A beautiful story about two women finding a way to move forward and in doing this, finding love and peace within themselves.
I enjoyed reading Must Love Flowers. It is well written and so very heartwarming.
To sum it up, a wonderful, heartfelt story to enjoy this summer.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

In the past, I've been a huge fan of Debbie Macomber's books, but I have to admit this one fell a little short for me, though I couldn't say for sure why that is. Perhaps I just wasn't in the mood for this slower paced read (compared to the faster paced stories I've been reading lately) or maybe not being in either stage of life as the two characters in the story, I just failed to connect... but either way, this was sadly one that was not for me at this time. It wasn't a bad story, just didn't grab me as some of her others have in the past. Still, if you like those slower paced reads with stories of found family, this would be one to check out for yourself anyway.

**I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All opinions are my own.

Must Love Flowers is the newest release from the beloved, prolific, Debbie Macomber. It’s another one of her signature light, hopeful, uplifting stories.

In this story we follow Joan who became an empty-nester and a widow right before the pandemic hit. She secluded herself away, along with the rest of the world, which stalled her healing and recovery. One day, Joan determines that it’s time to turn things around. She takes on a border, gets her landscaping refreshed and her hair shaped-up…all things she’s let go over the years of isolation. People serendipitously show-up in her life; people who have a tremendously positive effect on Joan, and she in return is able to positively impact them. Healing takes place, relationships are restored, romance blooms, and an HEA is granted for all.

Must Love Flowers is a simple, sweet story. I thought I would love it just as much as others did, but unfortunately, it didn’t really work for me like her previous books have. I found it a bit dull, predictable, and too easily resolved. I was not a fan of most of the characters. They were decidedly immature and exaggeratedly naïve. I also did not like one of the sons who was just not the nicest guy, quick to lose his temper and turn on people whom he supposedly cared about. The way Joan and her son handled a particular situation with their border, Maggie, was highly problematic and disconcerting to me.

I typically love Debbie’s stories, but this one just had too many issues that hindered my full enjoyment of it. It definitely had it’s sweet moments, but despite my age similarity with the main character, and my ability to identify with the empty-nesting situation, I wasn’t able to relate to Joan. Others will enjoy this story, and I did to a degree, but I also found it a bit disappointing.

I absolutely loved this book! I am never disappointed with a Debbie Macomber book. The characters are so wonderful and feel like friends. I always hate to see the story end. Once I started reading it I did not want to put it down. Thank you NetGalley for my copy. I highly recommend this book.

I've always loved Debbie Macomber's books and Must Love Flowers is no exception. A story about loss, daily struggles and how to move forward. Must Love Flowers, couldn't have come at a better time for me, as I lost my younger sister unexpectedly earlier this year. You can't help loving the characters and hoping that it all works out in the end. A great read that I highly recommend.

This is a Clean Romance. I loved all the characters, and I loved all the family drama that was going on in this book. Debbie Macomber is one of my all time favorite authors, and I have read most of her books. I also got my Grandmother into her books too. I really enjoyed this book, but this was not my favorite Debbie book. I felt there was a little bit too much going on in this book, and there was one of the characters that acted a little bit too childish for me. Those things did not bother me too much, and I still really loved this book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Ballantine Books) or author (Debbie Macomber) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

Who doesn’t love a book by Debbie Macomber? Always upbeat, some rain but always a rainbow. Characters are well defined and relatable. Loved their journey and growth. Story line is well written.

Joan is an deep in grief and doesn’t know how to get out. She makes some hard decisions, works her way out of the depression and in the process becomes a whole new person. Maggie is a young woman dealing with issues of her own. Can she make the tough choices to make a better life for herself? Fate puts these two together for a reason. Rainbows for sure. Just a feel good story of two strong women.

Thanks to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for this ARC. Opinion is mine alone.

I have read a few books from this author before and I can say her books are always feel good and bring hope.
Well this one did not disappoint in either areas!

This story is about an empty nester and widower named Joan who realizes on her birthday that not only is she alone, but not really living since her husband’s death. Her sister sends her a gift certificate for a haircut, which prompts her down a path to consider taking a border.

