I really enjoyed listening to this book. Highly recommend. Kept my interest and cared about the characters.

The Alchemy of Flowers by Laura Resau is a stunning masterpiece that beautifully intertwines themes of love, loss, and the healing power of nature. From the moment I opened the book, I was captivated by Resau’s lyrical prose and vivid imagery. The protagonist's journey of self-discovery, set against the backdrop of a lush botanical world, resonates deeply and speaks to the heart.

Resau's characters are vibrant and relatable, each with their unique struggles and triumphs. I found myself rooting for them every step of the way. The incorporation of flowers as a symbol of transformation and hope adds a magical element to the narrative, making it more than just a story; it feels like an enchanting experience.

The pacing is perfect, with a blend of introspection and action that kept me engaged throughout. Additionally, the themes of family, culture, and connection are thoughtfully explored, making this a rich and rewarding read.

I wholeheartedly recommend The Alchemy of Flowers to anyone who appreciates beautifully crafted stories that celebrate the human spirit and the healing essence of nature. This book deserves every bit of the five stars I’m giving it!

I listened to and read this book. Cassandra Campbell's narration was excellent. She brought life to the story and characters, and her French accent was excellent.

The story was a mix of magical realism and romance with some suspense and mystery. There was a lot of emotion, healing, and drama as infertility was a big part of the story.

The characters were multi-dimensional and interesting. The setting was vividly portrayed and made me long to be in a medieval garden estate in Provence. I really enjoyed the descriptions of food, tea, flowers, and lotions. The Garden felt like an additional character in the story, with its own unique personality.

Overall, I really enjoyed the story and the escape it provided.

Thank you UpLitreads, NetGalley, Harper Muse/Harper Collins, and Harper Muse Audiobooks for an advanced copy of this book.

Thank you to @uplitreads @harpermusebooks & @netgalley for the #gifted 𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑨𝑳𝑪𝑯𝑬𝑴𝒀 𝑶𝑭 𝑭𝑳𝑶𝑾𝑬𝑹𝑺 𝒃𝒚 𝑳𝒂𝒖𝒓𝒂 𝑹𝒆𝒔𝒂𝒖 published this week!

This is a story of loss, healing, community, and the choices we make in the midst of darkness all told with a sprinkling of magic and balm of nature.

Eloise has endured the worst kind of loss. When an "help wanted" ad appears for a gardener in a walled estate in the south of France, one with a clear message of NO CHILDREN ALLOWED, Eloise makes the leap, hoping for a reprieve from the unending pain she is feeling. The elusive owner is never to be seen, but she begins to make real connections to her fellow companions at this isolated and beautiful estate. She relishes the quiet moments where she can hear the flowers speaking to her again as they guide her to open up to some, and give warning to others. This tiny spot of paradise has secrets, however, in a little woodsprite girl, but also more sinister ones that threaten if the rules are not obeyed.

I was quite enveloped by the magical garden abilities, the atmospheric estate, the quiet and knowing friends, and even the underlying danger. As one who has chosen to be child-free, there was much here I did not personally understand as such, but this is why reading is so wonderful. This is a book that explores the emotions of losing a child (or children) before they've taken a breath, and it was done with such a raw tenderness. This is one of those stories that helps those of us who do not know, to hear and learn from a vulnerable source, hopefully to be more sensitive and caring to those who do know. It is a hope-filled story, despite its heavy themes.

I recommend this book to those who need a feel good story filled with a bit of whimsy and love.

I paired the physical copy, which has a map (I absolutely love a good map!), with the audio and it made for a lovely reading experience. Cassandra Campbell narrates and does a fine job with the cast of diverse characters, but really shines with the emotion of Eloise.

This was an interesting story. I loved all the flowers talking and having personalities in the world where this takes place. It was interesting to hear of all the concoctions they made with the flowers and plants and what they were able to use them for. There were some strange parts where the main character saw apparitions flying by and other strange things happening that she couldn't quite figure out. The way that the book ended was fitting, sweet and surprising.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc audiobook.

Exhausted by fruitless attempts to make a family, Eloise takes the chance of a lifetime to answer an ad in a French gardening magazine. To fly away from her life in the States and tend to both her shattered heart and the flowers of Paradise.

