I couldn't put this down. It was well written and thought provoking and reminded me of White Oleander. Gorgeous, Gorgeous, Gorgeous.

4.5 stars would be perfect for this one ... it doesn't QUITE make it to 5 stars for me, but it was really, really good. It's a little, though not entirely, predictable and also a little too perfect in certain places ... things come together a little too well. But that kind of thing doesn't bother me all that much, and the story and the characters were rich and interesting. It was an incredibly quick read and was a "feed your soul" kind of book for me. And it has enough textured layers to leave me really feeling and contemplating the book into the next day.

This is fiction, but it is based on real life. So much of it was unrealistic that I could not fully buy in. The meanings and use of flowers were new & interesting, but it is hard to look past the absurd happenings that are attempting to appear as possible reality. I’ll admit that Victoria’s life path is very different from mine.. maybe I’m too lacking in insight. I have a hard time believing that Elizabeth exists anywhere on this planet as she is. 80% of the actions taken by Victoria were stressful to witness, but magically she pulls it together, in her own way, in the end.

I really liked the story here, and the narration by Victoria. Her struggles seemed very real and her explanations made her experience seem relate-able. I was a little disappointed with the ending, though. While it was happy, it was a little too cheesy. I think I would have enjoyed hearing more directly from some of the other characters to get where they were coming from.

Hands down, the best book I've read this year.

A more elaborate review coming soon :)

3.4

I desperately tried to care for Victoria but couldn't.
Fascination with flowers and their hidden meanings held my interest throughout the book.

This story of a damaged girl unfurls with the delicacy, nuance and surehandedness of an experienced author, although this is Diffenbaugh's debut. A sensitive and beautiful story of the improbable finding of love by a damaged girl. Beautiful.

Really good read! I know I am late to the party but it was a nice summer vacation read.

Reminded me of White Oleander in a lot of ways, although it was...less...I don't know. It was still lovely and super interesting as I work sometimes with kids in custody. Youth transitioning out of foster care are something we see a lot. No support system -- just out on their own.

I loved the way the book circled around flower meanings. I did not enjoy the Catherine subplot and that being the catalyst for everything horrible. I don't think that was particularly well done, but eh. Overall I really liked the book. I cried towards the end.