The Language of Flowers Vanessa Diffenbaugh on Bette's Bookshelf

The Victorian language of flowers was used to convey romantic expressions: honeysuckle for devotion, asters for patience, and red roses for love. But for Victoria Jones, it’s been more useful in communicating mistrust and solitude. After a childhood spent in the foster-care system, she is unable to get close to anybody, and her only connection to the world is through flowers and their meanings. Now eighteen and emancipated from the system with nowhere to go, Victoria realizes she has a gift for helping others through the flowers she chooses for them. But an unexpected encounter with a mysterious stranger has her questioning what’s been missing in her life. And when she’s forced to confront a painful secret from her past, she must decide whether it’s worth risking everything for a second chance at happiness.

The Language of Flowers Vanessa Diffenbaugh on Bette's Bookshelf

This book was truly a surprise. It was our book club read and I halfway expected to be bored to tears. Not so. It is a mesmerizing, insightful and well-written novel. Diffenbaugh’s character development was excellent and you find yourself rooting for the main character Victoria from start to finish. Victoria has grown up in the foster care system and she is one of the misfits who has fallen through the cracks. Despite her quirky and rebellious ways, you can feel her need to be loved. Although the journey was at times very rocky, Diffenbaugh leaves us with an ending that will restore your faith in humanity.

About Bette Lee Crosby

It is the wit and wisdom of that Southern Mama Crosby brings to her works of fiction; the result is a delightful blend of humor, mystery and romance along with a cast of quirky charters who will steal your heart away. Her work was first recognized in 2006 when she received The National League of American Pen Women Award for a then unpublished manuscript. She has since gone on to win nineteen awards for her work; these include: The Royal Palm Literary Award, the FPA President’s Book Award Gold Medal, Reader’s Favorite Award Gold Medal, and the Reviewer’s Choice Award.