The problem with this book—or at least the reason I didn’t fall in love with it—was the world-building. I just feel like there were a lot of things missing. The reveals at the end should have felt impactful, but they didn’t. It focused so much on the main character’s story that the magic of the world felt kind of pushed to the side. I don’t know… it felt a bit disconnected and unfinished.

That said, I really loved the imagery throughout the book—it was beautiful and vivid, and there were so many moments that just felt magical in the best way. And the character growth was so well done. Her arc was solid and believable, it makes me cry. I was emotionally invested in her journey, which makes me even more frustrated that the world around her didn’t feel fully developed, as if the other characters were left behind.

I had to re-read the last five chapters because I kept thinking I missed something important. But no, that was it. It just didn’t land for me.

If you're looking for a cozy fantasy or magical realism read with a touch of motherhood trauma, this might be your kind of story. It’s definitely more emotional than fantastical.

I listened to the audiobook and really enjoyed it—the narrator did a great job. It's the kind of book you can have on while you're working or doing stuff around the house. Just… go in with the right expectations.

This book had so many wonderful elements. The setting—a dreamy garden in France—was beautifully described. The flowers, the friendship, the food... it all made you feel like you were really there. The writing itself was lovely and immersive. Some of the characters' trauma felt relatable, though other parts didn’t resonate as much.

**Cons:**
The story’s flow didn’t always work for me. At times, the characters' emotional responses didn’t seem to match the trauma being revealed, which created a disconnect. The pacing also felt stagnant in places, and I didn’t particularly enjoy the ending. That said, I did an immersive read (audio + print), and I think that elevated my overall experience.

While I didn’t fully enjoy this book, I’m definitely open to reading more from this author—this was my first time trying their work.

This book made me want to visit France and sit in gardens while eating good food. It also made me want to live in a treehouse.

I listened to the audiobook and am glad because I am not great with French pronunciation and listening made that so much better. Hearing someone pronounce the French words correctly was so helpful.

The MC is escaping her failed life and infertility and takes a job in France. The job is mysterious and strange, but is it worth it? The cast of characters are delightful and the setting is picturesque. The real question is “what danger are you willing to risk to remain in paradise?”

It’s pretty clean, some language, low spice. I recommend for 16+. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

This review covers the audio book and the actual book, read on my tablet.
I want to start with trigger warnings, there is a focus on fertility difficulties and loss of babies during pregnancies throughout. There is also some exploration of past suicidal thoughts. There is also an exploration of the theme of child abuse which includes sexual abuse including incest. There is also mention of cancer, I know it’s not much but I would have struggled with it when I was in the middle of my treatment. I do hope there will be a way of warning people about the main triggers on the book before it is released. I’ve am sure some people will find it very helpful and I feel the author has considered this carefully and does explain her own “reproductive challenges “ I also know it can be very difficult to come across these topics in a book of fiction without knowing they are present. Films have this warning and if you know you have a sensitivity you can check before you watch. I think it would be handy for books to have the same, I guess that’s why I’m writing this.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. My rambling opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This was my first audio book for a long time. didn’t take long to enjoy it I found the French very pleasant to listen to. Reading the book I found the French more of a distraction.
I found the story interesting but so jarring when Eloise goes along with not being able to come and go as she pleases, or to ask questions. When her friends and herself appear to be in peril I struggled with her nonchalant response, often to just make tea and no matter how beautiful the description would be I would just be screaming do something!
I think this author is excellent and I would look at another adult book, I would love a book focused on the more magical aspects and descriptions as they were beautiful.

I had such high hopes for The Alchemy of Flowers, and while it didn’t fully do it for me, there were definitely some elements worth admiring.

Let’s start with the magic: the magical realism here is chef’s kiss. That gentle blend of wonder and reality gave the whole story a whimsical, melancholic charm I couldn’t help but get drawn into. The found family dynamic between the main characters? Heartwarming in all the right ways — the kind of bond that creeps up on you and wraps itself around your ribs. And the writing itself is stunning. Poetic, evocative, dripping with atmosphere. I could see the village, smell the blossoms, feel the lingering grief in the air. It’s a vibe.

