DNFd this one around 50%

Came for a fantasy, enchanted garden type feel and instead read over and over about infertility and child loss. And the comments about the FMCs body were uncomfy. And the “biological purpose of life on earth” “evolutionary dead end” comments just didn’t do it for me. As the wife of someone who is also an “evolutionary dead end” because cancer took her fertility from her, this was not the book for me.

The books description needs to be clearer before more women are triggered by this VERY sensitive topic.

Thank you anyway to NetGalley for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

I was not expecting this to be so full of grief based on the blurb. I am giving three stars because I did enjoy the book and the main character however it was a tough one to pick up. I was expecting more of a magical realism type of book and instead got one that ultimately just made me sad. It saddens me that she refused to be around children and let her grief overtake her life in many ways. I would recommend if you know what you are getting yourself into before reading but this isn’t the whimsical book that I had expected.

The Alchemy of Flowers - Laura Resau

Sorry this audiobook just isn’t for me. The narrator got on my nerves and I could not get on with the narration. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this book

This story is about Eloise and her adventure into her new life. Eloise spontaneously takes a job as a garden in the south of france. Traveling to a remote/off the grid location to escape her inability to have children. The island is NO children allowed. She starts to create friendships with her three new coworkers while figuring out the mysteries of the stone walled house/yard. She is uneasy with her questions, her emotions, and the secrets she discovers about the flowers that talk to her. Is it paradise or an illusion? What happens when paradise turns into a prison?

I had the great opportunity to listen to the audio of the book through Netgalley.The story was heartbreaking and eventful! It created a solid background into her past and creates a magical touch to make an enjoyable story.

There is something magical about this book. From the very beginning I was enchanted; however, that could very much be due to the narrators calming demeanor.

I do not know French, but felt I was learning bit and pieces. For example, I now know how to say shit in French -- "merde"
I feel that the incorporation of French might have been more confusing if I was reading rather than listening because I wouldn't have known how to pronounce the words, and the impact might have been lost.

This story was quite interesting because I felt a lot of unexpected emotions while reading this-- intrigue and wonder at this new paradise; sadness and fear of loss; suspense and fear from what could be spirits; hope and love from friendships and more.

All and all, I really enjoyed this audio book!

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC audiobook of this book. This review is my opinion.

The store takes place in a French castle with extraordinary gardens. From the description, I had pictured a different story. The book is well written, but sadly, it was not for me. The narrator does an excellent job with the reading of this novel and kept me listening until the end.
I did have a hard time with the parts about baby loss, fertility problems, and sexual assault. Again, this was not what the book's description led me to think it would be about. Would I recommend? Yes, but with a warning for those who find these subjects to be triggers.

I absolutely loved this book. It's the story of a woman who leaves her home to live in a Provence of France, secluded from the life she knew, where she is hired as a flower expert. She is hired to tend to the grounds of this mysterious place. She makes teas with the flowers to help with different emotions/ailments. She discovers this "off limits" home is full of mystery, heartache, love and magic.

The narrator Cassandra Campbell is amazing, as always. I would highly recommend this book to just about everyone who likes to read. Thank you to Harper Muse and NetGalley for the ARC.

2.75⭐️ Mildly interesting mystery, but didn’t love it.

This book sounded so intriguing, but honestly I felt a little gaslit by the description of the book vs. what it was actually about. If I would have known it was heavy on pregnancy loss/infertility going in, I probably wouldn’t have read it. I can appreciate what the author was trying to do with Eloise’s journey of loss and healing, but it was hard for me to personally connect with the character. Also, this book was not what I would consider “fantasy”, it was more slightly supernatural thriller/suspense, which is fine, but don’t advertise something as fantasy when it isn’t.

Additionally, I get it is supposed to take place in France, but all the French thrown in is sort of annoying/distracting. It reminded me of the children’s cartoon Fancy Nancy whenever she would toss out French words and their translation explanations.

Thank you NetGalley, Harper Muse, and Laura Resau for the early audiobook.

This book was surprisingly great, I loved that it was set in a magical garden and the characters are surrounded by flowers, herbs and plants while they are healing from their pain and loss.
It was also a place where they find friendship and family.

