The Art of Arranging Flowers by Lynne Branard

 I absolutely devoured The Art of Arranging Flowers by Lynne Branard.  I feel like this book will immediately be a hit with all book clubs as it is beautifully written, has lots of layers to the story, and will touch people's hearts.  If you loved "The Language of Flowers", you will probably love this book also!

I loved slowly getting to know our main character Ruby. We first meet Ruby in her florist shop in the small town of Creekwood helping a customer with his annual anniversary gift to his wife - yellow roses.  Ruby keeps track of her customer's anniversaries, birthdays, and other floral needs and will add special flowers or herbs to help their situations.  Not only is Ruby arranging flowers, but she is "someone so artful at arranging the hearts of others".  Flowers have been Ruby's salvation in dealing with her difficult past and her beloved sister's death.

I felt like I needed to slow down as I read this book to take in all the interesting characters - the astronaut, Cooper the floral supplier, Clementine Ruby's dog, her helper Nora, Jimmy the delivery man, the new veterinarian, the boy William, and all the different customers who come into the shop.  As we learn about how the flower's bloom, we also see Ruby's heart open and slowly become to bloom.

This is my favorite book that I've read this year and of course I highly recommend it!  5+ stars! Book clubs will love it.  I was lucky to get an advance copy of this book and was not paid to review this wonderful book!

From Amazon:

A moving and eloquent novel about love, grief, renewal—and the powerful language of flowers.

Ruby Jewell knows flowers. In her twenty years as a florist she has stood behind the counter at the Flower Shoppe with her faithful dog, Clementine, resting at her feet. A customer can walk in, and with just a glance or a few words, Ruby can throw together the perfect arrangement for any occasion.

Whether intended to rekindle a romance, mark a celebration, offer sympathy, or heal a broken heart, her expressive floral designs mark the moments and milestones in the lives of her neighbors. It’s as though she knows just what they want to say, just what they need.

Yet Ruby’s own heart’s desires have gone ignored since the death of her beloved sister. It will take an invitation from a man who’s flown to the moon, the arrival of a unique little boy, and concern from a charming veterinarian to reawaken her wounded spirit. Any life can be derailed, but the healing power of community can put it right again.