Member Reviews
An uplifting book about strength and courage. A widow finds a way to move forward and a young woman finds the strength to pull herself out of a bad home-life. Always a pleasant read, I’m glad MaComber isn’t ready to put down her pen just yet. Very enjoyable read.
Thank you Netgalley and the Publishers for this ARC for an exchange for an honest review.
Enjoyed reading this book, well done.
This feel-good story about a widow reclaiming her life after the pandemic was such a refreshingly uplifting read. I loved all the characters: Joan and her son, Nick, Phil the landscaper and Maggie the barista, Maggie's dad who struggles with alcoholism and his friend Al, and all the people Joan and Phil meet in their grief support group. It was fun to see how all the characters connected with each other, and how they all improved each other's lives and helped solve each other's difficulties. I enjoyed references to contemporary living, such as playing Wordle, and I loved the fact that the romantic storylines developed slowly from friendships to more. I'm so glad Debbie Macomber didn't retire from writing as she originally planned!
I read Must Love Flowers by Debbie Macomber. This was a light read, that I enjoyed. The characters could be people we know in our neighborhood. The storyline does have some depth to it, but I felt it was a good fun read.
I rated it 4/5 stars.
Must Love Flowers by Debbie Macomber is such a sweet read. Joan Sample, is a widow with two sons. After her husbands death, she is riddled with grief. She is ok financially but she can’t move forward. She is almost a recluse and something has to change. With some nudging from her sister, Joan finally decides to step back into the world. She starts thinking about the upkeep of her home and a certain not from her HOA. She starts going to a bereavement group and she rents a room out to a young woman named Maggie. Maggie’s mother has passed & her father is grieving. He has a terrible drinking problem and Maggie wants to escape. She is working as a Barista & going to school for nursing. She needs some peace and starts to find it when she moves in with Joan. The ladies are such endearing characters. They are both trying their best to make better lives. They both want love and peace Can they find happiness? Will living together work out? Can Maggie stay away from her father? This is such a great story. I loved seeing how things worked out with Joan and Maggie.. I love the authors writing is so well done. It’s an easy read but the story has substance. This was a 4 star read for me. I want to thank Netgalley and the author for my copy, for an honest review. It was my pleasure to read and review this book. I always love the chance to read a new Debbie Macomber book. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did..
One of favorite authors is Debbie Macomber. I know I can pick up one of her books and get lost in the story. No exception with this story. Never have to worry that I will not like the characters or story line. Debbie know just how to deliver a heartfelt story.
According to the author's note, Debbie Macomber came out of retirement to write this book, and her readers will be very glad she did. This is such a strong, heartfelt story that centers on a widow with two adult sons, and the young woman she takes in as a boarder. The focus on two generations really broadens the appeal of this book, and I truly look forward to recommending this to readers who love not just Debbie Macomber, but all gentle romances that keep you turning the pages.
I love a good Debbie Macomber book! They’re always so heartfelt and at the same time a kind of learning experience about life. Many thanks to the publisher and netgalley for this copy for read and review
Cute, feel-good story about two women opening themselves up to what life has to offer. This was a heartwarming read and was the perfect way to spend an afternoon. I love the characters that Debbie Macomber creates and am always sad when the books end; I feel like I’ve lost friends. The cover and title make it seem like a light read, and it is, to an extent, but there are some tough subjects tackled in this book, particularly, grief and alcoholism. Both are exposed for what they are but tastefully covered. I enjoyed this one and highly recommend for a good pick-me-up or palate cleanser after difficult reads.
Thank you NetGalley, Ballantine Books and Debbie Macomber for a digital ARC of this book. Debbie Macomber has, once again, written a warm, uplifting and relatable story. Joan is an empty nester with two grown sons and struggling to reengage with the world after the loss of her husband. Trying to be of help, she rents a room to college student Maggie. Both women grow into themselves throughout the story. The story deals with realistic family issues as well as society re-emerging from the early days of the COVID pandemic. Naturally, as with all Debbie Macomber’s books, there is romance and a happy ending for each of the characters. This is well written with well developed and likable characters. The writing flows smoothly. All in all, another excellent book by the author which will appeal to readers of all ages. Luckily for Debbie Macomber fans, both long time and new, her recent retirement was short lived! Looking forward to many more enjoyable reads by one of my favorite authors!