And THAT plot twist at the end? Ohhh, I didn’t see it coming. I literally paused the audiobook and said, “Wait, WHAT?” 👀

Speaking of the audiobook — beautiful narration. The French accents were authentic and captivating, and I adored how French language and culture were seamlessly woven into the narrative without ever feeling forced. It gave the story a sense of place that was both grounded and enchanting.

But here’s where the bloom wilted a bit for me…

I really wish there had been proper trigger warnings. This story delves into some heavy topics — grief, infertility, miscarriage, and brushes up against some very distressing themes like sexual abuse and harm to children. None of this was flagged, and it took me off guard more than once. That lack of emotional prep made some parts feel unexpectedly jarring, especially given the otherwise gentle, dreamy tone.

I also struggled with the FMC’s connection to the flowers — something that felt like it should’ve been at the heart of the story but ended up being a bit vague and underdeveloped. It left a plot hole that nagged at me, especially when everything else had been painted with such careful brushstrokes.

In the end, I’m glad I read (listened to) it. The atmosphere, the prose, and the found family were enough to keep me going — but the unevenness and lack of care around sensitive topics kept it from being a favourite. A solid 3⭐️ read for me.

Eloise is escaping her old life and failed marriage. She takes a new job as a gardener at the secret garden in France called Le Chateau du Paradis. When she gets to her new workplace she learns that there are several very important rules that absolutely cannot be broken. The most important rule is ‘no children are allowed’.

Eloise soon finds out how enchanting her new home is and how magical the flowers are there. She gets to know her co-workers and learns that all of them are also ‘retreating’ from the world to grow and heal as well. She befriends the handyman and they develop a connection of kindred spirits.

As time goes on, there are many odd things she thinks she is seeing. She thinks she sees a human child one day in the garden but deems this improbable because children are forbidden in the garden. She then assumes that it was just a wood sprite girl instead. Over the summer she learns more and more of the girl and as it turns out, she is human. She gets to know more about the girl and starts to fear for her safety within the garden.

Eloise breaks all the rules she made for herself and opens up her heart for a new family. The garden becomes dangerous and she needs to do all she can to work with her new coworkers to learn the secrets of the garden and find a way to escape the garden that had turned into a prison so she can keep her family safe.

This book was not what I was expecting at all, but I was pleasantly surprised. I thoroughly enjoyed every second of this book and read it all in one sitting. I would definitely recommend this book to others but I would suggest you check for trigger warnings because child loss is one of the heavy themes of this book.

I want to thank Netgalley and HarperCollins Audio for the opportunity to listen to the audio ARC for this book. As always, I am thankful for the opportunity.

The words and descriptions made the setting feel magical; like walking through gates transported you to a mystical garden. I was hoping for more magical elements to be revealed as I went into thinking it was more of a fantasy story, but I was not disappointed as I went further into the story. I really loved the mysterious twists and turns. Wondering if she’s hallucinating everything she’s experiencing.

Reading Elosie’s struggles with fertility, loss and grief really resonated with me. Those parts of the book made me feel seen with my own journey with a miscarriage. The garden offered her a place to heal her trauma, find love and family she so desperately wanted.

The audiobook narrator perfectly captured the accents and French language. It always helps the reading experience.

This book was difficult to follow. The narrative was all over the place, which matched the wishy-washy nature of the characters. I found most of them incredibly unlikeable, and heartily disagreed with some of the morals of this book. For example, having a lack of self control entitles one to engage in anything one wishes. Gross. All of the anti-child rhetoric was disgusting, especially with how the story ended. The only thing I enjoyed about this story was the inclusion of French terminology and accents. I have been learning French for the past six months and it was fun to follow along with it.

This was a beautiful book, full of floral detail, lovely characters, and entertaining storytelling. The writing is strong and immersive, and I wanted to sit in one of the gardens and sip some tea.