Eloise is definitely broken. She has struggled to find a balance after she is unable to conceive. So, this French gardening post is exactly what she needs…until it is not.

Eloise is a fascinating character. She can hear the flowers talking to her. This helps her on more than one occasion because she is not one to just accept things as they are. When she starts to ask questions at her new job, it does not sit well with “the management”. And trust me, she starts to uncover some amazing issues.

This novel has some very pretty prose. It is atmospheric and I could just picture the chateau and the gardens. Very picturesque! I also enjoyed the mystery surrounding this chateau and the strange rules.

The narrator, Cassandra Campbell, sounded like a native of France. She did a great job!

Need a novel with beautiful prose…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today.

I received this novel for a honest review.

I don’t usually gravitate toward fantasy, but the premise of The Alchemy of Flowers drew me in—a woman needing a fresh start accepts a mysterious gardening job at a secluded French estate. It had the promise of magic, healing, and a little escape, which sounded perfect.

What really worked for me was the setting. I’m not typically a fan of long scenic descriptions, but Le Château du Paradis genuinely felt magical. The estate was so vividly written that I could clearly imagine wandering its lush, flower-filled grounds. The connection between Eloise and the gardens was beautifully portrayed, especially her sensitivity to flowers and the emotions they seemed to carry.

I also loved the relationships Eloise built with the other workers at the estate. Each of them came with their own burdens, and the way they supported and cared for each other added a lot of warmth to the story. Their found-family bond felt heartfelt and grounding.

What didn’t work as well for me: it was clear pretty early on that something was off at the château, and I found myself often thinking, why aren't we running right now? The fantasy elements—particularly the wood sprite storyline—were interesting, but it felt odd that so much was kept from Eloise for so long. The pacing also felt a bit uneven. There were several slower parts I just wanted to move past so the story could keep moving forward.

Overall, The Alchemy of Flowers was a bit hit-or-miss for me. While the plot didn’t fully come together in the way I hoped, I did love imagining that magical French estate and the healing power of flowers woven throughout the story. Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Muse Audio for providing me with an ARC of this book.

First, the good. This was atmospheric and the descriptions of food were absolutely lovely.

Second, the not-so-good. Head’s up: there is so much about CHILD LOSS and INFERTILITY in this book, although it’s not really mentioned in the description or named in a content warning. It’s the driving force for the main character and I imagine could be healing for others to read about, but felt very belabored to me. The main character, Eloise, got on my nerves. She has so many questions, tends to ignore red flags, and seemed to possess an aversion to making decisions.

This was a mystery? Quasi-thriller? With a dash of magical realism? Idk, it’s hard to place in a particular genre. I wanted to keep going but there weren’t enough nuggets dropped at a consistent pace to keep me invested.

I both listened and read this novel and I really enjoyed Cassandra Campbell's narration, especially because I don't speak French and don't always know how to pronounce French words. :) At times the story felt a little sappy or melodramatic, but I did like it overall and the characters were fun to get to know. The setting was vivid and incredibly detailed. I could easily picture myself in a medieval garden estate in Provence, and would love to smell such a place! I also enjoyed the sumptuous descriptions of food, tea blends, and aromatic lotions. The Gardens of Paradise were as important a character as Eloise and her friends. There was plenty of emotion, healing, drama, and a hint of magic in this book, and it was an overall enjoyable read.

Thank you NetGalley, Harper Muse/Harper Collins, and Harper Muse Audiobooks for an advanced copy of this book.

WOW trigger warnings:
infertility
miscarraiges
child abuse
child neglect
rape
unresolved trauma

I feel like this book was a lot of trauma dumping. For me it was uncomfortable. Maybe for someone who has experienced some of these things, it would feel like they were being seen and relate, but I personally was thinking that it would be hurtful to another person who went through similar experiences.

Eloise takes a job where there is no internet, no "electricity" (but there are solar lights), composting outhouses, and other inconveniences to get away from her heartache from divorce due to infertility and multiple miscarriages. The place promises to be childfree, which is what she feels she needs to recover. But she thinks she sees a child wood sprite in the woods. Her job description is turning "shit into flowers". She takes care of the compost and gardens, and makes healing tinctures. She meets many other people who are also healing from various past experiences and have chosen to be gated off in this remote paradise.