The border is a college student named Maggie who desperately needs to get out of her living situation. Joan and Maggie hit it off immediately, then slowly help bring life back to one another in ways they could have never expected. This is lovely story about friendship and finding your way back.

Thank you NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the ARC of this book!

Want to be inspired - read this book! Perfect book about healing, kindness, family dynamics and supporting other people. This story was just what I needed, after reading lots of tense historical fiction.

This book would be a great help after losing a beloved family member or dear friend, but don’t think that this is a sad book - it is not. Must Love Flowers is about overcoming grief and starting over. Accepting that your life before loss is not possible and finally deciding that your life is not over. The characters were well developed and fun to get to know. Their lives were tough at times but also good.

If you're a fan of Macomber's previous books, you'll probably enjoy this one, too. I did enjoy both Joan and Maggie, and there's a bit of a faith element woven throughout (but it's not overpowering). I did find Nick to be a bit annoying, however. It's a quick, sweet romance, but it's not one I'll likely think about much now that the final page is turned.

[4.5 rounded to 5] Must Love Flowers is the newest delightful read by Debbie Macomber. The main character, Joan Sample, 54, has become a semi-recluse after becoming an empty nester and widow. Her husband owned a dental practice and Joan managed it. When he suddenly died four years ago, Joan decided to sell the practice and gradually became a shut in. With Covid shutting everything down, she retreated further into her home. As some authors choose to ignore covid in their stories and others choose to include it, I was curious to see how Macomber would integrate it into hers. After receiving a note from the HOA to fix her yard and some encouragement from her sister to have a boarder, Joan is taking the next steps to move back into the world. I am not a fan of HOAs in the real world, but in Joan’s world, it turned out to be the push she needed.

With her yard, Joan hires landscaper Phil, who is on the same page as her to put her yard back together with flowers. The plan to improve the garden is one part of her journey as she eventually joins a support group and takes in nursing student and barista, Maggie Herbert, as her boarder. Maggie is trying to get through life after her mother died and she is moving away from her caring, but alcoholic father. Joan’s sons, mainly the youngest, Nick, become involved in helping their mother, which all integrate with the rest of the elements. Joan goes through a lot of ups and downs with her grief, and I loved that Macomber seemed to handle the emotions with care. This is a very character-driven novel with the reader not only learning about Joan, but also Maggie and Phil. There is a lot of emotion, lots of building of new relationships and maintaining old ones, plus moving through life. Macomber does write a very enjoyable novel and I cannot wait to continue reading more of her work.

**I give a special thank you to Netgalley and the publisher, Ballantine Books, for the opportunity to read this entertaining novel. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.**

This is classic Debbie Macomber. If you’re a fan of her books, you’ll like this one. I’m going to keep this short and simple.
Joan is a widow and empty nester who decides to take in a boarder to have some company after the pandemic ends and she realizes how lonely she is.
Maggie is a college student who lives with her alcoholic father and wants more for herself but is being held back by having to take care of him especially since he doesn’t appreciate everything she is sacrificing for him. Maggie finally hits her breaking point just as Joan’s friend tells her about Maggie and they meet and decide they’d be good living partners, so Maggie rents the room in Joan’s house and the two have an instant familial bond.
Great story of found family, navigating grief and loss as well as addressing addiction and supporting the family of those with addiction. It is easy to read despite the heavy topics.
Thanks to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.

I've read alot of Debbie Macomber's books and this is one of her bests! I enjoy her light reads, but at times find them lacking much dimension. This book fiilled all the boxes, even a cute puppy throughout the book too. Was enjoyable read.

Joan lost her husband several years ago and ever since then she has been in a rut. She has let her garden go, being around her depresses her sons, and being a recluse isn't where she wants to be. When her birthday comes and she ends up spending it alone she decides she needs to make some changes. She soon hires someone to fix.her overgrown garden, starts going to a support group, and even rents a room to a nice young woman named Maggie. Maggie herself is trying to move from a bad situation, her father drinks to much and she just can't deal with the verbal attacks anymore. The two woman come together in friendship each helping the other take steps forward the otherwise might not have. Follow along as they show each other how to grow and open themselves up to the possibilities life has to offer. Will the two be able to move forward? Will love and trust come from each of their budding romances? Will they let fear get in the way?

