 Author: Holly Varni Genre: Contemporary Romance Series: Moonberry Lake #2 Pages: 320 Release Date: September 24, 2024 Publisher: Revell As far as hidden talents go, Delphinium Hayes is blessed with one of the more unique ones. With the slightest passing whiff, she knows someone's most admirable or weediest characteristic. This peculiar perception never fails to give her an advantage in life--until she meets two men who turn her world upside down. Mason McCormack has agreed to help her with a group of seniors who have taken over her flower shop as their hangout. But his assistance is not without its price, and Delphinium agrees to compensate him with beautiful bouquets that seem to possess a bit of dating magic. Elliot Sturgis, director of The Gardens Assisted Living Facility, is determined to discover why a group of his residents keeps sneaking over to Delphinium's shop to play poker in the walk-in refrigerator. He soon finds himself as enchanted by Delphinium as everyone else. But his devotion to following the rules and maintaining order does not endear him to the shop's owner. Sparks fly as opposites attract and love finds a match in Delphinium's Flora Emporium--even for those who resist it the most.
 Reviewer: Conny Withay “You are a force, Delphi. Let him prove that he is up for the challenge. He is a good man,” Delphinium is told in Holly Varni’s novel, The Blooming of Delphinium. This three-hundred-and-twenty-page paperback targets those interested in contemporary romance based in a small Minnesota town. Topics of aging, illness, and death may not be appropriate for immature readers. The ending includes an excerpt from the prior book in the series, two food recipes, acknowledgments, the author’s biography, and advertisements. With an odd name like Delphinium, this vibrant woman living in a quaint town has the gift of being able to smell floral scents on people that match their personalities. Owning her beloved grandmother’s struggling floral shop, the fiery protagonist has a deep affinity toward senior citizens, allowing them to set up colorful social activities in the back of her store. But the director of their care facility is opposed to their shenanigans, yet intrigued by the woman who has increasingly grown on him. This is a light-hearted tale that shows how devoted friendships can bloom, even between generations. Having volunteered with the elderly for decades, I appreciated the love, concern, and dedication Delphinium had for her aging friends and vice versa. The idea that someone can “smell” a person’s personality was interesting. Although the romance was predictable, it was tender and realistic. I enjoyed this read more than the first book. Those who do not like reading about a town where everyone knows everyone else’s business may want to pass on this one. Others who do not care for faith-based undertones may want to pass, but they are seldom mentioned and not the focal point of the story. While the main character tends to have temper tantrums, the bantering of the seniors was sometimes monotonous and overly written (although I have witnessed some of the same emotions and feelings the elderly face). Usually assisted living, senior care, and nursing home residents are not capable of the activities some of those in the story engaged in. Having the senior characters living at an independent living facility may be more realistic. If you enjoy a breezy romance that creates beautiful bouquets of friendships between young and old, this one will make you smile, especially if you are a lover of flowers. I received a complimentary copy from Revell through Interviews & Reviews. I was under no obligation to give a positive review.  Reviewer: Laura J. Davis If you are looking for a heartwarming book that has all the feels, look no further than The Blooming of Delphinium by Holly Varni. This is the second book in the Moonberry Lake series and can be read as a standalone. For those who read On Moonberry Lake, you will be delighted to see our favourite ornery character, Widgy, appear in this one as well. The author has once again captured the heart and soul of living in community with others. Her cast of characters are vibrant, realistic and well-developed. The seniors who “invaded” Delphi’s shop were a hoot. At first, they seemed to be obnoxious as they took over the shop and seemed to disregard Delphi’s feelings. But, as time goes on, you realize that these seniors always have something up their sleeves. I loved the special ability Delphi had and how it helped her detect a person’s personality just by smelling them. I loved how Delphi “smelled out” her perfect match in the end. I was disappointed that the faith thread was not carried through in this book. The book hinted that Delphi did not have a relationship with God and that others did, but no one ever followed through to help her find God. To me, that was a missed opportunity. In the end, though, this book was a delightful read and full of so many surprises and chuckles that I could not put it down. I highly recommend it! I received a complimentary copy courtesy of Revell through NetGalley for my honest review. Reviewer: Adriann Harris
Holly Varni, who debuted last year with a very sweet contemporary Christian romance, returns us to Moonberry Lake with a delightful, heartwarming sequel, The Blooming of Delphinium, which can be read as a standalone. This exceptional story centers around Delphinium, with a unique gift, the ability to determine a person’s personality by their botanical scent. She is surrounded by a cast of invigorating seniors who will tug at your heartstrings. They take over the walk-in cooler and back room of Delphinium’s flower shop to play poker, stage a protest against the manager of their extended living facility, and engage in matchmaking. One cannot help but fall in love with these endearing seniors, and laugh-out-loud at their antics. Author Holly Varni, whose writing is awe-inspiring and endearing, reminds us that our older generations, given the opportunity, still have a lot to offer. I was totally captivated throughout this story following Delphinium and her journey, as she dealt with grief, found an endearing unconventional family, and love along the way. The Blooming of Delphinium, a story filled with love and compassion for others, will leave you with lasting, exhilarated spirits. This invigorating story is my number one feel-good story of the year! A complimentary copy of this book was provided by Revell via NetGalley through Interviews & Reviews. I was not obligated to write a favorable review, and all opinions are my own. Leave a Reply. |
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