The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh

The Language of Flowers
by Vanessa Diffenbaugh has been on our list to read for quite some time now just waiting for that perfect time to read it. Well, that time came and I finally read this one with my sister-in-laws. They are pretty picky and my SIL gave us Picky Sisters as our name. Finding a book that meets what they, as readers like, is a little bit of a challenge for this dark and twisted reader. They like to read books that spark emotions but is lighter with little darkness and the most important for them hopeful stories. Well, this one fitted the bill and I am happy to say we all enjoyed this one.

After I read this one, I shared with Lindsay that we read it and she quickly grabbed her copy and read it too. So today, I am sharing our reviews with you all.

Brenda’s review

The Language of Flowers is a mesmerizing, unforgettable hopeful story that beautifully weaves the past and present while exploring abandonment, love and finding what triggers a person to open up to others. In the past we see Victoria’s self-destructive ways as she grows up in foster homes. Now through her connections to flowers, she starts to open up by speaking the language of flowers to help people find some joy through flowers. Flowers start to connect Victoria to others as she tries to learn to trust herself.

The characters are like a beautiful bouquet of flowers and Vanessa Diffenbaugh weaves a moving story her with the bonds between damage Victoria and the characters. Each brought some emotional conflict to Victoria while bringing something heartwarming to the story. Victoria stole our hearts and, left us heartbroken with her self-destructive ways. Victoria’s foster mother, Elizabeth, warmed our hearts with her love, how she always saw the beauty in Victoria and her commitment to her. We rooted for each bond between the characters to bloom and fear the storms that threatened them.

The ending wrapped up so well and left us all with the most satisfying feels. Just what we all needed right now. We highly recommend it.

Lindsay’s review

This book was even better than I had hoped for (and I had high hopes!)!

I have had this book on my shelf for years and have read countless raving reviews. To be honest, I was worried this might end up being one of the many over-hyped books I’ve been reading lately. It is not! It fully lived up to the hype (and more)!

Exquisitely beautiful writing. Heart wrenching storyline. Endearing and unforgettable characters. This was done to perfection.

Victoria is a young woman who grew up in foster care system. Emotionally damaged by the back and forth between numerous foster homes and group homes, she is unable to maintain healthy relationships. She constantly chooses self-destructing behaviour and pushes herself away from those who care. Her one true connection is to the language of flowers which is how she makes her mark in the world. Each plant and flower holds a true meaning and when placed skillfully and precisely in an arrangement, conveys deep meaning.

I adored Victoria! She is flawed and insecure, yet strong and set in her ways. I had a deep connection with her from the first chapter and whole-heartedly enjoyed following her emotional and heart-wrenching journey. There is a strong theme of motherhood among these pages, specifically mother-daughter relationships, that will stay with me a long time. The relationships within this novel are complex and emotional. I was completely immersed within each of Victoria’s relationship, finding myself analyzing each scenario and situation the characters found themselves in. Though I did not agree with many of Victoria’s personal choices, I was committed to rooting for her to find true happiness and contentment.

This is a beautiful book that has earned a spot on my Favourites List. It is one to be savoured and not rushed through. I highly recommend and look forward to reading more from this very talented author.