I really enjoyed listening to this book. It’s filled to the brim with magic and I really could picture the estate as paradise. This book also has a mysterious element to it along with heartbreak and growth. And, of course, the lovely Cassandra Campbell narrates it beautifully. You need to add this to your TBR.
⬇️book description⬇️

I just finished an amazing audiobook. The Alchemy of Flowers by Laura Resau was such a great listen. Pick this one up.

Cassandra Campbell did a wonderful job narrating as always! Great audio quality and production.
The story itself was a nice palate cleanser, a magical garden in the south of France with no electronics? Sign me up!

The Alchemy of Flowers by Laura Resau is an enchanting and charming novel, filled with a sense of hopeful healing. The lyrical prose and vibrant characters create a magical atmosphere where nature, love, and personal growth intertwine. This is a heartwarming story that reminds you of the quiet power of resilience and renewal.

The Alchemy of Flowers by Laura Resau is a spellbinding story that pulls you into the magic of paradise, but will you make it out alive? I was on the edge of my seat, finishing this in just two days, dying to know how it ended and to learn all of the secrets of the goddess. The emotional pull of love and children pulls on your heart strings just enough to keep you in breathless anticipation. Highly suggest you read and join in on the magic!

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/221132574

In her debut adult novel, Alchemy of Flowers, Laura Resau delivers a deeply moving and evocative story of grief, healing, and the undeniable pull of human connection. The novel takes us to the secluded Jardins du Paradis in Provence, where Eloise Bourne seeks refuge after the devastating losses of infertility and miscarriage. It is here that Resau explores the fragile nature of healing and the complexity of the scars left by such profound grief.

One of the most striking themes in Alchemy of Flowers is the temptation of denial. Eloise’s journey through the pain of her losses demonstrates that the allure of escaping reality, of retreating into a world of denial, may seem like a paradise at first. But Resau shows us that this paradise is illusory—one that doesn’t exist and only prolongs the healing process. The novel powerfully illustrates the necessity of confronting the past in order to move forward, even if the road to healing is long and fraught with emotional pain.

The novel does not shy away from the taboo topic of miscarriages, diving into the raw, unhealed scars that linger long after the physical wounds have healed. Through Eloise’s experiences, Resau poignantly explores how these losses can devastate relationships, dreams, and self-confidence. Yet, even in the midst of such heartache, Alchemy of Flowers reveals the transformative power of friendship and belonging. Eloise’s interactions with the people she meets along her journey serve as a reminder that the connections we make—no matter how brief—can help us rediscover parts of ourselves we thought we’d lost forever.

Resau’s lyrical prose, combined with her signature blend of magical realism, creates an immersive reading experience. There is an undeniable magic in the story, from the mysterious child Eloise encounters to the flowers that seem to hold the power of healing. It’s a novel about finding the courage to open your heart, even when it feels like the world has broken it beyond repair.

Alchemy of Flowers is a testament to the power of vulnerability, healing, and the connections that shape our lives. Resau’s debut adult novel is a beautiful exploration of the complexities of loss and the beauty of finding our way back to ourselves through love, friendship, and the natural world.

Thank you to the author, publisher & NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wow. This novel was stunning from start to finish and I rarely feel that way. First, the setting. Does the south of France among gardens of stunning flowers get any better? Oh, I should mention no internet either. A true escape from reality!
The way that Laura Resau is able to beautifully describe every detail in this book without making it annoyingly overdone is true talent. It paints such a vivid portrait of the characters and puts the reader alongside them in the book.
I loved the journey of Eloise as she leaves the broken pieces of her life in Colorado behind to take a chance on a gardener position in France from a magazine ad. As she embarks on a journey to heal both emotionally and physically, she realizes her employer may not be what she seems.
Thank you to Netgalley’s for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A truly wild ride. I think I felt ever possible emotion during this book! Add this immediately to your TBR- this book comes out on July 29!

This book broke me apart into a million pieces and then carefully placed me back together, whole and new.

Following Eloise (which happens to be my daughter’s name), this book plunges us into French gardens full of healing, magic, and mystery.

With lush prose, romance, and a journey to healing for many broken people, this book has me crying, laughing, and yearning for a garden of my own.

I highly recommend some knowledge of the French language for the most enjoyment, but I think it’s written so that you could enjoy it without.

I listened to this book on audio, and the narrator did a fantastic job. Character voices, accents, and wonderful acting. It wholly enhanced the experience.

LOVED this one!!!! I was given an advanced reader copy of this in the audiobook. I give this one 5 stars!! Thank you to NetGalley, Laura Resau, and publisher Harper Muse!!! I was especially interested in this one because of my past dealing with infertility and I knew Laura would touch on this in this book. This book did bring back raw emotions, but it ended beautifully. It is a modern take on the Secret Garden sprinkled with magic, healing, and love! The book is available for pre-order and will be released on July 29th. I hope you order it and love it as much I did!!!
#NetGalley
#thealchemyofflowers
#harpermuse
#HarperMuseAudio
#cassandracampbell

THANK YOU!!!!!!!! This book will live rent free in my head and heart from here on out!! Holding hands with you in spirit Laura!