Another quick but fun read from Debbie Macomber. This is not serious literature (even if they deal with serious topics), but I don't want them to be. I want them to be exactly what they are. And they are a fun way to spend a day. Caught up in the cozy world that Debbie creates. I know she considered retiring (it's mentioned in the opening of this book), but I'm glad she hasn't. I would miss the hang with her in the summer and the cheeriness she gives us near the holidays. The only big gripe I have for this one is the one son is completely insufferable. He's a borderline narcissist and I wish he didn't get the girl. In fact, I wish he'd only experience bad things. But, alas, this is a DM book. It's not to be. Whatever.
Joan is a widow who has been unable to recover from her husband's death four years ago. As she takes steps to recover she opens her home and her heart to others in need. A great story about overcoming loss and moving on.
Debbie Macomber is one of my go to authors and will continue to be. That being said, I struggled with this book. I struggled to really like any of the characters and disliked Nick a lot. There just was not the character depth I am used to with the authors books. Everything came together a little too nicely felt a little unrealistic. If you are looking for and easy, cozy romance to read, then I would suggest this book. #MustLoveFlowers #NetGalley
Debbie Macomber writes the best books! Family insight and relationships are always heartfelt. I loved the interactions in this book. So glad there will be more books to read.
I'm a sucker for Debbie's books. It's not the Christmas season for me without reading her new Christmas novella. And I love her other stand alones as well. Must Love Flowers was no different. This book touches on everything love loss and grief. But more importantly on the hope that comes after loss. It was bittersweet but such a good read.
I've had the pleasure of reading several novels by Debbie Macomber, and I've always been drawn to her seamless storytelling, addressing relevant and genuine topics, crafting relatable characters, and guiding readers on an emotional rollercoaster. "Must Love Flowers" is no exception, and I'm proud to say that it lived up to my expectations.
Within the pages of "Must Love Flowers," we delve into the intricate process of coping with grief and embarking on a journey of moving forward after the loss of a loved one. Joan, our protagonist, lost her husband four years ago, and along with him, a piece of herself. This loss turned her into an absentee mother, confined to the corners of her home, trapped in the clutches of pain and sorrow. However, an unexpected encounter with Maggie, a nursing student seeking solace from her own turbulent family life, opens a new chapter for Joan. Through this new friendship, Joan discovers renewed purpose and rediscovers her identity, which had been obscured by her husband's passing.
Grief is a topic that often remains shrouded in silence. Though uncomfortable and difficult, it's a subject of great relevance. In "Must Love Flowers," Debbie Macomber masterfully weaves a narrative around the prolonged grip of grief, eventually showing that confronting it head-on can lead to healing. The tale exudes charm and imparts the valuable lesson that we need not face loneliness and sorrow in isolation. Friends and family are there to uplift us, providing support during our most trying moments.
Joan serves as a poignant representation of those who grapple with grief, ultimately taking steps towards healing with the encouragement of her family and friends. Their unwavering presence helps her rediscover herself.
Conversely, Maggie embodies the working student striving to rise above a challenging family life. Her determined attitude and strong work ethic make her a truly endearing character.
"Must Love Flowers" is an uplifting read that ignites inspiration and instills hope in its readers. Finishing this book leaves me eager to delve into another of Debbie Macomber's works from my bookshelf.
Must Love Flowers was very well written by Debbie Macomber. The story covers many life changing issues, such as grief, support, parents, therapy, friendship and children.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. Debbie Macomber is the queen of the Hallmark movie type novel. This one was adorable and like a giant hug.
Signature DM! This story will resonate with middle age women who have some life experience behind them. Joan has lost her husband and is trying to navigate life after the pandemic. She’s let life come to a standstill until she decides to make some changes. What develops from there makes for a sweet and satisfying story. A cast of characters that are very lifelike. #NetGalley ty for the ARC all opinions are my own.
Debbie Macomber hits it out of the park again. This book details a widow's journey to try to figure out life in the after. Well-written, great characters - definitely a must read!