The setting was described well and made it feel like a wonderful place to be. The gardens, waterfalls, treehouse, statues were all described in a way that felt you could be there. The relationships tricky. I felt they became "friends" by just seeing each other, but then one wrong word and they were giving each other the silent treatment. I can't explain, but transitions in feelings between most of the characters was a bit off for me. The only really well developed connection seemed to be Eloise trying to find and connect to the wood sprite.

Once the characters were on a healing path, the book was easier for me to go continue without the issues of trauma. The resolution was creative and satisfying. It just took a long time to settle into the book.

I liked the narrator.

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for an advanced audiobook for an honest review

The Alchemy of Flowers is a devastatingly beautiful novel about healing and self-realization. It explores how trauma can shape the way we respond to the world, often leading to an unwanted separation from society. Through its lyrical storytelling, the novel shows how a shift in mindset can inspire deep, transformative growth—and help us reconnect with ourselves and others.

I would love to step into the gardens of Jardins du Paradis—the descriptions of this space were absolutely breathtaking. Paired with the beautiful recipes and the rich infusion of the French language, this novel offers the perfect setup for a dreamy, outdoor picnic read.

The interesting magic system and phenomenal narrator brought the story to life in such a unique way—especially with the beautifully done French accents, which were an added treat for the listener.

Though I found the subject matter heavy at times, the writing, world-building, and character development were so vivid and intentional that the story still carried a cozy, comforting undertone. I truly enjoyed this book. It was dark, it was emotional, it was healing. I’ll definitely be reading more from this author in the future.

Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Muse Audiobooks | Harper Muse, and Laura Resau for the advance listener’s copy of this hauntingly beautiful novel. I am voluntarily sharing my honest opinion.

I went into this book a little blind - was I swayed by the flowers on the cover and talk of flowers whispering? Yes, I was! And while flowers play a part, this story goes much deeper and a little darker than the magical realism I was expecting.

Eloise is a woman who is in pain, from the inability to have a family, and now the end of her marriage. She also has the gift, a connection, if you will, to flowers. She takes a job as a gardener at the ancient walled Jardins du Paradis in the South of France, which is a “ refuge for the broken.” And while my heart went out to Eloise, the setting stole the show for me. It felt magical, mythological, and yet it had Gothic undertones, as something sinister may be at play.

Woven into the narrative are several elements: women’s fiction, mythology, magical realism, a touch of romance, and even a hint of thriller, which makes it an intriguing genre blend. It skillfully fleshes out Eloise’s pain and emotions, offering a rich psychological exploration. While I found myself yearning for more magic and enchantment, I can’t deny how transfixing and alluring this story was.

I must caution that the story may be emotionally challenging for those who have experienced similar traumas to Eloise's.

🎧The audiobook, narrated by Cassandra Campbell, was a nice complement to the physical book. I found it especially helpful being able to hear all the French words pronounced correctly - it gave the book the proper atmosphere as well.


Thank you #harpermuseaudio for the gifted audiobook via #NetGalley.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

The Alchemy of Flowers wasn’t quite what I expected as I went into it pretty blind; it leaned more into magical realism than fantasy, but it had plenty of emotional depth. It felt simultaneously witchy and therapeutic/reflective. It is set in the beautiful and mysterious Jardins du Paradis in the South of France, which is what initially pulled me into the title. The story is rooted in grief, healing, and found family. The themes of motherhood, nature, and rediscovery are present throughout.

While the poetic writing was beautiful and immersive, it slowed the pacing and was distracting at times; the French phrases were very charming for a while, but then started to feel a bit overused.

It won’t be for everyone, and while I didn’t fully connect, I can see how this could resonate with readers who share the main character’s grief and experiences.

TW: fertility struggles, grief

Mystical and interesting. Delightful audio that is perfect for this story.

A realistic magical/mystical story or is it fiction with mysticism woven in? Either way, the story is deep and rich with mystery wound around every part of the story. However, the mystery feels on the edge for a large part of the book. Until, of course, it can no longer be ignored.