This book had me looking up what Blue Lotus is and scouring Etsy to find tea made of it. (I didn't order any.)

I received the Audibook as an ARC and it was outstanding. A very unique story. If you had the opportunity to leave reality and move to a magical garden, would you?

After going through her own version of hell and a mental breakdown, Eloise finds a job opportunity in France as a gardener, but the position is a unique opportunity. No internet, off the grid, and absolutely no children allowed. This is exactly what Eloise needs to heal, so when she gets word that she's hired, she sheds herself of her old life and heads to France.

This whole book made me want to throw my phone in the trash, pack up my actual essentials, and go remote in a castle full of gardens. The descriptions of the flowers and scents made me long to have a flower garden myself. Eloise meets 3 additional individuals who work at the gardens and throughout the book, they become her family. The assistant to the owner of the garden is a woman sharp in tone, with very little kindness in her heart. No one has ever met the owner, but she and the three other goddess/ghosts stroll through the gardens every night at twilight. Because of this, all of those who work in the garden must go to their homes and not come out during the twilight time. The three figures who wander the garden may not interact directly with those who live there but they are ominous with making sure you follow the rules.

There's so much to this story, grief & healing of course, but finding oneself, learning to trust, learning to love others, learning to push the limits and to follow the rules. Learning that you don't have to cut things off immediately because of the pain.

Just a heads up, this book will also make you hungry. I am gluten free due to necessity and I am sitting her wondering how much a crusty baguette would really f me up.

The book gives vibes of The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods, which I also loved.

Very whimsical and captivating story. Every character had a heartbreaking story that led them to the secret garden on the road to recovery and a heartwarming found family..

What a beautiful story.
I loved the atmosphere of it. It was enjoyable to listen to and very uplifting as well. Well written and great narration.

Be warned, the book does talk about infertility and pregnancy loss. If those are sensitive topics for you just be aware that they are discussed.
This book was great, the ending made me cry a little too. I do recommend reading it if you liked the secret garden, it was a little similar but very different. I loved the little journey they went on and finding out the stories of the other characters.

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.

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 loved everything about this book and the only thing better would be to have some of the recipes for teas and tinctures! The characters were multi-faceted and delightful. The setting was ALL THE THINGS. I'm allergic to anything green and most things that buzz, but I'd risk it for a chance to stay in those gardens for a week. A deeply personal story as well, it was multi-faceted and poignant.

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.

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.

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! 🎧

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

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.

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!

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.

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.

A 5 star book - beautiful, whimsical and wonderfully introspective.

First I will mention the narrator, I was so impressed by the beautiful warm voice that rose to the challenge of not only doing many different characters but also giving each a French accent. Very well done, it added so much authenticity to the atmosphere. It was easy to imagine the southern French garden and its magical ambience.

The story was beautiful as well, exquisitely blending themes of grief and healing against a backdrop of lush gorgeous nature. I enjoyed the magical realism elements (the twilight hour mystery, the messages from the plants in the garden, the lurking statues) and how the mystical aspects were weaved into the story, particularly the maiden/mother/crone motif and how it related to the main character's growth.

The main character's journey was emotional, immersive and relatable. I was not expecting such depth from the book's description, yet I'm so happy to see sensitive topics treated with such care and tenderness along with crafting a main character that is mature in both age and intellect.

The side characters were well rounded, with interesting backgrounds and their relationships were lovely to follow along. I loved the scenes where they'd all gather for outdoor late dinners with homemade food and they'd talk into the night.

The mystery of the story is slow to unfold yet I loved the pacing of the book. The story twists happen towards the second half, were fun to see and I as so glad they converged towards a happy ending for the FMC.

It's obvious this book was written with a lot of care, compassion and thoughtfulness. The FMCs journey was beautiful to watch unfold and I felt happy and sad along with her. I had *all the feels* listening to this book and I'm so glad that I picked it up..

Tigger warnings: infertility, illness, body image issues

Thank you Harper Muse for the Netgalley ARC and Harper Muse Audio for the ALC.
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Audiobook: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


What a story!
A mix of literary fiction, romance and magical realism.
An American woman, broken by a brutal struggle with infertility, finds a job ad to work as a gardener in a French remote country side chateau. Why not, she has always had a unique relationship with plants and flowers. But the biggest selling point is that children are not allowed on the premises.
She arrives there, meets her colleagues and starts a journey of self discovery, healing, reaching a better understanding of herself and the magical place she ended up in, and finds love in the most unexpected places.
I quite enjoyed this story. The writing is so beautiful and atmospheric; I could visualize the environment and the characters and connect with them.

My issues were that some aspects of the magic were not explored, there was minimal explanation of the main character’s relationship with her magic and knowledge of plants and flowers. My other issue is pacing; the final act was such a big change from the sedate pace of the first two acts in the book, shocking, fast paced and felt a bit rushed.

As I was fortunate enough to receive an advanced copy of the audiobook; narrated by Cassandra Campbell, this review will include me gushing about Cassandra’s narration; beautifully executed, especially with the French accent and the mannerisms of each character. 10/10 job.