But I've realized I am not much of a middle-ground reader. I either want full cozy comfort or full chaotic weirdness, and Alchemy of Flowers hovered in between. That's not a flaw, just a mismatch for me. The story itself is well done. 3.5

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Muse for the chance to listen to this title in exchange for my opinion.

This was the second audiobook that I read that I abandoned only reading in my car on my commute and took to lying on the couch for hours with my earbuds in, not able to put it down for a second!

The narration of this was tres magnifique and the sprinklings of French strewn in were gorgeous. The narrator blended the French and the English perfectly and gave such a distinct voice to all the characters. The beautiful narration gave such a voice to the story that was a step above reading it on the page. With audiobooks, the narration can make or break the experience and in this case, not only made but improved.

The audio portion of this novel was stellar and though I rated the book itself 4 stars, the audio portion and narration gets a 5.

See my full goodreads review for the review of the book itself which is also excellent.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/7507619523

This was my first time reading this author, and the story feels like Emily in Paris meets The Secret Garden, with a magical twist—goddesses, forest sprites, healing teas, and whispering flowers included. It’s whimsical, immersive, and quietly haunting.

Eloise Bourne answers a mysterious ad in a French gardening magazine and leaves everything behind for a job at a secluded estate in the south of France. The castle, over 3,000 years old, comes with breathtaking gardens—and strict rules: no gossiping, no leaving the grounds, no wandering at dusk, and no children allowed.

For Eloise, who is grieving a failed marriage and multiple miscarriages, the isolation is welcome. The estate is without electricity, plumbing, or social media, but it offers a kind of healing. She finds connection with other workers, all of whom seem to be escaping something. One of them is Raphael, a gentle handyman who becomes a quiet source of comfort and affection.

Then, unexpectedly, a young girl appears—despite the strict no-children rule. The child seems to know her way around the estate and quickly grows attached to Eloise, who, in turn, warms to her with a mix of tenderness and quiet fear. The bond they form is touching and vulnerable, especially as Eloise begins to worry for the child’s safety and the secrets the castle might be hiding.

The writing is rich and lyrical, filled with slow romance, delicate food, and layered friendships. But there’s an undercurrent of darkness as truths about the castle’s past begin to surface.

Special mention to the audiobook narrator, who flawlessly captures the tone, French language, and accents—truly enhancing the experience.

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Harper Muse Audiobooks for the ALC! 🎧

Is Heaven a garden in the South of France? In this novel, it might just be.

This is a gorgeously written novel and highly allegorical. The story is rich with the sights, sounds, smells, and beauty of a lovely garden in Provence in summer. The narration is soothing and well done.

Highly recommended.

I really did enjoy this story. The magical realism and setting is absolutely dream worthy. The mystery and plot was mildly confusing, but intriguing. This story was centered around the FMCs difficulties with child bearing, and was over done. How the characters backgrounds tied them all together was sweet and the found family was beautiful, but I could’ve done with less ruminating on the ‘broken womb’ aspect. The audio narration was really well done and kept me going even when the story lulled.

Thank you to NetGalley and publishers for the opportunity to read this story in return for my honest feedback.

The Alchemy of Flowers
By Laura Resau
Narrated by Cassandra Campbell

From the moment I encountered The Alchemy of Flowers I was captivated. As a child, I adored The Secret Garden, & I assure you, @lauraresau garden aptly named Paradise will not disappoint. You'll soon find yourself pondering the delicate line between reality and illusion in this magical realm.

The novel is beautifully written, so much so that I struggle to find the words to do it justice. We've all experienced dark moments in our lives—times when we feel utterly broken and in desperate need of healing. Life's unpredictable ups & downs can deliver some truly unexpected blows, & that’s precisely the journey Eloise faces. Her fierce desire to become a mother has cost her dear friendships & ultimately, her husband. So when she stumbles upon an ad that reads:

“Help Wanted: Seeking a gardener for the ancient walled Jardins du Paradis in the South of France. Unique and rustic lodging provided. Off the grid in all ways. One must grow flowers from one's merde…”

She thinks, "Why not?" Feeling shattered & lost, Eloise decides to take a leap of faith, leaving her life in the States behind to embrace a new chapter in France, living on the grounds of a stunning castle with a gated garden.

