*Pocketful of Posies* by Thomas Read is a poignant exploration of grief, love, and the complexities of human relationships. The narrative follows its characters as they navigate the aftermath of loss, intertwining their lives in unexpected and meaningful ways.

Read’s writing is evocative and lyrical, capturing the raw emotions associated with mourning while also highlighting the beauty of connection and resilience. The characters are well-developed, each with their own struggles and growth arcs that feel authentic and relatable. The way they interact adds depth to the story, showcasing how relationships can both uplift and complicate our lives.

The pacing is steady, allowing for moments of reflection that enhance the emotional impact. While some plot points may feel familiar, the author’s unique voice and perspective bring a fresh take to the themes of love and loss.

Overall, *Pocketful of Posies* is a beautifully written novel that resonates deeply, making it a worthwhile read for anyone interested in heartfelt storytelling. Read manages to balance the heaviness of the subject matter with moments of hope and light, creating a well-rounded and engaging experience. Highly recommended for readers who appreciate character-driven narratives that explore the intricacies of life and relationships.

I loved the quirky characters and complex family developed by Thomas Reed in this novel. This story explored the relationships of the Posey family, good, bad, happy and sad. This family is certainly complicated! Thanks #NetGalley #BeaufortBooks

First and foremost, thank you Beaufort Books and NetGalley for my e-copy of this book!

When I read the synopsis for this one, I was immediately intrigued! Two siblings and their families work together to fulfill their mother’s dying wish after having a strained relationship for years.

They take the vacation of a lifetime to scatter the ashes of their mother and father in significant places around the world through the instructions in letters written by their mother, Cinny. They have to work through their differences to cope with the grief and discovery of family secrets Cinny unveils as she writes.

This book had a lot of promise, but it felt a little scatter brained at times. I found myself getting confused about what was happening and having to reread sections. The beginning of the book was a lot longer than it needed to be, but I did appreciate having the background information as the story progressed.

I loved learning about Cinny and their father, Frank, through the family stories sprinkled in. And I really enjoyed learning about the family as we traveled around the globe with them. I kept reading because I wanted to know more about what happened in Cinny and Frank’s relationship as well as the siblings. Plus it was heartwarming to see the new relationships and friendships developing between family members on this trip!

The pub date for this guy is September 19!

The premise of this book seemed like it would be a perfect fit for me and what I like to read but for some reason I just could not get into this book. I couldn’t connect with the characters and feel invested in the story. Perhaps this book just found me at the wrong time. I am grateful to NetGalley for the early access in exchange for an honest review.

Honestly just a bit much for me. I really liked the concept but didn't feel the execution kept up with the promise. I may just not be the right target demographic.