Must Love Flowers is something like a comeback story for prolific author Debbie Macomber. Only a few months after her proclaimed retirement, this story came to her and she returned to her writer’s lifestyle. I am so glad she did!

Joan Sample was widowed just months before the Covid pandemic started. Between her depression and the subsequent lock down, Joan has rather caved in on herself. However, on her 50th birthday eating a dinner she didn’t even like alone, she finally hears what her sister Emmie is saying and takes it to heart, thus opening her life back up to possibilities. This first step leads to taking better care of herself, forging better relationships with her grown sons, making new friends, and helping others along the way.

My takeaway on this novel is that it is a story about dealing with grief, the desolation that follows the loss of a spouse, a parent, or a child. This well thought out and carefully told story shows not only the low points, but also carries the reader to a brighter horizon. I did enjoy this book and do recommend it.

I love Debbie Macomber's books, and this one was no exception. As Joan Sample is trying to navigate her grief over losing her husband, her eyes are opened to the pain she's caused her sons as she withdrew from the world.

Learning to re-engage with people and start thinking about others reminds her that she still has so much to offer and so much life yet to live.

In rapid succession, she begins grief therapy, joins a grief support group, gets a new hairstyle, hires a landscaper, takes on a boarder, is gifted with a puppy, and finds herself starting to come back to life.

There was so much to enjoy in this book, while still being true to the circumstances. Joan's struggle with grief is real, and there's nothing sugar-coated about it. Yet so is the new vitality she discovers as she starts to take an interest in others again.

I highly recommend "Must Love Flowers!"

Thank you to Debbie Macomber, Random House and NetGalley for an advance review copy.

Another winner!

I always love a Debbie Macomber book, and this book continues the tradition. Joan has withdrawn into herself in the four years since her husband suddenly passed away. It was shortly before Covid, so she was isolated during the pandemic, and once the restrictions were lifted, well, it was just easier for her to stay home, away from the world in general. But maybe its time to become a part of civilization again?

Maggie is working so hard to achieve her dream of becoming a nurse. She's working two jobs (sometimes three), taking care of her alcoholic, dependent father and swimming hard to keep her head above water. When things come to a head between her father Roy and her, she jumps at the chance to rent a room in Joan's house. It is company for Joan and a safe place for Maggie, a bonus being a developing friendship with Joan's son Nick.

I enjoyed watching Joan shed her grief and fears, helped by friends, family, group therapy and a counselor (and a handsome landscaper!). Likewise, seeing Maggie learn that her best attempts at helping her father were really only enabling him, was enlightening. They both grew so much, two very different women who became family to each other. Highly recommend.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

Oh my goodness. I loved this book so much. I’m so sorry I didn’t post until after the release. I’m new to NetGalley and didn’t learn how to review earlier. I posted my review on Goodreads in June.
This book is about moving on with life after losing a loved one.This was the first book that I’d read that discussed Covid. I’m really glad Debbie Macomber mentioned how some people struggled with getting back to life after all the shutdowns.
Joan is a widow who learned her sons have a hard time being around her lately.Her mood has definitely been down since losing her husband and then living through the pandemic.She gets a roommate Maggie who’s in college to become a nurse.Maggie is struggling with her alcoholic father.He’s really cruel to Maggie.

Another quick easy read by Debbie Macomber.

I'm so glad she decided to come back after "retiring".

I instantly resonated with Each of these characters for different reasons. The author has a way of putting you into the mindset of each of the characters.
Great book overall. Will definitely recommend

Must Love Flowers is the story of new beginnings after loss.

Joan, a widow of four years, and Maggie, a young nursing student whose mother died in recent years are brought together after they each lost someone important to them. They form an unexpected bond that changes how they see family going forward.

This is a quick afternoon read. It is for those that love feel good endings.