This novel is a tapestry woven with mystery, healing, friendships, & a touch of magic that flirts with the realm of magical realism. It’s a story that lingers in your thoughts long after the final page is turned. At its heart, it’s a poignant reminder of how one can become so ensnared by their obsessions that they lose sight of the joy in living, thereby overlooking the incredible potential that lies within.

This is a delightful narrative, one that I believe you will thoroughly enjoy. Cassandra Campbell's narration is superb, adding depth to the story & bringing each character's voice to life, not to mention her lovely pronunciation of all the French words. The enchanting garden, the French setting, & the mysteries hidden within the garden's walls add even more layers to the tale.

Special thanks to Harper Muse Audiobooks, Harper Muse and for providing both the audiobook & the ARC.

I found myself transported by Campbell's narration of "The Alchemy of Flowers" into an acoustic landscape I couldn't escape—her voice shifting from honey-warm welcome to knife-edge warning whenever Le Château du Paradis revealed its true nature. I felt both invited and warned as the Victorian splendor of this walled garden paradise unfolded with its price: stay inside at dusk, ask no questions, and allow no children. The way Campbell delivered these rules sent chills through me, her subtle tonal darkness planting seeds of unease beneath my initial enchantment.

What moved me most was her embodiment of Eloise's emotional journey. I heard the raw grief of lost motherhood and failed marriage in those barely controlled tremors that gradually stabilized as she found connection with the magical gardens.

Her French pronunciations rolled authentically across my ears. Each character emerged so distinctly that I never questioned who spoke—Antoinette's enigmatic authority carried in measured tones that made me simultaneously trust and doubt her, Raphaël's cautious warmth building gradually in ways that mirrored my own growing attachment.

My breath caught during the mysterious child sightings, where Campbell truly elevated the material. I felt Eloise's progression from curiosity to obsession to desperate protection through increasingly urgent pacing that seemed to accelerate my own heartbeat. This intensity made the found family's formation feel viscerally necessary to me.

This audiobook added that je ne sais quoi element making this an immersive listening experience through the senses.

Thank you net galley and Harper Collins for this audio book arc.

The Alchemy of Flowers is a quiet, emotional read with really beautiful writing. Laura Resau has a way with language. Her descriptions of nature and plants are rich and atmospheric, and the blend of herbal knowledge and subtle magic gives the story a unique texture. The book explores themes like grief, healing, and family.

The pacing was a little off for me. Some sections moved slowly, and a few storylines didn’t feel fully developed. I also wanted more depth from some of the supporting characters, they felt a little one-dimensional.

Overall, it’s a beautifully written novel with strong themes, definitely worth checking out if you like introspective, character-driven stories with a touch of magic.

The Alchemy of Flowers surprised me in that it was more fairytale and even fun childlike with adult content than sci-fi fantasy I sort of anticipated. Nonetheless I enjoyed it in fact I probably enjoyed it a little more than I thought I would.rating this one I actually found a little difficult the first half of probably have said 3 as it may not be one I will remember for a long time but it was very enjoyable and picked up a lot in 2nd half so feel it’s deserving of the 4 stars 🌟 Also grateful for the authors note at the end 🙏🏽❤️‍🩹

It was a bit of a slow burn at the beginning and I’d say if French is your first or second language r your even fluent in this you will love it even more although most words are expressed also on English I found myself a little distracted at times due my on lack of knowledge here! However it was so beautiful to listen to the narration was really done well the accents seemed to fit perfectly imo and flowed perfectly. It all had a floaty warm feel to it.

Eloise moves to Southern France to the gardens of paradise to tend to the flowers but this stunning castle comes with many rules she must adhere to at first she questions is she doing the right thing. She is running from old pain and wounds and so she decides this beautiful scenery in the sun with flowers that simply dance and speak to her are worth the rules and so she accepts gratefully.