This story felt beautiful not only in the imagery but in the healing and friendship, too. These were surprises to me but very welcome ones.

Advanced listener copy provided by Harper Muse Audio but all opinions are my own.

An emotional and enchanting story of healing, friendship and found family, with a romantic sub-plot.

The writing was immersive, and I enjoyed the unique magical realism elements as well as the country garden setting in the South of France.

This would make a great book club read.

I was fortunate to access the audiobook and the digital book. I really enjoyed the narration by Cassandra Campbell and found myself immersed in the story, as I could listen and follow along with the digital book.

With thanks to Harper Muse and NetGalley for an advanced reading and listening copy of this captivating story, in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 stars for The Alchemy of Flowers audiobook. I was given the ALC by Net Galley and Harper Muse and I wish to thank them both for gifting me the audiobook in exchange for an honest review. The Alchemy of Flowers by Laura Resau and narrated by Cassandra Campbell is a magical read. Our FMC has gone through a lot - she's divorced and went through years of infertility treatment to try to have a child with her now ex-husband. She could not find joy in the happiness of others when they became pregnant and felt herself growing angry and bitter. She takes a job in a mysterious garden in France and moves there from the US. As she befriends other working there, she questions the mysterious rules they must abide by and she hears the flowers whispering to her. This is an intriguing story and it is well told by our narrator, Cassandra Campbell. The garden works its magic on healing Eloise, and much is made of the power of the garden's healing properties - I was worried about the way this book would go, but it did not go for the obvious and easy answers. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and recommend the audiobook. Thank you again, Net Galley and Harper Muse. This book releases July 29, 2025.

I’m giving this three stars because it is well written. It will resonate with those who have had troubles conceiving or have lost babies. It’s a deep personal story. But it wasn’t what I was expecting and it wasn’t really a story for me. It was a little too mystical for me and there was too much sensuality for my liking. But it was an immersive, well written story that will be great for the right reader.

The Alchemy of Flowers by Laura Resau is a gorgeous feast for the senses. Beautifully narrated by Cassandra Campbell, the story mixes French and English in a charming manner.

Eloise, at a crossroads in her life, starts over surrounded by new friends Raphael, Mina, and Bao in the incredible Gardens of Paradise. Here, Eloise must never break one of the three rules: no children, no gossip, and stay in quarters during dusk. When Eloise is visited by a little girl, she is uncertain if the child is real or a wood sprite. There is a fantastical juxtaposition of the real and imaginary throughout the text. As her curiosity gets the better of her, she finds it difficult to follow the rules. Is expulsion from this gorgeous place worth the risk?

While the novel has been compared to The Secret Garden, the novel explores deeper themes than the healing power of nature and friendship.

“Eloise was sad and angry…So she smashed her dishes; she smashed her marriage; she smashed her friendships; she smashed her life…and then, she flew to the gardens. Here, she felt free and full of hope. Here, she can heal.” Through Resau’s beautiful anaphora, the heartbreak of miscarriage and infertility becomes palpable.

Thank you to Harper Muse Audiobooks and NetGalley for providing an advanced review copy of the audio version of this title for an honest review.

I DNF this audiobook ARC at 9%. While the narrators voice is pleasing overall, there isn't enough variation in the tone of her voice for different characters; which made the dialog difficult to follow. Her male voices were also terrible. It's a shame because the book itself is good so far. But I can't get past the narration.

I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this first by a new to me author about a middle aged woman who blows up her life after getting divorced and struggling for years with infertility. When Eloise sees an ad for a gardener in Southern France she jumps at the chance only to find herself working in an isolated, estate where one of the few rules is no children are allowed.

This had a great blend of found family, healing from nature, starting over and magical realism. I loved that there was the perfect mix of romance, mystery, intrigue, mental health and disability rep (Eloise has endometriosis and has grief from pregnancy losses) and it was EXCELLENT on audio narrated by Cassandra Campbell.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio and #gifted physical copy in exchange for my honest review. I am grateful to #UplitReads for getting selected to be part of the promo campaign for this great new release. Highly recommended for fans of authors like Sarah Addison Allen and a wonderful choice to read during #DisabilityPrideMonth !!