Holly Varni is a new-to-me author, and her beautifully
romantic cover for The Blooming of Delphinium immediately caught my
attention—even before I knew what the book was about. Who doesn’t love flowers?
Delphinium Hayes, the story's protagonist, has a unique
gift: with just one whiff, she can detect people’s scents, giving her insight
into their strengths and weaknesses. As the owner of Delphinium's Flora
Emporium, she not only has a passion for understanding the meaning behind
flowers but also a talent for crafting gorgeous bouquets.
One of my favorite aspects of the story was the zany antics
of the quirky seniors who preferred playing poker in Delphinium’s flower cooler
over living at the Gardens, Moonberry Lake’s senior center. Delphinium’s deep
love for her town and its people, especially the elderly, really stood out.
While she indulged some of their more whimsical requests, she wasn’t a total
pushover. She truly cared for them, understood who they were, and wanted the
best for them. In turn, these seniors became like "adoptive" grandparents,
showering her with the affection and care of family.
The introduction of Elliot Sturges, the director of the
Gardens, added a compelling dynamic. Delphinium struggled to reconcile his
strict demeanor with his scent of violets—a fragrance symbolizing love and
loyalty. As she discovered his softer side, the sparks between them began to
fly. (Not a spoiler, but chapter 15 might just be my favorite part of the
story!)
The Blooming of Delphinium reminded me to find joy in the
little things and to trust in God’s ability to place the right people in our
lives at the right time. These heartfelt themes were woven beautifully
throughout the book.
If I were to rate this book, I’d give it a solid 4 out of 5. My only critique is that the ending felt a bit rushed. However, the story as a whole was thought-provoking and delightful, and I look forward to reading more from Holly Varni.
Emilee
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