As she is navigating her way through the her own fertility issues loss of marriage etc she most definitely doesn’t expect to be finding romance when she accepts this job, and for her getting away from children is exactly what she needs because this just causes her too much pain as would the the mere thought of even being with another man. The garden of paradise seems to have other plans for Eloise as does the woman who worked there before her Eva who left some little potions in place as she meets Rafael she becomes intoxicated by him but can she let him close enough to her heart?

As the plot thickens Eloise meets various staff who become friends that turn into family all with exception of the owner who nobody really knows this is the reason for hiring outsiders. With this come various twists and turns and mysteries of a fairytale garden by day but something looms when the sun goes down and things seem to change. Will Eloise be able to figure out who or what is behind this dark truth on the end or will it be the end for her?

With thanks to NetGalley & Harper Muse Audiobooks for this ELC in return for an open honest review. Wishing you all best wishes for publication on 24th July 2025 📚🎧🙏🏽❤️

A beautiful story of nature and loss and love. Its cadence is slow, but the story itself is both whimsical and sad. An American woman - who wants nothing more than children of her own, but finds both her dreams and marriage broken - comes to work in a private garden in a remote area of France. She can hear the words of flowers and they guide her through this story.

Overall, it’s beautiful, but much too slow for my liking.

Thanks NetGalley and Harper Muse Audio for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The Alchemy of Flowers
Author - Laura Resau
Narrator - Cassandra Campbell
Release Date - 7/29

Thanks so much to @netgalley and @HarperMuseAudio I was able to listen to this book before the release later this month.

Spoiler Free Summary - Eloise answers an ad seeking help to heal a garden at a French castle, Eloise is seeking healing of her own and takes the job with very little information. What she does know is that there are no children allowed on the premises and she will be completely off the grid. Eloise soon learns that the flowers speak to her and there is something much darker at play. Eloise must tend the garden and protect the woodsprite from the goddess of the gardens. With the help of the fellow workers, Eloise begins to heal both the garden and herself, while uncovering the truth behind the goddess of the garden.

What I liked - I enjoyed the story itself, it had magic, heartbreak, romance, and found family. The book tackles a very heavy topic in a beautiful way, utilizing the age old comparison of gardens and fertility. The author shares painful truths about endometriosis and infertility that are not often explored. The narrator was excellent and made the French scattered throughout the book so much more enjoyable than if I had tried to read it.

What I struggled with - I struggled with the pacing, months were skipped and relationships were built off the page. I would have loved to see relationships built a bit more, but a lot happens in the second half.

The book is labeled “literary fiction/women’s fiction.” The summary includes the following:
“modern-day take on The Secret Garden, sprinkled with magic [...] Eloise tries to rationalize her uneasy feelings and the darkness she uncovers beneath the garden's lush beauty, but as she digs deeper into the mysteries of her sanctuary, she begins to suspect there's a child on the grounds--who may be in danger. When Paradise becomes a deadly prison, she must risk everything to protect her newfound family and claim her second chance at happiness.”

*SLIGHT SPOILERS *
I struggled with this book because at times it felt like fantasy with a magic system and mystery. In the beginning the book promises magic, but then focuses on pain and healing. I was waiting for a scary deadly prison and mystery that was underwhelming. I think it would be better to describe this as a book of growth, rather than a magic garden turned deadly.

All in all, it is a good book, just know what you’re getting into. This book is about profound loss and healing with the backdrop of a French garden and a controlling owner. Trigger warnings could be added for anyone who struggles with infertility and family planning.

This book was not exactly what I had expected! I thought it would be a bit more of a "fantasy" when I received this arc. There is definitely an element of magical realism but it stays more in reality then you would think.

I think for a debut author this book was a great start! I really enjoyed the narrator I thought they brought the characters to life.

I enjoyed the storyline with the focus on grief and loss. I do think the "romance" and the romantic scenes could have been done a bit better and some improved characterization would help with that!

I received this as an arc and I think there needed to be a trigger warning in the description for this book.

Thank you net galley for the arc, all thoughts are my own.