I really enjoyed the book and how the story evolved.

The narrator and production of this book was beautifully done.

Thank you NetGalley and Harper Muse Audiobooks for the arc.

The Alchemy of Flowers follows Eloise Bourne, who abruptly leaves her life in Colorado behind to move to an enigmatic, walled estate in France. Tasked with tending to its lush, otherworldly gardens, Eloise must navigate not only the château's strict rules and eccentric residents, but also the lingering shadows of her past.

As Eloise learns to live within the estate’s surreal rhythm, she begins to confront the deep trauma of infertility and child loss. Surrounded by others who are also carrying quiet griefs, she discovers a path toward healing, renewal, and the fragile hope of a second chance.

Resau navigates difficult emotional terrain with tenderness and courage, shedding light on subjects rarely explored in such depth. While the poetic style and symbolism will resonate deeply with some readers, I found the pacing slow and the narrative too abstract to fully hold my attention.

Advanced reader copy provided by Harper Muse and Harper Muse Audio. All opinions are my own.

Going through the gates of Jardins du Paradis is like stepping into a portal of a fairytale. A magnificent, fantastical realm curated and gathered through eloquent utopic imagery. It is a secluded haven for a select few, sequestered away from the rest of the modern world. But there are rules. Touched by goddesses - real or imagined, ethereal or terrifying. Life and death frolic upon the whispers of flowers. The broken go there to escape the tragedy or trauma of their pasts and as long as they adhere to the rules they can stay and live in paradise.

Eloise found her way there, by fate, by happenstance, by manifestation. It was all she could have ever imagined... and much more.

Full of mystery, of doubt and hope, of loss and healing. Tentative and fragile relationships evolve and strengthen through kindred bonds. Curiousity brings about danger... and discovery. Thrill, suspense, and dark twists. If you've followed my reviews, you know I love a story that combines multiple genres and runs my tender heart through a gamut of emotions. This would be one of those!

Love the journey, the stories, these characters!

The narration for this book was great, regardless of speed.

As for the story, it was a fascinating setting filled with a uniquely diverse cast. The gardens had a magic to them and the writing was beautiful. It touched upon the mundane as well as societal issues. The characters were their own people with their joys and sorrows. The story kept me guessing between the magical and trivial.

It felt like a fairy tale for adults. I'm not a huge fan of fairy tales but I could appreciate the beauty of this book.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for an eAudio ARC of this work in exchange for my review.

The Alchemy of Flowers by Laura Resau is a suspenseful fantasy full of magical realism, healing free gardens, found family, aw well as delicious tisanes and cuisines

The book was simultaneously enchanting and suspenseful. The author seamlessly blends each story of the inhabitants of the Jardin Du Paradis: reasons they went there, how the garden heals them, the descriptions of the flowers, smells and colours. It is truly immersive.

Note that there are heavy topics of backstory such as infertility, child loss, child abuse/endangerment, SA, cancer, and death.

The Narration by Cassandra Campbell was very well done, with the French and Spanish accents enhancing the enjoyment and anchoring the story and characters

After a lovely lead up, the ending felt sudden and explosive, even though one could see something like it coming. It made me look at the story again from a different perspective.

Overall, a lovely if occasionally sad read about the power of flowers and medicinal plants, the transformation of healing and found family as well as facing one's trauma, sharing it, and growing from it.

#netgalley #lauraresau #thealchemyofflowers #librarianreads

Magic in an audiobook. I love the setting: magic garden, French cuisine, tree house, hobbit house, outdoor shower, loving friends and the power of the flowers.

It was an enchanting story, I love how the author blends each story of the inhabitants of the Jardin Du Paradis. The reason they went there, how the garden heals them, the descriptions of the flowers, smells and colours. It felt like I was there with them.

The only thing is that I could predict what was going on, but that was fine.

There were heavy topics/ trigger warnings: child abuse, infertility, child loss, and cancer.

The Narration was amazing, with the French accents being so nice and natural.

Tropes: found family.

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

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.