could suddenly see it all.

What surprised me most was the depth of suspense. The mystery only deepens as the story unfolds and by the final 10%, I was completely glued, sitting on the edge of my seat.

A particularly meaningful aspect of this book is the inclusion of real, deeply human experiences like infertility, endometriosis, and loss. Even though it’s woven into a work of fiction, the way Laura Resau integrates these elements made the story feel more grounded and honest. As a warning if you are sensitive to these subjects they hold a place front and center in the story.

And can we talk about the narration? Cassandra Campbell is phenomenal. Her transitions between characters and between languages are seamless. Her pace is perfect. She brings the story to life with a vividness that made it feel like I was living inside the book. I truly don’t think I would have experienced it the same way if I’d read it in print. The audio is absolutely the way to go.

The Alchemy of Flowers is beautiful, dark, magical, and full of mystery. It has completely captivated me. I already want to listen again.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Harper Muse for the audio ARC of this novel. Unfortunately, this is not a “read” I enjoyed. The premise of loss, and comfort being given by flowers that spoke to the protagonist, was too far fetched for me to take seriously. The narrator was difficult for me to understand, at times, and her French verbiage detracted from the prose, at least for me. The characters were shallow and the protagonist was very one dimensional. This was not the type of story I expected from the description. This novel might be a good read for some, but it was not for me. 2 Stars for the effort.

The Alchemy of Flowers presented a beautifully crafted audiobook. This narrative weaves a tale of personal growth and healing through the symbolic language of flowers, showcasing Laura Resau’s lyrical style and profound thematic depth.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the advance copy!

This sense of place in this story was so beautiful. I could picture the French estate and gardens so vividly. However, with the storyline falling flat, it didn’t end up mattering much. This one had a strong start and slow middle and finish for me. Heavy trigger warnings for infertility!

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Muse for the advance copy.

The Alchemy of Found Flowers by Laura Resau (narrated by Cassandra Campbell) is a fast-paced, emotionally rich tale. Eloise finds herself at a crossroads, stuck in a moment where life feels like it can’t get any worse—or any better. On a whim, she accepts a mysterious gardening job across the world, setting in motion a journey of self-discovery and transformation.

This is a suspenseful, heartfelt story about realizing you don’t always know who you are—even when you think you do—and about the unexpected beauty of forming a found family. It begins in grief and despair, stumbles through change, and faces challenge after challenge. I found it both compelling and deeply hopeful.

Equal parts mystical, magical, heartbreaking, and bone chilling, 'The Alchemy of Flowers' tells the tale of an American woman named Eloise, who takes a mysterious position at the equally mysterious Les Jardins du Paradis in Provence.

Seeking to start a new life after a series of unbearable losses, Ellie finds purpose, friendship, and acceptance while living and working within the garden’s hectares. However, the position comes with many strange rules meant to protect the garden's countless secrets, as well as those of her employers.

As Ellie's curiosity gets the best of her, she soon realises that not only is Les Jardins du Paradis not what it seems, but that her life, and the lives of everyone she's come to care for, may be put in danger as a result.

A beautifully captivating novel that seamlessly blends loss, magic, gardening, mythology, romance, and thrilling mystery, 'The Alchemy of Flowers' is wonderfully descriptive, and a difficult novel to put down. From the first chapter to its epilogue, you will find it difficult not to be enthralled by Laura Resau's gothic tale. I genuinely hope Resau’s first foray into adult fiction isn't her last.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse/HarperCollins Focus for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to the author, narrator, publisher and Net Galley for providing a free audio ARC of this title in exchange for my review.

First, I have to say that I feel that this book needs some trigger warnings noted. Our main character is struggling with infertility and loss of embryo, plus end of her marriage. Some of the sections were very graphic and very difficult to listen to. I was not expecting this at all, and it was very shocking. I do not suffer from those triggers, and it was still almost too much for me to deal with.

Second, the audio is narrated by Cassandra Campbell, and she did an amazing job. Her pronunciations of ALL of the French (there is really a lot) sounded flawless to my non-French ears. Campbell is always a great narrator, and she really pulled this one together.

And Third, calling this a Modern "The Secret Garden" gave me the wrong expectations. The Secret Garden is one of my very favorite books, I have read, listened to, and watched versions of the book dozens of times over my lifetime. I suppose the people do go into the garden and find ways to heal from their troubles, but this was more talking to flowers, combining dried herbs and flowers for healing teas, living off the grid and being secluded than replanting a garden and getting some friendship and sunlight.

Overall, I did enjoy the book, once I got over the graphic infertility scenes and this not really being The Secret Garden. The story was captivating and interesting. But the secondary characters seemed a little flat. And there are7? 8? 9? plot lines? It was really a lot to keep track of. I could almost see this as a series of complete short stories, blending together and bound into one volume so all of the different threads could be told in full, fleshed out and complete.

I'm going to go with a rating of 2.5, rounded down. Those infertility scenes were really just too shocking and too much. Going into something like that, you really do need to give your audience a heads up. I'm not saying it shouldn't be included, but the one scene will live in my brain for a very long time, but not in a good way.

Recommend to those who can take the graphic, are ready for a fantasy/magic/escape novel. And I highly recommend the audio. Campbell did a wonderful job.

This book is sweet, with some topics that can be quite hard to talk about. I appreciate this author telling a story like this and doing it respectfully and with nice story telling. The audio narrator was a bit boring and I felt it hard to pay attention.

This is an ethereal walk through a garden of healing. Set in a French castle and its exquisite gardens, the magical realism, secrets, and wonder had me seeing and hearing things.

Eloise needs a change after years of trying to start a family and her husband's departure. After seeing an ad in search of a gardener on the grounds of the ancient Jardins du Paradis, she jumps at the chance. THIS is something she can do. And the best part - no children are allowed. Upon arrival, she is already enchanted by the gardens' beauty and wonder. She feels a connection with the statues and flowers and can almost hear them talking to her. But the rules are strange here. Though she makes friends, no one is allowed to leave the premises, especially at dusk. The tea she's drinking has her questioning reality. Maybe the woodsprite flitting through the trees is real. Who is the little girl haunting her? And is the "goddess of the garden" following her with her eyes? Growing suspicious, Eloise decides to follow her instincts and dig deeper into the mysteries surrounding her. But uncovering the truth might mean facing her buried pain.

The setting is the strength of this novel. The sanctuary Laura Resau creates is breathtaking and otherworldly - a perfect place for a broken character to find healing. I somehow found the themes of flowers and infertility connected, as if Resau had planted a seed of symbolism for the reader without saying it directly. The magical realism elements furthered the plot and heightened my imagination, already enchanted by the French gardens and castle. There were a couple of things that snatched me quickly out of the whimsical world of this story:
1. The spice level of this book was surprisingly high and unexpected for a trope like this. I'm not sure it served a purpose at all, and it landed strangely. Icky.
2. The woodsprite character is grandly underdeveloped. It is mentioned several times, described once, and then has very little to do with the dramatic arc.
3. The ending falls flat, along with the climax. It's a bit too maniacal and deranged. It's almost as if the last quarter of the book is a separate story from the first three quarters. Of course, this is just my opinion.

The buttery voice of Cassandra Campbell captured this story and its characters divinely. Her French accent was whimsical and her storytelling skills are captivating.

A special thank you to NetGalley, Laura Resau, Cassandra Campbell and Harper Collins Focus for this eARC in exchange for my honest review